Illinois
by Sufjan Stevens
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 792 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 721 out of 792
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 792
  3. Negative: 55 out of 792

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  1. ErikH
    Apr 11, 2006
    10
    this is a masterpiece.
  2. TylerA
    Apr 21, 2006
    10
    One of the best albums I've ever heard, Highly recommended!
  3. DavidP
    Apr 8, 2006
    10
    An ambitious approach, and an astounding result. It's hard to imagine a better folk/rock/pop album; they come along about once per decade.
  4. WrenL
    Apr 9, 2006
    10
    Sufjan Stevens has bewitched me. His music holds such gentle strength; my heart bleeds and rejoices with his word.
  5. willo
    May 3, 2006
    10
    Just a masterpiece.
  6. AshP
    Jun 14, 2006
    10
    definately his best album so far. so personal and meaningful, utterly absorbing and so incredibly detailed. every few seconds contains a few treats.
  7. briannav
    Sep 5, 2006
    10
    one of my favorite albums, although no his best cd.
  8. DanK
    Feb 24, 2007
    10
    Minimalistic like Phillip Glass, but more melodic, really great higher state of conciousness....:-)
  9. LennyC
    Jun 2, 2007
    10
    Indulgent? Absolutely. But what people need to realize is that Sufjan's songs parallel their subjects; in this case, America, which is arguably the most indulgent country on earth. And yet he's able to incorporate a sense of humility into it all. Instead of going, "Yeah, I looked all this stuff up," he goes, "This is how it is, and it's amazing." Looking at Sufjan as a Indulgent? Absolutely. But what people need to realize is that Sufjan's songs parallel their subjects; in this case, America, which is arguably the most indulgent country on earth. And yet he's able to incorporate a sense of humility into it all. Instead of going, "Yeah, I looked all this stuff up," he goes, "This is how it is, and it's amazing." Looking at Sufjan as a pretentious center of hype is a mistake. The music may almost always be in first-person, but first and foremost it's a tribute to the Illinois, America, and humanity.… Expand
  10. DanF.
    Jun 25, 2007
    10
    One of my favorite all-time albums. I could listen to it anytime.
  11. Joni-M.
    Apr 21, 2008
    10
    Perfect. Nothing less than a masterpiece.
  12. AyshL.
    May 1, 2008
    9
    Amazing.
  13. AyshL.
    Aug 9, 2008
    10
    Amazing.
  14. PeterP.
    Dec 20, 2009
    10
    Astonishing, ambitious, addictive, highly original, sublime. Truly exceptional, once in a lifetime kind of album.
  15. GregS
    Oct 11, 2005
    10
    Freakin LOVE this cd
  16. jimm
    Nov 17, 2005
    10
    best 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
  17. Nick
    Nov 17, 2005
    10
    I'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.
  18. PhilipB
    Oct 13, 2005
    10
    I 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!).
  19. DanB.
    Oct 16, 2005
    8
    Maybe 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.
  20. WillA
    Nov 6, 2005
    10
    it's a great cd. really creative. i don't think there's one bad song
  21. JoaoL
    Nov 7, 2005
    9
    An 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
  22. KopieKat
    Dec 1, 2005
    10
    I 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.
  23. StevenL
    Oct 2, 2005
    8
    Come on feel the ILLINOISE is overrated, but it's a very good album.
  24. IrvG
    Dec 12, 2005
    9
    The 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.
  25. AronC
    Dec 13, 2005
    10
    Easily 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............'
  26. alanh
    Dec 16, 2005
    10
    top of the heap.....by some distance
  27. JohnScott
    Dec 18, 2005
    10
    fantastic
  28. PerspicaciousCritic
    Dec 10, 2005
    7
    So 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
  29. BenU
    Dec 21, 2005
    10
    One of my favorite albums ever. I cried the first time I listened to it.
  30. KateL
    Dec 30, 2005
    10
    A beautiful masterpiece. I get lost in thought whenever I turn it on.
  31. SWyn
    Dec 31, 2005
    10
    Best album I've heard in years. Caught me from the first second.
  32. TonyI
    Dec 5, 2005
    10
    Spectacular. Sufjan is brilliant, talented, and humble. What more can you ask for?
  33. mat
    Oct 26, 2005
    10
    He 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!
  34. KristelM
    Dec 9, 2005
    10
    Definitely 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.
  35. JenniferJ
    Oct 3, 2005
    9
    This album, like "Say Yes! to Michigan," is addictive and infectious. The more you listen to it, the better it is.
  36. ArendvanE
    Oct 4, 2005
    9
    Just beautiful (like his other albums, exept maybe that "enjoy yr rabbit" album).
  37. Hey
    Oct 6, 2005
    9
    To 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.
  38. FredK
    Oct 8, 2005
    10
    I 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.
  39. Brendan"EagleEye"W
    Oct 8, 2005
    10
    I 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?
  40. ScottT
    Jul 11, 2005
    10
    One 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.
  41. Doogin25
    Jul 11, 2005
    10
    It'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!!! !
  42. chrisb
    Jul 11, 2005
    9
    Great CD, a little out there but overall a great album
  43. PeterB
    Jul 10, 2005
    10
    Bump. 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.
  44. BradP
    Jul 13, 2005
    10
    Do 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.
  45. RyanJ
    Jul 13, 2005
    8
    Michigan 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
  46. EthanH
    Jul 13, 2005
    10
    This album is amazing.
  47. BrianM
    Jul 15, 2005
    10
    Incredible CD focusing on the 21st state. Stevens seems to improve on every release, making his 50 states project even more awesome.
  48. SeanW
    Jul 15, 2005
    10
    This 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.
  49. NoahP
    Jul 15, 2005
    10
    If you don't love this album, you have no taste and you have no soul.
  50. JoeBriefcase
    Jul 16, 2005
    10
    Incredible. Album of the year? Quite probably. Album of the still young 21st century? Very possible.
  51. TaylorZ
    Jul 16, 2005
    10
    stevens deserves nothing less than a 10 of 10 and anyone out there who gives him less is a fool. Stevens one awards for prose and poetry in college and it shows the man is a lyrical genius...i dont even have the words to describe the instrumental arrangements...stevens really does make you "feel the illinoise"...feel the room chill as a serial killer walks in (John Wayne Gacy, Jr.)...feel stevens deserves nothing less than a 10 of 10 and anyone out there who gives him less is a fool. Stevens one awards for prose and poetry in college and it shows the man is a lyrical genius...i dont even have the words to describe the instrumental arrangements...stevens really does make you "feel the illinoise"...feel the room chill as a serial killer walks in (John Wayne Gacy, Jr.)...feel insignificant in the grand scheme of things...feel a greater creator...the man is simply a genius...… Expand
  52. BenDog
    Jul 18, 2005
    10
    Sufjan 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.
  53. Raza
    Jul 21, 2005
    10
    not only album of the year but easily one of the 10 best albums of the decade so far
  54. Bainy
    Jul 26, 2005
    10
    Superb
  55. JohnS
    Jul 28, 2005
    10
    It's that good. Wow.
  56. SerialSloan
    Jul 29, 2005
    10
    As 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.
  57. BenA
    Jul 6, 2005
    10
    Oh 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+
  58. MagicSam
    Jul 6, 2005
    10
    I think ratings of 10 should be reserved for truely great albums, those that merit the term 'classic' i.e. "Freewheelin' Bob Dylan" or "What's Goin' On", by Marvin Gaye for example. So I've given this album a 10. An album with tremendous social and historical awareness, forays into the musical inknown, and melodically gutwrenching, Illinois demands close I think ratings of 10 should be reserved for truely great albums, those that merit the term 'classic' i.e. "Freewheelin' Bob Dylan" or "What's Goin' On", by Marvin Gaye for example. So I've given this album a 10. An album with tremendous social and historical awareness, forays into the musical inknown, and melodically gutwrenching, Illinois demands close listening and appreciation of this music as a real art form. Illinois is a painfully beautiful conception of an artist's vision.… Expand
  59. JohnM
    Jul 7, 2005
    10
    Album of the year.
  60. HT
    Jul 7, 2005
    10
    This 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.
  61. ChelseaD
    Jul 7, 2005
    10
    Album of the year, hands down.
  62. ChrisH.
    Jul 7, 2005
    10
    Best album I've heard in forever. It is a masterpiece. Epic. Lovely. Poignant.
  63. WillO
    Jul 7, 2005
    10
    I 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.
  64. WhitL
    Jul 8, 2005
    10
    perfect
  65. [Anonymous]
    Jul 8, 2005
    10
    gorgeous 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.
  66. AlexV
    Jul 9, 2005
    10
    It is difficult to imagine a better record.
  67. Ben
    Aug 10, 2005
    10
    It's simple Philip Buchan must die.
  68. JohnnyG5
    Aug 1, 2005
    10
    I'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.
  69. ScottS
    Aug 16, 2005
    10
    I simply cannot believe that an album written as an art project covering (eventually) all 50 states could be this good. I moved to Illinois 10 years ago and, as a native Californian, I must say that Sufjan got it right. This is a state rife with contradictions, variety, and ultimately, amazing people and things. With 22 songs, you would expect a few duds, but there aren't any. I I simply cannot believe that an album written as an art project covering (eventually) all 50 states could be this good. I moved to Illinois 10 years ago and, as a native Californian, I must say that Sufjan got it right. This is a state rife with contradictions, variety, and ultimately, amazing people and things. With 22 songs, you would expect a few duds, but there aren't any. I share the other reviewers preference of the quieter songs, while the big horns and guitars seem a little overdone. The lyrics seem both specific to Illinois but he cleverly ties them to his personal life to add meaning and context. This is certainly a case of the artist finding himself by writing about things outside his experience. This is a WONDERFUL album and should not be missed. A candidate for 2005 album of the year.… Expand
  70. AlanW
    Aug 18, 2005
    10
    This 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!
  71. Tristan
    Aug 24, 2005
    10
    I've never heard more masterful music. Blew me away on first listen.
  72. DavisW
    Aug 25, 2005
    9
    Very Strong effort, beautiful arangements very "crafty" musicians.
  73. AlexM
    Aug 26, 2005
    9
    This Album was an amazing mixture of canonballing, uncomformative instruments like trumpets and banjos. i swear some of the song will see you sheding a tear of joy. Sufjan's almost angelic and euphoric voice ads to the wonder that is this album. The style includes acoustic fairy tale ballads "john wayne gracey Jr" and more alternative rock/ choir songs "The Man of the Metropollis This Album was an amazing mixture of canonballing, uncomformative instruments like trumpets and banjos. i swear some of the song will see you sheding a tear of joy. Sufjan's almost angelic and euphoric voice ads to the wonder that is this album. The style includes acoustic fairy tale ballads "john wayne gracey Jr" and more alternative rock/ choir songs "The Man of the Metropollis steals our hearts". truely a musical masterpeice.… Expand
  74. WoodyW.
    Aug 29, 2005
    10
    I 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.
  75. AliC
    Aug 3, 2005
    9
    This 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.
  76. MarceloM
    Aug 3, 2005
    10
    Instant classic that gives musical independence hope.
  77. Mike
    Aug 30, 2005
    10
    One of the best CDs I heard in a long long time!!!
  78. FilipeA
    Sep 12, 2005
    10
    I'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...
  79. BlairC
    Sep 13, 2005
    10
    Simply elegant...believe the hype.
  80. KamilM
    Sep 18, 2005
    8
    inspired, infectious and warm, only sometimes incoherent
  81. ScottM
    Sep 19, 2005
    10
    Though not the best Sufjan album, it is the best release of this year. By far.
  82. annette
    Sep 21, 2005
    10
    an 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.
  83. MikeP.
    Sep 26, 2005
    10
    Could music and innovation blend in so perfectly as 'Illinoise' easily demonstrates? Each song in this album is a complement to the others, perfectly edited with songs so touching, so exhilarating, so complete that really puts it in a league all onto itself. To say this album is anything short of a contemporary masterpiece would be false. So far, Sufjan Stevens has brought us 2 Could music and innovation blend in so perfectly as 'Illinoise' easily demonstrates? Each song in this album is a complement to the others, perfectly edited with songs so touching, so exhilarating, so complete that really puts it in a league all onto itself. To say this album is anything short of a contemporary masterpiece would be false. So far, Sufjan Stevens has brought us 2 albums concerning the union. Guessing on what he's demonstarted to the musical demography, I have 48 albums to look forward to.… Expand
  84. JeffM
    Sep 27, 2005
    10
    The 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.
  85. S.Gold
    Sep 3, 2005
    10
    I'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!
  86. ZacharyM
    Sep 4, 2005
    10
    The best album I have heard in years. Life changing.
  87. ChrisH
    Sep 6, 2005
    10
    The best album of 2005 isn't an understatement.
  88. MarkR
    Sep 6, 2005
    10
    This has been a hauntingly good album - even the parts that might be questionable stays with me.
  89. amyd
    Nov 10, 2006
    10
    it'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.
  90. jacobr
    Jan 17, 2006
    10
    Great 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.
  91. KeriT
    Dec 31, 2006
    10
    Sufjan 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!
  92. FearghalL
    Jan 29, 2006
    9
    a 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
  93. frantastic
    Jan 30, 2006
    10
    It feels wrong to give a 10 to an album I started listening to only within the last two weeks. I held out for a while - I wasn't a fan of the cover art and the hype scared me off, as well. But I take back all my skepticism... This is a beautiful album in its entirety. (Instrumental does not always = filler!) Although I admit the standout tracks are those where the lyrics are It feels wrong to give a 10 to an album I started listening to only within the last two weeks. I held out for a while - I wasn't a fan of the cover art and the hype scared me off, as well. But I take back all my skepticism... This is a beautiful album in its entirety. (Instrumental does not always = filler!) Although I admit the standout tracks are those where the lyrics are forefronted, for good reason. Decatur and the steel man song are so toe-tapping... and then for an instant tearjerker along comes Casimir Pulaski Day. I don't really understand the nay-sayers on this one...but then again I still can't stand Pinback.… Expand
  94. carriea
    Oct 5, 2006
    10
    i love this cd. ts so beautiful...so...SUFJAN :)
  95. EllenN
    Jan 5, 2006
    10
    Magical, splendid, gourgeous
  96. Fletcherb
    Jan 5, 2006
    8
    It's a long, long, long, long, long breath of fresh air that ultimately leaves you out of breath. "C'MON..." being the standout
  97. TimM
    Feb 20, 2006
    10
    Awesome. Absolutely awesome.
  98. CraigF
    Feb 28, 2006
    9
    Something really different but yet vaguely familar. Some how makes yoe feel all warm inside! Really good album and artist.
  99. playpen
    Feb 3, 2006
    7
    Listen 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.
  100. RyanG
    Feb 8, 2006
    10
    Sufjan Stevens gets better with each album
Page:

Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Album of 2005
1
#1 Most Discussed Album of 2005
7
#7 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 40 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
  1. AllMusic
    80
    There's a distinct community theater vibe to the whole affair... but the majority of Illinois is alarmingly earnest.
    Read full review
  2. Almost Cool
    90
    Stevens is simply one of the most talented artists creating music right now, period.
    Read full review
  3. Delusions of Adequacy
    90
    Exhausting, enthralling, disorientating, celebratory, and contemplative, Sufjan Stevens has delivered another album that will keep us listening and educated till Christmas.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »