Customer Reviews

I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got

5 star:		(53)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Through all of the controversy and scorn she's endured for her beliefs and public behaviour, Sinead O'Connor remains a formidable talent, and in the end, her music should always be the focal point. Her 1990 release _I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got_ was her biggest breakthrough, and what's astonishing is how well it holds up nearly a decade and a half since it's release.

Sinead also possessed one of the most powerful and moving voices in all of rock music: beautiful and ethereal, and at other times, frightening and disturbing. This album is a perfect showcase for that, as well as her most introspective, soul-searching lyrics. These lyrics mostly deal with Sinead's relationships, failed and/or unfailed, her strength to preservere through hardships, and ultimate resolution.

"Feel So Different" opens up with a spiritual soliloquy before turning into a slow, moody orchestral ballad. Sinead's vocals slowly and steadily progress from hushed and calm, to climactic cathartic releases. The strings, which steadily increase in dynamics during these vocal progressions, add a sense of drama to the whole thing. The orchestral arrangements in general are lovely and elegant.

"I Am Stretched On Your Grave" is mostly a Frank O'Connor poem set to music, but arranged by Sinead herself. A progressive mix of exotic, Gaelicesque vocal musings with a funky, hip-hop drum beat, along with a steady, one-two note bassline sandwiched inbetween. Later in the song, there are some violin scrapes which add an extra dose of atmosphere.

"Three Babies" is an acoustic-folk track with subtle use of orchestration. On here, particularly, Sinead serves up her chameleonic vocal ability - ranging from hushed voicings, to near-possessed, upper register wailings, to disturbing, echo-filled, cathartic yellings, so to speak. Sinead herself strums the acoustic in quite an introspective manner. A very beautiful track.

"The Emperor's New Clothes" has a wonderful melody drenched in it's bouncy rhythm. The lyrics are intensively open and confessional, showcasing Sinead's defiant and determined nature when facing odds. She also mentions her children, and the effects of being pregnant in a few of the tracks here. These lyrics here seem written to a former lover, exhibiting reflection, but not necessarily regret, and the sense of moving on, with, or without the protagonist's presence.

"Black Boys on Mopeds" was Sinead's take on British policemen chasing down an African-American who they suspected of a crime he didn't commit, and was killed during the chase. Sinead offers up some scathing lyrics on Margaret Thatcher, and England in general. The music is low-key and melodic, and in particular, the melody and Sinead's smooth, yet grave and powerful way in delivering the vocal is painfully affecting.

"Nothing Compares 2 U" is the big hit of the album, of course. Though written by Prince, it was Sinead's version of the song which became popular. Though I liked this song when it first came out, it wasn't until a few years ago that I really began to love and appreciate it's beauty very deeply. The lush, achingly beautiful strings and Sinead's haunting voice blend nicely to create this autumnal and monumental beauty. Stands the test of time.

"Jump In The River" is a hard-driving rocker, and probably the edgiest track on this otherwise, mostly low-key album. The lyrics on here obviously deal with one of Sinead's love relationships, and the lyrics are quite open. Sinead is credited as playing the crunching electric guitar parts.

"You Cause As Much Sorrow" contrasts low-key ambience with more pronounced acoustic strumming. Whispery vocals give way to more pronounced vocal atmospherics. A mostly low-key track, Sinead tells a certain protagonist, as well as her audience, that she's really a sweet, gentle and caring soul underneath her apparent brash exterior.

"The Last Day of Our Acquaintance" is a slow, absorbing, hushed number with Sinead exhibiting a naked vocal performance alongside her acoustic guitar. This song, like others on here, deals with a relationship, and as the title of this track suggests, it's based on a relationship that has ended. The lyrics, Sinead's emotive vocals, and the smooth, low-key atmosphere make this song very poignant, and almost painful to listen to at times. By the track's end, it becomes more upbeat, as if the pained atmosphere of the first half -- and in Sinead's soul -- has disappeared, and Sinead has found the strength to heal herself.

The title track is an a capella soliloquy, and is extremely affecting, especially in some of the lyrics addressed. Very personal, spiritual and forward-looking, it's basically Sinead saying she doesn't know exactly what lies ahead for her, but whatever it may be, she's willing to face it.

An excellent album from an excellent artist. This is an album that will age very well. It's held up nicely for the past decade plus, and will only continue to do so in the future. Introspective, intelligent and moving, this album is recommended to all with a taste for human emotion expressed frankly and unflinchingly.

Sinead O'Connor burst onto the music scene in the last months of 1987.As an artist, she seemed fully formed.An arresting look, a voice from a siren and some of the most interesting and lyrical songs ever heard.An opiniated artist who never backed down from controversy,she seemed too good to be true-then came her second album! A breathtaking,ambitious and personal album,I'm amazed it sold so many copies in an era of Paula Abdul and Vanilla Ice. I can't begin to describe the beauty and emotion of this album.Every track is a stunner! The album opens with a prayer for understanding and wisdom with 'Feels so different'and ends,with her lone voice,singing of her own affirmation and strength.'Three Babies' and 'Black Boys on Mopeds' are political songs that are so personal and sung with such heartbreak even Margret Thatcher must have been in tears.Sinead's power of interpretation,in covering a Prince song and the traditional 'I am stretched on your grave',is so inventive it puts the original versions to shame. it's hard to believe it's been ten years since this album came out.The lyrics and arrangements are as fresh and relevant today as they were then.A timeless masterpiece and easily one of the top ten albums of the decade.Thank you Sinead, for enriching my life with this album.

Before massive stardom went to her head and Sinead O'Connor went off the deep end, she recorded "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got," her one recorded masterpiece. Even if the massively overplayed (at the time) Prince-penned single "Nothing Compares 2 U" isn't to your taste, there are plenty of other great songs here. "The Emperor's New Clothes" is about as catchy a declaration of independence as you're going to hear. Other standouts include haunting cuts like "Three Babies," the literally dead romance of "You Cause as Much Sorrow," and the figuratively dead romance of "The Last Day of Our Acquaintance." Even the leftist political musings of "Black Boys on Mopeds" is made palatable by moving imagery and excellent songwriting. Throughout, O'Connor's voice is what really carries the songs, combining raw power and fragility in a way that is truly unique.

Overall, Sinead O'Connor's second album is her one true masterpiece and the one that carries by far the greatest impact.

Most people rate anything with five stars if they just like it; but truly, this album by Sinead deserves every bit of that FIVE STAR RATING.

"feel so different" is intense and cathartic--the strings and raw lyrics will cut your soul. "i am stretched on your grave" is powerful "Three babies" is a serene, strong vision "emporer's new clothes" is a meaningful rocker "black boys on mopeds" is a touching meditation "nothing compares 2 u" is a gift to your ears "jump in the river" is an intelligent dance song "you cause as much sorrow" is a piece of her soul "last day of our acquaintence" is for anyone who's ever had their heart broken "i do not want what i haven't got" is an awesome theme to perseverence and inner peace.

The power of this album cannot be justified in words.

Without question, this is a groundbreaking album that has stood the test of a decade and still sounds as vital, startling, bewitching, and powerful as it did ten years ago. Before Amos, MacLachlan, Morrissette and all the other bleeding babes of angstful confession, there was Sinead O'Connor. I'm convinced that no one has been able to resonate as much as she did on this particular record. Every track is hypnotic and 'Nothing Compares 2U' is the weakest of them all (but still a spectacular cover). O'Connor is without question the greatest female singer-songwriter of her era, a true pioneer in terms of sonic fusion and experimentation, and a blindingly charismatic voice. Best cut on this record is "You Cause As Much Sorrow,"--probably the best song ever written by a female. No matter what anyone thinks of Sinead, no one has ever been able to question the sheer power of this classic. Five big shooting stars.

Long before she became notorious for her political statements and iconoclastic behavior, Sinead O'Connor burst onto the music scene with a distintive voice whose power could not be denied. Ethereal and confrontational all at once, O'Connor's voice has the power to bend and shape any song to her will, mining great depths of emotion and creating a collection of timelessly beautiful songs.

She touches on a variety of hard-hitting subjects, from poverty ("Three Babies") to breakups ("The Last Day of Our Aquaintance") to injustice ("Black Boys On Mopeds") to pregnancy ("Emperor's New Clothes"). She updates the Irish poem "I Am Stretched On Your Grave" with a sexy dance beat, and of course, there is also her mega-hit, "Nothing Compares 2 U," which could be considered the best cover song ever recorded. The gently beautiful, a cappella title track is perhaps the most spiritual song on the album. All the have the same compelling combination of strength and vulnerability that has come to characterize O'Connor's music. She is not afraid to make her voice sound harsh and almost ugly, but she can also turn on a dime and return to transcendant beauty.

The precursor to pop chanteuses like Alanis Morissette, Sarah McLaughlin, and even Ani DiFranco, O'Connor could be counted among the "angry white girl" category, if she were not so much more than that. She is angry, sad, ecstatic, spiritual, jaded, pensive, and hopeful, sometimes all at once. Perhaps this is what makes her so fascinating to watch.

Though it is her greatest commercial success, it is also an artistic triumph, and essential album for any music fan.

I cannot relate or understand those who say that S. O'Connor is a unstable artist... that's just-- so NOT true. Just because she voiced her opinion and spoke forward, she's now disliked...too bad, cos you're missing out. I like artist's who are not afraid to speak out-loud, there are only few artists out there-- whom may involve politics & religion and have been looked down at because of their opinion...what a shame.......outspokenness...is what the world lacks...

My favorite song is ''Nothing Compares 2 U'' which is undeniably her most popular song even until today. The first time I heard that song, it made me soooooooo godamn depressed, and if you listen, at the end of the song, her last verses sound sooo miserable that it just made me bawl my head off....

Other great songs are ''Black Boys On Mopeds''-- her commented song on Margaret Thatcher is allot like that song Sting recorded called ''They Dance Alone'' where he comments/protests against General Augusto Pinochet (sometime good-friend of Thatcher...).

''Three Babies'' shows her excellent vocal range, also makes one hell of a haunting song, ''I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got'' probably has the best lyrics on the album. The rest of the songs are all good, except I wasn't so fond of ''The Emperor's New Clothes''.

This is another CLASSIC to add to your collection...Nothing compares to it...

Forget everything you (or the media) seem to know about O'Connor. She didn't win a Grammy (Best Alternative Rock Performance) or Rolling Stone Artist of the Year for nothing in 1990. One of the amazing things about this album was that it was even better than her stunning, million-selling 1987 'Lion & Cobra' debut. THAT was the album that made her an alt-rock star....this one made her a mainstream, Madonna-sized superstar (lest we forget O'Connor's 1990-91 "Bald Ambition" tour?). Her Prince cover (Nothing Compares 2 U) remains truly immortal, but it was the collection of 9 other, BETTER songs that made the mainstream realize that this woman was something else. Brilliantly self-written, arranged, and sung, the album is a song cycle of loss and redemption that is as good as anything Dylan or Morrison ever created. Every song is a masterpiece. Every one. In fact, 'Nothing Compares' is the most "out of place" track here--and the obvious reason the whole set "snuck" into such mass-market consciousness. Yet, it is songs like "Three Babies," "Emperor's New Clothes," "Black Boys on Mopeds," and "Last Day of Our Acquaintance" that generated for O'Connor a lasting fan-base that would allow her to keep selling millions of records around the world long after she rebelled against mega-stardom with the political posturing so unbecoming of what the post-modern world "desires" in its mega-stars.

Moreover, this album begs to differ with the crass VH1 classification of O'Connor as some "one-hit wonder" -- "Emperor's New Clothes" wound-up as the No. 1 Billboard Modern Rock hit of 1990, reminding us that this vibrant, tortured, influential artist has really always been an alt-rock artist with a string of notable hits in her true genre. "Nothing Compares" was simply a 'crossover' hit on an undeniably classic modern rock masterpiece-of-an-album.

I found "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got" shelved in my step dad's music collection, figuring that he probably just listened to "Nothing Compares 2 U" and shelved it, as my parents seem to do that: buy the album and listen to the big hit over and over when it's on the radio all the time. I skipped to "Nothing Compares 2 U" (...) And then it ran off in to "Jump in the River" as I was getting some ice cream from the freezer, and it was even better, so I listened to the album from the beginning, getting the idea that there was more to it than the Prince tune. "The Emperor's New Clothes," "Nothing Compares 2 U," "Jump in the River," and "You Cause as Much Sorrow" are the songs I found the most instantly likable. I figure if you can chose a well enough song to do your own rendition of, then you can probably write decent songs your self. In this case it's true. Not always, though. I went on to discover "Three Babies," as it's a song that blossoms, and can be missed, and "Black Boys on Mopeds," and when I heard "Margaret Thatcher..." I was locked in to what Sinead O'Connor might sing. "Margaret Thatcher on T.V./ Shocked by the deaths that took place in Beijing/ It seems strange that she should be offended/ The same orders are given by her." All my friend Garrett had to say about this record's that "It sounds very early 90's." I listen to it pretty often and love it. It fits with any vibe I've got.

After all these years, there are 3 Sinead CDs that I still play a lot: "Universal Mother", "Lion & Cobra", and this one. This CD has some of her best work. While I do have some love/hate feelings for "Nothing Compares 2 U" (because radio massively over-played this song and people got sick of it), Sinead is SO MUCH MORE than this single. One of my all-time favorite songs is the delicate, emotional "Three Babies". I am constantly amazed every time I listen to this song at her vocal range and how she can flip from soft spoken to raging vocals in a snap. "Black Boys on Mopeds" has always had a special place in my heart - while it does have biting political statements of England in it, when you hear the arrangement and her voice, you realize she deeply feels what she is singing and that is what makes it work. I also love "You Cause as Much Sorrow" and "Last Day of our Acquaintance". I absolutely love to do my jogging to "Emperor's New Clothes" and "Jump in the River". But, they are not just bland, upbeat music. They each have something to say, which is what Sinead was all about back in these days. I love Sinead for never being apologizing for who she was - you either like her or don't - she could care less. This is possible the best of Sinead and I highly recommend this CD... and don't just play "Nothing Compares 2 U" - there are many, many songs on this release that far outshine that song!!