'How About' something new?

At 45 years old, Sinead O’Connor still possesses good vocal quality. But her new album, to put it bluntly, doesn’t feel new at all. The songs are well-composed, but a confusing sound mix is often overwhelming.

The most fun “How About I Be Me (And You Be You)?” comes from the upbeat, reggae-pop opener “4th and Vine.”

From there, the selection descends into typical O’Connor heaviness. The only exception may be “Queen of Denmark,” which carries some genuine humor.

The other tracks mostly seem to serve as a gloomy lead-up to the closer, “V.I.P.,” which ends the album with a scathing diatribe against celebrity worship and the Pope, followed by creepy whispers of discontent.

O’Connor’s causticity might cost her a substantial audience for “How About I Be Me.” Nevertheless, it’s not enough to taint “Nothing Compares 2 U,” which will remain a staple on any early 1990s playlist.