Illinois (studio album) by Sufjan Stevens

What Sufjan Stevens manages to show and achieve here is that not only can folk music be brought into the 21st century but that you can be even more creative with the genre than people have attempted before. What this makes for is an odyssey of fun and enjoyable brilliant songwriting with moments of great introspection.

This is a composition of true musical genius that you fall in love with the more times you listen to it. The wide range of instruments you are treated to is immense and each one is performed so beautifully which creates this wall of fantastic noise that engulfs you right from the opening track. From there it only gets better and you reach the true peak of the album in the two tracks of Chicago and Casimir Pulaski Day which are two of the greatest modern songs ever recorded. It doesn't end there though as there are so many phenomenal songs on this record that are all unique and so different, making it a real challenge for anyone to get bored of this record. The balance of this record in terms of tempo and style is amazing, with the short tracks coming just at the right time to give the listener a little breather before he kicks back into full gear on a longer track. The lyrics are so rich and fun to delve into and the underlying themes that run through the record are so well maintained and explored by Stevens. This record really is a conceptual, lyrical and sonic masterpiece. However, it isn't a flawless record and that is mainly due to the length which means I can see the criticism of it dragging a bit. Also, I understand why people think the short songs are unnecessary but I believe they are essential and add to what makes this album so easy to come back to. Overall, this is a true landmark in musical composition and is one of the greatest albums ever recorded and it is a real pleasure to be able to experience this stunning piece of art.

From Jboy56 02/04/2022 08:02

Work of art that means nothing to people outside the USA.

A bit more like the recording collection from a musical genius than a truly great record. Sufjan is talented and a wonderful lyricist. The John Wayne Gacy song is one of the best reflections on the nature of humanity I’ve ever heard.

But the songs are often too busy, too jumpy. As though there were a flood of ideas that he just had to get onto the track.

I could gone on for hours about how magnificent this album is.

Unpopular opinion for sure, but I actually think this is the greatest album of all time. It is brilliant from front to back, with the theatrical bits and interludes holding the piece together. I wish the 50 states project was real because this album is just outstanding.

From AlvaroIesus 09/17/2021 02:46

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Primer disco que escucho de Sufjan Stevens y estoy gratamente sorprendido.
Muy melódico y mucha instrumentación.
Canciones tranquilas que suenan muy bien.

From VictorVale 07/23/2021 17:23

Incrível jornada!!

I don't know how people cannot see the genius of this album.
Sonic masterpiece. Conceptual masterpiece.
Production is amazing. Not showing off but tasteful orchestration and hits so many genres.
Gets better with age.