Illinois

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.

Beautiful and weird, i love it from first song.

I really wasn't expecting anything like that, but I liked it

A very creative singer songwriter, who is very easy to listen to. I am particularly impressed by his richly varied song and music design, which I find quite impressive. Playing tip: Chicago

A perfectly nice album, even if towards the end I started checking my watch a little.

- the song titles are killing me. in a funny way - chicago >>

As many other people I know Sufjan Stevens through the film Call Me By Your Name. His songs there have the perfect place there because they are used outside of the album context. On length I don't find Stevens's music as convincing. This album here as some little filler skits I don't really need. Also you soon notice the formula for the album. Still, the use of the horns is great. I might check out other albums by Stevens.

Decent

This album surprised me. The melodies were good, the lyrics meaningful, and the musicianship solid. I enjoyed this.

Nice album but too long

Gorgeous melodies. Very quirky lyrics. Overly long song names that pass the border into pretentious. This was a challenge for me to listen to. It felt too busy to just background, but I also couldn't make the time to sit down and give the album my full attention. Abbreviating the titles, "Columbia/Carl Sandburg" and "Night Zombies!" are my favorites. It seems like some good stuff but I need more time with it.

Completely different to every other Sufjan record I've heard, I'm not sure I took it all in in one listen but what I did get was very good. Will revisit.

Theme and lyrics I didn’t find interesting but the music itself is beautiful, great song writing and composition, loved the orchestral parts

A singular achievement, almost monolithic in its quality. There is ample excellence on display and a great deal of excellence, thought it can be tricky to tell them apart after a time, what with the somewhat samey strings on every song and a blueprint-similar vocal style, too). Obviously, SS is a massive talent; one wonders if he's always applied it to optimal effect.

My 2005 self would’ve loved this.

This was a really interesting sound and one I am embarrassed to admit I had not heard before today. I enjoyed it and will definitely listen again.

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

Vibe

Sweet and twee, certainly a product of its time in that respect. It's well crafted, though, and the instrumentation is suitably delicate throughout. It's too long, that's for sure, but there's a lot to love about this.

4/5 Favorite song: Chigago

Really nice, seems almost like a musical. The individual songs keep pretty much the rhythm and melody, but it's not too similar to the other songs on the album.

Lots to like in terms of instrumentation and music regardless of how you feel about the lyrics and overall concept. In terms of the concept, I was skeptical at first because an album about a state doesn’t sound like a good concept. That being said, I think it was executed well and the more I dove into the concept and the history the more intrigued I was by it all. This being my first introduction to Sufjan Stevens, I get the impression that he does whatever he wants with his music and doesn’t give a donk what the mainstream tendencies might be. I like that. Solid album overall and worth a revisit.

Love me some Sufjan Stevens. I have his album beginners mind on vinyl. Given his discography, this one is middle of the road for me

Man I'm a sucker for a good concept album, and this one hits the spot. It's not something I would recommend to everyone, and it feels like it requires more attention than sometimes I would like to give, but it's a pretty unique experience album-wise and it's not too far off the path of a regular album. Something about it feels theatrical, and it moves up and down from climaxes in a familiar way. Good stuff. Highlight: Chicago Lowlight: Out of Egypt, into the Great Laugh of Mankind, and I shake the dirt from my sandals as I run Surprise Hit: They Are Night Zombies!! They Are Neighbors!! They Have Come Back From the Dead!! Ahhhh!

Heard before, would listen again, but not seek it out

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

Crazy to think sufjan Stevens goes on to do Pixar’s luca soundtrack.

Sufjan absolutely knows his sound. One of those albums where if you like one track you’ll like them all. Chicago and Casimir pulaski day are absolute emotional rollercoasters. Would surely be a 5/5 without all the filler instrumental tracks.

Like a lot of art albums, it benefits from a quiet, focussed listening. Even though I didn't do that, this is a brilliant. Not at all what I was expecting either.

Wow, I really liked that! Some songs were surprisingly vibrant and I loved it! His voice is really easy on the ears. The instruments take you places

A bit sing-songy - would not surprise me if this was made for or to be a musical? - but overall just a very pleasant and enjoyable album. 4.5

This album was a nice discovery of an artist I didn't know of. Apart from the typical folk style vocals and lyrics sometimes, the music arrangement surprised me in it's creativity. A couple of songs in 5/4 meter and unexpected chord progressions made this an interesting listen. 4 stars.

At first when I was listening to this I wasn't a huge fan. I thought that this album was long, bloated, and repetitive. It wasn't too novel and each song blends together but it was pleasant and easy to. But after I read how much Stevens read about Illinois to prepare for this album, I realized that that the structure of the album commentary on what it's like living in Illinois, or living in the Midwest in general. Long, repetitive, and it all feels the same. I'm not sure if this is exactly what he was going for but this really helped the album click in my mind. If you're curious about what I'm talking and what he's doing here, look up Midwest Regionalism studies. Literature, film, and music (or any media) related to the Midwest. Throughout so many works of the Midwest you can find these common themes of longing, dissatisfaction, feeling like an outcast, repetition, and boredom. This is a great entry into that genre, putting to song what Illinois is truly like. I may not listen to this album a lot front to back but I think I will start listening to Sufjan Stevens more often. Great sound.

This is way better than I expected. It's fun, but it's very one level. And in some of the songs they do that thing where you really can't understand the lyrics even if you're trying which I'm not a fan of. I'm really between a 3 and 4 on this, but I'm feeling generous.

A little long winded and could be cut down a bit, but this is stellar.

Ok

Only know the name, had never previously heard a song. This album was really good, the songs with odd time signatures and trumpets were class, reminded me of American Football/Beirut/Clever Girl. The other tracks were sometimes a bit too twee but by the end of the first listen I wanted to go again which is a good sign. Also didn't fell too long despite being over an hour. Definitely over a 4, not quite a 5.

What a strange and beautiful album. The singer has a great voice and the backing vocals with the sweeping instruments all fit perfectly. Like most of the song titles the album goes on a bit long but it was mostly a great listen. This might get 5 stars with subsequent listens. Highlights: Come On! Feel the Illinoise!..... Jacksonville Chicago The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts They Are Night Zombies!!

Wasn't aware of this at all. When I saw the cover I thought it was some jazz album.... Firstly, it's a long un, 22 tracks, long song titles too! This has elements of a lot of bands I like, the shins, Elliott Smith, postal service a bit. I don't know how to describe it properly but I feel it's music for people that liked Garden State (I did). Really enjoyed it, and I feel like it will grow on me after more listens. I think I recognise Chicago, but don't know where from I'm pretty surprised I haven't heard of this before, given how similar it is to music I like, glad I have! Definitely be back Highlights: Chicago John Wayne Gacey jr Casimir Pulaski day Predatory wasp ...... At least a 4, maybe higher with more listens

This album started out very promising. The first couple songs are really good, and I was sure this was going to be one of the best albums on this list. But then it just kept going. So many of the songs on this album are so samey. It gets hard to tell them apart. They’re all nice to listen to but most don’t really stand out. And the album is over an hour long, about half of it probably could’ve been cut and it’d be better for it. But when it’s good, it’s very good. The songs are mostly very good, and they kind of make up for the samey-ness and length of the album. Definitely will have to check out more Sufjan Stevens in the future. 8/10 Top 3: 1. Concerning the UFO sighting near Highland, Illinois 2. John Wayne Gacy, Jr. 3. Come On! Feel the Illinoise!

Almost a true 5/5 some of the songs stick with you, some are just to self-involved. I'll listen to thos album again in the future.

I liked it has great songs.

Interesting album. He is not shy about using any and all instruments in his music. There were a couple devastatingly sad songs on there, too.

meu amor, a alma mais linda da música

Great mood

I’m honestly biased toward this one. One of my ex girlfriends put Casimir Pulaski Day on a mixtape for me. The album in whole is a lot more instrumental than I predicted it would be. I think the sound is lovely and the narrative is kind of lyrically gripping. Somewhere between easy listening and intensely emotional immersion for me haha.

Eclectic

I like Carrie & Lowell more, but I understand the acclaim that Illinois gets. Very artistic and unique with fantastic lyricism.

Different sound, like that

A total surprise! This was such a pleasant listen

Really interesting. Felt like I was 16 again.

It's...different. It's a pretty cool concept album that's more good than bad.

John Wayne gacey jr

Chill.

Nice, weirdly enjoyable

Fuck what can I say about this album. I know it well and yet continue to find new things in it every time I listen. It's an album I've put on in the background so many times. In the same way I experienced most Indie of the early oughts and before, it was a slap in the face when I was introduced to it in 2007 breaking me out of a very narrow scope of "acceptable" rock genres. How could I have written off so many artists? There are so many things to like about this album and it will be one I continue to revisit without prompt from the list.. I dig the complex orchestrations, the production, the somber voicing. It's folky, it's indie, it's orchestral, it's great. As far as modern and cultural influence, I lump this in alongside Ben Gibbard's meteoric rise to greatness in the indie genre. --- Review of reviews: Seems like some people aren't into the pretentiousness of the mid 00's hipster.. and that's okay... It is one flavor of ice cream served at the ice cream shop, and sometimes you just want that flavor! -- Best Track: Come On! Feel the Illinoise! Part 1: The World's Columbian Exposition Part II: Car Sandburg Visits Me In A Dream

Great album I thought. Great sounds, great lyrics. Only thing that’s off putting is the length, as well as the focus on Illinois

8.5/10 varied, rich, emotional Highlights: John Wayne Gacy Jr. Chicago Casimir Pulaski Day They are Night Zombies The Seer's Tower

I have to admit that at first this album minimally caught my attention - however, I gave it a fair shot because I love the song "Chicago" and holy shit what a great decision that was. This album was so gentle and powerful at the same time and I was genuinely amazed by the almost choral nature of some of the songs. Album cover is a little spooky tho.

4/5. From the initial listen, it sounds like a children's album of educational songs about Illinois. Upon further listens, this is a deeply depressing and personal album about a man trying to find the joy of knowledge while ignoring the personal pains of this real/fake life he is living. The backing vocals seem like intrusive thoughts. Not all songs are great to be fair, some are definitely skippable, but overall an interesting listen that changes my viewpoint each time. It's quiet and quite simple, but something it doesn't have to be complicated to express yourself effectively.

I like the artist, pretty good throughout. Thought the album was 3 stars, the song titles added another star, and one plus three equals four!

Slow start, great after first 3/4 songs

Some matrix stuff happening with Sufjan but great album.

Some real bangers so some OK filler songs. Chicago and They Are Night Zombies!!! Have always been the biggest takeaways from this album in my opinion.

This is a solid 4 and I would maybe even get to a 5 if I knew it better and had that familiarity/nostalgia effect. This is really well crafted and put together. It feels simultaneously like it's 'a guy playing with instruments in his bedroom' and also 'a humungous layered orchestra'. It's intimate and also expository. Chicago is I think the biggest track here (I've def heard it before and it has the most plays on Spotify) but the real story here is the total work all together. This was a tremendous feat.

Interestingly diverse. All tracks with something to say. Loved the choirs he uses in his work

enjoyable

Very peaceful, ridiculously long album. good for working to. Some pep, not sad, a bit nostalgic.

Mostly simple in sound reminiscent of other folk music, strong element of Americana and Illinois/Chicago-centric imagery, story telling crafted for that purpose but somehow still intimate, personal, and relatable all at the same time. Very effective at invoking strong visuals.

I like it so far. Was scared it would be weird, but the production is lovely for being released one year after I was born. 1. Concerning the UFO Sighting Near Highland, Illinois 2. 3. 4. John Wayne Gacy, Jr. Feels like indie pop. Such a soothing voice. lsdkfjldk

Not what I was expecting. Some good songs, with great instrumentation, and interesting story-telling.

Beautiful! I love the minimalist undertones. Comparisons to Steve Reich are well deserved.

Up till Chicago I’d say this is one of the greatest albums ever recorded. Like some strange cross section of Simon & Garfunkel and a pulp sci-fi horror novel, it’s both fragile and maudlin and shocking and beautiful. And then it keeps going and going and going And there just aren’t the tunes to justify in the back half of the album But a high mark on the quality of the 1st half alone

Sad bastard music.

Grappige creatieve singersongwritermuziek, geen idee waar het over gaat, maar vrolijk stemmend.

Een uitgedacht album. Sufjan weet de luisteraar echt te laten luisteren. Het is mijn genre niet, dus extra knap om dat te bereiken. 3.5 ster

Af en toe is het muziek voor bij een kinderserie uit de jaren 70. De complete kast met instrumenten van de muziekschool is leeggehaald en gebruikt. Kampvuurmuziek van de scouting, iedereen mag meedoen! Ik miste alleen nog de kazoo. De kakofonie aan instrumenten verbloemt soms het potentieel van de muziek. Want de nummers waar Sufjan begeleidt wordt door slechts een piano en/of gitaar zijn wonderschoon. In Chicago komt al dat bombastische (maar dan in een folkjasje) het beste tot zijn recht. Uiteindelijk zit het toch erg vernuftig in elkaar en heb ik geen enkele moeite met de lengte (meer dan een uur). Terwijl er dus wel een paar wazige, mindere nummers tussen zitten, voelt het wel als een album als geheel. Vandaag kan ik dit bijzonder goed verteren, maar ik snap helemaal als mensen dit een 1 of een 2 vinden.

Had never heard of this, was pretty surprised. Great songwriting, some songs weren't my style

I love how unique this album is to Sufjan himself, not many artists have his kind of style and story telling in his music.

Brilliant album! Haven’t listened to it in about 10 years. Every song feels epic

Indie 2010s at its finest

I liked this, and would listen again. However it felt very long to me. So I'd definitely require another listen when I'm not tired to see how I enjoy it.

This is weird - I was looking at this on Amazon to buy and also on spotify

Very interesting. The music and lyrics are very good, and different-glad this one came up on this list as I'd not heard of him before.

enjoyed malla

Before this project, I never heard of this guy. Now I have heard this album a couple times and I think it is really good.

Eccentric, neutral milk hotel vibes but with a more soothing voice.

this album is such a fun listen. such intricate arrangements, you can tell a lot of thought and love was put into the instrumentation. just a very chill, interesting adventure of an album

its so calm i like it.. a little too long for my liking though and some songs sounded a bit boring but overall its a really nice album ill definitely come back to it

Beautiful, delicate tunes. Nice texts over a beautiful score makes for an overall very touching listening experience. Still I have to admit that at times I felt I missed a bit more of a punch or kick in the album’s composition.

I love how simplistic and easy to listen to this album is.

Loved some songs

It's like if slam poetry was on Prozac. Not my cup of tea for sure but doesn't mean it's not a good album. If you like any song that could be an intro to any Michael Cera movie than this is for you!

Very good. I’ve heard this one before but liked it again. The song about Gacy is chilling.

One of my favourite discoveries of the 2000s. Brilliant songwriter and has some great peaks throughout his career. This album almost feels like a indie prog hybrid, and it works great, for the most part. There’s a lot of short intermission type songs that don’t add all that much which could’ve been trimmed or weaved in the songs around them. But still, a great listen I really enjoyed! 8,5 out of 10

Long, but a lot of slaps on this. Listening to this today it sounds like so much else out there, but coming out in 2005 this must’ve influenced a lot of 2010s indie folk.

Love the orchestral elements and the progressive time signatures. It does drag sometimes and I find it a bit repetitive. Other than that, the album is easy on the ears and it showcases Stevens’ ability as a singer/songwriter very well. The choir is excellently used and is never uncalled for. All around, the album is a great listen, if you’re into more orchestral pop. Fav tracks: Come on! Feel the Illinoise, John Wayne Gacy, Jr., Jacksonville, Chicago, The Man of Metropolis…, The Tallest Man…. Least fave: A conjunction of drones.. 4/5

Lovely album. Really pulls you into a mood

The Wall for people who watch Wes Anderson films and flog CBD beard oil.

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

Favourite song: Concerning the UFO sighting near Highland, Illinois

3.5 stars. Interesting indie folk that lyrically explores history and culture at times poetic and at times narrative. Gets points for creativity. Standout is the phenomenal "Chicago"

The album that got me into SS. I have an emotional bond with it so its hard to be objective. Its long and possibly overreaching but is passionate orchestral indie folk that drives deep. 4

I've always heard a lot of different things about sufjan stevens and a lot of good things about this album but I'd never listened to him at all. This album felt really fresh and new compared to stuff I've been getting recently for some reason. It's definitely a complete left turn from fishscale and moving pictures but there's something more to it than just that. The folksy music and mountains of Illinois references that mostly went over my head combined to make an immaculate vibe and overall cozy/wistful feeling in me. It was just a really nice and pleasant album to listen to overall despite a weird more aggressive song in there just over halfway through. All the song names are too long for me to fully remember which ones I liked but the john wayne gacy one and they are night zombies definitely stood out.

Weirdly soft and delicate, yet bold and uniquely its own. Sufjan Stevens gives you a musically intricate portrayal of his Illinoisian experiences. I heard he was going to do one album like this for every state, seems he bailed on that alleged mission real quick. Perfect album cover for Illinois. A postcard from the edge of indie darling sanity.

The melodies are beautiful, the arrangements refined, the vocals gentle. Yet, the songs also feels somewhat contrived, so I leave it at 4 stars.

There's some really good stuff on here. It's like Badly Drawn Boy meets the Polyphonic Spree

Georgeous voice. Solid songs. Interesting arrangement and the whole single state concept going on.

very nive

I love this variery of instruments, unobvious melodies and unreal atmosphere. Maybe one day I'll try to learn something about Illinois through this music too.

Love this album. Agree that it's a bit long, but I really enjoy the vocal delivery on this, moving between so many emotions and putting you right in the moment. 4/5.

Illinois is one of those albums that I forget is great until I am listening to it. Like @dbarila , I get much more out of the experimental stuff, but I feel like that disparages this a bit, because it's not like it is your typical singer songwriter fare. It is very much of the same ilk as Age of Adz and Seven Swans - melodically and thematically, it is just the bridge between. I imagine that this is the kind of music that Tim DeLaughter and Brian Wilson hear in their head.

Really well done. I enjoyed the album very much

4.5/5. Indie kid music at its peak.

Holy shit. This is gooooood. A bizarre statement or love letter to something or other but it goes so hard. Loved all the titles, made it that bit more fun.

Vaguely familiar with Sufjan Stevens before I heard this, heard a few songs. I was really gripped by this. Folk music crossed with orchestral pop and indie rock(?) in a blend that seems kinda precarious but turns out positively gorgeous. The songwriting and melodies are the common links that hold everything together. Long, weird, disjointed, and not helmed by a traditionally strong singer, but ultimately beautiful. I’ll return to it. Best song: John Wayne Gacey Jr.

Some incredible songs, but very long album so also some less incredible songs

This one was a real tough one to rate, that I listened to it multiple times to form an opinion enough to give it a rating. I think it was pleasant to listen to and I would listen to it again. I don't think I'd add it to my regular rotation of music.

These songs are great, but the tracklist is also a bit bloated. I feel like it's right between good and great but a couple of songs could have been cut.

I was familiar with the name but had never listened to his work. It's nice but long. Which is good? It's indie music that I enjoy.

Straight away the amount of songs in this album is slightly scary to me!! Full of very calm and bland songs as well some that really stand out. With very annoyingly long titles so won't be listing my saved tracks here. No. 16 is probably my favourite.

21.04.23. Долгое время отворачивался от этого альбома, а зря. Музыка оказалась очень даже классной. Её сложно описать словами. Лучше просто скажу, что она грамотно сочетает в себе поп-музыку, инди, минимализм, классику и фолк, при этом создавая неповторимую атмосферу, уносящую слушателя из реального мира во вселенную Illinois.

"UFO" and "The Seer's Tower" I loved. Others like "Jacksonville" and "Casimir Pulaski Day" were really good. This was a very interesting listen: even the one about John Wayne Gacy. Albums like this make up for all the clinkers that are on this site's list.

I thought it was terrific. I've been a long-time fan of Stevens though probably haven't heard every album. I had to revisit my fandom as an atheist when a musician friend said, yeah, but he's in a cult. I've never found anything to back that up. That said, he is apparently an avid Christian and likes to combine his Christianity with his sexuality which is weird. I can overlook it. Stevens has an incredible voice, fantastic lyrics and this album is no exception. I found myself absolutely blown away by every aspect of the bizarrely named song, "They Are Night Zombies!! They Are Neighbors!! They Have Come Back From The Dead!! Ahhhh!". Everything about this song is fantastic: bassline, backup vocals, strings, and of course the voice of Stevens soothing and interesting as it ever is. For once, a two disc album that didn't piss me off.

Back in 2005 I remember thinking maybe, just maybe, Sufjan Stevens was serious about doing a concept album for each of the 50 states. I mean, he had already knocked out "Michigan" and "Come on and Feel the Illinoise," plus an album in between, in three years. It would take him the rest of his life/career, but it wasn't impossible? It turns out he was never serious about that. But maybe he could have done it? Because he's been periodically crazy productive since 2005, going quiet then releasing double or quintuple Christmas albums, going quiet then reinventing his sound with electronic or new age influences. I stopped following him after "Illinoise," but his career seems to have taken some wild twists and turns. Perhaps I'll have to check some of it out. In part because I enjoyed "Illinoise" more than I thought I was going to. I remembered it as being very mellow. Almost too mellow. But there's actually a decent mix, and the album kept me engaged and kept its momentum flowing more than I expected. Stevens is a talented songwriter and musician, and it might be interesting to see how his style has evolved and morphed over the years.

Very cool, unique chamber pop. Cool concept too

Good record. I enjoy when I listen to Sufjan but never quite crosses to a 5 for me. Not sure why.

genuinely enjoyable music holy shit. the only weird thing is the lyrics/topics. im not from illinois.

Was not expecting this album to make the list but boy am I glad it's here. Stevie showed me this album a long time ago, but long after it had come out. I can't remember what the situation was but I know we were listening to it while we were driving somewhere. I thought it was incredibly creative to have a whole album dedicated to Illinois and the prospect of him doing this for all 50 states. Now learning that was a joke. But looking at it in this lens, I'm really surprised this came out in 2005. That may seem recent, but it really isn't and at that time, I'm sure this album was surprising for many. I loved 22, A Million, but this feels right up there with that album and that came out more than a decade later. Sufjan albums are the kind that are meant to be listened to all the way through, less so for singles and hits. Although, I did keep Come On! Feel the Illinoise! and Chicago. This is also a great album cover, love the mobster and the goat. I really wish he had done an album for all the states. I'd love to hear Texas, Hawaii, Colorado, etc.

Reminds me a bit of Flaming Lips. Solid experimental pop music

Informed and interesting. Wide array of sounds and made me want to focus on the music. 4/5

Interesting and enjoyable chamber pop. Bit too long but gotta give props for the creativity and artistry

To capture the essence of an entire state in one album seems an impossible task, but Sufjan Stevens manages. Stevens weaves a delicate web of music and has clearly done his research in regards to significant people and places (one of the standout songs is about the horrific crimes of John Wayne Gacy…no, really).

I really like sufjan when it’s on, but rarely find myself coming back to it. I’m just not a huge fan of that indie sound, and on this one, the horns were sometimes a little too jovial and the keys sometimes sounded like Peanuts. But I love the slower, sadder songs. Overall a great album, interesting and pleasant from beginning to end.

I had tried to listen to this album a few times in the past, as I had heard rave reviews. I got nothing out of it before, but found myself finally connecting a bit with it this time time. Interesting lyrics and love the horn accompaniment on lots of the songs.

really liked this one

A very interesting album

It's clear from the beginning how central Sufjan's faith is to him, what with the way he equates a UFO sighting with the Incarnation and its attendant signs in the heavens. How effortlessly Sufjan calms the celebration and, without taking away any of the joy, brings us into such a beautiful turn of musical phrase that leads us all into a singalong ballad! Float away on lazy horn clouds, or leap above them on the strings of violins. And you know what? It's okay to cry yourself to sleep sometimes. Not all tears are sad. For the record, I've never heard a more uplifting, beautiful song about a serial killer. Not sure what Sufjan is trying to do here, but I just close my eyes and shake my head at the loveliness/ugliness and the conflicted feelings with me. If you want to know just how full this album is, take a look at just what Sufjan is doing: vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, Wurlitzer, electric bass, drum kit, electric guitar, oboe, alto saxophone, flute, banjo, glockenspiel, accordion, vibraphone, tenor recorder, soprano recorder, sopranino recorder, alto recorder, sleigh bells, shakers, tambourine, triangle, and church organ. The only instrument featured on the album he didn't touch is the trumpet. Thematically, the album is at once inaccessibly specific about historical facts that really don't have anything to do with anyone, as well as being broad in his allusions to our common human condition, to say nothing of the all-pervasive Christian framework. Why do we need our faith? Well, for one...bone cancer. So celebrate life while you can, and understand just how much you have to give.

Ég skil ekki alveg hvernig Sufjan Stevens fer að því að gera allt á eitthvað svo fallegan hátt. Yndisleg plata. Það er eitthvað svo mikið vor í henni.

One of the best concept albums, with beautifully sweet tunes throughout

My college was in Grand Rapids, MI which is close to Holland and Sufjan Stevens had somewhat of a relationship with the college. He allowed our AV department to use any of his songs for any student projects, so that was kinda cool I guess. I was bombarded with Sufjan Stevens in college. It was everywhere. Twee-indie was all the rage in 2006-2008, especially at a liberal-christian college. I have gone in spurts where I liked some of the songs, then hated, then tolerated, and now kind of ambivalent with a few exceptions. Tonally it's kind of all over the place, with songs of deep sadness and others grandiose happiness. "Concerning the UFO" and "Casimir Pulaski Day" are the types of songs by Sufjan that I enjoy. Songs like "Come On! Feel the Illonoise! Part 1" are neat in concept but it's so happy twee I can't really stand it. I remember thinking John Wayne Gacy, Jr. was quite good back in the day due to its "dark subject matter". Now, I don't really ever wanna listen to it. It is best listened to while looking through the lens of "total depravity", which a Christianity concept that is referenced the line "and in my best behavior, I am really just like him", as in we all have the potential to be monsters. Apparently he thought it would be "arrogant" to make a double album, but c'mon man this thing is basically that. I do appreciate that he says the album-states concept is essentially a joke gimmick, so clearly he isn't taking things too seriously. Vocally I kinda dig Stevens cadence but other times it feels just like it's trying to be too cute/quiet, but that's a preference thing. Personal enjoyment of 3, but I'd have to rate it 4/5 if I was being more objective. I also know his live shows were very theatrical so I'm sure that'd be entertaining as well.

Potential here. A lot of musicality. Turn it 45° and it could be Sturgill Simpson.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Really enjoyed this one.

Melodisch, Vibraphone, Klavier. Alternative

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

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.

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!

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!

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

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.

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

Bosh

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

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

Way cooler than expected. Nice.

Un grato descubrimiento.

Många bra minnen med denna skiva Age of Adz tho

Beautiful :) strong 4

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.

Uh.

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

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.

Lovely times were had

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.

Unique

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

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

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.

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.

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

Weirder than expected, lots of themes, enjoyable.

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

Amazing

Amazing folk album that paints a tapestry of

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

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.

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.

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.

Very nice ambient listening.

excellente vibe soir/mélancolie

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.

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.

4.2

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.

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.

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.