I'm Not Bossy, I'm the Boss
by Sinéad O'Connor
  • Record Label: Nettwerk
  • Release Date: Aug 12, 2014
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
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  1. Q Magazine
    Aug 28, 2014
    60
    It's a shame that the album starts so blandly. [Sep 2014, p.109]
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  2. musicOMH.com
    Aug 13, 2014
    60
    Musically, I’m Not Bossy is pure pop with a wonderful glam mindset, but there was certainly more lyrical attention needed for it to succeed its intended purpose.
  3. The Guardian
    Aug 7, 2014
    60
    If they [the songs] are fiction, this is a triumph of storytelling. Where things fall down is in the production: the howling blues-rock of The Voice of My Doctor aside, her singing is pulped into a girlish murmur, which is no way to treat one of pop's great voices.
  5. NOW Magazine
    Aug 7, 2014
    60
    O’Connor’s impassioned delivery elevates the most middling melodies and predictable rhymes.
  6. Slant Magazine
    Aug 6, 2014
    60
    I'm Not Bossy is sonically diverse, but rarely do the songs give O'Connor the opportunity to flaunt her impressive vocal range or, aside from closer "Streetcars," explore the more intimate side of her still-striking voice.
  7. Consequence
    Aug 13, 2014
    58
    There are transitions in mood, but the focus is on love songs with vitriol supplanted by a brand of joie de vivre, the darkness still there but distanced.
  8. New Musical Express (NME)
    Aug 11, 2014
    50
    The album title promises much in the way of forthright antagonism and the Jessie J hair she sports suggests some kind of ironic statement on the chart mainstream, but the content fails to deliver, save for two isolated moments.
  9. Paste Magazine
    Aug 12, 2014
    40
    For an album that focuses on the theme of love, it’s really hard to find anything to swoon over on I’m Not Bossy, I’m The Boss.
  10. Rolling Stone
    Aug 12, 2014
    40
    Unfortunately, O’Connor’s music doesn’t reflect the independence she aspires to.
  11. Under The Radar
    Aug 12, 2014
    40
    O'Connor never really goes big with any of these songs and never passes the limits of the uninteresting backing music.
  12. Magnet
    Aug 6, 2014
    40
    Bossy's reformation seems based in penning the dullest platitudes imaginable. [No. 112, p.59]
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User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 19
  3. Negative: 2 out of 19
  1. Ricko
    Jul 13, 2015
    8
    Many would say a return to form for Sinéad O Connor but probably more accurate to say its a return to more pop oriented territory. "I'm NotMany would say a return to form for Sinéad O Connor but probably more accurate to say its a return to more pop oriented territory. "I'm Not Bossy..." is a slick number, decently produced, well written and well put together. At times its possibly over produced and O'Connors voice doesn't get the prominence it deserves but its the voice that is at the centre of everything. Fans of O'Connor will lap it up and its great to such a fine artist getting headlines for her music rather than her personal troubles.… Full Review »
  2. brendanalpiner
    Oct 13, 2014
    7
    This album had a really cool storytelling arc (about a woman who needs the attention of men growing into a more independent and self-confidentThis album had a really cool storytelling arc (about a woman who needs the attention of men growing into a more independent and self-confident woman) plus some good singles like "Take Me to Church" and "Where Have You Been?" And although it isn't a life-changing listen, it's still pretty catchy.… Full Review »
  3. pike360
    Sep 25, 2014
    9
    The new Sinead O'Connor is easily the biggest music surprise of the year. I listened to it out of curiosity, not expecting very much, but IThe new Sinead O'Connor is easily the biggest music surprise of the year. I listened to it out of curiosity, not expecting very much, but I was really blown away. It's easily her strongest collection since, "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got." - Just listen to it without prejudice and it will win you over.… Full Review »
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