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Theology Image
Metascore
50

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 20 Ratings

  • Summary: This unusual double-disc set pairs two albums with almost identical tracklistings. One (the "Dublin Sessions") is an acoustic set, while the second disc ("London Sessions") was recorded with a full band.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 10
  2. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. With their very different moods, the ‘London’ and ‘Dublin Sessions’ respectively nourish two different aspects of spiritual longing: the soul’s yearning for a sense of reverence and awe, and its equal need for spiritual intimacy, comfort and familiarity.
  2. The acoustic songs are pretty but tend to run together, waltz after waltz. The London versions are more individualized, and they let Ms. O’Connor push toward extremes.
  3. Uncut
    60
    It smacks of compromise. [Jul 2007, p.109]
  4. Word-heavy, tune-light songs don't help... Worse, O'Connor's delicate voice can be heard puffing, straining and - horrors - singing flat!
  5. Spin
    40
    The second record falters with a clunky combo of Celtic rock and leaden hip-hop rhythms that squashes the fragile, hook-free tunes. [Jul 2007, p.100]
  6. The acoustic half... overshoots mere serenity and lands in a much sleepier place.
  7. If you are not Jah, however, you may lack the stomach for Sinead's megasincere tributes to Curtis Mayfield and Jesus Christ Superstar.

See all 10 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 14
  2. Negative: 3 out of 14
  1. 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.
  2. 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 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
  3. NeverT.
    Oct 26, 2007
    10
    She is an incredible singer-songwriter. This record is a masterpiece.
  4. 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 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
  5. 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 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? Expand
  6. 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 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... Expand
  7. 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, 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. Collapse

See all 14 User Reviews