Sinead O'Connor
Album: Sean-Nos Nua
Label: IML
Tracks: 13
Website: http://www.sineadoconnor.com/

Sean-Nos Nua translates from Celtic as Old Songs Made New. Traditional Irish songs given a new lease of life through the unmistakable sound of Sinead O'Connor. I have to admit to having some initial reservations about this album, but I needn't have worried; it really is the best Sinead has sounded in years.

Many of the songs included I hadn't previously heard; it is a refreshing change to not hear all the same ones others have previously covered. Not only is this Irish music for a new generation, it is a reminder that we do not need to understand the words; the songs speak for themselves. (The lyrics are translated in the sleeve, should you need to know their meanings)

I suspect this is a CD I will have on repeat for a while. Whether you are a fan of Sinead, Irish music, both, or indeed, if you are new to both, you could do much worse than to get a copy of this CD.

Helen Mitchell