I had always been a bit "iffy" about O'Connor. Was she crazy? Had this artist gone "off her rocker?" Maybe this woman is eccentric, but I can tell you one thing: this is one of the most astounding albums I have ever had the privilege to hear. One of the things that "sold" me was that O'Connor did not go to LA to create this masterpiece. She went to Kingston, Jamaica, and enlisted the talents of brilliant rhythm-section Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare. Moreover, she insisted that at least one of the rasta musicians who played on the original sessions was present. The result is simply powerful. Ms. O'Connor has taken these (often obscure) rasta/roots/reggae classics and caressed them with an obvious, poignant reverence. I had forgotten what a powerful instrument this woman possesses in her voice. She tackles Burning Spear's "Jah Nuh Dead" and the title track to the point wherein the hair stands up on the back of your neck. Her take on Tosh's "Downpressor Man" is about the most stunning track I have heard in ages. I knew O'Connor's passion from college days and her "Lion & Cobra" release. This album seems to capture the same passion this artist expressed as a 17 year old. Unbelievable record. Highlights abound on this gorgeous, authentic disc: "Curly Locks" is perhaps the most utterly beautiful song I have ever heard. "He Prayed" is mind-blowing. "Vampire" is full of the righteous anger this artist has apparently been nursing for years. "Prophet Has Arise" is astonishing not only for O'Connor's vocals, but for the obvious island back-up singers she utilizes. Sly & Robbie steer her in a completely honorable, precise direction. Not one track fails.
I know O'Connor has been stigmatized for her prescient protests in the past, but this record made me re-think my own pre-conceived notions about her. I was, quite frankly, awestruck. In a world where so many "artists" work from an industry standpoint and tow the proverbial line, O'Connor (eccentric as she may truly be) reminds us what music is all about on this disc. I'm amazed by it. Humbled, actually. The outrageous thing is that I forgot what a powerful voice this woman possesses. Well, I learned better...and pretty swiftly. O'Connor brings the unique twist of a woman singing these generally male-warrior songs, and she pulls it off with ease. Mind-blowing, in many ways, but it would take a voice and personality like hers to make it work. This could have been a crappy record, or a brilliant one, the way I see it. O'Connor has hit the ball out of the park on this one. The vibe on this record is certainly apocalyptic, but totally upbeat and accessible. Happy and comforting.. TOTALLY DANCEABLE. I give the woman props, for blending those elements of passion and pure "listen-ability." There is no question: run...don't walk...and buy this record. It's got "classic" written all over it. Truly. Big props to Sly & Robbie for such astounding production. Wow.
