User Score
Universal acclaim- based on 792 Ratings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 721 out of 792
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Mixed: 16 out of 792
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Negative: 55 out of 792
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BenUDec 21, 2005One of my favorite albums ever. I cried the first time I listened to it.
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KateLDec 30, 2005A beautiful masterpiece. I get lost in thought whenever I turn it on.
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SWynDec 31, 2005Best album I've heard in years. Caught me from the first second.
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TonyIDec 5, 2005Spectacular. Sufjan is brilliant, talented, and humble. What more can you ask for?
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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!!! !
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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.
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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.
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EthanHJul 13, 2005This album is amazing.
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BrianMJul 15, 2005Incredible CD focusing on the 21st state. Stevens seems to improve on every release, making his 50 states project even more awesome.
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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.
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NoahPJul 15, 2005If you don't love this album, you have no taste and you have no soul.
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JoeBriefcaseJul 16, 2005Incredible. Album of the year? Quite probably. Album of the still young 21st century? Very possible.
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TaylorZJul 16, 2005
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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.
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RazaJul 21, 2005not only album of the year but easily one of the 10 best albums of the decade so far
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BainyJul 26, 2005Superb
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JohnSJul 28, 2005It's that good. Wow.
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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.
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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+
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MagicSamJul 6, 2005
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JohnMJul 7, 2005Album of the year.
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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.
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ChelseaDJul 7, 2005Album of the year, hands down.
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ChrisH.Jul 7, 2005Best album I've heard in forever. It is a masterpiece. Epic. Lovely. Poignant.
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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.
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WhitLJul 8, 2005perfect
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[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.
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AlexVJul 9, 2005It is difficult to imagine a better record.
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BenAug 10, 2005It's simple Philip Buchan must die.
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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.
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ScottSAug 16, 2005
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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!
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TristanAug 24, 2005I've never heard more masterful music. Blew me away on first listen.
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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.
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MarceloMAug 3, 2005Instant classic that gives musical independence hope.
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MikeAug 30, 2005One of the best CDs I heard in a long long time!!!
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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...
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BlairCSep 13, 2005Simply elegant...believe the hype.
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ScottMSep 19, 2005Though not the best Sufjan album, it is the best release of this year. By far.
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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.
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MikeP.Sep 26, 2005
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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.
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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!
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ZacharyMSep 4, 2005The best album I have heard in years. Life changing.
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ChrisHSep 6, 2005The best album of 2005 isn't an understatement.
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MarkRSep 6, 2005This has been a hauntingly good album - even the parts that might be questionable stays with me.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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frantasticJan 30, 2006
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carrieaOct 5, 2006i love this cd. ts so beautiful...so...SUFJAN :)
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EllenNJan 5, 2006Magical, splendid, gourgeous
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TimMFeb 20, 2006Awesome. Absolutely awesome.
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RyanGFeb 8, 2006Sufjan Stevens gets better with each album
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AndreaCFeb 9, 2006Definately the most intelligent and beautiful album I've purchased in recent years. Sufjan has blown me away once again. Bravo!
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bolisjMar 11, 2006The best album I've yet heard in my 40 years... intricate, multi-layered, joyful, funny, ambitious and, not least, utterly original. If it's pretentious (as some claim) - who cares! My only ever perfect score - I just love it!
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jaeroplaneApr 22, 2006
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JohnDApr 23, 2006Great to listen and play around a campfire
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BlayzeHApr 4, 2006Best album ever made.
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mr.hankeyApr 7, 2006
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LukeMMay 19, 2006Just spectacular, emotional, smooth, and astonishing.
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GabrielSMay 25, 2006It's incredible.
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ArikKJul 6, 2006Amazing album. It flows perfectly and even feels like a plot, what with a climax in Chicago and Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts.
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HollayRAug 23, 2006This album is "the shit." I loves pretty mcuh every minute of it. I encourage everyone to go out and buy it and i am so pumbed to be going to this concert in Sept.
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johnnycSep 22, 2006has some of the most breathtaking songs i have ever heard
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ChadK.Nov 30, 2007Magical, disarming, earnest, and potent. A masterpiece.
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ErikaLJan 7, 2007Wonderfull!
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christianfMar 6, 2007it's really good and Casimir Pulaski Day is the best song ever
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BennyMJul 8, 2007It's hard to describe how much I love this album. I could listen to it every single day and not get tired of it.
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PeterS.Feb 24, 2008Never has a more perfect album been produced. The fragility of his voice, as demonstrated in John Wayne Gacy Jr., and the whole production behind his songs (Chicago, Jacksonville, They Are The Night Zombies... etc) makes this an album that shall only ever be dated if the state of Illinois ceases to exist in the near future. Sublime.
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AdamAMay 30, 2009Simply the best album ever created. From start to finish, each piece is a beautifully composed masterpiece which will leave shivers running down your spine. Given the fact that it is 100% original (written, performed, and produced by Stevens himself), and the hauntingly amazing songs, Sufjan Stevens should be ranked among the classical composers in brilliance.
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PJZ.Jun 6, 2009This album has been a favorite of mine and will be for years to come. It is so universal in its lyrics and musical content, but it's so personal to Stevens, it's amazing. Illinois truly deserves all of the praise it receives.
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hal9000Jan 25, 2010Sufjan Stevens Illinois is truely a special album. This is proof that Steven's is one of the most gifted songwriters and musicians working today. All 22 of the tracks on this album are hauntingly brilliant, and this is the best album of the decade.
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JasperBNov 13, 2005To sum this album up in one word: Godsend
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BHNov 2, 2005Amazing, by turns emotionally devastating and ecstatic... Perfect arrangements, like Brian Eno, Steve Reich and Philip Glass have gotten together with Neil Young. Great to see a clearly stunning album getting the recognition it deserves - with the glaring exceptions of the few who obviously listened once and "didn't get it"....
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JCNov 2, 2005Another excellent record from Sufjan Stevens, managing to take the orchestrations even further than his previous efforts. One of the finest folk rock albums of the year, alongside Andrew Bird.
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RebekahHNov 20, 2005Literally the best Album I have ever feard. This is what real craftmaship is. I am completely obsessed with Sufjan Stevens thanks to this album. If you enjoy music that is not a huge pile of over processed crap, you should appreciate Sufjan.
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MarkSNov 2, 2005This took a few listens, and even a live gig, to really get into. In fact I didn't like it at all when I listened to it first, but boy did it grow on me. There's a lot to take in with 22 tracks but the vast majority of them are pure classics. The subject matter of the album doesn't interest me much but the music is great. One of my albums of the year so far.
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PSellrsOct 13, 2005Melodically interesting, lyrically rhythmic, and pure genius!
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PatrickOOct 14, 2005Nothing will beat this pure, honest songwriting by the ambitious Sufjan in his second installment of the 50 States project.
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JohnBNov 8, 2005Amazing man and album!
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rajkDec 13, 2005believe the hype- this one is great. for those who´ve heard SS over the years it is no great departure in style - just more mature, well rounded and amazingly executed. this album feels sad, yet hopeful. it is a repetitive album, but remember it is an album not an long playing assortment of stand alone songs (of which we´ve become so used to in this day and age).
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stthDec 13, 2005hypnotizing. i put in another album in my car and then put this one back in after a few minutes
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NickTDec 26, 2005
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SeanHDec 30, 2005This collection of songs is so intensely poetic --- and wrought with such unambiguous sincerity and love --- that crusty cynics might well have a field day. The rest of us have only gratitude.
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JonathanVDec 31, 2005This is by far the best album of 2005, in my humble opinion! I can only say, just listen to this entire record with your headphones on and then you can only agree! Unbelievable!
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byrondDec 6, 2005Great album! Come on feel the illinoise! is one of the most shake yer rump best pop songs in ages!
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DanODec 6, 2005Believe the critics this is truly a remarkable achievement. I can not get enough of this CD and I reccomend any music fan to add this to your collection.
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JamesMDec 7, 2005There is only one way I can describe this album: a masterpiece. It astounds me that this whole album was made by one person: it should take an army of people to produce this glorious noise.
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HeleneDec 8, 2005There's nothing more to say about SS than that they`re one of the biggest things which has happened to music in the last decade,along with anthony & the johnsons and a couple of other
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FlashFlooderJul 11, 2005Sufjan creates a multi-layered musical gem in his 2nd state-devoted cd. Truly amazing, we can only hope for such greatness for the next 48 states. Frontrunner for album of the year.
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MattWJul 11, 2005he is now my favorite musician of all time
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J.D.HowsleyJul 11, 2005By far the best album I have heard all year! Cannot wait for his live show to see how it pulls it off.
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AaronSJul 12, 2005This album will be remembered for many years to come. Sufjan Stevens will no longer go unnoticed in the music industry. His genius is profiled in this album. Simply beautiful in all respects!
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LawrencePJul 14, 2005I hate to say it, but this guy is a genius. Keep the tunes coming.
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Awards & Rankings
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There's a distinct community theater vibe to the whole affair... but the majority of Illinois is alarmingly earnest.
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Stevens is simply one of the most talented artists creating music right now, period.
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Exhausting, enthralling, disorientating, celebratory, and contemplative, Sufjan Stevens has delivered another album that will keep us listening and educated till Christmas.