Sufjan Stevens' newest work "Illinois" continues his quest to create an album for every state in America. His goal is quite ambitious, but after listening to this album it leaves little doubt of whether it can be accomplished.
Stevens establishes himself as an extremely capable singer and songwriter. His subject matter focuses on his own Christian faith and his vast knowledge of Americana.
The stand out track is "John Wayne Gacy Jr," a haunting song describing the Chicago-based serial killer and rapist. Lyrics such as "27 people/ Even more, they were boys, with their cars, summer jobs" highlight his knowledge of the details of Gacy's crimes as well as put a human face on an act of unspeakable cruelty.
"Come on! Feel the Illinoise" is an orchestrated ode to the Columbian Exposition of 1893, with an accompaniment of strings, piano, horn and chorus. One gets the sense while listening to Stevens' music that he is sincere in his interest in Americana, and all the oddities that it encompasses.
Sufjan Stevens revels in things that may seem like minor topics.
"Concerning the UFO Sighting Near Highland, IL" is about exactly what the title describes: a UFO sighting that occurred in and around Highland on January 5, 2000. It is this attention to detail that allows him to stands out from his peers.
The tenderness and warmth his lyrics communicate are felt strongest in "Casimir Pulaski Day" with Stevens trying to reconcile his faith with a friend dying of bone cancer.
One of the weaker points of the album is Stevens' preoccupation with rhyming. While this occasionally leads to satisfactory results, it is often a limiting factor lyrically.
This is by far Sufjan Stevens' finest work. The goal he has set for himself would be unattainable for most artists, but it is easy to feel confident about the work in his capable hands.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
