Illinois

Peak early 2000s hipster music, but in a good way. Very artistic music, great instrumentation. Calming vocals. Not my cup of tea on the daily, but can respect the artistry. Little too long

This album has really beautiful soundscapes that blend seamlessly from track to track. However, none of the individual tracks really stood out to me, but I could definitely listen again (especially on a road trip). I've always been told to listen to Sufjan, but I've never gotten around to it. I hear how it reverberates through later music I'd heard (e.g., San Fermin's eponymous debut), maybe a variety of "chamber pop" - and love the brass horns.

I admit to not really being able to get into Sufjan's style ever in my years since hearing about the guy. After years of associating "Chicago" with a pretty rough relationship back in high school it was hard for me to hear these songs without immediately dismissing them for one reason or another. Sufjan falls into the camp of music that sounds like it's made for the stage, made for a "show" so to speak. That is a camp of music that is so hard for to mesh with (as I have written about now in numerous reviews). However, this time upon listening I realized how naive I was to just write this off and never give it an honest shot. So this album review club gave me a chance to try it. And man I am glad I did. This album is a masterpiece. So many stories that go deep into the history of Illinois, so much creative musicianship, so many beautiful little moments (one of my favorite tracks is "John Wayne Gacy, Jr." talk about a beautiful moment about something so disgustingly terrible). From start to finish there are tracks that seem deliberate, tracks that contribute to the Illinois ethos. I admittedly only listened once with a few songs on in the background while cooking, but even that one single time is enough for me to realize the importance of this album. It's works like this one that most definitely belong on this list. This album can be enjoyed by damn near anyone and DESERVES to be listened to by damn near everyone given the amount of effort Sufjan clearly put into it. This dude is on a whole nother level. 5/5 from me.

This was so different from anything I’ve listened to in a long time. So innovative. I had heard about the end of the John Wayne Gacy song, but still wasn’t ready for it — here’s an artist who is fully in touch with the reality of his human nature.

So great! Absolutely loved the sound and I have nearly no complaints, especially with how cohesive it feels as an album.

Joey said it best in several texts to me today: 12:38p OK musically this album is super well done but i feel like I’m watching schoolhouse rock or something 12:47p John Wayne Gacy, Jr. damn. What a beautiful and dark track 12:56p Ok maybe this album is extremely epic and is one of the most important singer songwriter works of the 21st century 5/5

I mean. It's spectacular. Ambitious. An artist who took the idea of "concept album" and ran so hard his legs fell off. Insane to think that he wanted to do one of these for each of the 50 States. It's too long! But... damn. Small sacrifice for such a complete work.

Illinois is lush with instrumentation and literate lyrics. Without demystifying the breath and depth of topics Sufjan covers, often grandiose anthems about petty statehood historical trivialities, it would be neglectful to not mention "Casimir Pulaski Day". The song offers a heart wrenching tale about a girl with bone cancer, augmented with only Stevens' raw emotion and a banjo. "John Wayne Gacy, Jr." which is a ballad about a serial killer, is performed with somber finger picked guitar. Its muted narrative offers no defense for this murderer's exploits. But suddenly at the end of the song, Stevens muses, "And in my best behavior/I am really just like him," a heart wrenching admission. With that said, there is the unshakable feeling that those song titles, as long as they are, come off as a pretentious artist decision. I can't give it a perfect score singlehandedly because of it. In addition, the 74min runtime is a fair endurance test. Both are minor nitpicks. But it remains amazing. A singer/songwriter achievement.

I first heard Sufjan Stevens with his Michigan album and was intrigued by the concept of an album for every US state and wondered how far he'd get (spoiler alert: he didn't get very far). It's a shame he didn't get beyond Illinois, but what he did accomplish with this album was quite an achievement. Michigan was a really good record and Illinois was even better with even more focus and detail in the lyrics about the state and the music continued to impress. The music is beautiful and lavishly performed with orchestrated details that are beyond anything I expected from an indie performer and he explores many genres with much competence. Illinois is one of my favourite states and he does it justice with a near-great album.

Immaculate

Vibe of soothing melodies with 'spoken word' dead pan lyrical delivery. Starts with American cultural references which was off putting/ hard to vibe to, but transitioned to more personal tragedy with twinge of ironic humor. Melody consistently good throughout.

Sympatiskt OCH allmänbildande! Och den bästa låten om John Wayne Gacy.

Carrie and Lowell is one of the most personal works I've ever listened to, but this one here has been always a pending account. The time has come though.

This shit is ethereal. So so beautiful, well put together, and just perfect. So many little hidden piece of information in the lyrics. The pipes, drums, guitars, keys, the background singers, all of it just perfectly working harmonising gracefully together making the best of the best music. THIS is what theatre kid music is and its brilliant. It almost made me feel sad and almost cry of John Wayne Gacy, but then quickly reminded me of his atrocities, whiplashing me in feelings. Easily has become one of my favourite albums and I will check out more of his stuff. 10/10

3.75

pajero

Forgot about the JWG song. That's wild.

27th January 2023 Listened while driving to B&Q for wood, won poker on Friday at Jake’s. Hog’s wedding over the weekend. Sounds like a ballet, or a more classically composed collection. Flurries and whisps around Sufjan’s lovely vocals.

This album is fucking marvelous

Didnt know what this was about, a range of eccentric film score sounding songs. Odd little refernces and whimisical soinds but very enjoyable

I found this a bit dull, the interesting parts (there were quite a few) got a bit lost by the end

Really enjoyed this one.

I tried listening to this several times in the past few days, each time I just can't be arsed with it. Rest of our group seems to like it, I must be missing that hook in. 2.5

Melodisch, Vibraphone, Klavier. Alternative

illinoisesque konsepti... herra laittanut maantieteellistä tutkimusta musiikin muotoon, meikä tykkää heh... vitunmoist orkesteria, sävellystä prykänny pystyyn.. valitettavasti indie biisinumerot heittää alas kahdella pykälällä. ei voi muuta tehdä kuin valituksen, sufjan siis...heh the workers of the rock river valley region

amazing…so good. put my in a meditative state.

too noisy for me, meh I prefer simpler music

sufjan stevens' illinois is very dense. i get that's kind of the standard for his indie folk music, but i can't really say i enjoyed much of it. i did find it varied. "jacksonville" started off with the most beautiful violins, but then we have a banjo quickly thrown into the mix. quite a lot of instruments were included. it's lyric heavy in the sense that it's so hard to focus when stevens is coming at you with so much. while i enjoy concept albums, it's just *too much* at the end of the day.

Oh god. I saw this album come up and I knew I was in for it. I know a bit about Sufjan Stevens, but I mostly know about his song from this album, Casimir Pulaski Day, otherwise known as one of the saddest songs I have ever heard. That song struck me as profound the first time I ever heard it, and it has stuck with me for so many years through no attempts of my own. While not as sad, turns out much of the rest of the album is plenty melancholy, too. I guess that's indie folk for you. Still, this album is incredibly peaceful in parts, and without being boring; it comes with intriguing vocalizations and lyrics on Sufjan's part that make the whole thing fairly whimsical. Bizarre instrumentations also dance across the already strange sounds -- horns often stand out, which is a unique and odd decision. At times, this feels like listening to a classic poet, but in song form. The real rub for me here is that it drew on too long and started to get old.

At first I thought it was slow, then there were some catchy lines here and there. Third time through I sat and read the lyrics of the songs. So much better now. Interesting songs, nice orchestral interludes. Standouts: Go! Chicago! Go! Yeah!, Casimir Pulaski Day, John Wayne Gacy Jr. 3.5/5

First time hearing this one. Never heard of Sufjan Stevens before. The album is fine. I think it will take time to get to know it better. For now, it's a 2.5

Sufjan Stevens makes timeless music that manages to be super clean but full-sounding at the same time. Chicago is one of my favorite songs.

Didn't hold my attention enough to want to finish it, but I did. Started with some fairy promising tracks but it kind of devolved into stomp stomp clap banjo Mumford and sons early 2010s "indie" sounding shlock.

Weird but beautiful, recognized a few songs

Wow. Imagine if Sufjan had done this 50 times.

As soon as I saw those song titles I was apprehensive. They’re so long and pretentious, and I am no longer a 13 year old Panic at the Disco fan who likes that. But anyway, I was mostly pleasantly surprised. Musically, this was so interesting and I can definitely see why it was so well-received and considered so ambitious. I did a little reading on the concept which helped me understand it a little too. It was enjoyable enough, but nothing really “stuck” with me or perked my ears up, besides perhaps the second half of the second track which was very poppy. Chicago is also a great track. I was also way too long for me. But if I hear it playing in a coffee shop (it has big coffee shop vibes) at least I’ll know what I’m listening to.

Chicago is obviously the highlight, but there are lots of little gems throughout. Very enjoyable listen. 4/5

It was really good. Serial killer song makes me think someone should check his yard.

Pretty and Sad. John Wayne Gacy song is creepy. SAAAAD. JFC. Pretty though.

This a very generic and bland album. Some songs can stand alone for a while, but as an album, everything just drips to the ground at the speed of molasses.

Thought this was going to be another new artist to me, turns out I’d heard a few songs from this album. I enjoyed listening to it!

A bit slow and meandering for my tastes, but Chicago remains an extremely powerful song

Christian rock for people who buy artisan maple syrup.

Honestly thought this was one of those lone guy with guitar deals... Hugely surprised by the sound of this album, very varied and at times pretty massive. Enjoyed it way more than I thought, good stuff!

It was boring.

Beautiful, original and hilarious. But its a bit long innit A great record.

Jacksonville er en klar fav hitill. Banjoklimpring er jo noe. Vel... det er nok en grunn til at dette har vært så mye eksponert for meg, men aldri ble lyttet på. Det er helt allright etter min mening.. men ikke noe jeg kommer til å kjøpe eller lytte mer på. Tror jeg. Hvem vet med slike album.

Calm jazz-folk, interesting and weird song titles.

coffee house schmaltz. not for me.

This pretty excellent. I’ve never heard of him and I’m glad I have now. The composition and song writing here is fantastic, easy to listen to, and highly enjoyable. He plays a lot of these instruments and can sing well. It’s all interesting. I don’t think it’s sing along or something you end up memorizing the lyrics but you still like to listen to it.

idontknow

Love this album, so full of musical variation and meditative lyrics.

Slow start but it definitely grew on me. Will listen again.

Not my vibe but enjoyed it

Bosh

This album did not sound at all like I was expecting based on the cover art.

This is a wonderful album. Each to their own and if you prefer loud Indy, Rapping or Thrash then I suggest this isn't for you. It's quiet, introverted and orchestral in places. I like Indy, Rappers and Thrash but I also like this.

Some really interesting unusual folk. I'll definitely be revisiting this

one of my favorite albums ever, love the production and the lyrics are amazing

Song #3 was good

Used to listen to this in highschool

Yeah it’s good but not as good as men on hinge make it out to be.

I wish I could find the proper words to express why this album rubbed me the wrong way, but I can't—potentially because Stevens used all the words for song titles like "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!'" and "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." If those titles elicit an eye roll from you, then there's a decent chance you'll find his music similarly tiresome. It's not all bad; there are some great musical arrangements, with strings and woodwinds and some brass peppered in. But the lyrics (and eye roll-inducing song titles) that accompany the music often feel like they're coming from a newly-minted college student home for the holidays and eager to show off their expanded consciousness—a bit pompous and somehow simultaneously self-aware and oblivious at the same time. I guess I can see why some people might be into that, but it's all just a bit much for my taste.

Indy rock that reminds me of a cheesy version of Vampire Weekend. I'm not a fan of polished overly produced soft rock. A miss for me.

вроде ничего, но не привыкла к его стилю, надо долго вслушиваться

Just a beautiful album with so much depth, hooks and range.

Not much to say about this album, since it's been a while in between my listening and my review, but I've enjoyed this album every time I listened to it 4/5

One of my favourite albums, just fantastic

Listened Before? N This seems like an art project for this guy. Of course, I'm a sucker for a concept album, but I prefer mine to tell a story. I just don't really know what to say about this music. Parts of it are unique and charming, parts of it are droning and unremarkable. I do love the cover, as a former Chicagoan as well. I think we're just going to go with a confused 3 and call it good on this one. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Chicago

I’ve been to Illinois. It’s not this boring.

couldn’t finish this one… not that it sounds bad just that it’s sad and a bit boring. sounds kinda like music from coralline mixed with music from a sad hallmark movie. thought the song about the girl dying of cancer was anti religious, turns out it is religious didnt like that. liked the one about john wayne that was kinda cool and the writing was rlly good. second time in a row i’ve encountered religious albums don’t like that. overall got a bit more than halfway through and don’t know how i’m gonna rate this one tommorow, depends on my mood.

pussy album

First time listening to Sufjan Stevens given I was 17 when this album came out that is a surprise to me. Maybe Iv been living under a rock or he wasn’t that big in the U.K. On first listen this one kinda just got lost in the background. A few more and Iv started to appreciated it a lot more. But still not fully clicked with me. But has now intrigued me to want to listen again, so this may be re rated in the future.

Based on the album cover, name, art, and track list I was expecting humorous parody but not looking forward to it. I was wrong. It is an earnest and pretty concept album about Illinoise. Bursting with ideas, charm, and cinematic energy. I wish I liked it more than I actually do. Extra star for the tracks, like track 11, that remind me of Rockford Illinois' own Phantom Regiment.

Meh not my vibe

Tedious, so tedious. Wouldn't mind it in the background, though.

Way cooler than expected. Nice.

I adore this album, everything about it is just utterly gorgeous.

A really fun one. It's totally all over the place lyrically, but sonically it really makes the most of using a similar sound for much of it. The lyrics are really beautiful and silly at times which keeps it very interesting as well. 7/10

Un grato descubrimiento.

An eclectic masterpiece. I'll die salty that the 50 States project was just a publicity gimmick

An album that a music nerd would love, why the long titles Sufjan, the music itself is very beautiful, but too many songs, so the listening is difficult in one sitting, his voice is good and the songwriting is nice so i did walk away with a few tunes Fav songs John wayne gacy Chicago Casimir Pulaski Day The Predatory Wasp 6/10

Beautiful poetic lyrics sung with a wonderful harmonic voice. Lush arty melodies and arrangements. Over and hour long but flows by effortlessly.

Not sure if it was a mood music think, but I did not enjoy this listen. They are Night Zombies!! Is the only song I kinda enjoyed, but nah on the album.

Många bra minnen med denna skiva Age of Adz tho

Chill pillrat

Beautiful :) strong 4

Vissa av låtarna är väldigt fina och bland det bästa jag hört, vissa är överdrivet storslagna och tråkiga, vissa bara okej. Michigan är mycket bättre!

So his plan was to write an album about each state. I wonder if anybody who isn't  American thinks that's a good idea.  We all had school assignments requiring us to write about people and events that we researched in history books, but getting an A on a school project is not the same as being able to write song lyrics about the topics. He does this brilliantly. The music on the other hand is a little too dreamy for me. --

This is a difficult one to get a handle on. The compositions and arrangements (especially the choir and strings) are innovative and draw on a lot of styles - I had to wait 15 songs to hear the Michael Nyman influence one of the critics referred to. A lot of research went into the lyrics and Stevens plays a whole bunch of instruments. I can appreciate this, though I'm not going to play it over and over. A very ambitious project.

I would have to say that Sufjan Stevens is my favourite indie artist. And although he has quite a few doozies out there, Illinoise is probably my favourite album of his. His brand of chamber indie pop is marked by quirky lyrics, weird time signatures and the judicious use of horns, strings and vocal choir that produces a chaotic disjointed sound, but somehow it all flows together so well. Like a good wine with complex notes and multiple layers his music may take a few listenings to get into your head, but once it does, its remarkable.

Htjela sam ga poslusat par puta da se uvjerim da je petica.

Uh.

This was pleasant and pretty interesting, though I probably wouldn't listen again.

Much like the composer Philip Glass, you either have the patience to bear the music out and be rewarded, or you don't and move on to other stuff. I'm moving on.

Joy! Loved this when it came out and although very long, it had some excellent song writing.

Brilliant

sounds alright, it's very calming. I like heavy stuff tho so its not for me. the titles are interesting too lmao. i also like the album cover and it makes me sad.

Great album. Great lad. He clearly loves Jesus very much!

Lovely times were had

Shits ass. Borin

Not for me

The quintessential indie album. It has that uplifting, life-affirming feeling that good indie albums are known for Favorite was probably The Tallest Man, which was in 11/8 incidentally. I actually thought it was a great and interesting listen, but I don’t know if I desire to hear it again, so I’m not sure what to rate it.

excellent album. Definitely want to listen some more to this one.

Liked the instrumentals, not so much Stevens’ voice.

It’s good and hard to categorize. Very chill

Really beautiful, will certainly listen to more of his music. His singer sometimes reminded me of Belle&Sebastian, their melancholic songs.

Love his music.

Big meh

Too many instruments, too many songs, not enough interesting ideas to back it up.

Started out a bot weird and eventually o connected with the vibe of the album. A grower. Kinda wanna see if it grows more on me.

Unique

Calming

I think I've always liked the idea of Sufjan Stevens more than the music. There's a song on Michigan that I really love. Chicago and John Wayne Gacy, Jr. are standouts on this one. But in the end, it always fades into the background and sounds samesy after a while.

I can't help but applaud the scope and vision Stevens demonstrates on Illinois; it bespeaks of a winning restlessness. The big problem here is that Illinois could do with some pruning. Over the course of seventy-something minutes I could be charmed, but also bored. I think of other concept albums I like, and how they are often unfairly maligned as sprawling or lacking in discipline. Often that's not the case - but the charges stick here, to a degree. I wish the whole 'one album per state' bobbins wasn't a joke - would've loved to have heard Stevens taking on Kansas.

Buena sucesión de canciones pop con ritmos relajados y voz tranquilizadora. No pasará a la historia, pero es bueno para escuchar en momentos en los que queramos algo de relax

The first song is my favorite.

Awesome album. Lyrics add another dimension to the sound but I don’t usually listen that way so 4 for me.

The buzz about this album, and Sufjan in general was insufferable. His navel gazey music sucks and so does this album. Even the "hit", Chicago is just one long chorus with a single break down.

The mid-late aughts were the absolute peak of indie rock and this album is a perfect example. A TITAN of the genre. So much instrumental variety but all so beautiful with witty, deep lyrics throughout.

Kind of sad, didn't really know what was going on

I imagine this is what a Musical Theatre Kid’s favourite album sounds like.

Hadn’t listened to this one forever. Love!!!

Soft, cutesy, quirky album. A lot of it sounds like it would fit in during the final scene of movies like Little Miss Sunshine or Juno, where all the conflicts are resolved and everyone is content. If Jessica Day (from New Girl) had a favorite album, this would probably be it. Long album (1 hr, 15 min). Not sure what to give it. It’s not bad by any means, but it just doesn’t really fit the soundtrack of my daily life I guess.

Me and my band wouldn’t dare make an album with a run time of 1hr 31mins.

I would be gutted if someone made a concept album based on where i'm from and it sounded like this.

Sorry lads but I liked this album. I’ve not really heard anything like it before. I listened to it twice because on first listen nothing really clicked but I found it interesting enough for another go. I enjoyed it.

This is the quintessential Sufjan Stevens album

I mostly hate long albums with few exceptions but this was very enjoyable (still a bit long though). All these songs have such long, odd names. The production is so good, the whole album sounds pretty and I love the horns. I really liked the outro. I think this album is good but I can absolutely see why people would dislike it. I’ll probably listen to it again in the future, but not anytime soon. Favorites: Come On!, Chicago, The Man of Metropolis Album Cover: Felt the Illinoise 4/5

I liked it

Sufjan fait n'importe quoi tout du long mais s'en sort admirablement bien. On regrettera simplement les quelques crachats et invectives lancées par celui-ci à l'égard de malheureux passants au fil de l'écoute.

Ce pâle clone de Cat Stevens nous offre un album long comme le sexe nouvellement dressé de Muddy Waters (voir review sur Hard Again), cela ne prend malheureusement pas avec moi.

Love it but I do tend to lose focus after Casimir Pulaski Day. A lot of the musical themes repeat much like listening to symphony or concept album.

som bem produzido, mas não empolgou tanto

Very beautiful! Many vibes (i like it) loved the 3rd track!

I can appreciate the talent it takes to do this. But my wheelhouse doesn’t go this deep. It’s to shallow to have room for this. I made it half way through. Most highly acclaimed album of 2005. I don’t get it personally.

Meh

Very different from what I’m used to listening to but it still has some cool moments. The “John Wayne Gacy” song is interesting.

It's just not my thing.

Reminds me of 1970s Genesis. That is not a good thing.

Another of my favourite albums, but I'll try and give it a closer listen to see if I hear anything fresh... Wow, I'm really glad I did give it a full and fresh listen, because I just realised that I've been neglecting the second half of the album for a while now. I had forgotten how beautiful "The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades" and "The Tallest Man..." are. Not to mention the last song, which was weirdly the first song I ever listened to from this album, on my sister's iPod shuffle if I remember correctly! There are too many fantastic songs ( and their titles are too damn long) on this album for me to list them all here. But I will say that Jacksonville, Decatur, and Casmir Pulaski Day are some of my favourite songs ever. I often get snippets from these songs (and others from this album) randomly stuck in my head as I go about my day. The instrumentation, vocals and harmonies throughout the album are all delightful. The historical references in the lyrics are so specific that its often hard to get the full meaning without looking things up, but that just adds another element for me. Over all a perfect 10 album, in my opinion.

Great one!

Love it!

Weirder than expected, lots of themes, enjoyable.

I’ve tried several times with this record over the years but I just don’t hear anything in it. Self indulgent whisper/mumbling over about a thousand miserable songs. Coffee table music for people who wear white socks.

Rating: 4.3 Best Track: They are Night Zombies!! They are Neighbors!! They Have Come Back from the Dead!! Ahhhh!

The lyrics and concept of the album is brilliant and the arrangements fit the songs really well. I liked this one

Wow. Didn’t realize the whole album was this good.

Great

I not really like this stuff

Really enjoyed this whole album. Light chill music with a variety of instruments. stevens has a great soft voice. I liked the use of the piano and flute

Amazing

Pff heel filmisch maar een beetje hitchcock-vibes, maar dan vrolijk. Wel duidelijk oud, rijk maar poeh wel chaotisch en ik kan de stem niet zo goed waarderen, zo beatles-zangerig. Net iets te hoog wat mij betreft. Je moet het een keer ervaren hebben, maar een beetje herkenning ervan in de toekomst is goed, ik ga hem niet uit mezelf nog eens luisteren.

- Already own on vinyl - Best Sufjan album - Top 10 album of 21st century

Sadly goated. Sounds like you're in a small town in the corn fields of Illinois

good

Amazing folk album that paints a tapestry of

At first, this sounded like gimmick-y children's music. But it grows on you.

It was cool

A nice album that made me feel a wide range of emotions. However some parts are a bit bland.

4.0 + This album was the critical darling of its day and I dutifully put it in my regular rotation for a couple of months. My only takeaway from all that listening is "Chicago" with its soaring and achingly sad chorus ("all things go/know/grow"). Revisiting this record years later, I can see why I left with an overall positive impression but with a cloudy memory of its details. "Chicago" is one of the few deeply personal and introspective moments. Much of the rest is either: a) songs about Chicago history like the World's Fair that sound like they belong in a student-written high school musical, b) lovely instrumentals with a vaguely "old time-y" feel. Not to say that any of this is bad, and in small doses it's charming. But mostly I find it a little too quirky. I'd also share just one other (small) criticism and that's with the album cover. It's silly looking and doesn't do the album justice. And WHY the awful Quiet Riot pun ("Come on feel the Illinoise")?? Oh and (I actually will add one more gripe) why such long song titles?? I hate those, too.

One of the albums of all time PREFS: TOUT MOINS PREF: RIEN

I'm so confused. 2/5

A more arty Death Cab for Cutie. Must be one of Beirut's influences. Very enjoyable apart from some bland, simpler pop songs. (3.8)

I hated this album in high school, though it was too twee. Either I matured or the album got way better. Super-lush, impeccably produced, surprisingly fun.

Good background music.

Way too long, boring hipster garbage

Varied and interesting.

Interesante... por momentos super "Beatles", por momentos medio jazz, sinfónico... se deja escuchar muy bien para trabajar. Va generando diferentes climas a medida que avanza el disco.

nice low key, interesting, music

Muy bueno. Fav: "Chicago". 4-5

A gorgeous indie album that doesn't sound like it's trying to sell me clothing (a rarity in the 00s indie scene). There's a wide swath of instruments on here, and it almost makes it feel like it's a stage play. It also sounds like it'd be a wonderful road trip record. That being said, it loses a little steam at the end and could've made due with some fat-trimming. Favorite tracks: "Casimir Pulaski Day", "Chicago", "Jacksonville", "John Wayne Gacy, Jr."

This is pretty good. Sufjan experiments widely with textures, rythyms, and instrumentation to make an indie darling of an album. Reminds me of the genre fluid soup sounds of the 1960s.

A 21st century singer-songwriter! Wow, so recent. - Concerning the UFO Sightings Near Highland, Illinois – It’s got a nice lo-fi feel, and he’s not singing as off-key as many indie singers, so I’d digging this so far. Piano and flute is a unique combo. This doesn’t overstay its welcome either. Is nice. - The Black Hawk War – An instrumental representation of the wars between US and Native Americans, and the atrocities therein. It’s not a pleasant listen with the dissonance and weird instrumental combos. Later parts of the song once the brass and drums come in are better, but still not my fave. - Come On, Feel the Illinoise – A 6:45 track in two parts. Piano and drums make this a peppier song. First part is about the World Fair in Chicago, and the tension between art and commerce. A decent concept, but not really something I’d go back and listen to. Part II (“Carl Sandburg Visits Me in a Dream) is a reflection on his own art and commercialization. Overall, it’s a conceptually interesting track, that isn’t quite to my taste. - John Wayne Gacy Jr. – The story of a Chicago born serial killer and rapist. Messed up, but interesting. In particular, the attitude is very much “but for the grace of God, there go I”, showing the banality of his childhood and the contrast between the upstanding image he had in the community and the horrific nature of their crimes. Another interesting track, though there are parts of the writing I don’t like, and much like Nirvana’s Polly, it’s not at all a pleasant listen. - Jacksonville – An ode to Jacksonville, Illinois, a major stop on the Underground Railroad, location of a school for the deaf and blind, and somewhat ironically named after Andrew Jackson, who himself was simultaneously a figure of generosity (providing cheese and alcohol to the public) and oppression (with the Trail of Tears). It’s kinda boring to listen to, though. - A Short Reprise for Mary Todd, Who Went Insane, but for Very Good Reason – An instrumental track, dedicated to First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln. - Decatur, or a Round of Applause for Your Stepmother! – An ode to both Decatur (where Lincoln lived) and his stepmom, who he hated as a child, for no particularly good reason. The connection is that she took them to Decatur on a trip one time. It’s decent. - One Last “Whoo-hoo” For the Pullman – It’s 7 seconds of clapping and a woohoo for planned community Pullman - Chicago – A somewhat autobiographical song about hard times he experienced in Chicago and New York seeking freedom. It’s a pretty good song. Too long though by a bit. - Casimir Pulaski Day – Depiction of the death of a close female friend and the crisis of faith it caused in him. It’s an interesting track that is both a celebration of a loved ones life as well as touching on doubt and belief. This is an odd one to place, because I think objectively it’s the best song on the album, but it’s not one I think I’d casualliy listen to? - To the Workers of Rock River Valley Region, I have an idea concerning your predicament, and it involves an inner tube, bath mats, and 21 able bodied men – Yes, that is the title. It’s a decent instrumental. - The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts – It’s about Superman…or something??? The contrast between the intro/chorus and verses is jarring. I don’t get it. Some people apparently take it as a gay song, btu I don’t see that at all. - Prairie Fire that Wanders About – It’s an ode to Peoria Illinois. No lead vocals, just choir. Not my fave. - A Conjunction of Drones… - Ok, no way am I writing that title out. The title says it is simulating an existential crisis. Sure, why not. - The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades is Out to Get Us – Depicts painful childhood memories of a close “best friend” (probably a lover from the rest of the song) who he lost. It’s a really nice song. Really complex juxtaposition of the romantic attraction to a male friend and the religious experience of a Methodist camp. Probably the best crafted song, though not quite my favorite. - They are Night Zombies… - What are these song titles, man?!?!?! I don’t get this one. It seems to be about Illinois’ past, but I don’t get the tone or message or whatever it’s conveying. - Let’s Hear That Strong Part Again – Short instrumental - In this Temple As in the Hearts of Man For Whom He Saved the Earth – Short instrumental - The Seer’s Tower – Seems to be talking about the Apocalypse. Whether it’s literal or literary isn’t quite clear. Very artistic. Too artsy for me in fact. - The Tallest Man, the Broadest Shoulders – Another two-part track. Part 1 is “The Great Frontier”. It’s a much more lighthearted piece than much of the album. Almost has a Peanuts feel. Mostly seems to be about the attitude of the frontier that drove early America, and the subsequent settling and commercialization of American life. Part II is “Come to Me Only With Playthings Now” and seems to be an ode to all the great events and figures of Illinois. It’s overall a pretty good track. I like the build up in Part II quite a bit, though I’m less fond of Part 1. - Riffs and Variations on a single note… - Short instrumental. Not my favorite. - Out of Egypt… - Another instrumental to finish things off. Not really my thing. An interesting and artistic album from a singer-songwriter I’d never heard before. Explores a variety of interesting themes from faith and doubt, to lost loved ones, to romantic attraction, to seeking personal freedom, family, and more. I like the more personal/autobiographical songs a lot better than the ones that are just generally an ode to Illinois, cause it ain’t my state and I don’t really care about it lol. Many of the instrumentals aren’t particularly good either. This feels like an album that could have used a really good haircut and shave to trim down the fluff and scraggle. Still, there’s some good stuff on it, and even much of what I don’t like that much, I can see what he’s trying to do. Lots of it isn’t my thing, and there’s some worse parts, but I’d give it a solid 3/5. Top Tracks: - Concerning the UFO Sightings – neat lo-fi track - Chicago – Centerpeice of the album and nice autobiographical/personal lyrics. - Casimir Pulaski Day – It’s a bit drawn out, especially the end, but it’s a very beautiful and personal song. - Predatory Wasp… - Really interesting exploration of young love.

Very nice ambient listening.

Nothing good to say, parts of the album sounded like a children's musical.

Samey. Unpleasant to listen to, the up tempo version of a discordant noise. It drones whilst smiling at you

excellente vibe soir/mélancolie

No llegué a escucharlo entero. No es mi género favorito

I didn't know this artist but there is something I don't like of this music.

At first it really wasn't my thing, but after I listened to a few songs I started to enjoy it more. Very "American" music and lyrics which I suppose is the point, although I don't really see why it was so well acclaimed other than just being an ode to the USA/illinois

Wtf is this ridiculousness? Just no lol.

I found this was a genuinely interesting concept album. Loved the phasic final track of the album, it must have been inspired by Steve Reich. Illinois seems like a weird topic to make an album out of, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. It felt like this was the soundtrack to a musical.

Like chamomile, it's not exactly my cup of tea, but sometimes it does hit the spot.

Really beautiful indie pop with lively orchestrations. I feel like cutting it to a 45-50 minutes album would have given it much more impact, but maybe a few more spins and I'll get why it needs to be one hour and fifteen minutes long.

Really great arrangements, but unfortunately too long. Still had a great time with this one.

One of Sufjan Album that almost made me cry first time I heard it. Huge fan of the men. It will be better for his mainstream popularity to do shorter album - but in the end it's the listener who win !

I found myself liking this album a lot more than I thought. I did not expect such beautiful and rich arrangements of wind instruments. The compositions are generally well felt and honest. What keeps me from giving it 5 stars is the length of the album. Too long for one and only vibe. I felt lost and a little offset at a few points.

Really interesting and melodic beats.

4.2

This one hurts: I respect-but-don't-love Sufjan and Illinois is clearly a grower album, one ill-suited for the way I go through this list. It's the string arrangements that I repeatedly bounce off. Classical inclusions of this kind rarely work, and this music is far too twee to go for quiet-loud contrast.

Well this seem very pleasant, interesting musically, intricate things going on with the time signatures and I have zero desire to get to the end of the album. Maybe just a bit wet? Three stars I guess?

Nice concept album, that is a welcome surprise in this 1001 albums generator. An instant classic for me.

Song about a serial killer always interesting. Lol

A beautiful brain. Such sparkly buoyant music. I've owned this record on CD and vinyl.

It got a bit samey in the end and was slightly longer than it needed to be.

Groovy tunes, however I didn't find it very grabbing. Nice music to have playing in the background.

Very enjoyable! I felt Stevens told me his story, very well. Music fit. 4 but if I really feel it, 5

I forgot how good this album is.

I'm still not sure about this one - need to keep listening to it.

Melodic, interesting, lots of instruments. Vocals are quiet, some back up singers on a few songs. Interesting concept songs about people and places in Illinois. Overall good, may have to give it another listen

nice mellow background music, doesn't totally draw you in but also doesn't distract if you are working on other items.

Not really a fan. Songs we're surreal but far too long of an album regardless

Never heard of this album but it feels like it belongs to a musical. Music was fun and light. Some great songs that I will probably break out with people from Illinois. 1. Come On! Feel Illinois! Part I: The World's Columbian Exposition Part II: Carl Sandburg Visits Me In A Dream 2. Prairie Fire That Wanders About 3. The Night Zombies!! They Are Neighbors!! They Have Come Back From the Dead!! Ahhhh!

Quite long. First I was jamming, then I was sad, then bored, ended with a few more jams though. Could see myself listening again

3.5 All I knew about Sufjan Stevens going in was that he's a folk musician, which isn't usually my go-to type of listening. I was really impressed by the versatility on this record though - in some ways, it almost felt like a rock opera of folk. The album did grow on me more as it went on, though towards the end I thought it might have gone on just slightly too long. Above all I found it to be an enjoyable record. I probably won't find myself returning to it too much, but I could definitely see it getting spun again on a quiet, relaxing night. Favorite songs: John Wayne Gacy Jr., Chicago, Casimir Pulaski Day

nothing special

I fucking love Sufjan Stevens. Subtle vocals, subtle guitar. It all comes together in such a wonderfully done package. It’s 90 mins that flies by.

I like this series of records. An interesting artist

Some very lovely moments on this, a fun listen. I feel like I need more Sufjan in my life.

Nope

Really great album. There are a number of stand-out tracks including Chicago, Casimir Pulaski Day, and Come on Feel the Illinoise. I like how all of the songs kind of blend together including some 10 second tracks just for the end of certain songs. Overall, I think this album is amazing but maybe a little too long. The majority of the material is incredible but it kind of drags on a bit. Not necessarily in a bad way but I find myself losing attention.

Just completely forgettable with really an annoying singing voice. Almost like whispering or uninspired singing as if it was was a secret album. Not a fan of folk music and boy was this ever. 4/10.

I don't know how I feel about it. Certain parts were good. Other parts felt like they were trying way too hard. I don't need to listen to it again, so I guess I'd lean a little more in the negative direction.

Now this was truly bizarre. I had some interest in it since I live in Illinois and the music was quite curious as well as the themes of several songs. I might actually return to this to listen more closely to some of the lyrics. Weirdly fun!

Too much going on here. Songs are all over the place. Not a fan.

Chicago is magnificent.

Lush, gorgeous, if a bit long winded. 8.5

Dooodeeeee dooo dooo dooo

I have loved Sufjan ever since a friend put "For the Widows in Paradise, For the Fatherless in Ypsilanti" as her MySpace song in 2006. I prefer his Michigan album for obvious reasons, and I think basically all of his work is brilliant, but Illinoise remains his biggest "hit". Hard to pick a favorite track, but John Wayne Gacy Jr. has some of the most fucked up lyrics I've ever heard.

Some nice elements but overall a bit too long and weird

This is absolutely excellent

Very one note for the length of it. Vocals we're ok to start quickly became grating

Really enjoyed it. There was even I song I knew.

Somewhat enjoyable

Really interesting - I don’t love it, but there are a variety of styles and interesting songwriting techniques.

will stevens end up as the poster boy of the aughts indie scene? is he already? will he be the face of music in general from the aughts? i'd go with probably, maybe, and unlikely but wouldn't surprise me. in the indie scene only arcade fire, new pornographers, bon iver, the walkmen, and the hold steady can make a case. in the overall category there's a tad more competition, but he's still got a punchers chance.

Christ that was dull. Sufjan, you don't need to do the other 49 states !

People hated this when Van Dyke Parks did it, so I guess that’s progress. Not my cup of tea, but I definitely admire the cheek and the intricacy of construction on display here.

This is really the only Sufjan album I’m familiar with but it’s a stunningly beautiful and staggeringly ambitious piece of art that would be incredibly difficult to reproduce. The fact that he had ever planned to do an album for each state is completely fucking bonkers.

mmmm nope…

Epic in every sense of the word - the premise, the song titles, the playing of a huge array of instruments, the history, the listening experience. Fancy a song about UFO's? You've got it. Want a song about a narrator finding they have things in common with a serial killer? Knock yourself out. Terrified of wasps as well? There's a tune for you. Best Tracks: John Wayne Gacy, Jr.; Chicago; Casimir Pulaski Day

3 i want to like it more than i do

This is so fsking precious I can't even. No more, please.

I didn’t enjoy this album. I’m sure there are good lyrics and prose in the tracks, but I didn’t enjoy the music or singing behind it to appreciate it.

The quenticential sound of the 90s. I haven't listened to this album in about ten years and forgot how good it was. You don't get many concept albums in this age of single-driven music. 3.5/5

"Illinois" is the second of fifty albums Sufjan Stevens supposedly planned to release based around states of America. Just like the conceit, it's ornate, grand and more than a little tongue-in-cheek. The pretension might not be to everyone's taste (especially those who like their song titles lean and their instrumental segue-tracks non existent) but the high points make "Illinois" well worth the journey. Over the course of 73 minutes, Stevens masterfully combines homespun indie chamber-pop with Broadway showtunes, country-folk narratives and proggy instrumentals. It's impossible not to at least admire the ambition behind "Illinois". Songs at the centerpiece, "Come On! Feel the Illinoise!" and "The Tallest Man, the Broadest Shoulders" unfold like dazzlingly intricate musical numbers. The orchestration includes everything but the kitchen sink, the verses ripple and shift over odd time signatures and new sections, yet the vocals never rise above easy and breezy. It shouldn't work, but for me it really does. As well as these fusions of Broadway, prog, jazz and indie, some of my favourites here include all-out rock hits ("The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts"), indie crowd-pleasers ("Chicago", "Jacksonville"), and poignant, fragile ballads ("The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades...", "The Seers Tower"). Through all of them, Stevens displays striking versatility, sensitivity and great musicianship. One of "Illinois"'s best assets is the way it balances musical whimsy with pure emotion. It would be easy for it to collapse into self-parody and become too academic or ironic to connect, but then comes an utterly heartbreaking track like "Casimir Pulaski Day." It details a loved one dying of cancer in such breath-taking detail and unadorned lyrics: "Tuesday night at the bible study, we lift our hands and pray over your body, but nothing ever happens"... Understated, simple and moving slowly towards a gut-punch of an ending. Inevitably, not every song hits. There are at least five completely superfluous instrumental tracks, maybe intended as palette cleansers but coming over so nebulous as to not leave any impression after many listens. The best material is in the front half in terms of songs, and then the last thirty minutes or so suffers from a lot of padding (either extended codas, instrumentals, or songs that simply retread the same ground). Despite this, I'd still recommend "Illinois" to anyone looking for a compelling, elaborate and quirky album to represent 2000's indie. Of the work I've heard by Sufjan Stevens, it stands head and shoulders above the rest in scope and accomplishment.

Beautifully composed album that I wish I knew of before today. Even the banjo doesn't turn me off, there's definitely something to be said for tasteful banjoplucking as opposed to the usual disgusting twang *spits*. Love the Cure call backs and all of the beautifully arranged horn accompaniments. Fillled me with positivitand optimism.

Illinoice

Totaal niet mijn ding, erg zoetsappig en bleh

❤️

A bit twee

I found the first listen quite enjoyable and was thinking a 4 with Chicago a highlight. Second listen Jacksonville, Decatur, Casimir Pulaski Day also stood out and the the whole album just felt so lovely.

Some great songs with great storytelling. Probably could have been trimmed by half a dozen songs though, it dragged in parts.

It's like everyone decided to will this album into being great. Maybe some folks thought the Quiet Riot pun was clever.

First time of listening. some interesting lyrical stuff here from Mr Stevens. Really lovely stuuf, how he can make a song so beautiful as "John Wayne Gacey Jr" about such an abhorent subject is beyond me. This and "Jacksonville" are my favourites. A great album rightfully here but in the lower end of my must hear.

This was way more enjoyable than I expected.

Quintessential

Chyba wylosowalo album z najdluzszymi tytulami trakow jaki mialem okazje widziec na oczy, Illinoise pana Sufjana Stevensa to potezny konceptowy krazek, jak tytul wskazuje beda nawiazania do illinois, a jest gdzie nawiazywac, bo plyta to az 22 traki na 74 minutach, dodajac do tego styl w jakim jest utrzymana, czyli folk zmieszany z nutka popowa, ale dodatkowo jest cos lofikowego, bo plyta pochodzi z 2k05 i wiekszosc instrumentali oraz pracy na produkcji naleza do pana Sufjana, ktory jest utalentowanym multiinstrumentalista, ktory potrafi zapelnic tak duze polacie winylaka kompozycjami, ktore nawac wylacznie popowo folkowymi byloby przeinaczeniem prawdy, bo niektore utwory brzmia wrecz chamberowo, ze wzgledu na wykorzystanie stringowych grupek, ktore dodatkowo sa wykorzystywane jako klaskacze, czy tez chrokowanie, chociaz jak dla mnie najbardziej pasujacymi do wokali i typu opowiesci jakie snuje na plycie pasuja kompozycje na samych kosciach akustykowych, jak casimir pulaski day czy john wayne gacy, polska mentionem alert, ale jedynie tytulowo, bo pierwszy utwor opowiada o dniu z zycia gdy dostaje sie wyrok smierci w postaci bialaczki, natomiast gacowy trak stara sie opowiedziec w ciekawy sposob historie zycia i odbierania zycia przez pana gace, a to wszystko zwiazane z tak pieknym stanem jak illinois, jest to jeden z tych materialow gdzie pomimo tego, ze rozumiem liryke czuje, ze sporo z niego nie wylapuje, czy to przez referencje miejscowe, czy tez nawiazania biblijne w ktore obfituje plyta, od tak oczywistych jak cytowanie ksiegi wyjscia, czy tez bardziej subtelne jak w traku o seryjnym mordeca rozwazanie nad grzechem i odkupieniem, wiec dobrze pan Stevens zbalansowal liryke pod wzgledem tego co mozna sprzedac dla szerokiego grona sluchaczy, a jednak zostawic w tym swoj charakter, bo takie traki nie sa pisane pod cos tylko z siebie i to sie czuje, wiec odsluch ciekawy, ktory jednak czasem bywa ciezki do przesluchania przez zbyt abstrakcyjne realia illinosowe i dlugosc calego krazka, na plejke dodam dwa wspomniane wczesniej utwory, glownie za to ze sa prostymi kompozycjami, ktore najlepiej akcentuja delikatne wokale pana Stevensa

Was interesting even when it was weird. Think I enjoyed!

Man this album is long...

singing aba serial killers is not the vibe

Strange record… sounds a bit weedy on first listen, but huge potential!

2 points for the ambitious endeavor, but I can't say the music lit my fire.

boring. just straight up couldn't be arsed with it.

8 pints in and this piece of shit enters my life. What a gross waste of my time. Get me some smack, I'm off to curl one out on my daughter's chest as she screams in horror and delight. 1 star, you prick.

Sounds like a wet combination of Vampire Weekend and Badly Drawn Boy. Not sure if that's the best thing in the world if I'm honest.

Day 7: A full week of daily albums, I've never heard of Sufjan Stevens, never heard of this album and also have never left Australia so this was a unique listen, Looking through some of the other reviews this albums seems to be very polarizing. I enjoyed the album almost from start to finish, and if I didn't get bored or complain after listening to a new sound for over an hour it must have done something correct. Rating: 3.5/5

Front to back great.

9/10 really good

9/10. Likely even a 10/10 on a relisten. The song titles felt a little too shot though.

A cool listen but quite long. 8/10

Was a lovely surprise.

They really do sound like the Stone Roses, and I haven't seen that on our list yet.

Strange album. Lyrically, pretty heavy and complicated, and it certainly seems the focus with some less interesting folk music holding it all together. I listened to this while driving across Illinois... didn't help too much. The most interesting items are the variety of words chosen to rhyme with Decatur as well as a song (that is as successful as they are on the album) where the core of it is spelling the word Illinois. Unusual and interesting.

The song titles are more interesting than the songs.

windy city, windy record

Folk indie. Curioso. Un 4.

I think I like the idea of his states project more than I really care for the music itself

Helaas, daar vond ik werkelijk niks an

Bekende naam, maar nooit de moeite genomen om eens goed te luisteren. Valt niets tegen!

Tja, dit was wel erg onsamenhangend en artyfarty. Niet voor mij.

Dit was behoorlijk ok! Een prima soundtrack bij een tocht door het ruwe berglandschap van Kreta.

Deed me een beetje aan Andrew Bird denken. Mooi!

Lame, smug proto-hipster music for people you like to think that this guy is somehow god's gift to songwriting, sorry no

Cool album, very chill music. Great to relax and concentrate to, kind of fades into the background in a good way

Spinning it on vinyl (thanks, @gio-mio!). Fun album, goofy and funky. Would be 5/5 if I could include the quality of the album itself, with the sleeves and the artwork and all, but I can’t. Thems the rules.

Interesting with some really fun songs.

A name I've heard, but know nothing about. Assumed this would be a jazz album based on the cover. This was an interesting one, he's very clearly a talented songwriter, the arrangements had a lot going on and it was nice to listen to. It's mellow, his voice is very pleasant, but if you're really paying attention there's a lot to pick up on. The song titles are killing me, also clearly has a sense of humor. Overall enjoyed this, really unique.

It's awful to be filled with angst about the injustices of the world but have no talent for lyrics. I suppose it's worse to then inflict that lack of talent on the world.

Probably the only Stevens album I come back to regularly. Something about bittersweet tunes about serial murderers.

This is a beautiful beautiful album. Gently and inspiring, melodic and touching. Heard many of these tracks live but together on this album they fit so well together. A great concept

Oh how I wish to live in the alternate universe where he did all 50 state concept albums...

One of my favorites by him.

03/11/2022 One of my favorite albums.

Holy hell is this bland. I remember this album being praised to the moon when it came out. Why? There's nothing extraordinary that I can pick up on. It's just mellow indie rock. It's not so unpleasant but it's just such a boiled celery flavor of an album. It doesn't move me at all except to tears of boredom. It never freaking ends either. Why did it have to be so long? Some of these snores could've been cut, I assure you. Those song titles too. Ugh how pretentious. It makes my skin crawl. It reminds me of the worst hipster pseudo-intellectuals that roamed my college campus. I will never listen to this again. If I heard a single song lay it wouldn't be the end of the world, but never again will I endure that slog in it's entirety.

Wow this album is amazing. It’s so different, but not “out there”. Honest music with a Bob Dylan feel. I don’t know what I feel, but I feel different listening to this album. Will definitely listen again.

Jai bien aime, tred smoith 4

Good good

Too long for such similar songs, seemed like some cult shit.

This was alright, kind of slow and empty, but in a cool, artistic way. I did have higher expectations for this, and they were not really met. Overall, it is just everage.

Not my favorite album by Sufjan. I find it pretty annoying actually. Bit it's still Sufjan.

Low 5, Really hit the mark for me, but not sure what the mark was

Some of the songs were really cool, but the end of the album dragged out a bit for me. 6/10

C'est presque de l'ambient.

Don't get me wrong, I don't hate all double albums, there are a few I've given five stars to, but just because you can make a 75 minute album doesn't mean you should. There's some great stuff here, "Jacksonville," "Chicago" and. "The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts" stand out. I'm gonna have to give "John Wayne Gacy, Jr" another listen or two; Stevens says we're all capable of what Gacy did, speak for yourself dude. I know this album is beloved by a lot of people, I just like some other of his stuff better, "Carrie & Lowell" is his real masterpiece, here he could've used an editor or even made "Illinois Part 2."

Sufjan Stevens, known for his tender-yet-playful voice and eclectic songwriting, was once slated to put out an album for every U.S. state. He stopped after two. This is the second of the two! This is also widely held as his best album, and for good reason! His songwriting combined with his arrangements are unlike any other musical artist I know. His use of strings and brass help give the song more emphasis on the bigger moments. Even when it's stripped down to just Stevens' voice and guitar or banjo, he endears me to no end. The highlight for me has to be Chicago, which avid Netflix viewers may recognize from The Candidate. Dammit, my computer crash in the middle me writing this and now I've lost my train of thought. The point is that Sufjan Stevens is a national treasure and he should

a few good tunes and lots of meandering, like his other work

I feel in listening to this album, I'm missing a lot of context regarding very, very specific references to the state of Illinois. This album gives off a carnival vibe to me, perhaps it's the vast array of instrumentation and whimsical nature of it all. But my god, it's such a looooonnnngggg album! And the song titles aren't lacking in length either! Best: Jacksonville Worst: Come On! Feel the Illinoise!" (Part I: The World's Columbian Exposition – Part II: Carl Sandburg Visits Me in a Dream) 2.5 Stars.

This is my current favorite album. Sufjan Stevens is a master of weaving history, emotion, place, and music together into an unassailable whole. His instrumentation is expansive enough to accompany his diversity in lyrical content and his use of melody rank him among the best. This album means a lot to me personally, but it’s the cinematic, suite-like, textured, ambitious whole that brings me back.