Too often in popular culture, controversy and craziness are substitutes for, or get in the way of, real talent. Sinead O'Connor has courted her share of both, and strangeness still circles her private life. But these 12 economic, truth-telling, emotionally direct songs find her on top form.
The opener, How About I Be Me - its title from her previous album, although this moving song wasn't on it - speaks from a wounded heart: "Don't stop me talking 'bout love, I got to find what I'm dreaming of".
Throughout these memorable songs she addresses spiritual and secular passions crystallised in big things ("she is harbour and he has not harbour"), small detail ("your smell came through, made me wish I had my face buried in you") and quick images ("there's no safety to be acquired riding streetcars named Desire").
Matching these lyrics are pure pop melodies (Dense Water Deeper Down), bristly rock (Kisses Like Mine, the arresting self-referencing Voice of My Doctor, the thrillingly visceral Harbour) and idiosyncratic pieces like the fleet-footed, sensual Afro-funk track James Brown with Seun Kuti on sax. Take Me to Church ("but not the one that hurts because that ain't the truth") is three minutes of empowerment.
If you've dismissed her as a crazy, come back. She's rarely sounded so clear and soul-baring, or comfortable and confident. Exceptional.
