Reviews (page 10 of 16)
Great album
Some interesting songs and great melodies, but entirely too long to the point of being obnoxious.
wow, this certainly was one of the albums of all time. it had some tracks with great instrumentation and overall i thought the production was well done. despite that, i found myself counting down the seconds with over half an hour left in the runtime. the extended length makes the album feel like incredibly bloated mess full of half baked ideas. the genre feels like arcade fire covering bob dylan, which is another way to say that this may be the least listenable genres around. the thought of having to ever hear another song by Sufjan makes me physically ill and i pray that no more of his albums are on the list so i dont have to hear anymore of this hipster garbage.
Beautiful album, but the names are where my appreciation lie. Apparently this was adapted to a Broadway play, pretty cool.
Far too long, but man it's good Jacksonville is a big stand out Big, bombastic, moving, uplifting. Very good 4
I don't really know what this is, but I like it. I'm a sucker for orchestral backing and experimental, rock-based music. Sort of reminds me of a cross between Sigur Ros and the In Rainbows days of Radiohead. Chicago and The Seer's Tower the highlights, but that could change on another listen.
Before I even started writing this review, I realized I wasn't gonna be in the state of mind to give a review of a length I'd find fitting. Which is a shame; this really feels like an album where I should be able to produce a long review. But, ah, well, it happens. To put it in short, then: I thought this was a very pretty album, verging on and even passing into "beautiful" in some spots. Thanks to my state of mind, outside of a few spots I'm not sure exactly how much this album's sound varies over time to really justify the whole "varied instrumentation" thing, but, eh, I don't mind either way. As someone who digs stuff like PET SOUNDS and THE SOFT BULLETIN... I don't believe I'd say it's an album of either of those calibers, or if those are even apt comparisons, but still, this album's up my alley. If I were a state (and didn't just have one of mind), I'd be proud to have an album like this about me. It'd a pretty good 4 from me.
Absolutely stunning album. 5 stars.
I’m gonna need more time with this album, but at first pass, I’m at a 4.5 that I simply admire so much that I’m gonna bump it up to a 5. Perhaps it’s the post-election inner fear talking, but this felt like the perfect album at the perfect time – just an inspired biographical reminder of what I hope this country is, what I hope it can continue to be, and what makes it truly great. I’ve never heard a Sufjan Stevens album for this; never even heard of the guy, really. I’m beyond impressed. I’m a sucker for historical references in music; not because it’s necessarily great for songwriting, but because it tells me that I’m dealing with someone who knows and is embedded into history, at least to some degree. As a trivia guy, it just gives me a point of reference to really feel where a song is coming from. This album is jam-packed with them, up and down, and quite frankly, the balance between all the references and being able to actively blend them and weave them into such compelling narratives and melodies is one of the most impressive things I’ve heard in the 310 albums we’ve done so far. Past that, my goodness, the music; what an absolute behemoth of a production this must’ve had. Occasionally, this album gets a little too cute with its vocal mixing at the expense of the listener, but more often than not, that orchestration and instrumentation so perfectly captures a mood that might be impossible to put into words. I say that knowing that his songwriting here is about as impressive as the instrumentation, if not moreso. It’s a deeply bombastic album, fantastically structured, and its long-ass song titles provide the humor in places where it’s desperately needed. It definitely feels like he had fun making this, but he also knew exactly how much weight this thing was carrying. To find such a great balance between instrumentation, songwriting, vocals and production, while making sure this thing doesn’t collapse under the weight of its own ambition and honesty is nothing short of a miracle. Again, there are flaws here; a few tracks go on a bit long, some of the funny filler could’ve been cut instead of doing it to satiate a long song title or to keep the “musical” structure alive, but those “flaws” are more like production choices that just didn’t click with me. I need another pass or two on this album without the misty-eyed dread of November 5th, 2024 looming long in my head, to more critically analyze it, and really take away its theming and lyricism more without clinging so deeply onto its messaging of hope and promise… but if the album’s already got me that hooked, in light of what just happened, it’s doing something right. If anything, I feel like I’ll appreciate it even more. It’s a 4.5 that I’m bumping up to a 5.
I really enjoyed this album. Although it isn’t quite similar to the music I normally listen to it’s very melodic and would be good background music while I was studying or getting some work done. Definitely worth a listen!
really enjoyed the song "Come on! Feel the Illinoise! Part 1...". Really neat timing and groove. A unique album but not very enjoyable overall
This album is what I assume what a Hipster Anthem would sound like. Unimposing folksy indie rock. This was fine, but it had a longer than needed (or wanted) run time of 74 minutes.
Better than expected, but not something I would listen to often.
First, I, for some reason, thought this was a Cat Stevens album (I knew he changed his name but couldn't remember to what). I was plesantly surprised that it's not. I enjoyed the album although I felt like it dragged on forever. I would listen to it again and check out his other stuff.
I really love the overall sound, it's too long though like let's wrap it up (love you sufjan don't be mad <3)
The musical style is both familiar and unusual at the same time. The lyrics are quirky and amusing like "John Wayne Gacy, Jr."
hmm, tja, ist ganz ok
I loved almost everything from the cover art to the variety of sound and themes. My only complaint is that it feels almost too polished and there's not enough grit, but that's like saying my greatest weakness is being a perfectionist.
One of his best!
first Sufjan Stevens album and pretty difficult to get through for me chicago - OH so thats why this album is on the list. heard this one. was it in a movie? multiple? its giving indie movie breakthrough protaganist looking wistfully out the window of a bus ok am i done now? should i even listen to the rest of this after chicago.. ? "to the workers of the rock river valley region..." - finally interested in this album by this point "they are night zombies.." - also cool musicality here, like other tracks, sprinkled in
Dang, this IS as good as everyone has said. Big 10cc vibes. I will be listening to this a lot more.
This is a solid album! It feels like an indie rock musical with themes that keep popping up throughout. I always love when this album comes on but I dont always reach for it.
I gave this a second chance over the weekend, thinking that a different scene might help me enjoy it more; it didn't. Felt like I was being dragged through an uncomfortable montage of indie films. Some upbeat stuff but still felt dreary.
I really enjoyed this, the orchestra backing most of the songs was perfect. The song names were incredibly long but I particularly liked Jacksonville. A surprise to be sure 4.25/5
I really disliked this, it’s long, dull and found his tone irritating. A song also seemingly empathetic towards Gacy? Bed wetters music
Is it a great album? Yes. Does it break into my top 3 Sufjan albums? No. The grandiose theater kid moments can sometimes detract from the parts I love about his music, but sometimes they come together in a track like Chicago and it’s perfect. I prefer the melancholy of Javelin or Carrie & Lowell more, but this album still is still a welcome listen every time I hear it.
I first listened to this album when I was 21. I had been out of my “all music ended in 1979” mindset for about a year by that point, but I still only listened to what my friends told me about. I stumbled upon this on my own, almost by accident even though it had been out for a few years by that point. Almost immediately, my idea of what music could be was transformed. I’ve listened to this one a lot since then. Listening to it again for this project reinforces everything that this album has meant to me. Every song still brings out such powerful emotions. In these dark times, “Come On Feel the Illinoise” and “Jacksonville” are such strong beacons of light. “John Wayne Gacy, Jr.” is still haunting, I still know every word of “Decatur”, and “Chicago” never fails to bring a tear to the eye. And that doesn’t even get to what may be the single saddest song ever written, “Casimir Pulaski Day”. This is a very long album, but it earns every second of its run time. (Also, listening to it now, 350-odd albums into this project, some of the interludes feel like they were meant to be intermissions, which helps with the length). The back half of the album is full of gems. Even after all this time, I was surprised at how affected I was by “Predatory Wasp”, even though nothing about this album should surprise me anymore. And the reward for sticking it out to the end is “The Tallest Man, the Broadest Shoulders”, about as good of an album climax as I’ve ever heard. Illinois is a perfect album, plain and simple. I’m glad to see that such a monumental album in my life remains that way after all these years.
Fun listen. Very indie. Certainly quirky, but catchy. Instrumental. Calm. Fun.
I kinda view this album in 4 parts (I’m not counting the interludes and I’m not calling the tracks by their stupidity long names) Part 1: UFO-> Jacksonville Part 2: Decatur-> Casimir Pulaski day Part 3: Man of metropolis->Night zombies Part 4:Seers tower-> Out of Egypt There now this album is much more digestible: Part 1 is strong I really like John Wayne Gacy for the ‘twist’ at the end Illinoise and Jacksonville are both brilliant, they’re not my favourites on the album (but I’ll get to them) still amazing though. UFO is a nice short opener and Black hawk works well in the aftermath. 4.5/5 Part 2 starts a bit weaker with Decatur which has always sounded like a kiddies song to me, but it’s alright. But Chicago and Casimir Pulaski day are two of my favourites on the album, this is the moment when all things go on Illinois. 4.5/5 Part 3 is my favourite, sure prairie fire isn’t AS good but it’s still a disorienting experience. But then Man of metropolis, Palisades and Night Zombies are just masterpieces. Man of metropolis and Night Zombies come off as a bit surprising as they’re quite different from the album so far but at this point in the album a shift was needed. Palisades is just beautiful. 5/5 Part 4 feels like you’ve ran straight into a brick wall (in the best way possible) seers tower is such a gloomy song but it’s beautiful too. Tallest man drags but it’s a great climax to the album. Then out of Egypt is just a good instrumental. 4/5 It’s a double album of course there’s gonna be filler, I really don’t care if you come up with an ‘exception’ they’ve always got something that’s not as good. And the interludes (especially on first listen) can get annoying, literally a good 10/15 minutes of the album is just interlude. But it still has to be a 5/5. It’s incredible.
2/5 just didn't care for it
not my type but good
He's good but very intimate and slow
Not my style. Weird early 2000's experimental stuff. Interesting arrangements and talented musicians but not my kind of music.
Pleasantly surprised! Read the synopsis and it said singer song writer which is so bland to me. But this felt very cinematic and bold and dramatic yet gentle and cosy. Would listen again
Definitely weird. Well made concept album which doesn't seem as long as it actually is. It's relaxed sound and amazing arrangements are the highlights of the album.
Bien
decent as mellow bg music 3.5 rounded down
I've slept on this artist for way too long. Cracking album, very enjoyable listen.
Muy denso.
sooooo good and i wish michigan had been on here as well <3 can't wait for the other 48 state albums!
Me ha gustado bastante. Raro. Marciano. Onírico-filosófico. Con toques épicos de banda sonora de CiFi y a veces con sabor religioso o trascendental.
Not sure why this guy made it so huge? Maybe I'm just not in the right demographic for this, but I don't hear any strokes of genius here.
A comfortable composition of expressive music that is outlined with subtle vocals and great lyrics
Not my type of music
Great! I will listen to this sometimes.
One good song, a couple decent ones, and the rest are kinda stinky balls. Can MAYBE see how someone else could like it but I'm not a fan.
A wonderful album.
Full of interesting songs!
Good for both chill and work.
❤️❤️❤️
I had zero expectations going into this one. Never heard of Sufjan Stevens before and figured it’d be another artsy indie album that just wasn’t for me. I was very wrong. This album blew me away. The level of detail he packs into the songs, blending state history with personal stories and weird little jokes, somehow works. One minute you’re smiling at how ridiculous a song title is, the next minute you're hit with something that genuinely stops you in your tracks. It’s theatrical, intimate, and weird in the best way. I still chuckle every time I see the full title of “The Black Hawk War...” but then I get pulled right back into something like “Casimir Pulaski Day,” which just hits hard. Easily one of the most unique albums I’ve ever heard — and one of the best.
Good and such but not really my style. Sounds similar to Bon Iver (who I like a lot) but too messy and happy. I think you need to listen in to this to like it.
Really good!
pre: never listened, I tend to associate Sufjan Stevens with pretention in my head. Looking forward to being wrong I liked this more than I anticipated, that's about as far as I'm willing to go
I just couldn’t this morning… It’s not bad, but it’s too much for me.
No, sorry. I'm not going to listen to this one. I'm not a fan of what I've heard from Sufjan, so I’m going to pass.
Ele-fuckin'-vator music (so far). Great musicianship from everybody so far and I know people are really into Sufjan Stevens. Maybe I just need to give it a few listens. After listening to the whole album there are a few bright spots that had me slightly more interested in the album overall but not enough to make me want to listen to any more from Sufjan.
Alright
I didn't even finish it?!! I liked the vibes
Good album, really liked all of it.
I love it
It’s like if Elliott Smith was from Chicago
trotos
I have only found Sufjan Stevens recently and this album in particular is just fantastic 5 out of 5 any day. Such a beautiful sound musically and vocally and the stories beautifully told. Too many tracks to mention but John Wayne Gacy Jr is haunting and stunning.
it's a lighthearted cute little album with few things going on below the surface.
I thought this was going to be pretentious af based on the people I know who listen to Sufjan Stevens and the titles, but this was actually really nice. 3.5 stars though for dragging on.
Chad recommended this album to me two years ago. There’s some incredible songs on it. Happy to listen to this masterpiece again.
A fever dream with a lot of heavy undertones— I liked that I could never expect the next song’s vibe and that each one had something to say
First Sufjan Stevens albums I've ever listened to. listened to it in segments. Feel like you need to sit down with this one....
Great album, but I've always had a problem connecting with it.
What a phenomenal album. I'm a sucker for dissonant, brassy syncopation and this album was indulgently full of it while somehow keeping it fresh and interesting every single time. Bravo, Sufjan.
the sound is unique and not similar to what I usually listen to, but I am glad I had the chance to check it out. I think it needs more than a few listens until you get accustomed to the overall vibe, but it seems like it would be worthwhile after all
Ok
Bought this on release. Come on! Feel the Illinoise Part 1 is a particular favourite. Lots going on. Lovely
Interested at first, repetitive by the end
This is a super weird album. At first, I thought I was really going to like it, later on...not so much. A brief listing of music that the album made me think of while listening: Arcade Fire, Charlie Brown, The Polyphonic Spree, Super Furry Animals, Peter & the Wolf. It's not unpleasant. It's unique and, in places, very, very good. 3 stars seems about right. I'd listen to it again, but I wouldn't seek it out.
A pleasant surprise in that there were a few songs I quite liked but also several I wasn’t so keen on. Overall far too long and rather overblown.
Didn't know this artist at all before this. Quite interesting musically, all kinds of different things going on from track to track. The Illinois concept is fun, although I didn't pay too much attention to the lyrics. Pretty good, not something I would typically listen to, but I'm glad I did.
I wasn’t sure what to expect of this album, having not knowingly heard any Sufjan Stevens before today. I certainly wasn’t expecting miserable alt rock. To clarify, miserable alt is one of my favourite genres, so this is no jibe. The orchestration here stayed interesting throughout, and the vocals were soft and lovely when on their own, and an absolute delight when sang in chorus. My only criticism of this album is that it is a little long which makes for sleepy brains becoming distracted away from the music. Otherwise, this is a great album.
One of those albums that always coexisted in my life but I never really listened to it because of the people that liked it. Honestly not what I was expecting, way more musical than I thought, which makes way more sense that they are making a musical of it, but still not really my jam. For a certain set of geriatric millennials this encapsules a very specific type of hipster and for that it should be on this list. Will I listen to it again? Probably not.
I’ve always meant to get into Sufjan’s work, but never listened to very much of it. Having this on in the car driving on a beautiful fall day was fantastic.
can’t say it didn’t change my life in 2015
Listening to this on Pandora ending up creating such a wonderful playlist.
- Geieeel, sooo lange nicht mehr gehört und ich frage mich gerade WARUM?! - Sufjan Stevens habe ich 2008 oder 2009 das erste Mal (wie viele geile Indie Mucke damals) durch O.C. California entdeckt. - „For Widows In Paradise“ von dem Michigan Album ist kurz darauf über Jahre hinweg zu meinem absoluten Lieblingssong geworden - da kamen auch Linkin Park, RHCP, Blink oder die Foo Fighters nicht ran. Nach wie vor unter meinen Top 5 Songs OAT. - Ich habe mich dann auch in andere Alben von ihm reingehört. V.a. Seven Swans und ab und zu auch Illinoise. Letzteres hab ich aber (for no reason) nicht so häufig gehört, wie die anderen beiden. Umso schöner, der Platte hier mal wieder zu begegnen. - Einfach unfassbar toll, kreativ und leichtfüßig (und das obwohl auch immer eine gewisse Melancholie bei Sufjan mitschwingt) - Die Art und Weise diese Melancholie zu transportieren bekommen wenige Künstler meines Erachtens so gut hin wie er - Tolle Instrumentierung auch - Chicago natürlich ein absoluter Hit - Alles auf diesem Album wirkt wie der Soundtrack zu einer geilen Indie-Tragikomödie à la Sideways, Garden State oder Little Miss Sunshine Rating: 4,5/5
- Meiner Meinung nach Sufjan Stevens zweitbestes Album. - Diese Platte ist so unglaublich kreativ und lebendig. Jedes mal wenn ich sie höre entdecke ich was neues und verliebe mich neu in bestimmte Songs oder Parts. - So viele geile Banger dadrauf: Chicago, Concerning, John Wayne Gacy Jr., The Man of Metropolis uvm. - Es wundert einen überhaupt nicht, dass dieses Album vollkommen zurecht eine Musical-Adaption bekommen hat. - In seinen Interludes teilweise etwas avantgarde und auch manche Songs enthalten manchmal ein hauch von zerfaserten Klangteppichen und sich überschlagenden Patterns - Das Album wirkt auf mich gleichzeitig so groß und imposant und dennoch so klein und detailliert. Lässt sich schwer beschreiben. Ein Ausnahmekünstler, mit einer außergewöhnlichen Geschichte und außergewöhnlicher Musik 4,5/5
- joo, richtig gut - hat mich sehr zum Tagträumen eingeladen, während ich meine Knieübungen auf dem Boden liegend gemacht habe - abwechslungsreich, tolle Ideen und sprüht einfach vor Kreativität
Well, I'm just impressed, that was such an experience! Loved the lyrics, the instrumentation, the concept and everything about this album. It might feel a little bit long by the end but every, but it doesn't get to affect the general experience. Rating: 4.8
Some of the best song titles I've ever seen, but the album itself was just so-so.
This album makes me hate Chicago. You know this was background music for mid college bros trying to get laid and probably succeeding. This album is an affront to every instrument used in its creation.
This is god awful! It’s the musical equivalent of a basic college white girl. It’s ugg boots, leggings, and a puffy vest turned into music. I’m so pissed I’m listening to this
This wasn't what I was expecting at all! I was put off with it being a concept album initially I'd not heard of Sufjan Stevens before, and was surprised at how lovely his voice was. Some of these songs were so beautiful - the piano ones mainly I did end up recognising Chicago too It was just a bit too long for my liking, but still worth the high rating 4 ⭐️
Wow! I really liked this one, which was very accessible and chilled. As it’s a concept album, some tracks and the whole album go on a bit, but definitely worth a revisit.
What a load of self-indulgent bollox. Utter trash.
I had fun on this strange, meandering ride. Chicago will be stuck in my head for a while, I think.
A bit too much filler, especially since it feels too long. When it hits, it hits hard and it does so quite a lot!
Not my thing. I'm sure its fine for fans of the genre though.
Sufjan Stevens takes us musical journey that evokes vivid imagery.
Saw the point of some of it but no real songs, lots of twiddling.
It was about halfway through my morning drive, listening to this album, when the concept of it really hit me. Every track, every quick interlude leading you to the next piece, every blow of the horns, every orchestral backdrop; it's all meticulously arranged to make the listener feel like they're in a rose tinted, romanticized celebration and observation of Illinois. As someone who has never stepped foot inside the state (granted, I'm not from America), it only resonates with the impressions I have seen on television; be it TV shows or the news. But it at least somewhat resonates, regardless. This is simultaneously a very chill and grandiose LP. It succeeds in painting a vivid picture that you can find yourself lost in with it's complex arrangements, yet simple delivery. Its wonderful lyricism, yet restrained vocal performances. It has a mixture of atmospheres that all flow into each other so seamlessly that the long runtime loses relevance, as the journey through it all just seems to take over you. It feels designed for the big stage, which it has been adapted to. It's an extremely ambitious project and seems to hit the mark more often than not. It's a proper album; not one that you can simply pick apart and proclaim your favourites. It needs to be listened to in its full glory. Its concept paints the basic picture, and it's up to you as the listener to fill things in as it goes on. I can totally understand the seemingly mixed reviews this album has on the website. It's not going to be to everyone's taste. But for me, personally, it grew on me over the course of the tracklist. After listening to it a second time I came to truly appreciate it, and I'm glad this list has exposed me to it. 4/5 (bumped up from a 3/5 after a second listen)
This album really makes you FEEL like you're in Illinois. For real though, this album's phenomenal. Illinois by Sufjan Stevens is one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the 2000s. My expectations were very high for this one. Fortunately, my expectations were met. There's really something special about this album. It's a concept album, and an excellent one at that. The focus on the state of Illinois is something that could be too narrow in scope for many artists, but not Sufjan. Despite the overarching setting, each song feels completely different from the last and they're all great. You have bombastic songs that exemplify the fun of the state like "Come On! Feel the Illinoise!" that fit in with the theme. And yet somehow a song like that is perfectly balanced by some of the most gut-wrenching songs you've ever heard like "Casimir Pulaski Day" and "John Wayne Gacy, Jr." and it works. Of course, you also have songs that find a nice point between the two like "Chicago" as well. Again, all of these songs are amazing, even the instrumentals. On top of the theme of Illinois, other themes like religion also seep their way into the writing. Speaking of which, the writing is amazing. The biggest reason as to why the concept works is because of how good the writing is. The sound is incredibly varied as well, but once again, it's all great. I really like Sufjan's singing. It fits the vibe of this album amazingly. I really cannot praise this album enough. This is one of the finest, most ambitious albums I've ever listened to. It kept me captivated for the whole 74 minutes, and I am very glad to have finally listened to this album. 5/5.
Utter misery and dross, this is completely unlistenable, the worst thing I’ve heard in a long time. There’s no folk vibe, no soul, no feeling, it’s just coffee shop easy listening without a heart. Awful.
Great song names. Not great songs. Maybe one or two that I liked, but overall not great.
I like Sufjan Stevens. He did Call Me By Your Name. Well, I think I like the idea of him. The titles of these songs were creative but it was easy to forget to listen.
A very strong album. Gets a little boring at times.
Church Music Chamber Music Circus Music Broadway Play (which it HAS turned into) Something for everyone... except me. That one song I heard a LOT in 2005-2007 is pretty good (Chicago) but the rest of this album is dismissible
Already love this album <3
Enjoyed this a lot, pretty unique.
I've gone through this album three times now, and I'm still having a hard time deciding where I land on it. With each listen I enjoy it more, which I think is a trait of the best albums. Reading up on Illinois I came across this quote from Sufjan: "I think now I listen more as a technician and a researcher. I'm always hearing music in terms of what I can take out of it, and I think I've always listened like that. I have a hard time just listening for pleasure." This sums up much of the album. Incredibly orchestrated and dense and feels like someone spent a lot of time writing, arranging, and recording it. Like a work of art in a museum, not to be touched, but beautiful to look at and think about. It's hard to criticize this album, but if I had to... I'm mildly annoyed by his singing style - just cut loose once! Also, I think music is generally meant to be instinctual and enjoyed without thinking TOO much, and I wish there were more moments like that on this record. Overall, I'm very impressed with Sufjan and will be spending a lot more time digesting this one.
Music to listen to when NPR goes to break. The grilled salmon of indie rock. Music to listen to while cleaning the kitchen with your wife. there’s absolutely nothing wrong with this album. It feels healthy - like I’m making a mature, responsible decision by listening to it. I wish I was the kind of guy this appeals to. I think I’d be a better, more thoughtful person. I’d have gone to grad school. I would compost. Unfortunately, I liked the Korn album better.
I still dont know what to think of this album. Im a mix of really excited and kind of tired. Its such a long play, but it has so many interesting indie sounds. Vocals are impressive and nostalgia was everywhere. Very interested to see what the rest of the gang thought
3 stars. Really torn on this. Musically I love Sufjan’s stuff - it’s pretty and inventive. but lyrically it’s too cutesy and self consciously quirky for me. How many song titles with 15 words does one album need? He feels like the kind of person who would say “I’m a nerd” in an annoying way
Big nostalgia album for me - listened to this and other Sufjan in college, and in Chicago after graduation. I think he’s just super talented as an arranger, and love hearing some pretty simple ideas develop. Only complaint here is the end of the album feels like it drags and doesn’t explore much new space. Frank, at the same time you nailed it. I listened to this while cleaning the kitchen with my wife this evening, and we had a very full compost bag.
Really enjoyed this album
Not my vibe but pleasant enough
Chamber pop of a higher order, incredibly unique and borderline sui generis. It sounds like it should be hard to enjoy but there are just so many pleasing melodies, exquisite and elevating moments. One may not be sufficiently motivated to do deep enough to judge the literary quality / cohesion of the narrative arc or the accuracy / insightfulness of the historical anecdotes but it's quite affecting overall and often beautiful. And one wonders just how serious he is about the 50-state thing -- he's having us on, no? A strange mix, too, with classic indie pop hookiness (e.g., "Jacksonville") joined to contemporary classical motifs and riffs (e.g., closing cut, which seems an homage to John Adams and/or AJ Kernis). The downside complaint is that it's simply all too much and less mighta been more (one says this without having explored the double album's worth of outtakes). Still this is an artist whose canon is definitely worth exploring; because he'll challenge his audience, he seems likely to be underappreciated commercially, which might seem a fair trade to all involved.
5/5
I just realized this is a different artist than Cat Stevens (Yusuf). I think I prefer Yusuf. It was ok.
Lot of good songs, but there is also lot of very short, senseless tracks.
It's funny how now this album is maybe a little mid, but I can imagine in 2005 it would have been a little mind-blowing. Lots of songs here I love (and Chicago is a standout, obviously - it's carrying these four stars on its back), but some that have the classic Sufjan Stevens problem of "way too long".
I was already a big fan of this album before it came up. I love it, it feels like a complete album with every song being part of a larger whole. I love Stevens’ voice - it’s soft and gentle and has a depth to it that really appeals to me.
Folk indie. Curioso. Un 4.
Chicago, no sabía que era de él. Un poco largo el disco. Me gusta más al principio que al final.
It was okay, just not my type of music
Folky and jazzy. A cool quirky listen.
I actually really liked this - I've never really listened to Sufjan Stevens before because I'd always get bored but the songs were genuinely very cool and I'd like to read the lyrics and figure out what they were actually about a bit
Is it pretentious? Yeaa, definitely, just look at the somg titles. But is it good? Also yeaa, it's great. It meanders a lot, and the trumpet riffs are a little repetitive, but it's an easy listen with some grand moments. I've heard many of this before, like Chicago, Come On! Feel thr Illinoise!, and Casimir Pulaski Day, but got to say that I was floored by The Tallest Man, The Broadest Shoulders.
Both the names and the runtime are far too long, but it's still incredibly well made, well written, well performed, and well produced.
This album was really good. A musical tour of the places, people, and things of Illinois both past and present. I had only heard Chicago off this album previously. All the instrumentation is very well done and everything sounds like it was all recorded in the same room which I quite like. I had to go back and listen again while reading the lyrics to really appreciate this one. The track titles are ridiculous though. Favorite songs were tracks 3, 9, 10, 12, and 16.
Not bad
Such a great album. I listened to this so many times in high school and college. It holds up so well.
Ok
Pretty great background music. Almost plays like kids songs.
Didn't mind this.
A stunningly personal album despite all its extravagance and ridiculously long song titles that sometimes last longer than the songs themselves. I’m more of a Carrie & Lowell guy but this is definitely Sufjan’s magnum opus in terms of sheer scope and impact. 48 more states when?
chicaaagggoooo
I listened to this one a couple of times and it's pretty great. The religious stuff is a bit weird, but the overall feel of the album is lovely.
Fantastic album that is just relaxing and puts a smile on my face. It doesn't quite have enough stand out hits to be 5 stars but Chicago is great.
I didn't want to give out 5's easily, they have to deserve it. It's only my fifth album of this journey and dammit this deserves it! A really lovely opening which sets the tone for the rest of the album. 'Casimir Pulaski Day' was the best, an absolute treat. The Man of Metropolis teases you thinking it'll be more upbeat and it eventually is, as it slips in and out of a great bit of rock guitar. I feel like this is what every wanky, indie, acoustic, breathy artist WANTS to sound like but doesn't get anywhere near. Nothing bad on this album, every song a delicate delight to listen to. The song titles are stupid though.
freaking awesome sauce
Too slow for me.
I thought this was going to be some kind of a comedy album based on the title and the cover. 2.5
This was quite good. It's varied enough to not overstay its welcome despite being quite long. A few particularly good songs, and weird enough to be refreshing without being unmusical or noisy. Probably wouldn't play this on repeat though which caps it at 4 stars
Very creative and unique. The instrumentation is amazing. Love all the horns and strings. I honestly can’t say I understand everything he is singing about but still a great album.
This album is exactly my shit. Local history, ultra-specificity, good melodies, musical diversity. Part of me wants to give this five stars, and another part recognizes it isn't a wall-to-wall banger like some of the best albums ever.
Phenomenal album. Wish he stuck with his 50 states project, but Sufjan has constantly pumped out some extraordinary work since. This will always sit at the top.
Very emotional, in fact too emotional but still a good album.
3,7
Intens maar goeie background
Feeling very indie
Chicago is a brilliant song, I liked some of the others - the album overstayed it's welcome though.
I liked it!
For what would wound up becoming known as a joke (and a mighty ambitious joke at that), Sufjan Stevens' Illinois not only packs a walloping punch but it weaves a stellar tapestry of anecdotes, tales, sounds and emotions. Listening to this record makes me feel as though I'm partaking in a tour of the state itself, learning new things each time. It never ceases to scale the heights of what was imagined and ultimately achieved, such is the end goal of Illinois. Although it is a shame that he never followed through with his 50 States series (understandably and frustratingly so, for such endeavors would swallow up his career), Illinois somehow evades the trappings by standing on its own gargantuan, at times exhausting, weight. Come on, feel the noise...
Lush instruments, beautiful composition, beautiful voice
é engraçado porque eu devo ter passado 2017 inteiro usando esse álbum como companheiro de viagem na famosa rota mariana -> bh. por mais que eu tenha muito carinho por ele, ainda assim ele é meio cansativo do meio pro final. destaque no álbum pra chicago e casimir pulaski day, que pra mim tem uns dos arranjos mais bonitos já escutados. 4/5.
Perfeito pra se ouvir durante uma crise dissociativa não agitada. Psicodélico no sentido de muito instrumento fazendo barulho diferenciado. "Oh meu deus KD tu meu deus sou pecador aaaaaah"
lindo demais. não ouvia esse album a alguns anos e foi uma ótima surpresa saber que eu ainda gosto tanto dele quanto antes!
dang.
Awful
I've never really been a Sufjan fan. He's an undeniably talented songwriter but when I originally heard this album around it's release back in 2005, it just wasn't my cup of tea so I just carried on with my life not giving any further though to Mr Stevens other music. Since then however, I've expanded my horizons and feel like I can better appreciate this almost 20 years later and boy is it a delightful album. Illinoise is wistful, clever and beautiful, from start to finish and I don't even know where to start with specifics of the across the album, as the whole thing is a masterclass in modern song craft. Whether it be the up beat, bouncy 5/4 on the title track, or immediately followed by the somber acoustic "John Wayne Gacy' Jr.". The album flows seamlessly from one track to the next with lush strings and little segues of applause. I don't know what else to say about this other than it's a 4/5 for me.
Already own this album. Great album.
Wait, there's a Decatur imitator? Lovely album.
Oh my gosh now THIS made me annoyed. This was like theatre music that lasted a week long and I was taped to a chair and forced to listen to it. This album made me lose respect for this list (not really) but it just kept going and I was dying of boredom yet pain.
When this album came out it inspired me to write an album with one song based on/within each of Canada's 13 provinces or territories. Work still in progress, unfortunately. Goddammit. This album has such a massive reach, and in theory should be everything I like. It's...close. Sorta. ..... Actually it's not - it's just too much in so many ways which is something I don't often complain about; I should really go on about how melodic it is while being so complex in composition and arrangement. It is! Jumpy rhythms and odd time signatures punctuating many of the songs.... It's all very pleasant and interesting to listen to! In an "I'm strolling excruciatingly slowly through a museum with my hands behind my back like an 89 year old Italian guy just slowly taking in the local bocce game in the park" kinda way. Specific critiques? ...for one, it has to be said but man - his voice is more than just a little too sensitive and especially over what feels like 82 songs. That dry precious sound would have been great for the first song then maybe varying it up a little ... get fking angry or even just ... agitated? Are you reading a Dr. Seuss book to a 3 year old? As a whole it's all also weirdly/simultaneously too dense *and* too bland. Insulting, I know. At some points I'd wished I would/could write something similar. But vary up the formula a little bit??? Or use some freaking dynamics?? Maybe this album needed a smash single or something or a killer 8 minute Pink Floyd-esque odd-time organ break. It's hard to sink into, but maybe therein lies the secret? Maybe the charm is to just get lost in this sound. - - You know who did/does this almost exact thing yet way better: Jeremy Messersmith. That guy knows how to write a song, keep it to a reasonable length, be precious without being annoying, and make you feel something. - - I thought I needed to spend more time with it - and maybe I still do (but who has that kind of time?) - and not give up on it like I did 12 years ago like when I got to my Manitoba song. But in another way, I knew my project wasn't (still isn't) ready and I sliced a few cuts (provinces) within the first 2 years, in part because other collaborators gave me some needed perspective... ...and so I'm left thinking Sufjan needed an external voice or 3 here as well - if this were say 10 (or 13!) songs and had at least one centrepiece or killer track it probably could have been close to greatness. As it is, I think I'm good for 4 or 5 cuts - any ones, actually - start at track 6? sure! who would know?!? - and then moving on to something else. Points for serious effort and spending a lot of time at the Chicago public library (although some of these lyrics come out like they were written by me in 4th grade so maybe he should have gone out to Wrigley Field instead. What, no Ernie Banks songs?) but in the end it's like one singular 75 minute soundtrack for a cute 6th grade holiday pageant that has gone on far too long and our kid already had their quick little sheep cameo so can we go home already?? (I probably graded it too high but I need to separate this from the shitty lo-fi/lo-efforts of the world in my own stupid little headspace) 5/10 3 stars
the tracks where he isn't singing are the best part. a lot of sufjan stevens's songs sound a lot alike, but the instrumentals this album had are beautiful. the rockers of the rock river valley region is an example of this. if sufjan stevens made the score for a movie, it would easily be amazing, but his lyricism is where he starts to lose me. UPDATE: i lied actually.the predatory wasp of the palisades is out to get us is maybe the best song on this album. i am about to cry it is so good. i spoke too soon, i think a lot of this album is just lowkey ass because this song is beautiful, UPDATE 2: OKAY I THINK THE FIRST HALF WAS JUST ASSSSS because the second half has me actually happy. this also may be because i finally understand what's going on in chemistry (im studying while listening fyi) but like i am JOYFUL!!! the second half of this album is way better its boosted to a 3 stars. overall its a 3 star experience, but the latter half of this album is maybe 4 dare i say 4.5 stars. the tallest man is giving charlie brown realness okay i finished the album i lied it is a 4 stars it's like a book that starts off shitty but ends off with such a high note you feel like you could conquer god.
Album is absolutely gorgeous, haunting, and emotional. Perfect listen on a gloomy fall day.
Not great, bit too dreamy for me
Pretty heavy for such a light-sounding album. I enjoyed it but it faded into the background after a bit. Again, I am missing out by not listening carefully to the lyrics. Would revisit but a 4 for now
This really wasn't for me. But I could see how others would like it.
This was like music from a cinematic universe. I wasn’t sure where the gel this was going but by Chicago, I was on with it. Dragged on a bit towards the end though
Chicago, no sabía que era de él. Un poco largo el disco. Me gusta más al principio que al final.
Chamber Folk being sweet, repetitive, modern easy listening trip. Okaish Background noice.
Album 521 of 1001 Sufjan Stevens - Illinois (2005) Rating : 3 / 5 Interesting album. One whose "concept" I'll need to go back and pay more attention to. Some awesome instrumentation in the album. A bit of experimentation as many tracks don't seem to follow the dotted lines of a lot of popular music. ___________________________________ Illinois is a 2005 concept album by American singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens. His fifth studio album, it features songs referencing places, events, and persons related to the U.S. state of Illinois. Illinois is Stevens' second based on a U.S. state—part of a planned series of fifty that began with the 2003 album Michigan and that Stevens has since acknowledged was a joke. It was adapted into a musical, Illinoise, in 2023 and, after playing smaller venues, opened at the St. James Theatre on Broadway in April 2024.
Nothing special at all
It helps that he has a quiet voice. It’s cute. A little like a musical. But a pretty good one. It doesn’t all resonate with me, but I appreciate the effort. It’s a nice project. It is too long, though. Tapping out after 12 songs. That’s enough. 4/5
Concerning the UFO sighting near Highland, Illinois - 7/10 the piano intro is so pretty and emotional. although the vocals kicked in a little unexpectedly i still love it a lot. it sounds ethereal The Black Hawk War, or, How to Demolish an Entire Civilization and Still Feel Good About Yourself in the Morning, or, We Apologize for the Inconvenience but You're Going to Have to Leave Now, or, 'I Have Fought the Big Knives and Will Continue to Fight Them Until They Are Off Our Lands! - 7,5/10 intense, just like the title Come On! Feel the Illinoise!" (Part I: "The World's Columbian Exposition" / Part II: "Carl Sandburg Visits Me in a Dream") - 9/10 such a vibe i love it. it gets better the further in the song you go. i also realised this song is perfect to think and do philosophy homework so im gonna do that now John Wayne Gacy, Jr. - 6/10 the beginning feels a little boring. it's a generic sad guitar song, maybe it just feels like that because i haven't heard this song a lot yet. Jacksonville - 8,5/10 i love love love the intro its so good. the rest of the song should be boring to me because of the repetetiveness, but i still love it. A Short Reprise for Mary Todd, Who Went Insane, but for Very Good Reasons - 7,5/10 i forgot to actively listen lmao Decatur, or, Round of Applause for Your Stepmother! - 7/10 unexpected but pretty good Chicago - 7,8/10 its got a really pretty chord progression but idk it feels a little boring over the end of the song Casimir Pulaski Day - 8/10 idk what to say i just think its a good song To the Workers of the Rock River Valley Region, I Have an Idea Concerning Your Predicament, and It Involves Tube Socks, a Paper Airplane, and Twenty-Two Able-Bodied Men - 9/10 it sounds like some sort of melodic soundscape. its so pretty The Man Of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts - 7/10 it goes from energetic to calm. its pretty good :D Prairie Fire That Wanders About 10/10 - such a cool intro, when the vocals start it gets even prettier A Conjunction of Drones Simulating the Way in Which Sufjan Stevens Has an Existential Crisis in the Great Godfrey Maze - 5/10 a little boring idk also not meant to be a song, but as a transition which is pretty good The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out to Get Us! - 7/10 not very different or unique from the rest of the songs, but it's not bad. also the layered vocals at the end of the song sound so pretty They Are Night Zombies!! They Are Neighbors!! They Have Come Back from the Dead!! Ahhhh! - silly title. also the blong bling sounds are very nice with the bass and then the violins are so good ok now i dont feel like giving long commentary on songs anymore ill just decide if i like them or not Let's Hear That String Part Again, Because I Don't Think They Heard It All the Way Out in Bushnell - 6,5 i didnt hear it well enough idk In This Temple as in the Hearts of Man for Whom He Saved the Earth - 7,1/10 The Seer's Tower - 6,5/10 The Tallest Man, the Broadest Shoulders" (Part I: "The Great Frontier" / Part II: Come to Me Only with Playthings Now) - 7,5/10 very cheerful Riffs and Variations on a Single Note for Jelly Roll, Earl Hines, Louis Armstrong, Baby Dodds, and the King of Swing, to Name a Few - 6/10 woah thats one very long note Out of Egypt, into the Great Laugh of Mankind, and I Shake the Dirt from My Sandals as I Run - 8/10 solid way to end an album overall i really loved this album. it has a very unique melancholic and ethereal feel while still sounding fun and catchy on some songs.
Pretty good, a little long, but nice to work to.
Not to my taste, this album really overstayed its welcome. I thiught the songs dull.
One of my favorite albums of all time. Nothing else really to say.
Fantastic! Musically and lyrically and atmospherically a revelation, again. Yet another album from an artist who I’ve heard of but haven’t listened to previously and now will make my way through their oeuvre. Listenable yet affecting from start to finish, Stephens manages to do that thing that true artists do, making the whole more than the seeming sum of the parts.
I really really tried to enjoy this. I read everything I could about its concept album genius. I respect Stevens as an artist. I enjoy his music. But all I could swallow from this one was Casimir Pulaski Day, which I recorded and sang to a friend two years ago because she requested it. I just don't get it. And I don't want to get it. Which reveals my own limitations more than anything. But I think I'll put it in a little box and open it again when I'm 70, and see if it sings to me then.
One of my all-time favourite albums, and one of the best albums of the last 20 years. Is the soundtrack to my early adulthood. Listen to this with the kids in the car so much they know every song off by heart. I love the orchestration- lush at times and then cartoonish and then sombre and then joyful. Amazing that there is a song about Wayne gacy on the same album as a song like Predatory wasp but the whole album is still cohesive and works. I think it’s Sufjan Stevens masterpiece although there’s still several other of his albums that are phenomenal. Every time I listen to this I am blown away by the songwriting. Casinos Pulaski day still gets me every time.. and he takes and he takes and takes.
I heard about this guy and album a lot in the mid 00's as the critics loved him but I never really gave him a try until now. It was ok but nothing I haven't heard a million times before that's not to say I didn't enjoy it I might even listen to it again but it never blew me away just sounded like a million. Other guys with a guitar coming out of America at that time
Sufjan is someone I've heard of plenty but barely ever listened to. This album shows me I should have listened more. I feel like I can just say the album is "beautiful" and leave it at that. I don't know what else to say about it as a whole. Just wow to Chicago. Such a good song. Best on the album. But The Man of Metropolis Steals our Hearts is a real close second.
A bit bland, which came as a surprise considering how fun the song titles are. The lyrics had their moments, and I didn't hate it overall, but I don't think I'd seek it out again. I like the concept of doing state albums but feel it could have been more fun.
Ich bin heute in Illinois in Chicago. Da war ich besonders gespannt, welcher Soundtrack von einem mir unbekannten Sufjan Stevens geboten wird. Nach den ersten Tönen merkt man, dass es jetzt gehobene Kost mit wunderschönen Melodien, Gesängen, Chöre und allen möglichen Instrumente gibt. Harmonisch, kein Ton zuviel, kein Ton zu wenig. Zum Weinen schön. John Wayne ein berühmter Westernheld, wird hier sensibel und zärtlich besungen. Von wegen Illinoise, hier stimmt das Zusammenspiel, auch der Dialog zwischen Blechbläser, Banjo und Geigen, selbst die Chören passen auch unangemeldet. Und Chicago? Was geht ab? Meine Frage stellt sich: Gibt es eine bessere Hymne? Ich verneige mich vor Sufjan Stevens und bedanke mich für die beste Hymne, die je über Chicago geschrieben wurde. Natürlich kenne ich kaum Hymnen über Chicago. Aber was ich heute gehört habe reicht. Alles andere kann jetzt nur verlieren.
I don't love the whole thing, but damn those highs are so high
Favorite track: They are Night Zombies!!! [...]
Idiosyncratic and at times brilliant 3.9
Pleasant enough but not really my thing. One of the songs I thought was an Elbow tune until I heard it on this album. And having never been to Illinois, the 'concept' of this is perhaps somewhat lost on me.
This was a real mixed bag - as most concept albums tend to be. This reminded me of Polyphonic Spree. There's too much Happy Clappiness going off for my liking. The folk elements work best. I still couldn't follow the narrative.
Very calming and relaxing, nice rhythm in all songs. 4.5 thru 5 range
Aw I know this one!
Interesting record, with one song I like a lot (Chicago), but the rest of them are just ok.
9/10. Very clever album that flowed extremely well from song to song. Added 4-5 songs to the playlist as well.
Interesting and sombre album. Not my usual cup of tea but I enjoyed it all the way through.
Bom, mas muito alternativo pra mim
Beautiful and powerful. Casmir Pulaski Day makes me cry every time
Già dalla terza canzone stavo considerando di dare 5 e mamma mia non mi è sceso neanche per un momento. Un bellissimo arcobaleno di strumenti e ritmi, momenti strumentali incantevoli e quando poi partono i cori…wow
Very very good, and of my times.
I was so mesmerised throughout the whole thing!
This reminds me of a tolerable Bright eyes. Beautiful album
Cerramos otra semana de discos o artistas desconocidos. O ambos. Desde la primera canción se nota la voz dulce de Sufjan Stevens, que le da otros toques a las búsquedas musicales de éste laburazo, sumado a los títulos de las canciones: un delirio buenísimo. Muy lindo trabajo, orquestado, folk, indie, lleno de buenas vibras. Me encantó.
Not what I was expecting. Pleasant background indie music, kinda same-y, lost interest about half-way through. 2.5.
This album is respectfully weird, not like Vice Presidential nominee weird, but kind of keeping you wondering what you are going hear next in a good way. I had heard this album way back in the day and enjoyed, though not as much as I did now. To call it theatrical would be an understatement, which is why I imagine it was primed to become the Broadway musical it is. The title track’s upbeat tempo is enlightened, while JWG is what you would expect from a song about a notorious serial killer, which is both fatherly and creepy as hell simultaneously. This is a listen again, at least once to figure out what he’s talking about and once to truly appreciate it!
This is one of my desert island records! Key tracks are Come On! Feel the Illinoise!, Chicago, and They Are Night Zombies. The best way to describe this music is concert band + indie. There really isn't another artist quite like Sufjan. I just wish he'd finish out his 50 states project and make some more coole records. I want a Colorado album. I did see him on the Carrie and Lowell tour. (BTW - Carrie and Lowell should be the Oregon album). He was incredible! It was one of the best shows I've ever seen. We still talk fondly of that show often. Anyway, give me Illinois forever and I'll be happy.
i have always held that sufjan stevens makes music for annoying pretentious gay people. i say this as an annoying pretentious gay person myself, so unfortunately i liked some of the tracks on this
Not really my type, although sometimes it reminds one of the minimalistic pieces by Philip Glass or Steve Reich. But then it wanders of into some kind of not so exciting vocal parts. But still, creative.
Such a beautiful whimsical piece of music. It’s a sprawling, epic whirlwind of full sounds and it’s all wonderfully produced. Emotional and weird at times and Stevens vocals are perfect, the backing vocals really fill things out. They really went all out with the composition, Illinoise is filled to the brim with horns, keys, bells, it’s clear that so much thought and care went into this and that makes it all that more special. What a piece of art. 5 stars
Still waiting for all the other states Sufjan!
This album is fantastic what a find!! this is the type of experience I imagined when I signed up for this 1001 albums conquest. It's so different, it's fresh, the instrumentals match the melodies well, it's off the wall and doesn't make any sense a lot of times, and it will take you for a ride! This is by no means a traditional album and knowing now that Sufjan does soundtracks it makes all the more sense. I quite like this album, almost a 4.5
Interresting album,exactly the kind of music I am doing this for. Never heard it before and will probably never listen to it again but glad I did.
Guess I would've loved it like 15 years ago. its not bad but long and aimless
Really beautiful instruments. Not necessarily music I’d listen to outside of this album but all together it was lovely
Foarte calmant! Nu e stilul meu dar m-am bucurat ca l-am ascultat!
There have been some Sufjan Stevens songs that, in the past, have found their way into my ears and my heart (awww) (seriously, his rendition of O Come O Come Emmanuel makes me tear up a bit) (maybe they were all from the Christmas Album) so I tried to listen to more of his work and it never quite worked out. Maybe because it's mostly not Christmas. Could be. And so I'd never been in the mood for this kinda gooey, pastoral, cutesy but serious music. I might be now & today, though. I'm liking this a lot.
Just average.
The second and last album of his prematurely ended 50 State project. Lovely and earnest baroque and chamber pop. Lots of spiritual themes throughout.
C'mon man, you couldn't fit in a slide whistle?
Not a bad album. There were times I thought this was boring or things sounded the same, but a lot of it was interesting even if it wasn't really my thing. 3/5
Most likely the greatest album of all time. Do I need say more?
Come On! Feel the Illinoise! John Wayne Gacy Jr. Chicago Casimir Pulaski Day
I feel like someone should have said "Hey, you should give Illinois by Sufjan Stevens a listen" to me by now.
This album will always have a special place in my heart because of the personal memories I have of moving to Chicago at the time it came out. But even without that, Sufjan’s delicate aural filigree, his gift for indirect, oblique communication, and the unique soundscapes he presents make this an undoubted 5/5 for me.
I tried to listen to Sufjan Stevens when I was 17 but got bored and never tried again, so this was my first time really listening to him. I don't think I was missing out on much. This album is fine enough, as it's fairly standard indie rock, which I generally love. However, I think the album is a bit bloated, bland, and repetitive, and some of the songs felt like they went on for too long. Overall, I don't feel the need to revisit this album in the future and it hasn't convinced me to listen to more Sufjan Stevens.
Not bad but boring and too long
Interesting.
The back half of this this lags compared to how strong this album starts.
so gorgeous
Impressive, big, yet intimate album. Maybe too jangly at time or repetitive in tone. It's long, be prepared for a journey, not a jaunt.
The album had variety, but was just a bit too long. Not sure it should be on this list as it was just okay.
It was enjoyable and unexpected; however, it seemed a bit long.
You know this could’ve been a 5 if it wasn’t so bleeding long. I thought his voice sounded really nice, same with the songs. It was all very flowing and melodic. The song titles were super weird but that’s whatever. I liked the little instrumental tracks throughout. Did not like that this song was over an hour long. That’s just too long.
it's another album that is interesting.....but will I ever seek it out to listen to again? no. it opened with some interesting sounds (the horns with guitar/banjo), and I appreciated use of different sounds, but then it just rambled on. not a fan of his vocals-the weird whisper/talk is not my style, and I just didn't get the lyrics 2.5
Well, I understand why they made a live musical show out of this as I found myself thinking "I bet this would be cool in person with a full orchestra." I remember listening to this album a few times in college, deeming it overrated, and never listening to it again until now. My older, wizened self likes it much better than my ~21 year-old self did. It still strikes me as a bit highfalutin and artsy-fartsy, but I can't deny how good the composition/orchestration is on this album. I don't love the style, but I definitely appreciate the quality here. This was a nice way to start the day. 4.2
Absolutely stellar record.
Great find
I didn't know what to expect going into this, which is probably why I put it off, I thought Sufjan Stevens was just some guitarist. This was super unique and blew me away in terms of expectations. It was like listening to a movie or play. Very nice.
Ok
Fav: John Wayne Gacy Jr Least Fav: The Black Hawk War, or, How to Demolish an Entire Civilization and Still Feel Good About Yourself in the Morning, or, We Apologize for the Inconvenience but You're Going to Have to Leave Now, or, 'I Have Fought the Big Knives and Will Continue to Fight Them Until They Are Off Our Lands!’
Beautiful. An all time favorite. I would say just about everything Sufjan Stevens does is a masterpiece, and this legendary album may be his absolute biggest one.
86
Never heard him before (that I know of) but I enjoyed the listen! Felt like I should have been watching a movie it was the soundtrack to. I’m not sure that I would listen to this exact album end to end again but I would like to hear more of his music.
Late 2000s just called. This album gave me some huge flashbacks even though I’d never listened to it before. Just the vibes threw me back. Amazing album even though I may have not liked it when it first came out.
Good music with weird vibes kinda good kinda bad
Neat, never heard anything likes this
So clean
such a beautiful album. Truly Sufjan's best work.
First time listening. 7,5/10 but I feel the rating will increase with subsequent listens as there's a lot happening here. Will definitely listen again.
Love Sufjan's creativity and story telling.
Beautiful, enjoyable art with a vision AND execution
Like it. Enough said.
CJ introduced this one to me and I enjoyed it then and have a deeper appreciation for it now. I think part of the draw is understanding Illinois history and connecting the references to the songs. His melodies and music are very unique and different and beautiful. The concept of the album is really cool and turns history into music. I would say some of the references are a little over done and forced and not sure I really enjoy having a song that gives time to Gacy. But overall I enjoyed it and will listen again and again. Favs are Decatur (awesome rhyming) and Jacksonville.
I’m feeling the Illinoise! Let’s face it, Illinois doesn’t get a lot of love, so the fact that this entire album is inspired by it just warms my little heart all up. I was pretty familiar with the album already thanks to my cousin, and we even saw him live around the time of this album. I’d forgotten how beautiful it is. So many of the songs just keep building into these orchestral feeling masterpieces. There’s kind of a magical quality to it. Love!
Beautiful.
I get why people love this. I briefly did. Grew up and can't stand this twee nonsense anymore. Can't deny the man's talent as wussy as his output is. I remember someone describing this as macaroni art, the album. STFU Stevens, Animal Collective, Arcade Fire and the ilk all so highly rated by my contemporaries when I was in my indie 20s. Never really got it. This has no relation to Animal Collective and its still got me thinking about how much I dislike them. Tweeness was a stain on music in the 00's.
Not sure about sufjan. Don't get anything from this.
Meeh, fastna inte direkt för någon men helt ok bakgrundsmusik - tycker dock om hur de strävar mot att vara innovativa, fast tyvärr faller detta försöket lite platt. Bästa låt: Come On! Feel the illnoise
Konstigt album men på typ ett bra sätt. Tyckte inte många låtar stack ut och var asgrymma utan alla låg på samma nivå. Lite halvbra ibland kanske men allt jag fick var goda vibes. Bästa låt: Come on! och They are Night Zombies!!
Hmm vet inte tyckte det var ganska mediokert Bästa låt: Come On! Feel the Illinoise!
Not great. Lame elevator music
Probably wanna relisten. I liked it but wasn’t crazy for me
Not so much a concept album and more of a contrivance album, burdened by irritating vocals and complicated arrangements.
Interesting change from the other albums. Not bad although it is not my prefered style of music. Some nice pieces but not enought to keep my attention for over 70 minutes. "The World's Columbian Exposition Part II...", "Chicago", "The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts" and "They Are Night Zombies!!..." are remarkable for me. 2,5
A fairly good album, it is great to get one that gives a sense of place. My one real knock is that some of the lyrics just don't feel like the same quality as the music. Favorite songs: opening track, "Jacksonville," and "Chicago."
This was the sound of 2005 indie folk-y rock at its absolute zenith. It has everything you could possibly need, a cohesive narrative, both the meta "an album a state" project and indeed the Illinois stories that made up the songs. And for a brief shining moment, it seemed like Sufjan Stevens was your favourite artists favourite artist, even getting name checked songs by Snow Patrol (that felt so mid-2000s to even type), everyone loved it, NPR, Pitchfork, Stereogum, Rolling Stone, and every blogger with a pulse. And, most importantly, it still holds up nearly 20 years later. a true timeless classic.
Beautiful, but a bit too boring for me
Love this album. I listened to it a lot while working on a farm in Scotland so it brings back great memories for me. Love sufjans voice and pretty much every song on this album.
Ended up liking it more than I thought by the end of it. I could see this one growing on me easily. Rating: 3.8
Oh boy, this is going to be a long post :-) 01) Concerning the UFO Sighting near Highland, Illinois - 8,0 02) The Black Hawk War, or, How to Demolish an Entire Civilization and Still Feel Good About Yourself in the Morning, or, We Apologize for the Inconvenience but You're Going to Have to Leave Now, or, 'I Have Fought the Big Knives and Will Continue to Fight Them Until They Are Off Our Lands! - 7,0 03) Come On! Feel the Illinoise! (Part I: The World's Columbian Exposition/Part II: Carl Sandburg Visits Me in a Dream) - 7,5 04) John Wayne Gacy, Jr. - 8,0 05) Jacksonville - 7,0 06) A Short Reprise for Mary Todd, Who Went Insane, but for Very Good Reasons - / 07) Decatur, or, Round of Applause for Your Stepmother! - 6,5 08) One Last 'Whoo-Hoo!' for the Pullman!! - / 09) Go! Chicago! Go! Yeah! - 8,5 10) Casimir Pulaski Day - 7,0 11) To the Workers of the Rock River Valley Region, I Have an Idea Concerning Your Predicament, and It Involves Tube Socks, a Paper Airplane, and Twenty-Two Able-Bodied Men - 6,5 12) The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts - 7,5 13) Prairie Fire That Wanders About - 6,5 14) A Conjunction of Drones Simulating the Way in Which Sufjan Stevens Has an Existential Crisis in the Great Godfrey Maze - / 15) The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out to Get Us! - 6,5 16) They Are Night Zombies!! They Are Neighbors!! They Have Come Back from the Dead!! Ahhhh! - 7,0 17) Let's Hear That String Part Again, Because I Don't Think They Heard It All the Way Out in Bushnell - / 18) In This Temple as in the Hearts of Man for Whom He Saved the Earth - / 19) The Seer's Tower - 6,5 20) The Tallest Man, the Broadest Shoulders (Part I: The Great Frontier/Part II: Come to Me Only with Playthings Now) - 6,5 21) Riffs and Variations on a Single Note for Jelly Roll, Earl Hines, Louis Armstrong, Baby Dodds, and the King of Swing, to Name a Few - / 22) Out of Egypt, into the Great Laugh of Mankind, and I Shake the Dirt from My Sandals as I Run - 5,5 TOTAL: 7,00 (70/100) Current ranking: 157/241 So, I spent an entire album reading about John Wayne Gacy. Some songs managed to grab my attention, but I think most didn't. "Chicago" is my favorite, it goes on my playlist. I'm going back to reading, I think Gacy is about to be arrested.
The first Sufjan Stevens I ever listened to and still my favourite
I'm still blown away by the songs and the performances on Illinois.
cool fresh
I don't know shit about Illinois, but I always thought Chicago was full of crazy sport fans that like getting drunk and into fights. Not really a good soundtrack for that. Apparently there is a lot of other interesting history and things going on other then sports. The music is very 2000's indie pop stuff, it's epic and corny. I grew up with stuff like this, so it's very comfortable to listen to.
This is a dope album
Picture the classic Mothers of Invention albums such as “Absolutely Free” or “We’re Only In It for the Money” or maybe even “Apostrophe.” Now adjust it to something more serious, more epic, and more poetic. That’s what this album is like, maybe. This surely isn’t for everyone but it displays tremendous talent. If you’re prone to skip, at least slow down and take in “Casimir Pulaski Day,” which is not very much about Casimir Pulaski Day.
One of my Favourites
4/10
Wow, a nice follow-up to the Nick Drake album yesterday! I’ve listened to and enjoyed this before; some tracks aren’t as strong as the rest, but the ones that are good are very good. I think the rich instrumentals and interesting lyrics save this from being overly sweet/twee, though I can see how others might see it that way. For me, there’s a lot here I’ll continue to return to. Favorite tracks: Concerning the UFO Sighting…, Casimir Pulaski Day, They Are Night Zombies!! , The Seer’s Tower
Don’t like his voice so much as I like the instrumentals
This album runs long and I prefer a bit of edge in my music, but its light fare is not an unpleasant listen.
I’m a millenial who dug deep into the hipster aesthetic. I can’t be unbiased. 5/5
good
Oiii deze stond nog op mijn luister lijst, maar nooit aan begonnen Echt een Fantano album, lekker indie singer-songwriter Ik vond m wel nice, blij dat ik deze eindelijk geluisterd heb
top album, echt heel leuk, ga hem zeker nog wel keer luisteren, mooie titels ook
ja wel leuk
Well isn't this album just so precious. What a sensitive and thoughtful exploration of.. the emotions of... the midwest.. I guess? This concept album is pretentious and boring as hell, emotions presented like a breadstick under a faucet, so soft & fragile they're completely unappealing as they wash away. I was always skeptical about this guy and now I know why my intuition was right. Glad I stayed away from this sad sack of shit. The pretention is laid on pretty thick, like he thinks he's being sooooo clever at every twist and turn of this album. For instance, if he wants to write a chapter of a book for every title of a song just be a novelist, then, god it's insufferable. Sonically as well, like in the "Man of Metropolis Who blah blah whatever..." where he bait & switches with a blistering fuzz pedal intro set to volume 10, just to cut it for the entire rest of the song. As if he's subverting expectations by using a "rock guitar" ironically. Not saying you can't be a brainy little art school fucker in music, but at least give some real substance here. The only time he lands is when he stays in a straightforward lane, such as the twang of "Jacksonville" or the refined groove of "They Are Night Zombies!!.... blah blah". Even then, however, this guy does not pull off "down home" or "funky" authentically whatsoever. There's nothing wrong with pondering or being sad, but what the hell are you going to do with it?
really cool album, really important for the 2000s, i really enjoyed it, really different structure to what i’ve heard before
Jesus Christ. It’s writerly, high concept, really self-indulgent, and so long I started to resent it and turned it off.
I quite often enjoy stuff that is off-putting, but not for 70+ minutes.
Meh. Not worth the hours of listening. Did nothing for me
I just can't with this. 2 stars.
2 the album sounded fine but I just couldn’t wait for it to end. It’s art for arts sake made to fool hipsters
non avevo mai ascoltato niente di Sufjan Stevens ma mi aspettavo grandi cose, e non sono stata delusa. è davvero bello e delicato e intricato e si sentono tutti gli strumenti, ed è davvero interessante. la pecca è la lunghezza e il punto a favore è il fatto che Sufjan abbia suonato tutti gli strumenti da solo. genio. un quattro meritato, se fosse stato un pelo più corto sarebbe stato un cinque assicurato.
Bravo, mi è piaciuto molto di più di Javelin (che è l’unico altro album che ho ascoltato suo) Un po’ lunghetto tuttavia
Comunque Chicago di Sufjan Stevens è il progenitore di End of Beginning di Djo: qualcuno ha detto malinconia per la città di Chicago? A parte questo, ragazzi, ma di che stiamo parlando? Delicato, profondo, sperimentale al punto giusto. Bello bello. 5/5 così, bam.
Già dalla terza canzone stavo considerando di dare 5 e mamma mia non mi è sceso neanche per un momento. Un bellissimo arcobaleno di strumenti e ritmi, momenti strumentali incantevoli e quando poi partono i cori…wow.
I think it was pretty good if I remember right hehe
Different…first reference to Stephen Douglas I’ve heard.
better if it weren’t a “concept” album and some filler but overall liked it better than when it was new
It's very easy to be intimidated by the long and zany titles, however, you'll have to push that aside in order to listen to this album. This was very fun to listen to because of the many references to my home state, Illinois. I came to this with high expectations and they were met. I found the most important thing about this album to be the lyrics, especially in the song Casimir Pulaski Day. They were very touching and well written. Overall, this was a good album.