This collection of songs illustrates, fully, O' Connor's talents as an artist but also her frailties, her humanity, laid bare through her music. I initially read a review of this album, where the reviewer "astutely" desribed how Sinead was trying to gain pity for herself through the writing of songs that revelled in the pain, sorrow and torment of motherhood. However, such facile commentary deserves scant attention. This is an album which, true to all of Sinead's work,is illuminated by the passion, self-expression and turbulence, which epitomises her art, whether this is manifest through powerful lyrics or music that ranges from delectable to positively turbulent. What inspired such an album? that's what I'd love to know. It bristles with the angst that Sinead's work is known for and also effortlessly encompasses the most angelic songs, such as "A perfect Indian" and "Scorn not his Simplicity"; the latter being one of the most achingly moving compositions that I have recently heard. Combine this with the songs "Red Football" and "Fire On Babylon" and you have an album that both shrieks and whispers, in a way that mesmerises. Why is Sinead victimised in the musical press? I often wonder if it is musically based. My reading of one review of UNIVERSAL MOTHER is what inspired my own appraisal of this album. But my appraisal is one that is based upon the musical content and artistic expression of an incredibly talented artist;not some pre-assumed, glib opinion of the artist's lifestyle and personal opinions. Sinead's lifestyle is her own. Her music is ours. Be thankful for that. UNIVERSAL MOTHER is one of the best albums I have and, being a devoted fan of such illustrious artists as NIRVANA, BEASTIE BOYS, LOUIS ARMSTRONG and JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH, one might feasibly ask, Can Sinead enter this select hall of fame? My response is; Most certainly. Buy the album and discover for yourself
