User Score
Universal acclaim- based on 792 Ratings
User score distribution:
-
Positive: 721 out of 792
-
Mixed: 16 out of 792
-
Negative: 55 out of 792
Review this album
-
-
Please sign in or create an account before writing a review.
-
-
Submit
-
Check Spelling
- User score
- By date
- Most helpful
-
ErikHApr 11, 2006this is a masterpiece.
-
-
TylerAApr 21, 2006One of the best albums I've ever heard, Highly recommended!
-
-
DavidPApr 8, 2006An ambitious approach, and an astounding result. It's hard to imagine a better folk/rock/pop album; they come along about once per decade.
-
-
WrenLApr 9, 2006Sufjan Stevens has bewitched me. His music holds such gentle strength; my heart bleeds and rejoices with his word.
-
-
willoMay 3, 2006Just a masterpiece.
-
-
AshPJun 14, 2006definately his best album so far. so personal and meaningful, utterly absorbing and so incredibly detailed. every few seconds contains a few treats.
-
-
briannavSep 5, 2006one of my favorite albums, although no his best cd.
-
-
DanKFeb 24, 2007Minimalistic like Phillip Glass, but more melodic, really great higher state of conciousness....:-)
-
-
LennyCJun 2, 2007
-
-
DanF.Jun 25, 2007One of my favorite all-time albums. I could listen to it anytime.
-
-
Joni-M.Apr 21, 2008Perfect. Nothing less than a masterpiece.
-
-
AyshL.May 1, 2008Amazing.
-
-
AyshL.Aug 9, 2008Amazing.
-
-
PeterP.Dec 20, 2009Astonishing, ambitious, addictive, highly original, sublime. Truly exceptional, once in a lifetime kind of album.
-
-
GregSOct 11, 2005Freakin LOVE this cd
-
-
jimmNov 17, 2005best of the year no doubt. the depth of the music and its catchiness is like nothing i've ever heard. Have been listening to reapetedly. beautiful
-
-
NickNov 17, 2005I'm willing to add another 10 to this album along with all the other "hipsters" because I, along with them, actually listened to it more than three times and am not tone deaf and like wonderfully wonderful music with smart lyrics and beautiful melodies. I like you Sufjan Stevens, I like you a lot.
-
-
PhilipBOct 13, 2005I have hundreds of cds, and I love all kinds of music. This album is definitely in my top 10, along with Michigan. I can't find a thing wrong with this Prairie State tribute; I seriously couldn't ask for more than what he's done here--except maybe a few more tracks, but that's a harsh and invalid criticism for a disc with 22 tracks (23 on the vinyl!).
-
-
DanB.Oct 16, 2005Maybe it could be a bit shorter? But that's a small complaint. It's one of those albums that are great to listen to from start to finish... but it's definitely not for everyone, it's not pop or rock, it's like an old-style movie musical soundtrack done with a Brooklyn indie sensibility. Whatever that means.
-
-
WillANov 6, 2005it's a great cd. really creative. i don't think there's one bad song
-
-
JoaoLNov 7, 2005An extraordinary mixture of feelings, landscapes, persons. Sung by that fantastic voice, both sad an dazzled. Great folk songs remembering Neil Young or Dylan, with arrangements that bring their immortal songs to thepresent time
-
-
KopieKatDec 1, 2005I believe this might be one of the best, maybe the single best record of the year. It struck me, anyway. Oh, and don't mind the whining people down here. I doubt they even heard this record.
-
-
StevenLOct 2, 2005Come on feel the ILLINOISE is overrated, but it's a very good album.
-
-
IrvGDec 12, 2005The two best songs of the year -- one about a mass murderer, the other about a cancer victim -- headline a near masterpiece. The album is too abmitious and therefore contains a few songs that should have been left out. Still, the best album of the year.
-
-
AronCDec 13, 2005Easily the best album of the year, even beating my favourites:Arcade and Rufus. The hints were there in previous outings, but nobody could ahve predicted this! Choirs, folk, funky dance-able pop! and even a trippy ending song. Creative writing song certainly paid off. 1- 2 - 3 ' IN THE MORNING............'
-
-
alanhDec 16, 2005top of the heap.....by some distance
-
-
JohnScottDec 18, 2005fantastic
-
-
PerspicaciousCriticDec 10, 2005So I kept ignoring this Sufjan Stevens dude even though Illinois received the highest Metacritic score, but I finally broke down and decided to visit his Web site, www.sufjan.com, where I checked out samples of Greetings From Michigan: The Great Lakes State (Samples of Illinois weren
-
-
BenUDec 21, 2005One of my favorite albums ever. I cried the first time I listened to it.
-
-
KateLDec 30, 2005A beautiful masterpiece. I get lost in thought whenever I turn it on.
-
-
SWynDec 31, 2005Best album I've heard in years. Caught me from the first second.
-
-
TonyIDec 5, 2005Spectacular. Sufjan is brilliant, talented, and humble. What more can you ask for?
-
-
matOct 26, 2005He pushes his lyrics a bit too far in some cases, either by being overly sentimental or rhyming for the sake of rhyming in some cases, the album is overwhelmingly heart-warming and insightful. You can tell that this music comes from very real places, the composition is quite rich and it gets better after mulitiple listens. Can't wait for the next installation!
-
-
KristelMDec 9, 2005Definitely one of the best albums ever, really. It's not everyday you run across something you've been meaning to listen to for years and suddenly realize you have a new favorite band.
-
-
JenniferJOct 3, 2005This album, like "Say Yes! to Michigan," is addictive and infectious. The more you listen to it, the better it is.
-
-
ArendvanEOct 4, 2005Just beautiful (like his other albums, exept maybe that "enjoy yr rabbit" album).
-
-
HeyOct 6, 2005To Mojo, I have to say YOU'RE F*CKING IDIOTS! Come on, you gave this a 70 and Ryan Adams new one (new one as in Jacksonville City Nights) a 40? You have to be kidding me. This one is tied for album of the year for me.
-
-
FredKOct 8, 2005I love this album so much. Sometimes I find myself disliking people just because they don't like Sufjan. "Seven Swans" is even more amazing than "Illinoise." Hedk, even "Enjoy Your Rabbit" is genius, even if it's not exactly all that listenable. Sufjan is Amaaazing.
-
-
Brendan"EagleEye"WOct 8, 2005I love this album. I guess that it is great, beautiful music for the type of music that it is and what it does. For music that flows like wind and is full of emotion this is it. But its not hard rocking. Rather its beautiful, almost contempary classical music (in a way), and I guess listening to it just sends me to another place. Cool eh?
-
-
ScottTJul 11, 2005One of the most affecting albums that I've heard in the last few years. Tends to grab on to you and not let go. Gorgeous album, pick it up.
-
-
Doogin25Jul 11, 2005It's hard for me to say that I like this album more than Michigan, but, OK I'll say it: I Do. God. Every song is an epiphany. ESPECIALLY 12-16!!!! Oh yeah....and also 1-11and 17-22!!! !
-
-
chrisbJul 11, 2005Great CD, a little out there but overall a great album
-
-
PeterBJul 10, 2005Bump. World hunger would end if we all listened to Sufjan's music more. No Transfiguration on this album, but a few very nice songs indeed.
-
-
BradPJul 13, 2005Do yourself a favor and listen to "Illinois" on good headphones all the way through; the details will amaze you. This is a remarkable achievement - homespun and epic at the same time. It will take many focused listenings to take it all in. A near perfect example of the power of great pop craft.
-
-
RyanJJul 13, 2005Michigan in my mind is untouchable. A classic album...pronounced Soof-Jan...now a household name. Can't wait to see him in Portland...I heard The New Lows will be supporting
-
-
EthanHJul 13, 2005This album is amazing.
-
-
BrianMJul 15, 2005Incredible CD focusing on the 21st state. Stevens seems to improve on every release, making his 50 states project even more awesome.
-
-
SeanWJul 15, 2005This is my first exposure to Sufjan's music, and all I have to say is that this is probably the most immersive album I've ever listened to.
-
-
NoahPJul 15, 2005If you don't love this album, you have no taste and you have no soul.
-
-
JoeBriefcaseJul 16, 2005Incredible. Album of the year? Quite probably. Album of the still young 21st century? Very possible.
-
-
TaylorZJul 16, 2005
-
-
BenDogJul 18, 2005Sufjan spent his money from SEVEN SWANS and MICHIGAN on orchestration. The result is similar to the aforementioned albums except more lush and ultimately more beautiful. Wow.
-
-
RazaJul 21, 2005not only album of the year but easily one of the 10 best albums of the decade so far
-
-
BainyJul 26, 2005Superb
-
-
JohnSJul 28, 2005It's that good. Wow.
-
-
SerialSloanJul 29, 2005As of July 29th, Sufjan Steven's Illinois is my choice for album of the year, with Andrew Bird's Mysterious Production of Eggs inches behind. This album is a masterpiece. The music is thick and intense, and filled with haunting and interesting historical references.
-
-
BenAJul 6, 2005Oh my goodness! The music on this disc is astoundingly beautiful and fun to listen to! I can't stop playing it. It really is the best thing to come out this year, and the best thing Sufjan Stevens has ever done. Bravo! A+
-
-
MagicSamJul 6, 2005
-
-
JohnMJul 7, 2005Album of the year.
-
-
HTJul 7, 2005This is utterly beautiful, epic, and touching album. Strings, choir, horns, guitar, and banjo are included. But, not in a "Look!!! We have horns and strings!!!!" like the Polyphonic Spree (I still like the Spree). Enjoy. I sure hope we have 48 more of these.
-
-
ChelseaDJul 7, 2005Album of the year, hands down.
-
-
ChrisH.Jul 7, 2005Best album I've heard in forever. It is a masterpiece. Epic. Lovely. Poignant.
-
-
WillOJul 7, 2005I thought Michigan was amazing, and somehow he topped that. Even going back and listening to Michigan again, as much as I loved it throughout 2003 and 2004, Illinois completely defeats it. Illinois merely expands on his skills as a songwriter and ability to take almost any emotion and make it work for him.
-
-
WhitLJul 8, 2005perfect
-
-
[Anonymous]Jul 8, 2005gorgeous lush instrumentation with simultaneously rousing and tender lyrics, all supplemented by stevens' evocative vocals, conspire to send tingles up your spine every few seconds or so of the record.
-
-
AlexVJul 9, 2005It is difficult to imagine a better record.
-
-
BenAug 10, 2005It's simple Philip Buchan must die.
-
-
JohnnyG5Aug 1, 2005I'm blown away by the emotion of this album. The lyrics, the arrangements, the melodies, absolutely f'n brilliant. I know there are some songs that cover taboo topics, but I've never been so moved by an album since ... since never. Bravo. Bravo Stevens. Crap. Shite;s unbelievable.
-
-
ScottSAug 16, 2005
-
-
AlanWAug 18, 2005This album gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it. The Phillip Glass inspired bridges are amazing. I can't wait for the next 48 albums!
-
-
TristanAug 24, 2005I've never heard more masterful music. Blew me away on first listen.
-
-
DavisWAug 25, 2005Very Strong effort, beautiful arangements very "crafty" musicians.
-
-
AlexMAug 26, 2005
-
-
WoodyW.Aug 29, 2005I haven't been so moved in so many different ways by an album in a long time. A ridiculously ambitious album, ranging easily from the intimate to the glorious, that matches its ambitions.
-
-
AliCAug 3, 2005This record justifies metacritic's existence. I doubt very much that I would have even heard of, let alone bought this phenomenal record if I hadn't seen it at the top of metacritic's lists for this year. In fact it's the first record I've bought on the basis of a metacritic rating. And so should you. Wow.
-
-
MarceloMAug 3, 2005Instant classic that gives musical independence hope.
-
-
MikeAug 30, 2005One of the best CDs I heard in a long long time!!!
-
-
FilipeASep 12, 2005I'm portuguese and i'm absolutly thrilled to have a chance to meet music like this. We import many junk music from USA, but this is what we call GOOD MUSIC. "Come On! Feel The Illinoise!" is a masterpiece. It remebers me Genesis in Gabriel years. Well, i'll be waiting for the last 48 states...
-
-
BlairCSep 13, 2005Simply elegant...believe the hype.
-
-
KamilMSep 18, 2005inspired, infectious and warm, only sometimes incoherent
-
-
ScottMSep 19, 2005Though not the best Sufjan album, it is the best release of this year. By far.
-
-
annetteSep 21, 2005an exquisite piece of work. it works on so many levels, like a great piece of fiction. i can't get it out of my mind.
-
-
MikeP.Sep 26, 2005
-
-
JeffMSep 27, 2005The most impressed I've been with an album since "Parachutes" and "OK Computer". Must be listened to as art, not just another album. It's a masterpiece of melodies, rhythms, poetry, and all around unconventional beautiful song writing.
-
-
S.GoldSep 3, 2005I've been listening to this album for months and I love it, I'm not getting tired of it and it's probably the best album of the year so far. See him live, he's great!
-
-
ZacharyMSep 4, 2005The best album I have heard in years. Life changing.
-
-
ChrisHSep 6, 2005The best album of 2005 isn't an understatement.
-
-
MarkRSep 6, 2005This has been a hauntingly good album - even the parts that might be questionable stays with me.
-
-
amydNov 10, 2006it's suprising how Sufjan Stevens seems to reach out as he himself were the state of Illinois. this is truly one of the most remarkable and moving albums i have ever experienced.
-
-
jacobrJan 17, 2006Great albulm, my favorite of many years...even if the rest of this state series is terrible, this one is worth the whole enterprise. I put it up there with Highway 61 revisited, or Blood on the Tracks.
-
-
KeriTDec 31, 2006Sufjan is a musical genius. The songwrititng is poetry in its most beautiful form. His instrumental compostions are simply breathtaking and exquisite. Absolutely one of my favorite albums of the year. Thank you Sufjan!
-
-
FearghalLJan 29, 2006a breath of fresh air for the singer songwriter ganre beautiful songs and in my opinion the best album of 2005 a must have for any music fan
-
-
frantasticJan 30, 2006
-
-
carrieaOct 5, 2006i love this cd. ts so beautiful...so...SUFJAN :)
-
-
EllenNJan 5, 2006Magical, splendid, gourgeous
-
-
FletcherbJan 5, 2006It's a long, long, long, long, long breath of fresh air that ultimately leaves you out of breath. "C'MON..." being the standout
-
-
TimMFeb 20, 2006Awesome. Absolutely awesome.
-
-
CraigFFeb 28, 2006Something really different but yet vaguely familar. Some how makes yoe feel all warm inside! Really good album and artist.
-
-
playpenFeb 3, 2006Listen to a Half-Handed Cloud album and you basically get the same thing.. and a bit more fun to listen to in my opinion. This is an above average album, nothing earth shattering, it is pretty music but I don't think it was the best album released this year. And it would be better if it were about 15 minutes shorter.
-
-
RyanGFeb 8, 2006Sufjan Stevens gets better with each album
-
Awards & Rankings
-
There's a distinct community theater vibe to the whole affair... but the majority of Illinois is alarmingly earnest.
-
Stevens is simply one of the most talented artists creating music right now, period.
-
Exhausting, enthralling, disorientating, celebratory, and contemplative, Sufjan Stevens has delivered another album that will keep us listening and educated till Christmas.