Theology
by Sinéad O'Connor
  • Record Label: Koch
  • Release Date: Jun 26, 2007
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 20
  3. Negative: 4 out of 20

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  1. NeverT.
    Oct 26, 2007
    10
    She is an incredible singer-songwriter. This record is a masterpiece.
  2. John
    Sep 16, 2007
    3
    Just got back from her San Francisco concert. Left after the first few songs. I love her old stuff, but her performance was uninspired, even tedious. The new material was difficult to hear, much less appreciate. Unfortunately, this woman who once had such potential has compromised her musical conviction.
  3. briane.
    Sep 16, 2007
    8
    I am a fan of Sinead, and I will say, that it's not a masterpiece like Faith and Courage, but I do love some of the songs. I would go "a la carte" on this one. Keeping it under 6 bucks. Favorite songs for me are, London Sessions: River of Babylon, Something Beautiful, Glory of Jah, If You Had a Vineyard, Pslam 33, Whomsoever Dwells. Keep making music Sinead!
  4. stephanieh.
    Aug 5, 2007
    10
    Sinead O'Connor was blessed with a voice and talent for singing that is nearly unparalelled.Her many fans have learned to enjoy her beauty and her gift without always insisting that they themselves believe what Sinead beliieves.She has matured as an artist,protecting the integrity of her music by insisting on having control of whatever has her name on it.It's been a long Sinead O'Connor was blessed with a voice and talent for singing that is nearly unparalelled.Her many fans have learned to enjoy her beauty and her gift without always insisting that they themselves believe what Sinead beliieves.She has matured as an artist,protecting the integrity of her music by insisting on having control of whatever has her name on it.It's been a long struggle for Sinead,but anyone has to give her credit for staying strong and trusting herself.This double cd has a contemplative disc,featuring Sinead and her guitar,the other disc is an exciting version of the same songs,with a band behind her.Sinead never disappoints-this music is as moving and amazing as her fans have come to expect.Serious danger of falling in love with this music.Best song:If You Had a Vineyard-excellent in craft and execution.Just gorgeous.… Expand
  5. JeffB
    Jul 23, 2007
    2
    1 star for each cd...God himself (ok Herself, Sinead) couldn't care about this effort. Equal parts saccharine and pablum.
  6. mikef
    Jul 20, 2007
    7
    i think it's a solid effort, a little goofy and kooky at times, but i'd rather see somebody reach a little than just crank out the same old crap. could've maybe given us a discount for two cd's with basically the same tracks on them?
  7. EyeA.
    Jul 17, 2007
    9
    Seems many of the glowing reviews I've read are not yet added here: all music guide, Sunday Independant, Hot Press and usa today, to name a few. These discs are heart-felt, passionate performances from a mature, thoughtful artist. Maybe when humility, sincerity and compassion come back into style this music will get its due. O'Connor has shown her spiritual side before--her Seems many of the glowing reviews I've read are not yet added here: all music guide, Sunday Independant, Hot Press and usa today, to name a few. These discs are heart-felt, passionate performances from a mature, thoughtful artist. Maybe when humility, sincerity and compassion come back into style this music will get its due. O'Connor has shown her spiritual side before--her first-rate cover of Dylan's "I Believe in You" comes to mind--but Theology raises the bar. The dual versions reveal an artist able to excel at serving songs in a variety of ways. I'm looking forward to seeing Ms. O'Connor on her US tour in a few months. Highly recommended.… Expand
  8. Dardo
    Jul 12, 2007
    1
    This album is incredibly bad. It's even worse than what you could imagine: Sinéad made something way too boring. She tried to be, I don't know, intimist. But she was wrong There's no emotion here, there's no surprise. Just a bunch of songs that Sinéad wrote when she was cooking. A disaster.
  9. universalbrother
    Jul 7, 2007
    6
    Sinead herself correctly points out 'there's a fine line between cool and corny when it comes to religious music'. Unfortunately with Theology Sinead all too often comes close to the corny. Even as a die hard Sinead fan I am left feeling disapointed. There is the makings of a brilliant album with the material, but the wrong choice of production lets the project down. The Sinead herself correctly points out 'there's a fine line between cool and corny when it comes to religious music'. Unfortunately with Theology Sinead all too often comes close to the corny. Even as a die hard Sinead fan I am left feeling disapointed. There is the makings of a brilliant album with the material, but the wrong choice of production lets the project down. The Dublin sessions are too austere whereas the London sessions are over- produced and the nasty drum machine may have been trendy in the 80's but now seem out of place with Sinead's more mature voice and suject matter. Of course there are glimses of brilliance you've come expect with Sinead for example the dark 'Watcher of Men' with it's intriguing lyrics - 'when I accused U, U wouldn't speak' and the catcty 'Whomsoever Dwells' which would have made a more interesting single choice than the over-emoted 'I Don't Know How To Love Him'.… Expand
  10. jyotirmayadas
    Jul 3, 2007
    8
    In order to find these songs enjoyable and meaningful, one would probably have to be a long-time fan of Sinead's, meaning that one should be familiar with all of her albums to see why she made this one: progress! Sinead goes where she has yet to go -- to the spiritual... and her musicianship on this album is very honest and refreshing from the kind of so-called "sexy" music that In order to find these songs enjoyable and meaningful, one would probably have to be a long-time fan of Sinead's, meaning that one should be familiar with all of her albums to see why she made this one: progress! Sinead goes where she has yet to go -- to the spiritual... and her musicianship on this album is very honest and refreshing from the kind of so-called "sexy" music that other female artists are putting out. My favorite is her rendition of Rivers of Babylon. I like the London sessions which have more background music to groove to...although after listening to that one for awhile, I'll go to the first one to get a different listening experience.… Expand
  11. MD.
    Jul 3, 2007
    10
    Sinead has soul and this is one of her best efforts. She is the most underrated songwriter of her generation.
  12. IanR.
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    An album destined to polarize because of O'Connor's persona and the subject matter, but it's nothing short of outstanding. The voice is superb. the arrangements reverent (as they should be, dealing with Psalms), and never over the top. Some of O'Connor's most clever, dignified adaptations and source-appropriate melodies EVER, on both discs. A masterful, very An album destined to polarize because of O'Connor's persona and the subject matter, but it's nothing short of outstanding. The voice is superb. the arrangements reverent (as they should be, dealing with Psalms), and never over the top. Some of O'Connor's most clever, dignified adaptations and source-appropriate melodies EVER, on both discs. A masterful, very timely spiritual opus.… Expand
  13. ImanL.
    Jun 28, 2007
    7
    The acoustic set is a little sleepy, the electric set not electrifying enough but making fun at O'Connor's belief is kinda asinine and her voice is absolutely beautiful as always. Not quite as good as "Throw Down your Arms" but more than good enough. If Sinead didn't exist we'd have to invent her...
  14. JesseS.
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    This is a challenging, heartfelt masterpiece. It seems to be in critical vogue to write-off Sinead. Big yawner. Rolling Stone: "if you are not Jah, you may lack the stomach " for her tributes. What? THAT review gets a big zero.

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
50

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. Rolling Stone
    20
    If you are not Jah, however, you may lack the stomach for Sinead's megasincere tributes to Curtis Mayfield and Jesus Christ Superstar.
    Read full review
  2. Uncut
    60
    It smacks of compromise. [Jul 2007, p.109]
  3. Observer Music Monthly
    50
    Word-heavy, tune-light songs don't help... Worse, O'Connor's delicate voice can be heard puffing, straining and - horrors - singing flat!
    Read full review
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