“I’m Not Bossy, I’m The Boss” by Sinead O’Connor

Sinéad O’Connor’s new album I’m Not Bossy, I’m the Boss is pure fire. O’Connor has, over the years, been something of a trailblazer, using her fame as a vehicle for experiments bringing sean nós songs and reggae to a wider audience. I’m Not Bossy is heartfelt, excellently arranged and performed rock that brings with it powerful messages of spiritual regeneration. The album is frequently quite shocking, with O’Connor not holding back her disdain for the music business and those who’ve wanted a piece of her fame rather than to know her for who she really is. Moreover, she is very honest about her struggles with psychological problems and her feelings of guilt from poor choices in the past.

The album gets progressively darker as she goes deeper into herself. “There’s no safety to be acquired in riding streetcars named desire,” she confesses. In the album, she explores her problems and fears, and gives herself some solutions (but not in that order). This gives her new self some context for listeners. She has seen hard times, and vowing to find peace in herself (check “The Vishnu Room”) and to seek different relationships will bring her out of them. We can relate, and recommend this as a fine comeback. »

– Matthew Sweeney