Theology

Sinead O'Connor | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 26, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Koch Records
• ASIN: B000P6R8KE
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #15,146 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Something Beautiful [Dublin Sessions]

2. We People Who Are Darker Than Blue [Dublin Sessions]

3. Out of the Depths [Dublin Sessions]

4. Dark I Am Yet Lovely [Dublin Sessions]

5. If You Had a Vineyard [Dublin Sessions]

6. Watcher of Men [Dublin Sessions]

7. 33 [Dublin Sessions]

8. The Glory of Jah [Dublin Sessions]

9. Whomsoever Dwells [Dublin Sessions]

10. Rivers of Babylon [Dublin Sessions]

See all 11 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Something Beautiful [London Sessions]

2. We People Who Are Darker Than Blue [London Sessions]

3. Out of the Depths [London Sessions]

4. 33 [London Sessions]

5. Dark I Am Yet Lovely [London Sessions]

6. I Don't Know How to Love Him [London Sessions]

7. If You Had a Vineyard [London Sessions]

8. The Glory of Jah [London Sessions]

9. Watcher of Men [London Sessions]

10. Whomsoever Dwells [London Sessions]

See all 11 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The uncompromising Irish artist, spiritualist, and provocateur gives a twist to the critical truism that double albums would generally be stronger if edited into a single disc. With what she terms her "attempt to create a place of peace in a time of war," Sinéad O'Connor consciously risks charges of not merely padding but redundancy, as the two discs feature practically the same set of material recorded in different settings. The "Dublin Sessions" are more minimal and acoustic, and the "London Sessions" incorporate full-band arrangements including harp, strings, horns, and percussion. Finding dual inspiration in Jerusalem and Jamaica, the material proves all the more revelatory in the contrasting settings, as the minimalist approach underscores vocal intimacy while the band arrangements build to majestic intensity. The opening "Jeremiah (Something Beautiful)" ranks with O'Connor's loveliest music to date, with "Job (Watcher of Men)" among her most tormented. The cover(s) of Curtis Mayfield's "We Are People Who Are Darker than Blue" fits perfectly, though a misguided attempt at "I Don't Know How to Love Him" (from Jesus Christ Superstar, mercifully featured only on the second disc) proves that some musical miracles are beyond even Sinéad's power. The second disc sounds more like pop; the first disc sounds more like prayer. --Don McLeese

Product Description

Sinead O'Connor sings from the heart and inspires the soul. Theology marks the first new material from Sinead since 2000's Faith And Courage - nine songs supplemented by three stunning reinterpretations: Curtis Mayfield's 'We The People Who Are Darker Than Blue', the reggae standard 'Rivers of Babylon' and Andrew Lloyd Webber's and Tim Rice's classic 'I Don't Know How To Love Him' from Jesus Christ Superstar. This unique two CD collection offers very different versions of these songs, recorded in separate locations. The Dublin Sessions CD features haunting, intimate, acoustically-based versions. The London Sessions CD is composed of more contemporary pop-rock arrangements. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sinead O'Connor shares her fabulous voice with us...., June 26, 2007

By 

Susan Millerwade "respiteseeker" (vermont) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Theology (Audio CD)

Sinead's new cd,"Theology" is a real treat for her loving fans who have been watching a countdown to the day of this release.The first thing a person needs to know about Sinead is that she does what she considers valuable.Since she often invests her own money into her projects,she is able to choose the material that is meaningful to her,and to sing other arist's songs as she wishes.Sinead is known world-wide for her disdain for the music industry,and she works hard to keep their commercially-minded tentacles off her.
I personally love this new direction,which is,after all,not new.Sinead is also known for her spirituality and interest in world religions.Not being a religious person,I take what I need and leave the rest,but others may find all of it personally useful and moving.The music can reach anyone who can listen.There are people in little villages in Peru who will tell you stories of how Sinead's music has helped them through hard times,and given much joy.Don't be afraid of the title of this cd.
"Vineyard" is yet another of Sinead's songs that makes your hair stand up-it reaches deep inside the careful and respectful listener."Something Beautiful" is something indeed very beautiful.
I don't see a negative difference between the Sinead of today and the young Sinead with the voice of an angel.She's 40 now,with 4 children,and the self-assurance that age hopefully brings us all.Of course she's different.Viva la difference!
Potential buyers should be aware that some reviewers are suspected of not even listening to the cd before writing.Savvy readers can tell.
Sinead O'Connor still has the power,she still has the genius,she still has the guts.Her core group of fans will never leave her,but this new cd is not inaccessible to anyone.Only buy this if you love the best in music.But be aware-this is not background music.It insists that you listen and be quiet while you do,and it's worth it.She still shines on so brightly.5 stars,without a doubt.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars To every season, June 27, 2007

By 

J. Marsh "Music Devotee" (Philly, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Theology (Audio CD)

I have been a fan forever and have taken a lot of inspiration from Sinead. Here in a time of world craziness she brings us a release of prayers. Beautiful, soft, pleading and very much needed. I enjoyed listening to the London sessions first, then revisiting the Dublin sessions to strip the songs back down. To me, it is truly two different CDs.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars what i know, July 12, 2007

By 

V. Gardner "happy bunny" (in a small hovel) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Theology (Audio CD)

Sinead's new album meets her goals...it gives me such a feeling of peace in this troubled world. I'm not the keenest on religiously-toned music even though i'm religious. Much of what is out there does not touch my heart. This album both touches my heart AND my soul. I feel so relaxed when I pop either disc into the player. I almost want to cry...out of sheer joy.

The spirituality is not in your face...and that's much of why it appeals to me so much. Her songs are gorgeous and so tender. Give it...and peace a chance.