A Sun Came! (studio album) by Sufjan Stevens

Upon first listen, I can agree with the consensus that the album is bloated and rather hit-and-miss, and that the skits (as most skits do) add nothing to the album, but overall "A Sun Came" is far more interesting than its paltry ratings would suggest. I'm surprised at the low ratings of the individual tracks especially.

From Sandinistar 12/10/2018 21:39

Strictly speaking, it isn't bad. The songs are mostly pretty good, especially on the first half. The best 40 minutes of this would be an adequate, if generally forgettable, album. But the interludes completely ruin it. Why didn't anyone stop him?

From luigybetis 02/19/2018 12:31

Not cohesive at all, but some really good tunes in here. I'll make myself a playlist with my favorites.

As far as debut albums go, this is very interesting as Sufjan is clearly testing the waters. Some decent tracks here as well, just a shame its a bit all over the place to be cohesive. However, definitely recommend for any fans of Sufjan.

From Space-Dementia 09/04/2016 17:58

This is such an interesting start for one of the most unique artists of the last 15 years. Sufjan Stevens is known for exploring different genres and sounds with each album, but on his debut he just decided to throw everything in there. I hear a lot of Frank Zappa/Captain Beefjeart, especially on the short interludes and on songs with a lot of dissonance, like Satan's Saxophones; I love the middle-eastern vibes he has going on, and I really wish he would bring those back, at least for a few songs; and of course he has the beautifully sang, banjo-backed ballads that return for most of his future albums. Although he sounds a bit disoriented and there are many forgettable tracks, A Sun Came is one of the most interesting debut albums I've ever heard.

Certainly enjoyable, but it is a bit messy. Still, it's alright, and is actually quite fascinating, though not always great.

I always considered this his best album! I think it's amazing! I can say I like this over Illinois (although my fav Sufjan song is Chicago)... BUT Carrie & Lowell is growing on me ;)

The opening two tracks are really good, but there is a lot - I do mean a lot - of dregs on this one.

I love Sufjan but this one is hit and miss in the extreme.

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My skull is being ripped open. I can't believe I've never listened to this album before. It's fantastic.

edit: on different songs this album reminds me of such varied artists as III era Sebadoh, Ween, Brainiac, Pitchblende and Sonic Youth while sounding nothing like those bands on other songs. I have no clue why this isn't more highly touted. Sure it's rather long & thus has some inconsistent patches, but that's true of his all insanely ambitious discography.