How About I Be Me (And You Be You)?
by Sinéad O'Connor
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
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  1. Under The Radar
    Mar 21, 2012
    70
    All in all, a glorious return. [Mar 2012, p.85]
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  2. Magnet
    Mar 20, 2012
    80
    An enchanting collection teeming with well-crafted hooks and fiery passion unheard since the epic, under-appreciated Faith and Courage a decade ago. [No. 85, p.56]
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  3. The A.V. Club
    Mar 13, 2012
    83
    It's the 45-year-old singer's most accomplished album in ages, for sure, though it might also be her straightest.
  5. Consequence
    Mar 9, 2012
    70
    You may love or hate the record but you won't ignore it.
  6. musicOMH.com
    Mar 5, 2012
    80
    As a vocalist, she continues to command attention.
  7. The Guardian
    Mar 1, 2012
    80
    The album is a tuneful emotional rollercoaster, and it's thrilling to hear such vitriol and indignation--qualities in short supply in current pop.
  8. Pitchfork
    Feb 29, 2012
    76
    The lyrical coarseness serves an important function, reinforcing the urgency of O'Connor's performances and creating the impression that she has worked hard and fast to document her emotions at their rawest and wildest.
  9. Mojo
    Feb 27, 2012
    60
    An admirably impassioned return. [Mar 2012, p.92]
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  10. Clash Music
    Feb 27, 2012
    80
    This is her strongest set of songs since 2000's 'Faith And Courage'.
  11. The Observer (UK)
    Feb 27, 2012
    60
    Whether it's vindication, or coming off the medication, How About I Be Me feels effervescent, even when the breezy love songs give way to more complex concerns.
  12. BBC Music
    Feb 27, 2012
    80
    She's full of vim and vigour, mixing tender character studies with doe-eyed love songs and impassioned protest pieces.
  13. The Telegraph (UK)
    Feb 24, 2012
    80
    She's made her best, most accessible record for years.
  14. NOW Magazine
    Feb 23, 2012
    80
    Her best album in more than a decade.
  15. Q Magazine
    Feb 22, 2012
    60
    Not everything works, but there's a painful honesty throughout that befits a songwriter with no desire to lapse into a complacent middle age. [Mar 2012, p.111]
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  16. Billboard.com
    Feb 22, 2012
    84
    How About I Be Me (And You Be You)?, is a slap-upside-the-head reminder, a collection of heartfelt confessionals, evocative insights and provocative position statements.
  17. PopMatters
    Feb 22, 2012
    70
    What's happening is that O'Connor the lyricist is getting better and better at apparent artlessness.
  18. Exclaim
    Feb 21, 2012
    80
    Sinéad O'Connor's eighth full-length album, and her first in five years, is a revelation.
  19. Boston Globe
    Feb 21, 2012
    70
    A couple of pleasant but less memorable midtempo numbers are saved by O'Connor's still towering voice, one that conjures rage, humor, grief, joy, and unbridled passion in a way that still grips the heart and amazes the ears.
  20. Slant Magazine
    Feb 21, 2012
    60
    If her execution is sometimes lacking, though, the intensity of O'Connor's emotions when confronting the difficult issues in these songs is never in doubt.
  21. Rolling Stone
    Feb 21, 2012
    60
    The viscera isn't surprising. What may be is the empathy, wit and beauty on this focused LP.
  22. The Independent (UK)
    Feb 17, 2012
    80
    Her best album in about a decade.
  23. Uncut
    Feb 16, 2012
    60
    Brave and bonkers. [Mar 2012, p.94]
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  24. American Songwriter
    Feb 16, 2012
    80
    She's created an album that plumbs the kind of emotional depths that used to be expected from major rock artists.
  25. Entertainment Weekly
    Feb 16, 2012
    83
    How About I Be Me (And You Be You)? is a welcome return.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. jakewhiteok
    Oct 22, 2014
    8
    By far, this is the best album that Sinead has done since 1994's Universal Mother. As a whole, it is absolutely brilliant. Best track: "TheBy far, this is the best album that Sinead has done since 1994's Universal Mother. As a whole, it is absolutely brilliant. Best track: "The Wolf is Getting Married"… Full Review »
  2. swuster
    Nov 10, 2012
    10
    I love this cd, and I used it to get my kids into Sinead. It is a rejuvenation of her earlier work, but with an aged maturity that thoseI love this cd, and I used it to get my kids into Sinead. It is a rejuvenation of her earlier work, but with an aged maturity that those earlier albums could not have due to her age then. This is an older Sinead, and the lyrics reflect that and make the album that much more enjoyable. Her voice is still fantastic and the music is a perfect accompaniment to her voice and the subject matter. I enjoy all of her work, and this is one of her best efforts.… Full Review »
  3. AlexxTrusc
    Apr 26, 2012
    6
    Sinead O'Connor's latest album "How About I Be Me (And You Be You)" is what might have been expected - a mix of good lyrics implicated inSinead O'Connor's latest album "How About I Be Me (And You Be You)" is what might have been expected - a mix of good lyrics implicated in melodic songs - like deriving on Arab themes "4th And Vine" or evolving in moderation "The Wolf Is Getting Married". The album is - of course - not without O'Connor's trademark - sentimental ballads. Noteworthy are: "Reason With Me", "VIP" or "Very Far From Home".… Full Review »
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