She Who Dwells in the Secret Place of the Most High Shall Abide Under the Shadow of the Reviews

• Thank You For Hearing Me.

  
  By A3AL8GQ69QE7WN on 2003-10-14
  Well, if Sinead means what she says, and she is going to retire from the music business, that will be a shame. "She Who Dwells" is an endcap to a short career. She only has four full length cds of original material, and after 2000's "Faith & Courage" I was feeling that she was just getting started. So here is what we are left with: a disc of rareties, b-sides, covers, demos and a disc of her final live concert in Ireland. The first disc is a mixed bag of hits and misses--the hits being her versions of "Love Hurts", "Chiquitita" and "Ain't It A Shame", her moving tribute to Princess Diana on "Brigidine Diana", "It's All Good", "Love Is Ours", "A Hundred Thousand Angels", "You Put Your Arms Around Me", "No Matter How Hard I Try" and "Big Bunch Of Junkie Lies". These are solid examples of why Sinead is a great singer. By ending her career she deprives her fans of her magical, one-of-a-kind, unearthly voice. These songs underscore her undeniable talent. The other songs are not as well done, which may be due to production and/or songwriting difficulties. She takes them to another level anyway, making them listenable. The only song I didn't care for was her cover version of "Do Right Woman"--she is not Aretha Franklin!

  The second disc of live material showcases all of her singing strengths, proving once again that Sinead is the REAL DEAL and not some record company's modualated puppet. Of course she ends with 1990's "The Last Day Of Our Acquaintance" which is befitting. In the end, Sinead leaves us fans with a nice double set of collectibles, but the the thought remains: Can she really be retiring for good and why would she put away something she was meant to do--sing?
  
  

• An engaging final effort

  
  By A3CFW7OLUEQ7X7 on 2003-09-10
  The first of this two disc set really lacks cohesion and gives the feel of something quite different from a polished studio album. Its eclectic selection is at times very upbeat and at times haunting with great gems tucked among some lackluster songs. I would say that about half of this disc is really good the other half mediocre. However, as a die-hard-stick-with-her-through-her-crazy-stunts fan, I wouldn't want it to be one second shorter. The second disc is one of the better live concert CDs I've ever heard. I have some bootlegs of shows that she did after I Do Not Want... and this concert is on par with any of them. The sound quality is rich and even. Sinead really gives it her all, especially on great renditions of Paddy's Lament, You Made Me the Thief of Your Heart and Fire on Babylon. Also her version of Nothing Compares 2 U is so beautiful it will make you forget that you've heard this song 100,000 times and had grown sick of it.
  
  

• ONLY BERRIES

  
  By on 2004-03-16
  Having only owned "Faith and Courage" (purchased after seeing the video for the inspiring, "No Man's Woman"), I was fully prepared to have to suffer the brambles to get to the berries of this unwieldy collection of 32 b-sides and live performances.

  How heartened I was to find only berries! Oddly, the 19 songs on disc one do not feel like a hodgepodge collection, as they are united in theme and passion, even as they are disparate in genre, spanning from lover's rock, to horn-punching reggae, to trip-hop, to dirge to to retro go-go music!

  Highlights are the mesmerizing electronica of "Love is Ours" and "1000 Mirrors," the folk simplicity of "Dense Water, Deeper Down," and retro-rocker's "Ain't it A Shame" and "It's All Good." It's not just her voice, it's her choice of music that makes her great.

  Disc two is a journey through a dark night of a soul. It is sad, but it pricks you with it's beauty as well. She's cursed with the infamous Irish melancholy, but she carries it in the prism of art, dispersing, rather than multiplying it's heaviness with 1000 mirrors, each shard a song to tell us what is wrong.
  
  

• 4.5 stars... Sprawling 2CD set delivers the goods, and more

  
  By A14GK0E64J0WAS on 2006-05-02
  Last year, Sinead O'Connor, supposedly "retired" from the music business, released one of the best albums of 2005, the full-throtle reggae "Throw Down Your Arms". I have never been a huge fan of Sinead (too "off-stream" in too many ways), but having loved last year's album, it brought me to this album.
  
  "She Who Dwells" (2 CDs, 32 tracks, 146 min., released in 2003) actually is titled much longer (similar to Fiona Apple's "When the Pawn"), but nevermind that, it's the music that speaks. CD1 (19 tracks, 78 min.) brings a bunch of originals, traditionals, covers, B-tracks, and other obscurities, and guess what, it works really well. From covers of Nazareth's "Love Hurts" and ABBA's "Chiquita" to originals such as "Brigidine Diana" and "Emma's Song" to traditionals such as "Song of Jerusalem", it all sounds ecstatic. But the real beauty of this album is CD2 (13 tracks, 68 min.) which brings Sinead in concert, and how she shines! The concert brings together a superb mix of pop, celtic and reggae. Yes, it includes her mega-hit "Nothing Compares to U" (in an acoustic version) but even better are the mood songs (such as "Molly Malone" and "John I Love You") and the more exuberant songs such as the reggae-flavored "Fire on Babylon", foreshadowing her next album.
  
  Sinead has long left the main-stream music business, now releasing albums under full control, and to great result. Disregarding her potitical beliefs, she has been releasing great music, much of it under the mainstream radar, and for that she is to be recommended. "She Who Dwells" is, much like last year's "Throw Down Your Arms", a superb album. Highly Recommended!
  
  

• The Best For Last

  
  By A1ICEZXI9PTCN3 on 2003-09-09
  Ever full of surprises, the most mercurial (and misunderstood) musician of her era has dropped a bomb of fantastic songs here. I've been a watcher since college days and the eye-opening 'Lion and the Cobra' all the way up to the shining 'Sean nos Nua.' 'She Who Dwells' exceeds them all. You might know she'd save the best for last. The interplay between the two discs is extraordinary because it captures all the mystery and magic of the "studio Sinead" (Disc One) with the goosebump-inducing gifts of the "live" Sinead (Disc Two).

  Disc One is just loaded with great songs that resurrect the angry, rocking Sinead of the 'Cobra' days -- especially on original songs like "Love is Ours" and her whip-cracking cover of the B-52s "Ain't it A Shame." Her original "Junkie Lies" is searing; something straight off "Cobra." "Junkie" is perhaps the best track on the record, and trust me, it's tough to pick just one. O'Connor is at her most-hair-raising here. Other Sinead originals include the uplifting "You Put Your Arms Around Me" which is reminiscent of the power she brought to her early-90s songs. Then, there's the great electro-ambient collaborations with Massive Attack, and also Asian Dub Foundation on "1000 Mirrors." "Mirrors" is a track that perhaps best demonstrates how this artist has evolved over nearly two decades without losing any of her visionary brilliance. Good grief -- there's nineteen songs on Disc One!

  This whole "surprise" record is obviously Sinead's way of demonstrating her full force, and wow -- does it ever work to perfection. The covers of Re-Re Franklin's "Do Right Woman" and E Brothers "Love Hurts" just take the songs to completely new levels.The Graham Parson's Cover is majestic. The Brian Eno dub grooves she puts into the Latin chants and "Emma" remix are icing on the sonic cake. The sad part is that a disc like this is one that could win hoardes of new fans (just like in the early 'Cobra' days) and NOW she says she's through. Truly ironic.

  What can you say about the super bonus of disc two? A scorching and elegant "live" performance in her Dublin hometown at the Vic'. Some truly ghostly songs from 'Sean-nos Nua'(she must have been "channelling" during that entire project) and probably the best live renditions of her hits ever done. Her new coda on "Fire on Babylon" is not to be missed, and I can't believe that, after all these years, she picked this moment to render her best performance ever -- bar none -- of "Nothing Compares 2U." Live offerings of "Thief of Your Heart," a heartbreaking "Thank You For Hearing Me" and "Last Day of Our Acquaintance" delivered before an adoring audience make this whole album a truly fitting testament to the majesty of The Voice (and the Grrrl's songwriting). I'd like to see some of these other pretenders deliver "live" what O'Connor can deliver. This whole thing will seal her legacy as the quintessential Woman-Prophet-Musical Warrior of her time. She needed an album like this to do it, but now there is no doubt about it. Get your players well-oiled, kids -- 'She Who Dwells' is going to be in the carousel for quite a long time. Masterpiece. Masterpiece. Masterpiece. (And Thank "Jah" Sinead really ROCKS again).
  
  

• Her last album?
  By AXFI7TAWD6H6X on 2003-10-26
  Considering her track record, I don't really buy Sinead's claim that "She Who Dwells..." her swan song. I will have to see it to believe it. I am not exactly a diehard fan of Sinead O'Connor's music, it is more like a casual fan. I only own "She Who Dwells..." and her last album that consisted of traditional Irish folk songs. Still I always thought Sinead had a lovely voice. I absolutely loved her contributions to Conjure One and Moby's cds last year. I was seriously contemplating buying "She Who Dwells..." because I wanted to hear her versions of Nazareth's "Love Hurts" and ABBA's "Chiquitita". I came across "She Who Dwells" today in the used bins at my favorite record store. Needless to say, it left the store with me. Disc 1 consists of rarities and cover songs, and disc 2 is a live album that is also available on dvd. I loved what I heard on both cds. I thought her renditions of "Love Hurts" and "Chiquitita" were simply amazing. She quickly made those two songs into her own. On disc 2 there is an incredible acoustic version of Sinead's biggest hit "Nothing Compares 2 U". I loved the additional stringed section and acoustic melodies on the song. It sounded so much better than the album version. That alone made buying the 2-cd set worth the price. After listening to "She Who Dwells...", I realized just how underappreciated Sinead was as a vocalist. If people just put aside her outrageous statements from the past and just listened to her, they would realize just how unique she is as a singer.
  
  
• Sit back and relax, have a good time with Sinead
  By AI5MJZ9LALRZB on 2003-09-27
  This double album is a nearly perfect parting gift from Sinead, if she's indeed retiring from music, which we should all pray is just another threat from hers truly.

  The first CD is just Sinead doing covers and b-sides, as well as remixes of her previous materials--it's a perfect opportunity to just hear Sinead's beautiful voice doing new things. The opening track is perfect--a one-minute prayer that is enough to show the raw beauty and power of her voice. "Love Hurts" seems like a strange cover for Sinead, but she does a fantastic job to the old Nazareth tune--she gives it a retro 60's rock style, and does amazing new things with her voice that you just have to listen to believe. "Aint it A Shame" is a fun rocker in the vein of her old song "Jump in the River". Her reggae version of "This is a Rebel Song" is simply thrilling. Sure, it's a strange mix, but how can you resist that beat?!!

  The second CD is from her concert DVD ("Thank you, good night, you've been a lovely audience"). The acoustic version of "Nothing Compares 2 U" is surprisingly strong and a refreshing antithesis to her famous album version--the cello and chime (?) are gorgeous. "I am stretched on your grave" goes back to the traditional sound of just voice and a quiet accordian. Of course "The Last Day of Our Acquaintence" is always lovely no matter how many times you hear it; Sinead sings it with articulate passion.

  This is an album to play when you just want to relax and hear a truly great voice.
  
  

• Would it kill ya to smile, sinead...
  By A2ZP483ANVL28T on 2003-10-11
  There's an overriding sense of sadness to these two discs, maybe there always is with sinead and i've never realised the extent before, because of that thrilling voice. Here though, it seems to overwhelm me with her grief. even the live album, while i marvel at her range (i hope there was no post-show editing to her voice), i thought the audience must have left the concert, sat in a pub, and cried in their guinesses, alone and miserable. And when i think about that: what an achievement! how many rock concerts set out to make you sad? Song selection alone tells me she wasn't trying to cheer any one up that night. And the fact she chose this to be the testament of her live shows proves once again that she is the one true punk of all time.
  Disc 1 is a hodgepodge of covers and b-sides that didn't make the cut on her previous albums, many with good reason. "Brigidine Diana" may be the worst track she's ever laid down. She sings devotedly of the saintly virtues of the late princess of wales, almost as if diana was the virgin mary. I can only guess that she wrote and recorded this immediately after diana's death, then wisely put it away. Why she included it here i cannot fathom. it should have been buried with diana. the song segueways into a traditional irish instrumental straight off a chieftans album, which i liked. there are gems sprinkled throughout and some lumps of coal. that's been sinead throughout her career. you gotta be willing to search for the good, because when she's good she's better than anyone else out there. when she's bad, she's still got the awesome voice. In my humble opinion, if you're only going to have one o'connor disc in your collection, make it "faith and courage". it is a diamond throughout. Though she says this is a retirement album, i await her next effort.
  
  
• And not just because I love her music...
  By A32GDMUKQP87SY on 2003-10-24
  I bought Sinéad's new album because I had read a review in a local paper that gave it glowing reviews. I am a big fan of her music, but by no means would I give all her albums five stars just because I am a fan. This album is absolutely fantastic though. I have listened to it several times since I bought it and I love it more and more the more I hear it. The song that immediately stood out for me was "It's All Good" and her version of "Love Hurts" is really great too. I'm used to Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris singing it, but Sinéad brings some wonderful things to her version.

  The live disc is surprisingly just as good as the studio portion. Very strong. I often listen to live material only a few times and then shelf it, but in this case, I can see myself putting it on quite often. Her voice is perfect. She as that sound of being on the verge of tears at all times - a slight quiver - that I love so much.

  I definitely recommend this album to even the slightest fan. You will definitely not be disappointed. I've told everyone I can think of about it. EVERYONE BUY IT! Sinéad needs go out with a bang. Musically she certainly is!
  
  

• saved best for last
  By A15I7H88LY3EG6 on 2004-03-16
  Out of all Sinead's albums (and I listened to them all) this is, without a doubt, her best - only Sean-Nos Nua comes close in musical consistency and quality. Each one of her previous releases was chock-full of filler (musically if not lyrically or statement-wise etc, but I really care only about the general musical enjoyment and do not pay much attention to all that other stuff). In this case almost every track is a gem - I absolutely must mention here "It's All Good", "Nothing Compares 2 U" (live version that manages to surpass the older studio number) and stunning "Paddy's Lament" as the highlights; but this record basically doesn't have weak songs in it... well perhaps "Big Bunch of Junky Lies" is a bit of a throwaway. Anyway, if you need just one Sinead's album then this is the one to own - I'd prefer it even to her Greatest Hits compilation
  
  
• An amazing emotional performance
  By A34QKGQKAMM7H7 on 2006-02-14
  After listening to this live performance, you will realize that Sinead O'connor is a real human being and not just a controversial rebel who ripped up the Pope's picture and sports a shaved head, but is also a loving mother and singer. Sinead's live verision of "Molly Malone" is amazing, every time we listen to her perform this song my father and I break down to tears it's so emotional. Sinead nearly cries at the end of most of her songs and the audio on the performance is just like being there(take my advice,I've seen her live), very powerful. I strongly recommend all serious Sinead O'connor fans to purchase this moving performance!!!!
  
  
  
  
• Sinead's Most Interesting album!
  By A2Z74B902BZVC1 on 2006-12-10
  It took me three years to decide to buy this album. I wasn't sure at the beginning because it was a compilation of collaborations, b-sides and unreleased material plus a live album. I've never been into live albums because the songs never sound as good as the original versions, or unreleased songs because they usually suck.
  
  However, the live album is great. It fills you up with such an amazing energy that you just want to play it again and again. I wish I could've gone to that concert!
  
  The studio album has excellent songs I couldn't live without. "O Filii et Filiae" has these strange african-christian arrangements that make it one of the highlights of the album. "My Love I Bring" also has an excellent combination of celtic-rasta arrangements. Her voice on "Chiquitita" sounds beautiful. "It's All Good" could've easily been a smash hit in 2003. "A Thousand Broken Mirrors" is one of her best collaborations. "Dense Water, Deeper Down" has an amazing country-folk vibe that makes it the best track on the CD. "Big Bunch of Junkie Lies" reminds you of her album "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got", and while its lyrics are somewhat a cliche, it's a beautiful song.
  
  I can't wait to buy her new upcoming album called "Theology"!
  
  
• Made glad I bought it used!
  By A30PN8RIRRM6AF on 2004-08-18
  This has to be one of the worst albums I have ever purchased. There is only one song on each disc that is worth listening too.
  Unless you are a HUGE groupie fan....stay away!
  
  
• * * * 1/2
  By A330C05S1DWE0G on 2003-09-09
  I've been a fan of Sinead O'Connor for many years and her music has always been a way out of something difficult. It's the emotion she puts forth. Her records that give the most rewarding listen are "lion and the cobra" "univesal mother" and "i do not want what I haven't got" I like the rest of her records too, but those are the ones. Especially the track "troy" which is an epic song, as far as I'm concerned.
  
  So this double album, the second disc is just a rehash of the DVD she just put out (which isn't very good, the concert I mean, but the documentary is worth renting it at least) But I really bought this for the first CD which as so many good tracks. I loved her collaboration with Asian Dub Foundation and I'm glad it's included here, "1,000 mirrors" is one of her most emotionally charged tracks in years. The real star on this CD is the Massive Attack collaboration "it's all good." Her tracks in their new album 100th Window are beautiful, but this one is so light, and powerful. Especially at the end when she belts out "love yourself! today! okay?!" It makes me want to check out Damien Dempsy, the guy who wrote it.
  
  I recommend this CD to any fan of Massive Attack (that track alone is worth the price) and to all Sinead fans. I'm really sad to see that she's stopping music. It seems serious this time, not like in 1992. Sinead was one of the most amazing and challenging artists in the last 20 years. Though I do understand her departure, I am still a little sad that there will be nothing new coming from her. Even though she continued to put out good work over the years, her best is from the late 80's early 90's. And of course she changed with time, and her voice is different too, she belts them out more as an alto now than her former banshee soprano heard on tracks like "jackie".
  
  
• A decent last effort...
  By A1ES0C91DRT7UT on 2003-09-15
  After listening to these cds several times, I have to say I am disappoint in this "final" effort. There are some nice songs here, but I have to disagee with a previous reviewer that this is a masterpiece. There is little (or nothing) here that would launch Sinead into super stardom. Sinead had three opportunities to get there - 'The Lion and the Cobra', 'I Do Not Want', and her most "mainstream" album - 'Faith & Courage'. 'Cobra' and 'I Do No Want' didn't get as far as they could have because of poor management, poor promotion, that hideous 'Emperor's New Clothes' video which crashed a would be smash hit song to the bottom of the charts, and her antics. There is nothing on 'She Who Dwells' first disc that approachs any of Sinead's previous albums. There are some gems - 'Ain't it a Shame' rocks, 'Love Hurts' almost sounds like 'Unchained Melody' in its beauty, 'Big Bunch of Junkie Lies' is a great song, the cover of 'Chiquitita' is truly wonderful, and 'It's All Good' is the sets best track. I have to say, 'Junkie Lies' sounds nothing like anything on 'Cobra', which a previous reviewer alluded too.

  There is NOTHING on these discs that sounds like anything off 'Cobra' and the only ones that sound like 'I Do Not Want' are the three live tracks from 'I Do Not Want'. All tracks sound like they are potential cuts from 'Universal Mother', 'Gospel Oak,' 'Faith & Courage', and 'Sean-Nos Nua'.

  The first disc is nice, maybe it'll grow on me with time. I strongly disliked 'Faith & Courage' when I first heard it, and now it is perhaps my favorite Sinead cd.

  The life set on this disc is great. That is what the price is worth. Sinead fans will love this.

  This is an essentially set, but if I'm star rating it compared with all her other albums, it's 3 star!

  Lastly, I want to clarify my "antics" comment. Sinead's ability to speak her mind and take a stand for what she believes in are what ultimately prevented her reaching super stardom. That, however, is what I love most about her. In a world where few speak out for what they believe it, I have to admire someone who does - whether I agree with them or not.

  I will miss Sinead,
  
  

• Best album yet.
  By A2Z5J52JVP8BFP on 2003-09-28
  I certainly doubt that this is the retirement album.
  Ever since the song on In The Name of the Father, I knew sooner or later, irish music was her thing. Looks like she's found it. Though some of the songs are so so, the influence from the album before this is pretty clear.
  
  
• An Amazing Exit.
  By A11BI2HSY74083 on 2003-10-08
  At first I was disappointed about the price of the new record. Don't be fooled this record contains only 6 original songs, and then 11 covers. I wasn't much pulled by the live section since I found it to be pretty dull. Half the time it's nothing but karaoke that caters to Irish songs.

  BUT, one gets passed that, and into Sinead's final 6 songs one shan't be disappointed. I think of this work as another E.P. These 6 songs carry themselves brilliantly and showcase Sinead's vocal, and musical qualities amazingly.

  "Brigidine Diana" About the late Princess Diana is a tender song. It's Sinead doing her own Irish tune. I think the pipes at the end are to give an effect of celebration and rejoice at the memory of Diana.

  "Love Is Ours". This is by far my favourite song on the record. It's dark, dangerous, and poetic!! The lyrics are full of mystery and intrigue the way most Sinead fans are used to their Goddess. This IS a Goddess' song!! An amazing potential single if Sinead were to still be doing that. Her vocal ranges hit the highs and the sultry lows. Sonic wise the song is original and falls into that innovative progressive sound Sinead seems to have been experimenting with (Massive Attack/Asian Dub Foundation/Afro-Celt Sound...)

  "You Put Your Arms Around Me"- In the tradition of "Thank You For Hearing Me", "The Healing Room" comes in this pop song. I love this song! Again, we are exposed to Sinead's powerful vocals and the route of healing that Sinead has made her signature since 1994 really accentuates itself in this one. A pretty catchy song.

  "No Matter How Hard I Try"- This is probably the weakest song on the record. The lyrics are not all that grand, and the music lacks depth. It seems this one was recorded just because, and then left alone. Someone remembered it during the making of this record and it was thrown on.

  "Dense Water, Deeper Down"- Sinead in her last days mentioned she would like to record a country record. This is a quasi-country-esque song. Don't let that scare you. This is an amazing love song like I haven't heard in a long time. It completely grabs you. The first time I heard this one, I was walking down the street and I began skipping along. I couldn't wait to learn the lyrics so I could belt it along with her. And belt it she does! This one is a fierce vocals track!!

  "Big Bunch Of Junkie Lies"- The return of girl and her guitar. This is a sad tale. The frailty of Sinead's voice against strings and a chunky acoustic guitar make this song a perfect close. It's so beautiful. I imagine Sinead sitting in a hotel room as the sun is setting and a junkie she sings to there. Listen to the song in order to understand.

  I did not review the covers for two reasons: Mainly I haven't heard them and I wont be hearing them. I'm a fan of Sinead and Sinead's work not someone else's. The reason I was dranw to Sinead was because she is or was one of rock's greatest singer/songwriters/composers. Both "Universal Mother" and "Gospel Oaks" are testaments of that. Those records were composed and written by Sinead. It's a shame she has been doing nothing but covers and resorting to others to co-write with her for the last four years or so. However, this is a great exit. These songs are brilliant. Thjey carry themselves so well, that I guarantee you'll be addicted for a long time to come. I haven't been able to stop playing this since I got it.There's something for everyone here. Sinead the dangerous, seductive siren. Sinead the nurturing healing mother, and Sinead the blunt and vulnerable. Funky nouveau gipsy type of sounds, to the simple acoustic guitar from "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got"

  Best tracks: "Love Is Ours", "You Put Your Arms Around Me", "Dense Water, Deeper Down", and "Big Bunch Of Junkie Lies". I paid a very, very, high price for these 6 songs, but danm was it ever worth it! Thank you Sinead.
  
  

• 5 STARS!!!!!!!!!!
  By A3OHHFOE0J8HEO on 2005-08-30
  Possibly the ONLY review where I have given an artist 5 stars!!!!!!! My friend is a HUGE sinead fan and has urged me to listen to her music. not hear but listen to it and i'm glad that i finally did!
  
  This woman is one of a kind and has the voice of an angel...sometimes a sad angel othertimes a hopeful angel but an angel nonetheless.
  
  I feel her controversial past has hinder her career in some ways which i find unfair because she is truly talented.
  
  
  Songs that I found amazing are it's all good recorded with massive attack and her live rendition of nothing compares to you, john i love you and fire on babylon. Plus the songs from her Irish folk album are great.
  
  
  
• Better stuff elsewhere
  By AUUVMSTQ1TXDI on 2005-01-19
  Do yourself a favor and pick up AsianDubFoundation's CD, "Enemy of the Enemy," which is where Sinead's stunning vocal on "1000 Mirrors" originally appeared. There are no less than THREE versions of this shimmering song on "Enemy of the Enemy," and listening to "1000 Mirrors" remixes is infinately desireable to suffering through the flotsam on this CD to get to the 2 or 3 decent songs.
  
  
• Not her last!
  By A1MJR5ISAC61ZQ on 2005-09-18
  One of the most controversial singers of the 90's and also one of the most influential, Sinéad O'Connor has made a career out of making controversy. Enough of that and lets get to the core; she regained a lot of respect with her "Sean-Nos Nua" album (hailed for its amazing interpretations) and "She Who Dwells" followed in 2003. She Who Dwells is a special two-disc compilation; disc 1 is a compilation of rare tracks and b-sides. Disc 2 is a live show recorded in Dublin in 2002 (the same as the show on DVD "Goodnight, Thank You You've Been a Lovely Audience") and it's nothing short of stunning, perhaps one of her best performances ever. Disc 1: a collection of rare songs and b-sides, from the reggae influenced "A Hundred Thousand Angels" to the Abba cover "Chiquitita" to the dance tune "It's All Good". The entire disc doesn't have one bad cut on it, everything is perfect and the whole thing is compiled very well. Disc 2: a recorded live show from Dublin in 2002. Half of the songs are taken from her 2002 album "Sean-Nos Nua" whilst the rest of the show comprise of some of her biggest hits. The show opens with the stunningly, but sad tale of "Molly Malone" and carries on with "My Lagan Love", "The Singing Bird" and the classic Irish tune "?'ro Sé Do Bheatha `Bhaile". After performing the aforementioned songs she turns to the hip hop inspired classic "Am I Stretched on Your Grave" afterwards slowly continues with an acoustic opening of the immortal "Nothing Compares 2 U" which surpasses the original studio version with its fierce, yet, tender approach. After the stunning performance of "Nothing Compares 2 U" she continues with my personal favorite "John I Love You" in which she displays how little of her voice she's actually lost (if any of at all). The show continues with another stunning cut called "The Moorlough Shore" which is an amazing tale well worth listening to; afterwards she continues with "You Made Me the Thief of Your Heart". Paddy's Lament is a quiet, hushed, protest song aimed at America, instead of bellowing her rage at America she quietly reveals her true feeling's about "Americay". Thank You for Hearing me is tender while "Fire on Babylon" displays her amazing singing voice. She ends -appropriately-with "The Last Day of Our Acquaintance" which is magnificent. The show reveals how great a voice Sinéad O'Connor still has, it's actually pretty unusual for a singer to have retained almost the exact same voice after a decade of performing, rare and astonishing, exactly like Sinéad herself. Can't wait for her new record "Throw Down Your Arms" on which she's collaborated with Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare which worked with Grace Jones on three stunning albums back in the early 80's.
  
  
  
• Pretty Good&Hopefully she will do another Project
  By A9Q28YTLYREO7 on 2003-09-13
  Sinead O'Connor is hard to Pin down as a Artist.on one Hand She truly has a Pop Sense of making Quality Songs&brings Feelings to her Craft.on the other hand She has a tendency to wallow with some Not so Hit music&alot of Miss chances.the first Disc paints that picture.Half works&the other Half never really starts.Disc Two captures Her on Stage&showcases Her vibe really well.without a doubt a very slept on Artist.I feel about Her like I do Seal in that with the Right Direction they both would make Dynimite Albums.I Hope She returns again because She is a Very Talented Artist.
  
  
• intense performer
  By A2T5FFATKEQQEV on 2003-12-03
  I kind of "hung out" around the studio where Ms. Oconnor recorded Universal Mother and i was priveledged to witness first hand an intense, soulfull, perfessional performer. i surely hope that this isnt her swan song, or her last cd. The woman that I was fortunate enough to witness simplyb has to much talent to give.
  
  
• What a lovely woman Sinead is and you hear it in her voice!
  By A21VGYDKCZVSZM on 2005-12-03
  I do not have the time to write a detailed analysis of this two disc set. I relied on the other reviews here and they are right on. Her song selection is varied and complementary. Irish rock and ballad, high energy dance, reggae, odd covers. They all work side by side. What I would add to the previous write-ups is that I feel like it is possible to hear Sinead's spirit, her joy, her love, and reverence for life and respect of our commonality in coping with life's struggles. If you like her music you will be thrilled. If you do not know her music you will be delightfully suprised.
  
  
• Thank you
  By A386D7BOXX1JD on 2006-09-10
  I really can't be bothered if this is her last album or not, obviously its not there is a new one out. This album is simply great, and I can't wait to buy the new one. Lets hope that she doesn't stop singing.
  
  
• V-Warrior!
  By A1GVNQE45YGSQG on 2007-01-31
  Oh, yeh, WAY too much here, but some of it is ESSENTIAL.
  
  High points include 100,000,000,000-watt renditions of the implausibly bitter B-52s rocker "Ain't It A Shame" and Abba's tear-jerking "Chiquitita," both of which are exhilarating. Originals of distinction include the spiritually and psychologically indeterminant "Emma's Song," plus the harrowing lament "No Matter How Hard I Try."
  
  Atomic.
  
  

• Sean-Nos Nua
• Theology
• Collaborations
• Throw Down Your Arms
• Faith and Courage