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Throw Down Your Arms Image
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 15 Ratings

  • Summary: O'Connor's first studio album since "retiring" from the music business consists of covers of a dozen reggae classics, including songs by Burning Spear, Peter Tosh and Lee "Scratch" Perry.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 13
  2. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. The New York Times
    90
    An imposing act of pop interpretation. [3 Oct 2005]
  2. Mojo
    80
    Determinedly singing in her own accent was a wise move. [Oct 2005, p.110]
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    Her icy-cool vocals nicely contrast with the island grooves. [7 Oct 2005, p.77]
  4. [A] pleasant surprise of an album.
  5. At the end of the day, though, I'm a bit puzzled over why the world needed an album of Sinead O'Connor reggae covers.
  6. Blender
    60
    For [O'Connor] to record a full reggae set, covering each song exactly like the original, rivals Gus Van Sant's odd shot-for-shot remake of Hitchcock's Psycho. [Oct 2005, p.141]
  7. Q Magazine
    40
    You can't fault the songs, the playing or the voice, but these versions contribute little to the originals. [Oct 2005, p.117]

See all 13 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. AS
    Apr 22, 2006
    10
    Absolutley beautiful, heart-wrenching covers that pay homage to the originals while putting Sinead's unique spin on them. Thank god she Absolutley beautiful, heart-wrenching covers that pay homage to the originals while putting Sinead's unique spin on them. Thank god she stuck to her irish lilt, one of the most unique reggae records to come out in years, and this is coming from someone whomainly listens to vintage reggae + dub music. "Curly Locks" is simply unbelieveable.... Expand
  2. SuperMe
    Nov 22, 2005
    10
    The Woman is a God; true talent subject to adversity
  3. ViinnyG
    Jan 15, 2006
    10
    wonderful interpretation; sung with integrity; tracks 3 to 10 are simply a wonder to listen to over and over again
  4. EdwardE
    Oct 10, 2005
    9
    Although I'm not generally a fan of reggae music, Sinead O'Connor's "Throw Down Your Arms" is a stellar foray into a new realm Although I'm not generally a fan of reggae music, Sinead O'Connor's "Throw Down Your Arms" is a stellar foray into a new realm for the Irish singer/songwriter. The production is amazing & Sinead's voice is better & stronger than her recent releases. It may seem like an odd combo but, "Throw Down Your Arms" is simply amazing. Expand
  5. TomB
    May 6, 2006
    9
    The songs are great, Sinead's voice is perfect and the muscians are so in the groove. Jah be praised!
  6. FranciscoA
    Dec 29, 2005
    9
    Excellent all around. The song choices, that killer band, and above all, the soulful singing. The only reason I did not give it a 10 is that Excellent all around. The song choices, that killer band, and above all, the soulful singing. The only reason I did not give it a 10 is that I saw the live show, and it was even better! Collapse
  7. karen
    Nov 22, 2005
    3
    poor new album!

See all 14 User Reviews