Illinois

apparently yall in the reviews are dumb as fuck and dont know what a concept album is. its supposed to all sound similar, retard. 4/5 Fav: Concerning ufo sightings... Come on! feel the illinois!

Chilled, easy listening, a nice journey of a combination of instruments and mellow singing to listen to at work.

The Come on feelt the Illinoise song is amazing, but not every other song is that good

Much pretentious, but eh, sometimes I like it. This is one of those times

Beautiful and subtle. Maybe a bit too long, but I think this can grown on me

Great album

Amazing titles

This guy always super interesting but gets my head never my heart.

A bit long, but fairly enjoyable.

9/10

Geweldig album. Ideaal voor nen zondagochtend of voor bij het eten. Veel nieuwe nummers ontdekt 4.2

Before listening to this album, the only songs by Sufjan Stevens I’d listened to were “Chicago” and “John Wayne Gacy, Jr.” both of which I thought were alright but not great. I’d heard a lot about this album from friends who loved it, so I had high expectations. I was so underwhelmed and disappointed listening to the first few tracks, but wow does it pick up as it goes on. This album really builds on itself, and the Illinois concept is fun but not overwhelming. I actually wish Sufjan Stevens had followed through on making albums about all 50 states because after finishing Illinois, I just wanted more of that. Such a fresh idea executed nearly flawlessly. And despite being over an hour, the album never felt long. I didn’t love that at times he was so soft spoken singing that I had to keep turning the volume up, but that’s a minor criticism. This album isn’t quite a 5 for me overall, but it’s pretty damn close. I’d give it a 4.5 if I could. Just a wonderful, solid album built on an interesting and unique concept.

This album is so good. Suf at his best. Some real incredible songs in there and a nice cohesion to the album. I can't say much more other than I think it's wonderful.

This was definitely more of an experience, I feel it’s definitely intended to be listened to as a complete album. I don’t exactly love sufjan’s whole style but I do think it’s fun to hear some more experimental sounds juxtaposed against some fairly standard folk aspects. Favorite song: The Seer’s Tower Saved songs: Decatur, Chicago, Man of Metropolis, Night Zombies, Casimir Pulaski Day, The Seer’s Tower

Sufjan Stevens is a different person than Cat Stevens. Because I didn't know that, this album was very surprising (in a good way). Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 3/5

Again, I've been aware of this album for several years, and always meant to give it a listen. And now I have. It was nothing like I expected. Whimsical, playful and a wide variety of styles. An uncommon delight.

What a beautiful record. May of the topics are tragic and sad, but Stevens has a way of engaging the listener even when it's a real bummer. It's incredibly compelling.

When I first heard “Casimir Pulaski Day” on SiriusXMU when I was 15. Jesus.

Songs like 'John Wayne Gacy, Jr', 'Chicago', and 'Jacksonville' sound like essential tracks to mid-aughts indie rock burned CD mixtapes, especially twenty years later, as the sound of that era continues to calcify the further away we get from it.

The fusion of the orchestral music and the backing vocals created a beautiful, mystical atmosphere.

One of the first vinyl albums I bought. Beautiful album.

Bit of a 21st century classic. Really worth listening to

Absolutely gorgeous, finding albums like this is why I started this journey. Can't wait to relisten

It's nice, I really like it. Maybe a little long and monotonous

Beautifully written and performed indie rock/chamber folk album, it is a unique and different piece of work. The album is long, but it is compact and consistent throughout. It was my first listen, so it might be a grower, but as of now it is a strong 4, I might round it up to 5 later.

Love Sufjan

I've listened to this sporadically over the past 20 years. I've always liked bits of it but it's so sprawling that my attention would wane, especially during the second half (though playing The Seer’s Tower at the foot of the Sears Tower in Chicago was memorably eerie). Listening to it more critically now, I can better appreciate what an impressive piece of work it is. The instrumentation is a world away from what you’d expect from an indie album and evokes old-fashioned small/medium-sized American towns very well, and with a kind of ‘simpler times’ charm. It also doubles up as a bit of a history lesson, so that’s nice. Despite the aforementioned dip in the second half there are some great tunes on here, of both the rousing and calming varieties, but it’s as a concept album that it really succeeds - the whole greater than the sum and all that.

I've listened to approximately one Sufjan Stevens song in my lifetime and only because I heard it on a TV show and liked it, so I felt fairly intrigued to how a whole album would sound. Maybe it's because I had already been predisposed to his sound, but I actually enjoyed this a lot. Some of it was a bit weird, but generally I like the sound and mix of acoustics and strings. I almost want to go back and listen again which is always a good sign. I even might listen to some other albums

Concerning the UFO Sighting near Highland, Illinois 3.4 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! 3.2 Come On! Feel the Illinoise!" (Part I: "The World's Columbian Exposition" / Part II: "Carl Sandburg Visits Me in a Dream" 3.8 John Wayne Gacy, Jr. 4.3 Jacksonville 4.2 A Short Reprise for Mary Todd, Who Went Insane, but for Very Good Reasons n/a Decatur, or, Round of Applause for Your Stepmother! 4 One Last 'Whoo-Hoo!' for the Pullman!! n/a Go! Chicago! Go! Yeah! 4.2 Casimir Pulaski Day 4 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 3 The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts 3.8 Prairie Fire That Wanders About 3.4 A Conjunction of Drones Simulating the Way in Which Sufjan Stevens Has an Existential Crisis in the Great Godfrey Maze n/a The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out to Get Us! 3.6 They Are Night Zombies!! They Are Neighbors!! They Have Come Back from the Dead!! Ahhhh! 3.9 Let's Hear That String Part Again, Because I Don't Think They Heard It All the Way Out in Bushnell 3.6 In This Temple as in the Hearts of Man for Whom He Saved the Earth n/a The Seer's Tower 3.7 The Tallest Man, the Broadest Shoulders" (Part I: "The Great Frontier"  / Part II: "Come to Me Only with Playthings Now" 3.4 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 n/a Out of Egypt, into the Great Laugh of Mankind, and I Shake the Dirt from My Sandals as I Run 2.8 Score: 3.664705882

I can't say anything people haven't said before because this album is just so beloved, but I have trouble giving it a 5 because there's definitely tracks in between that feel eh to me. I think I actually like Michigan more, both musically and in terms of subject matter.

Happy 20th birthday to the state of Illinois

This album is very, very good. This is my first time listening, but it didn't have as strong of an emotional impact on me as I thought it would. It's not that I was emotionless throughout the listen, but the emotions were moreso something I understood rather than felt. Like how your skin feels when there's a callus over it. I feel like this album would have elicited an emotional response from me had I listened to it when i was younger. I will definitely come back to this album.

Great orchestration, it was a soothing experience, but I think I need more time to get it 8/10

Illinois is a sprawling, intricate masterpiece that feels like stepping into a grand, cinematic world painted with sound. It's an album that’s both deeply personal and expansively ambitious, and while it doesn't hit every single note for me, it comes very close. The instrumentation is undoubtedly the star of the show here. Stevens weaves together a lush tapestry of sound, from the gentle pluck of banjos to sweeping orchestral arrangements. The strings feel warm and alive, while the woodwinds, especially the flutes and clarinets bring a whimsical, almost magical quality to tracks like "The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades." The use of piano and bells in "Chicago" creates an uplifting and anthemic energy that’s hard to resist. The production is immaculate. Every sound is crisp and clear, with each instrument given room to breathe. The way the album balances such a massive range of sounds without feeling cluttered is nothing short of masterful. It feels like a lot of care was taken to make every element shine without overshadowing the others. Lyrically, the album is poetic and thought-provoking, blending personal reflections with historical and cultural nods. Stevens’ storytelling is deeply evocative, painting vivid pictures that linger long after the music stops. At 74 minutes, it’s a bit of a marathon. Some tracks feel like they meander or stretch too far, testing patience rather than enhancing the experience. A few of the instrumental interludes, while interesting, could have been trimmed without losing the album’s overall impact. Additionally, while I love a good brass section, some of the horn arrangements occasionally veer into feeling a bit too theatrical for my taste. They can overshadow the more organic elements, which I personally find more compelling. Illinois is an extraordinary piece of work that showcases Sufjan Stevens' immense talent as a composer and storyteller. The album’s instrumental diversity and rich production make it a joy to dissect and revisit, though its length and occasional overindulgence might deter some. For me, the moments of brilliance far outweigh its flaws. If you’re in the mood for something intricate and heartfelt, Illinois is well worth the journey For anyone who loves music that’s rich in detail and layered with emotion, Illinois is a must-listen. Just be prepared to give it your full attention. it’s not background music, but rather an experience to savoir.

Sufjan Stevens was always one of those artists I didn't bother seeking out because I assumed for various reasons he wouldn't be for me: too indie sadboy, too NPR, etc. Plus, literary music in general doesn't really hit for me because I rarely pay attention to the lyrics. So this is the first time I've actually sat down to listen to one of his albums in full. Pleasantly surprised by this one, though I still think I'm not getting as much out of it as others. But for a 74-minute album the time passed by pretty quickly.

I last lived in Chicago on Jan. 3 2004, when I drove a truck with a motorcycle, an old Ford Contour and the rest of my belongings down Western Ave. to Augusta and to the highway headed south. This album landed a year later, and my collected years in Illinois drew my interest close enough to download the mp3s on soulseek. According to my last.fm, I listened to this album three times in 2006, but hearing "Chicago" just now for the first time in nearly a decade gave me the chills. So about the music: It's not my type and I'd like it less if I didn't give a shit about Chicago, but there's a tenderness to the curiosity and imagination that's rife here and it sits well. Unrelated, I try to avoid taking delight at the misfortune of others, but the fact that Sufjan's Broadway adaptation of Illinoise! is still going strong while the Avett Brothers fizzled within weeks gives me hope for audiences and the artform.

This album was unescapable for a period of time and yet, somehow, I never sat down and listened to the whole thing. It's definitely it's own thing and deserves a spot on the list because of that. For me, though, it sits on the fence between "overly precious" and "catchy". It's good. Really good. But maybe a bit too much. It feels like the audio equivalent of eating a 3rd piece of birthday cake...when you know you really should have stopped at one.

That is a lot of long song names.

I like this album, but a lot of the songs kind of fail to grab me. Back Half is better than the front.

Refreshing change of pace, grew on me the more I listened

Sufjan Stevens' songs and style can be inexpressibly sad, but this talented and emotional man knows how to be super-duper silly. The highs and lows, the humor and the heart-ache, weave through this wacky soundtrack, a ridiculous tribute to Illinois; and the ultimate effect is overwhelming. The album is good, but the artist's best record is elsewhere.

This album is a grower for sure. I know that because I listened to it when it came out in 2005 and didn’t “get” it. Now 20 years later, I like it a lot.

I feel it.

long but interesting

Incredible album. So creative. So much depth and breadth. Has some of every emotion and every instrument. Harmonies. Great lyrical storytelling. Great listening on my new headphones. Many memories of Prairie Bible College, and lonely, cold, late nights. Before I was out to myself or my family I was in love with this album. I played it for my mom once, and all I can remember her saying is, “this sounds very gay,” hahahaha

I remember critics losing their minds over this album back when it came out, but for reasons I can't recall I ignored that. I know I've heard a handful of Sufjan Stevens's other songs and they did nothing much for me, but I'm not sure whether that was before or after this one. I held off on listening to this today until my daughter was with me, and she mentioned the fact this was turned into a musical, which I'm pretty confident helped unlock it for me. I'm genuinely impressed by the music throughout. I let it all wash over me and enjoyed it more than I'd anticipated. I'll have to spend more time with it to determine how much I like it, but for now I'm just glad this project pushed me into it.

Levyn a-puoli on lähes viiden tähden kamaa, liikutuin jotenkin todella paljon ja pidin melodioista ja jopa taustakuorosta (melkein antiikinomaisesta!). Kyllähän Chicago on klassikko (joskin siitä loppukuoron voisi poistaa). Mutta miks tätä on jatkettu yli tunnin mittaiseksi?? Levy ei kaipais oopperamaisuutta, loputonta paisuttelua. Kyllästyin heti puolivälissä ja tosi paljon… pudottaa arvosanaa roimasti, melkein 3:seen.

I like it!

Have heard about this album so many times but never got around to listening to it. Turns out I've been missing out on a wonderful collections or songs/music

very interesting, will listen again. loved chicago & the tallest man, broadest shoulders

super creative, i love all the instruments & i adore the album art

no words. just one of my favs for years now

Really enjoyed this. Quite strange but happy nice music 8/10

Lekker rustige muziek in de ochtend. Klinkt eigenlijk best goed. Melodie is een beetje simpel, maar luistert wel lekker weg. ****

Top tier music for sad bois and girls

Very cool album. Enjoyed it all. Standout songs: John Wayne Gacy Jr Chicago Casimir Pulaski Day The Seer's Tower

Nice

This has everything going for it but still it manages to disappoint. I am a huge fan of both Steve Reich, who Stevens is frequently compared to, and progresive music. A pop album with lush production taking inspiration from modern classical music and pushing boundaries on instrumentation sounds like a perfect match for me. And while it is far from terrible and I will give it a high rating, it does not reach the heights it could. The comparisons to Reich is a stretch, and while the album explores possibilities, it lacks the energy and vitality that would make it interesting. It also lacks variety and musical courage which makes the longer tunes feel repetitive. I will revisit it as I feel the lyrics might have something to listen out for, and I might come to love it. But on first listen I am disappointed.

I liked this, it was different, quirky, and kind of nice. :) Rating: 4

Has glost währendem unetrotinettle, fette vibe gsi. Mag sini vulnerablin stimm

Stable, I’d say. Really good moments, but it sure is long.

Oh how I wish I knew about this album in high school. The hours I would have spent alone in my room staring up at the ceiling endlessly applying the perfectly ambiguous lyrics to the drab and benign events of my mellow drama youth. There is a strange quality about this album that can get me to go back to that place- if only for a couple of lines or an interlude at a time. Really makes me want to read a John Green book and drive the county highway alone at night.

I had heard of this album before, but had never heard the music. This was great, but got a little whiny after a bit. Four stars.

fun, doesn't take itself too seriously, many (many) songs, so if you don't like one, another is coming along soon.

Had it in as background noise while cleaning, really cohesive album with lots of cool and evocative sounds. Last song is just music for 18 musicians. Really enjoyed it.

Eclectic mix of instruments and lyrics make this an enjoyable experience. Strange subject matter though. A balled about a serial killer is not what I expected in an upbeat album.

6/22 27/100 but idc. its masterul and i know it.

I was skeptical at first seeing the album cover and hearing that it was a concept album. But I warmed quickly to the ethereal vocals, the fact that the album is like a guided tour through Illinois' history, and the wonderful mix of instruments.

disclaimer: i have a few friends that would likely crucify me if they found out i didn’t give this five stars, so no one say anything!! this is a great album overall and definitely deserves its spot on the list. sufjan excels at crafting a cohesive setting through his aural vignettes. there are some really beautiful and moving tracks here, in both lyrics and music. this album is captivating and attention-grabbing... or at least, the first half of it is. the back half is more of the same, but the colors are a bit muted. it’s like you’re listening to the album again but the novelty has worn off a bit. it’s lost that new album smell and doesn’t quite look as shiny as it was when you first picked it up. i can’t tell if this metaphor is working or not. as you start to look at it more closely, you see through some of the cracks in the veneer. the lengthy song titles that were once fun and quirky now reek of desperate pretension. the 7-minute long tracks of happy carnival music start to feel like a haunted fairground. and wait, have all these lyrics actually just been about christianity the whole time? this 22-track album is 74 minutes long, the same length as the 1988 disney classic oliver & company (starring joey lawrence and billy joel). and i think i’d rather watch that instead. the front half of this is 5 stars and the back half is 3, so i’ll split the difference and give it four. favorites (lmao i am NOT typing out these entire song titles): ufo, illinoise, JWG Jr, decatur, chicago, casimir

I was so surprised by how much I liked this album. The music was really good, it sounded new, different and refreshing. This album is such a good surprise and why I have loved this challenge. Favourite song: Come on feel the lilinoise is a great tune. Least favourite: Prairie fire that wonders about was a bit too whimsical for me. Album artwork: Superb artwork

Well that was fun and quirky

so good

This album has a warm yet melancholic feel, taking you through personal experiences, places, and past events. The lyrics often carry a sense of sadness, but they’re balanced by feelings of hope and wonder. The guitar work is subtle, providing a foundation for the more intricate orchestral arrangements, while the piano stands out as another key element. The orchestral parts help create a broader soundscape that adds depth to the album.

Sufjan created delicate little worlds to crawl into. Their is love, despair, excitement, and joy. It's all nestled in a cocoon of melancholy. This one takes time. You need to be in a room with headphones, or in a car at night. You have to come to it, it will not come to you.

Pretty nice, really

What a lovely gem of an album. Enjoyed this one. Never judge a cd by it cover as I did this morning

This was a relaxing album, really enjoyed it

This was extremely enjoyable, with a sense of familiarity, even though this was the first time I've heard the album, or even anything by this artist. Touches of Neil Young in places, with some parts reminding me of early Genesis for some reason. It wasn't quite enough for 5 stars, particularly the last quarter, which sort of peters out and keeps going much longer than needed. But it's a fine 4 star album.

Great album

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.

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!

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)

Dang, this IS as good as everyone has said. Big 10cc vibes. I will be listening to this a lot more.

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

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.

Fun listen. Very indie. Certainly quirky, but catchy. Instrumental. Calm. Fun.

not my type but good

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

Me ha gustado bastante. Raro. Marciano. Onírico-filosófico. Con toques épicos de banda sonora de CiFi y a veces con sabor religioso o trascendental.

Great! I will listen to this sometimes.

Good for both chill and work.

Really good!

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.

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.

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

Great album, but I've always had a problem connecting with it.

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

Bought this on release. Come on! Feel the Illinoise Part 1 is a particular favourite. Lots going on. Lovely

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.

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.

I had fun on this strange, meandering ride. Chicago will be stuck in my head for a while, I think.

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)

A very strong album. Gets a little boring at times.

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.

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

Really enjoyed this album

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.

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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

freaking awesome sauce

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

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.

Feeling very indie

I liked it!

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.

lindo demais. não ouvia esse album a alguns anos e foi uma ótima surpresa saber que eu ainda gosto tanto dele quanto antes!

dang.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

I don't love the whole thing, but damn those highs are so high

Idiosyncratic and at times brilliant 3.9

Aw I know this one!

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

This reminds me of a tolerable Bright eyes. Beautiful album

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!

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.

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!

The back half of this this lags compared to how strong this album starts.

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.

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

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.

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!’

86

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.

Neat, never heard anything likes this

So clean

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.

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.

Beautiful.

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."

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

One of my Favourites

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

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

ja wel leuk

really cool album, really important for the 2000s, i really enjoyed it, really different structure to what i’ve heard before

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

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.

This was my first time listening to this artist, and I had a really good time. I even toyed with an idea of giving it five stars but the record started to drag towards the end (even though I absolutely loved the closing instrumental track). I usually have a soft spot for slower, folksy albums and this was no exception. For a concept album, this covered a lot of topics and felt really refreshing. I'm definitely going to check out more stuff from this artist. 4.5 stars

Good, bit long

This feels like an album that needs to sink in…I don’t feel quite ready to review after a day. I’ve come across Sufjan plenty and checked him out a bit - always thought it was fine but didn’t quite get the hype. But I’m enjoying a close listen of this. I like him best when being Maximalist and grandiose, as opposed to the sparser/folkier arrangements (more art rock, less indie folk). Melodies are plentiful from any instrument willing to sing one. Really covers a lot of instrumental ground here and the arrangements are varied and interesting. Still the album feels very cohesive. He’s got a fairly soothing voice too. Its not an instant classic for me, but something I’d like to explore further.

Heard this a couple times before but i don't think it ever fully clicked with me, and i feel the same now. Even though it's hard to find a flaw, except for maybe it feels a bit same-y as you get towards the end, but the songwriting and performances are all fantastic. I love Sufjan's voice, maybe it just needs more listens still, since it's a pretty big album. Still great to listen to despite that.

Good

Like if a liberal arts degree became an album

Some of the songs I absolutely love. There are some absolute classics in there I have had saved for years. Very good album, not quite great. I did really enjoy the song about the wasp. Side note: it really annoyed me how the songs weren't capitalized consistently.

I loved this album in high school. It was really great to revisit it and discover that I still love it. There are a lot of standouts on this album, but they almost all come in the first half. "Come On!" "John Wayne Gacy, Jr" "Jacksonville" "Decatur" "Chicago" "Casimir Pulaski Day" are all so good. After those it feels like the album falls off a little bit. I love "The Tallest Man", but most of the other songs from 11-22 feel worse than the first half. "They Are Night Zombies" gets an honorary mention, I love the chanting section. The album is very creative, has amazing song names and showcases Sufjan's wide musical ability. If the album was 30m shorter, cutting out all second half songs besides the ones I mentioned, I'd give it a 5 enthusiastically. Unfortunately I have to give it an 8/10.

Actually, quite enjoyed this. Definitely not a bad album to have on in the background.

It took a minute, but I eventually started grooving with the concept. Overll good, but I won't comeback to it.

- i was so excited to see this one come up! knew i liked chicago and john wayne gacy jr. but had never listened to it dedicatedly - for some reason did not realize it was made in 2005. nearly 20 years old!! - just masterful - instrumentation is wonderful. orchestral but still varies through the album, but in a logical progression - obsessed with the feeling it invokes. such motion, in the city, it feels like watching scenery go by from a car or train window. - song titles are also hilarious. - 4/5 added to library.

Come On is best of the first half Sounds a lot like an opera/theater rock musical, cool Chicago highlight of the album and a classic Looses a bit of momentum after Casimir Liked The Tallest Man Enjoyed a lot, very much on my type of music. Would listen again. High 4, but don´t think is perfect 4/5

Incredibly ambitious to base such a long album off of one of the most boring states. Unlike the real Illinois, Chicago isn’t the only highlight.

Thoroughly pleasant experience throughout. Beautiful vocals and lovely writing. Didn't enjoy it as much as his latest or AoA, but I will definitely be returning to it.

Beautiful. Moving. Aligns with my biases. I don’t know if I would ever seek this out to listen to in future, but I can’t deny what’s going on in this album.

This is another one I heard the sound of in my head when it came up. It really takes me back. It’s great, but doesn’t quite get up to a 5, though.

kinda nice actually

Schön, beruhigende Stimme, noch nicht kitschig, teilweise orchestral. "Chicago" ist zurecht der Hit des Albums.

Some songs bounced off me, but the ones that grabbed me really grabbed me. Favorite Track: They Are Night Zombies!!

Neat vibes, very creative and sincere.

One of Sufjan Stevens’ greatest achievements. A portrait of a singular place, but with Sufjan’s complex arrangements and diversity of ideas, he makes that place as intricately detailed as any singular person could be

very good

“Illinoise” - creative title 👏. Clearly a talented musician & song writer and I can see why Sufjan Stevens has a following. While the album didn't entirely resonate with my personal taste, there's no denying the appeal of tracks like "Casimir Pulaski Day” - which gives me Blind Melon “No Rain” vibes, along with tracks like “Decatur, Or, Round of Applause for Your Stepmother!" and “The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Heart” which bring vibrant energy and catchy hooks that stand out. Overall, Illinoise might be a perfect pick for fans of Indie Folk/Indie Rock, Electronica, Folktronica, etc. but it didn't fully capture my musical preferences.

Beautiful background music. I could see myself sinking into this deeper.

I love these song titles.

never have been and probably never will be the right flavor of gay for sufjan stevens, but i can recognize that this is almost objectively good, even if it doesn't really do anything for me. a begrudging 4

Great album really good listen slightly too long

sufjan my love <33 comfort music

You have to at least admire the craft and research. I grew up in Illinois and didn't even get all the references.

As someone from Chicago- immediately intrigued. This is such a silly little album, love. 4/5

This was an amazing album, very cohesive and well produced. Easy folky sound with electronic elements. It was quite long though. Stand-out: John Wayne Gacy, Jr.

Pretty quintessential indie folk album. Not my thing but can appreciate what it is

I thought this album was really good. It was definitely one of the longest albums I've listened to all the way through with no breaks. Sufjan Stevens has a very calming voice and it goes well with the calming and festive attitude of the album. The piano carried this album though.

Chaotic muchness. Esoteric and vast, the product of a bookish talker influenced by queer Christian guilt. I’m old enough to know that Sufjan isn’t the cottage-core, quaint songwriter teens today think he is. I’m fully aware he’s a product of the Keith Herrings of this world and the maximalism of the 2000s. I was the target demographic for Sufjan when this album came out, and I knew that, but I still hated it. I didn’t know how much I was the target demo — I still thought I would die in a small New England town, I still was deep in the closet, I still thought I was above this level of pretentiousness. Still, my friends, from the punks to the hipsters, always insisted Sufjan was great, I just needed to give him another chance, especially this album, if nothing else. And so I tried, multiple times over the years, and yet, though I did warm up to it gradually with each revisit, I always walked away feeling negative toward this album. Maybe Brooklyn has finally rotted my brain after 8 years, maybe I can finally see the queer themes now that both Sufjan and I are fully out, maybe I’ve finally accepted that I’m annoying, but, whatever the reason, I’m finally positive on this album. I’m not 100% convinced yet that it’s a masterpiece. I still find the filler tracks deeply annoying, even if they are melodically sound, because I hate songs that only work in the context of an album and nowhere else. I still find this a bit overwrought, and in the finally stretch, its sprawl goes from exhausting to grating, though never so bad that I want to turn it off. As a result, I do find the first half much, much stronger, and wish it had stayed with those first 12 tracks only, or maybe go up to 15 songs total and stop. I do find it annoying and a bit like “I took a bunch of Adderall, grabbed a encyclopedia, turned to the index, read every article under the ‘Illinois’ header, and here’s everything I learned, no filter,” and that’s a bit annoying. But when it works? God, does it work. There’s just this magic to Sufjan’s nondescript descriptions that gets at the soul of something deeply Millennial, deeply post-9/11, dare I say chronically online, but oddly early to it, like a Wikipedia article sprint in an attempt to make sense of the chaos around you. It’s this longing to be a capital-A Artist™️ in a world where that no longer happens often, and by naming everyone you want to be compared to from the history books, it clicks. Also, sonically, this is very good. I think this album definitely has a singular sound, and if you don’t like that sound, 75 minutes of it can get boring, but I think he plays around enough in that sound to push its boundaries that it warrants its length. I do wish he went further with it, but this man said he would make an album for every state, so I think the sprawl here feels minimal compared to whatever sketches he may have had on file. As I said, I’m not 100% sold here, but I’m pushed just over the edge enough to know that I’m basically a fan of this, and will grow more confident with that the next time I listen. It doesn’t sell me on Sufjan, though, and I think if this book was written today, he’d have a lot more representation, and that would make me like this less because I know I don’t like his latest indietronica approach at all, or even Carrie & Lowell. But if we’re only stuck with Illinois, I’m feeling that Illinoise, baby!!

My brother in law game me this album back when it came out. I thought it was ok but never really cared about it. Listening now with intent was very enjoyable.

Almost a Simon Garfunkel moodiness. 4/5

Bob Boilen used to rant and rave about this album, and I never gave it a listen. Very impressed.

Didn't know what to expect. A nice musical journey, great instrumentation; what genre is this? 4*. Lots of great songs but also very long. Highlights: chicago, they are night zombies

This is making me feel things. I haven't listened to this all the way through for the better part of a decade, but it's transporting me right back to 2007ish when I first heard this. Was VERY into this and his other albums at the time. I haven't been able to handle his newer more somber stuff because, well, I can't handle how sad it make me feel. But this is joyous and/or weird throughout and it's hard to hate, at least for me. This one holds up well for me.

I’m familiar with a few songs from this album, but have never given the whole thing a real listen. I didn’t realize it was a concept album about Illinois. (Seems obvious in hindsight.)I like it. The orchestrations with the childlike backing choir and religious references give it a slightly culty vibe that intrigues. 4.0

Highly unique and nostalgic. Casino pulaski breaks my heart every time

Amazing album, not quite perfect.

Relly rich and lush fully instrumental album, with very interesting and unconventional pop music themes. Its independent, alternative and pop all at once. The album also plays like a film, there is clearly is a concept going on and I'm not the smartest to pick it out. I love this album and artist, relatively a new find for me.

A truly wonderful soundscape. Sufjan explores excess and minimalism as an artist and often on the same album. Illinois is a large album, long and full. There are silent spots but there is so much volume as well. The album only fails in small parts and id argue from being too much. Some restraint would taper the album but it would also take away from the experience

I actually enjoyed it way more than I expected. It has some very cool songs which touched me

Really immersive soundscape, beautiful instrumentals and interesting lyrics. Maybe a bit long. Favourites: Come On! Feel the Illinoise! John Wayne Gacy, Jr. Casimir Pulaski Day The Predatory Wasp

Soft one minute, then a cacophony of sound. Enjoyable listen.

Pretty damn good

Was great listening to this literally in Illinois for the eclipse

Aika veikeetä, mutta hyvää. On vähän kaikkea. Rockia, bluegrassia, teatteria. Aika erikoiset kappaleitten nimet. Parhaat: Tuo eka UFO biisi, Casimir Pulaski Day, Jacksonville

Ik ben een beetje gebiased, ik vond Sufjan jaren geleden een suffe jan, en heb hem vermeden sindsdien. Maar ik sta open om het nog een kans te geven. (Chicago heb ik wel altijd een goeie gevonden) Het album voelt aan als een teder, orchestraal en introspectief werk van een nostalgische, hoopvolle en verlangende jongen. Het album verrast me echt, waar ik vroeger een enorme hekel had aan de ‘zachtheid’ van Sufjan Stevens, vind ik het nu fijne muziek. Veel highlights ook. Aangename verassing! Highlights: Come on! Feel the Illinoise, John Wayne Gacy, Jr. , Jacksonville, Decatur, or Round of Applause for your Step-mother, Chicago Ratinf: 9/10

Marvellous - a rousing epic of an album. More things should sound like this.

didn’t think i was going to like this at all, but color me surprised!

Some true bangers on here

Unique. 4

Being made into a Broadway show for a reason

This was so excellent and weird and I loved it. Can't believe I'd never heard of it before.

Weird, but I liked it

8/10 I'm completely biased. Chicago is one of my favorite songs of all time. I listen to it often and still get frission every time I hear it. The only reason this isn't a 10 out of 10 is that the other songs, with the exception of John Wayne Gacy, Jr., are just good. 4-1-2024

Good album that suffers from being a bit too long and repetitive.

L'he gaudit com pocs àlbums. Li hauria posat 5 estrelles si algun tema destaqués extremadament de manera positiva, i no sé si és perquè tots m'han semblat genials en general o perquè no n'hi havia cap que sobrepassés aquest punt, però m'ha encantat. Expected Lorenzo rating: 3

Extraordinary. I only knew Sufjan Stevens from trip-hop music compilations. I liked his pieces there. Illinois - funny name of the album - I like it, even if the music sounds different from what I remember from the mixes I mentioned. 4/5

This is a lovely album, with some really fun songs on it. I didn't buy into the whole concept I suppose, much of the actual history was lost on me but it's obvious that this is a passion project.

Good selection of instruments used here including banjo and glockenspiel!

Today's album is like indie pop or folk pop or something. Hard to put my finger on. It sounds poppy and folky but has that weird sense about it like most indie. Not necessarily in a bad way, just.... You wouldn't hear this stuff on pop radio I don't think, but it's not bad. Sufjan basically did a deep dive into Illinois culture, and history, and made an album about it. Everything from serial killers to UFO sitings. Every song title looks like a fucking thesis title. He does a song about John Wayne Gacy which is haunting as fuck. Apparently he's done another of these albums with themes about a different state (the other being Michigan). Favourite songs: The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades is Out to Get Us, Jacksonville, "Decatur, Or, Round of Applause for Your Step-Mother", The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts, "John Wayne Gacy, Jr.", Come On! Feel the Illinois! Part 1: The World's Columbian Exposition Part 2: Carl Sandburg Visits Me In A Dream, "They Are Night Zombies!! They Are Neighbors!! They Have Come Back From the Dead!! Ahhhh!!" Least favourite songs: "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", "Out of Egypt, Into the Great Laugh of Mankind, and I Shake the Dirt From my Sandals As I Run" 4/5

Easy listening rock. Great song writing surprised this has never been on my radar before.

A great concept album and requires multiple listens to get the full lyrical impact. Sufjan is not for everyone - can be very ethereal and noisy - but I appreciate most of the writing and music here.

Bought this when it came out. Played it to death. Got sick of it. This was a good excuse to revisit. Some of these are already on my Spotify but it’s good to hear it all together with the little 20 second bits in between where they belong. Like an old friend you stopped hanging out with and by the time you part again you remember kinda why you stopped hanging out. I can’t listen to this without being disappointed that, instead of doing more states, Stevens just released an extra long version of Illinois with extra tracks and remixes and then disappeared for years. Still gorgeous… still kinda self important.

Chicago, no sabía que era de él. Un poco largo el disco. Me gusta más al principio que al final.

Really great listen, really like it a as working music.

This was surprisingly good actually. Didn’t know what to expect. Would listen again! Genreless, great lyrics, smooth. Loved it!

Have listened to a bit of Sujan Steven’s in the past, mainly this album and the soundtrack to the film Call Me By Your Name (the one where Timothée Chalamet fucks a peach). Really like it, but it is a bit long. Simpsons: No

I really liked this, got some Iron and Wine Vibes as well as Vince Guaraldi. Maybe a little long but loved the journey. Would love to listen again but would need to find the time with a glass of wine

I like concept albums, and this is no exception. Intricate instrumental and vocal arrangements, extraordinary lyrics, and a fitting production made this a joy to listen to.

Aw, I love this album and so does my kid. The hits are absolutely the Sound of the Indie Scene from its time, and they still hold up.

This was like the Skyrim of albums that we’ve listened to thus far. 22 songs at an hour and fifteen minutes long. So much content, but there was also so much diversity built into the album. It was weird, for sure, but I was pleasantly surprised from the beginning on. Pleasant to listen to, not overly obsessed with itself. Great album.

I knew a couple of these songs coming into this album and knew the vibe I was getting into. The composition on this one is incredible, so many moving parts in each song and each song comes together so well. The songs have some very diverse topics, some of which are on the darker side, but the delivery is so calming and soothing. There are also a few moments where I felt like I was living out the Juno soundtrack. My drive to and from work was super peaceful today, and that is always appreciated. I don’t think it’s quite a five, but a strong four.

A lovely listening experience, a bit of a classic of sad night listening for some of these songs. Some nice variety and some sad lyrics to cry to if you like. Much love for it.

Hela albumet gav perfekta sommar-vibes. Det känns som att den här musiken skulle passa bra i en A24 film!! Kommer 100% ha Sufjan Stevens på repeat i sommar!! Min favoritlåt från albumet var Chicago. Albumet får 4/5 stjärnor!

love sufjan

Wow this is an ambitious concept. I think he pulls it off well! Lots of diversity in the songs. The songwriting is great. I also enjoyed the instrumentals throughout. Reminded me a bit of Pet Sounds. I just wish the album wasn’t so long, but it sure does take you on a journey.

Suuri aikansa indieklassikko ja loistava onkin. Ensimmäinen puolisko, eli Casimir Pulaski Dayhin asti kirkkaasti viiden tähden menoa, mutta sen jälkeen valitettavasti aika monta turhaa biisiä. Night Zombies jälkipuoliskon valopilkku. Olen nyt ankara ja sakotan lopusta, jääköön neljään.

Nautinnollista nykyfolkkia. Uudempi Stevens on mulle vähän siinä ja tässä, mut tää oli kyl hyvä. 4/5

Really liked this.

I haven't listened to this in 9 years. Really lush poppy music with emotion. There's a lot of earwormy parts of this album too which is a weakness for me. Probably a masterpiece. A

It goes on for a bit too long but overall its very enjoyable

Love Sufjan. Great album

Very odd and complex but definitely an interesting listen

All over the place, but quite a good time.

i think this is an amazing album.

Was very apprehensive at first after seeing the title and cover and reading the wiki synopsis, but I was very impressed with the lyrics and instrumentals. Might be something I delve into again at some point and will probably check out more of Stevens' work. Although I only added one song, I have to give this a 4/5.

Immediately reminds me of Flaming Lips, but better in general I think. Wide variety of music, and a shocking breadth of lyrics.

Fun album, almost whimsical at times. Album grew on me as the it progressed. Immediately replayed it. 4 stars.

I rolled my eyes when this came up but then I chastised the inner millennial crank and gave it an honest listen. It is very sappy and overwrought, but also it’s very good. Better than most of his peers who were similarly trying to be Composers instead of just Rock Guys. There’s a lot going on, it’s a bit too long, but everything works and it justifies itself overall.

"Illinois" by Sufjan Stevens weaves intricate narratives with diverse instrumentation, capturing the essence of the state in a musical odyssey.

Really cool concept album. Mix of indie rock with impressive orchestral arrangements throughout. Also has the longest song titles of any album I’ve ever seen.

Sufjan Stevens is an Ed Hardy wearing fuck. That being said Illinoise deserves its' acclaim. It is an artistically crafted album that, in its' complexity, is able to conjure up real emotion. It's rich and lush, it's vulnerable, it's unsure of how or what it is and it makes it feel real

Funny sometimes

Solid album with a few standout tracks. A little soft for my liking but definitely worth a listen.

Soft

This had some good songs but some of them blended together and it all sounded way to similar

Very pleasant album to listen to. Did not feel as long as it was.

Prvi put cuo za ovo i svidio mi se dir albuma

Like this a lot more than I expected. Cohesive sobs and environment that feels perfectly 2000s indie

Smooth, sad, indie girl vibes. Or something like that. Really good stuff.

4.4

Está bueno

8/10

Standout Tracks: "Come on Feel the Illinoise," "Chicago," "The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts," Vocals/Lyrics- 4/5 Instrumentals- 5/5 Vibes- 5/5 Overall 4/5 I had only heard a few isolated songs on this album before my full listen and I realized what a disservice I was doing to the album. This album very naturally progresses from one song into the next. It is a gorgeous body of art. The music itself invoked just these magical images of some mystic fantasy city. It is truly a beautiful, majestic album that I really enjoyed.

Interesting album. Not bad at all for studying. Songs vary quite a lot, some very catchy, some less so. Wouldn't mind checking out some other stuff from this artist

C'était super bravo

se marie bien avec une atmosphère printanière

me gustó mucho, suena un poco a banda sonora de tu vida. lo volvería a escuchar. 8/10

It's a great album, I've listened to it before; but my only complaint is that the titles of most of the songs make it come off as your standard "pretentious indie artist with his head up his ass" album. I mean, the second track's title is damn near a paragraph's worth of alternate titles.

I liked it - 8/10

Very enjoyable! I liked the simplicity and how easy it was to hear the lyrics. Sort of a nice humble album. 8/10

6/10. Great album, kinda like a combo of Wilco and Neutral Milk Hotel. You can tell it’s a true work of art cause it’s clear Sufjan Stevens made this record for himself! Really beautiful songs and production, probably would rank higher if I found more of the songs memorable.

highlight tracks: come on feel the illinoise, chicago, casimir pulaski day, man of metropolis, and most of side 2 tbh bass playing is great all over the album production is gr8 across the whole record, too. Especially the banjo timbre on Casimir and that song's overall instrumentation - the trio of acoustic, banjo and horns go so perfectly together. Also good production on Man of Metropolis, especially the full band sections. Reminds me of Elliott Smith, but if ES had a lot more Paul McCartney in him, rather than being pretty balance before all 4 beatles. (I subscribe to the idea the ES is all 4 beatles in one person) Sufjans voice is good and soothing, but at the same time comes off as a bit (for lack of a better word) lame and cheesy (ie gay), lyrics are also a bit lame here and there, but on the other hand they come off as very personal, which I respect a lot. Brings Roman Candle to mind. These are criticisms that I 100% believe will fade with repeated listens. Predatory Wasps and the song before are also gr8. Horns are always done well on this album and don't come off as too corny, which is a hard things for horns to usually do IMO. Reminds me of nmh horns with ES/Figure 8 production. In fact, all the instrumentation on Predatory Wasps is great, keyboards especially. It was easier for me to get into these keyboards on first listen than Elliott's piano playing on XO (on first listen) which is probably a really good sign. They are Night Zombies reminds me of Kanye's (?) Jesus Walks, which is kinda hilarious to me actually. I can see how those tastes intersect with this specific song, and why the internet raves about both.

Sufjan Stevens, Illinoise (2005) Concerning the UFO Sighting - wow, piano, male vocal need to read lyric The Black Hawk War - martial instrumental Come on! Feel the Illinoise! - vocal, upbeat, lyric hard to follow John Wayne Gacy, Jr - soft vocal, sweet melody finger-picking guitar Jacksonville - piano & violin intro jazzy blues-y upbeat, vocal, need lyric Decatur - banjo, upbeat instrumental, soft vocal, need lyric Chicago - another upbeat instrumental intro, soft lyric Casimir Pulaski Day - another toe-tapping finger-picking guitar intro, soft lyric -- cancer? bittersweet lyric. Banjo interlude over guitar, horn (trumpet) interlude, The Man of Metropolis - instrumental intro, head-banger + musical, vocal follows, head-banger interlude Prairie Fire -- synth, keyboard, space-y intro with voice over in echo effect A Conjunction of Drones -- 20 second synth The Predatory Wasp -- whispery music & lyric (need to see to understand) They Are Night Zombies - great piano elec guitar intro, swing tempo In This Temple -- fantasy synth sustain echo The Seer's Tower -- piano intro w synth background, soft vocal The Tallest Man -- piano intro, hands clapping, swing beat, horns Out of Egypt - another synth fantasy intro, story-like techno instrumental

That was better than the others.

Totally new to me. It’s interesting. Someone else here said that it sounds like a Wes Anderson film, and that’s totally true. But for me that’s not a bad thing. 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.

A tour through the state of Illinois. Each track tells you a different story. Long album but most tracks are 30 to 45 second intervals and then you’re hit with a story.