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. Danielle
    Jul 10, 2005
    10
    I LOVE THIS ALBUM. I cannot stop playing it. Sufjan is one of my favorite artists.
  2. KeithR
    Jul 9, 2005
    10
    I was first exposed to Sufjan's music about two years ago when the shockingly good Michigan disc was released. Who else out there was self-mixing and composing banjo, acoustic guitar, Trumpet, xylophone, vibraphone, drums and god knows what other instruments into lush, vibrant tone poems? Michigan was a breath of fresh air and unlike anything else I had ever heard. It told a story as I was first exposed to Sufjan's music about two years ago when the shockingly good Michigan disc was released. Who else out there was self-mixing and composing banjo, acoustic guitar, Trumpet, xylophone, vibraphone, drums and god knows what other instruments into lush, vibrant tone poems? Michigan was a breath of fresh air and unlike anything else I had ever heard. It told a story as big as the Great Lakes but with all the personal detail that tied everything together and drew the listener into the state and into a state of mind. Could anyone possibly listen to Romulus and not empathize with Stevens as a child or feel the intimacy of "For the Widows in Paradise, For the Fatherless in Ypsilanti?" These stripped down compositions contrasted fantastically with the orchestral "All Good Naysayers, Speak Up! Or Forever Hold Your Peace!" and "Detroit, Lift Up Your Weary Head! (Rebuild! Restore! Reconsider!)" which gave the listener a sense of the mighty industrial power of the great mid-west. Next came last year's deeply spiritual Seven Swans release. I haven't been to church in at least 10 years (not counting weddings and funerals) but this collection of musings on the Bible (in particular Revelations) led me to contemplate my place in this world and the possiblity of an almighty creator (anyone want to discuss the Big Bang Theory or the theory of Evolution with Sufjan?). Oh yeah, and the music was out of this world as well. See "The Transfiguration" and "Seven Swans" for examples of that. So it was with great expections (No, I haven't been reading Dickens for the past seven months) I awaited the release of Illinois. Would it match the splendor and personal emotion of Michigan? Would it capture the religious themes of Seven Swans and translate it into palpable everyman's music? Where to begin? I'll begin simply and state that this is hands down the release of the year so far. No it doesn't have the catchiness of Spoon's "I Turn My Camera On" off the very good "Gimme Fiction" disc or the splendid imagery of the Decemberists on "Picaresque," but is both more intimate and more grand than either of these fine records. Illinois keeps me rapt throughout its 77-minute-plus running time, each time I pick up some new instrument or sound that only adds to the disc's grandeur. You may be a skeptic like I was when I first heard about Steven's plan to do an albumn on all 50 states. How could you possibly capture the essence of a whole state ( and more than 200 years of history) in one release? Without question Steven's only skirts the surface of the entirety of the state of Illinois but through songs such as unweildy titled, ""The Black Hawk War, or, How to Demolish an Entire Civilization and Still Feel Good About Yourself in the Morning, or, We Apologize for the Inconvenience But You're Going to Have to Leave Now, or, 'I have fought the Big Knives and will continue to fight them until they are off our lands!,' "Jacksonville" and "John Wayne Gacey" he manages to cover quite a bit of ground. Highlights of the disc include what may prove to be Sufjan's breakout hit on Indie radio, the eminately singable, "Chicago," a song that is more about our need to travel to try and escape our problems and lethargy than about the broad shouldered city it is named after. Don't fret, The City of Chicago more than gets its due in the third track on the disc, "Come on, feel the Illinoise, Part II"" and "The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts." two mind-blowing compositions that weave Steven's hushed vocals with numerous brass instruments, electric and acoustic gutars, strings, percusion instruments and choirs to convey the gravity of the great city. Perhaps it is in the use of these strings and choirs that this release differs the most "Michigan" and "Seven Swans." Steven's ability to draw us into his personal experiences can be found on this release as well, as the deeply moving "Casimir Pulaski Day," "Decatur" and "The Predatory Wasp of The Palisades Is Out To Get Us!" draw heavily on his formative years in both imagery and content. Time to wrap this review up as I've rambled on enough and frankly I'm at work and desparate to get in my car and listen to this for the 30th time in less than a week. Buy it now!! This man is a musical genius and needs to be heard by those in the know! P.S. I strongly encourage everyone to check out Pitchfork Record's glowing review of this masterpiece for further confirmation that this disc is well worth the purchase price and is one of the best of 2005.… Expand
  3. JoshB
    Jul 7, 2005
    10
    Wow wow wow. Nothing says it better. This is an amazing album from start to finish. Beautiful music, beautiful songwriting. Sufjan is a true wonder.
  4. SansB
    Sep 15, 2005
    10
    This album is pure bliss
  5. TJT
    Jan 30, 2007
    10
    I love this CD. It is by far one of my absolute favorites. The whole CD flows and half the time songs progress into oneanother without you even realizing it. GENIUS is not strong enough but it will have to do. Great CD, everyone should have a copy.
  6. AustinS
    Nov 10, 2005
    10
    predatory wasp of the palisades! - the best thing to write a song about ever
  7. JamesC
    Jul 12, 2005
    10
    Best album of the year, by a mile.
  8. TorM
    Jul 12, 2005
    10
    Just magical. Hard to believe that 'Michigan' could be matched or bettered but this album would seem to do that. The arrangements are staggering, the harmonies are heart-breaking and the lyrics are inspired. Stunning.
  9. TH
    Jul 6, 2005
    10
    Absolute best album of the year. Everybody, regardless of personal taste or interests, should be made to listen to this album at least once, but preferably until they love it -- which will probably only take one listen, anyway.
  10. LeahT
    Jul 6, 2005
    10
    One of the most beautifully crafted albums I've ever heard. It can't top "Seven Swans" but that's completely off the chart. Sufjan creates pop symphonies and delicate folk songs. He speaks of serial killers, cancer, night zombies, predatory wasps, youthful ignorance and freedom, and God with such an honest and telling nature that hardly any one else possesses. Lord, One of the most beautifully crafted albums I've ever heard. It can't top "Seven Swans" but that's completely off the chart. Sufjan creates pop symphonies and delicate folk songs. He speaks of serial killers, cancer, night zombies, predatory wasps, youthful ignorance and freedom, and God with such an honest and telling nature that hardly any one else possesses. Lord, it's fantastic. Plus, Sufjan plays about a million instruments and even employs a string quartet this time around! You must hear it for yourself.… Expand
  11. mkf
    Jul 6, 2005
    10
    stunning!
  12. matta
    Jul 6, 2005
    10
    One of those rare cd's that is absolutely perfect and deserving of a ten. Everything on this album contributes to it's brilliance and grandeur-yes, even the little five or ten second "tracks" that detractors might refer to as uselss filler. Not a single misstep, but standouts include the title song, which makes me want to cry every time I listen to it, John Wayne Macy Jr., One of those rare cd's that is absolutely perfect and deserving of a ten. Everything on this album contributes to it's brilliance and grandeur-yes, even the little five or ten second "tracks" that detractors might refer to as uselss filler. Not a single misstep, but standouts include the title song, which makes me want to cry every time I listen to it, John Wayne Macy Jr., Jacksonville, etc. I can't listen them all, but please, get this album. Hands down the best album of the year so far.… Expand
  13. TynanD
    Jul 7, 2005
    10
    The finest album of the year, clasped-hands down.
  14. DavidW
    Jul 7, 2005
    10
    Album of the year, for sure. I would rarely give out a rating of 10, but this album is most deserving of it. Sufjan Stevens is the best singer/songwriter alive today. This album is so ambitious, beautiful, haunting, expansive... just wonderful. It is similar to Greetings from Michigan, which is not a bad thing. The arrangements have surely improved since that album. I can't stop Album of the year, for sure. I would rarely give out a rating of 10, but this album is most deserving of it. Sufjan Stevens is the best singer/songwriter alive today. This album is so ambitious, beautiful, haunting, expansive... just wonderful. It is similar to Greetings from Michigan, which is not a bad thing. The arrangements have surely improved since that album. I can't stop playing this album.… Expand
  15. MarioT.K.
    Jul 8, 2005
    10
    This is utterly huge and reminds me of nothing because I haven't heard anything like e.g. "Chicago" before. Just give it a listen to "Casimir Pulaski Day" and have a good time.
  16. peterd
    Jul 8, 2005
    10
    unbeleiveable.
  17. RJ
    Jul 8, 2005
    10
    Amazing music that just keeps going and going. Best I've hear this year.
  18. vincentx
    Jul 9, 2005
    10
    At the moment there are only 2 names that matter in music: Rufus Wainwright and Sufjan Stevens. With this albums Sufjan is a notch more genius than Rufus. What a perfect album, what gracious music, what splendour! 48 more "States" albums to go...if he keeps this up, the future is bright indeed....
  19. JoshH
    Jul 9, 2005
    10
    This album is astounding. It's the musical equivalent of movies like Magnolia, Short Cuts and Crash -- it's all over the place, but makes sense when taken in context of the entire work. Highlights include Casimir Pulaski Day; John Wayne Gacy, Jr.; Chicago; and everything else. Well worth whatever you pay for it.
  20. JeffR
    Jul 9, 2005
    10
    Brilliant. While similar in tone to his Michigan album, Illinois represents a leap forward in both songwriting and arrangement. This year's best.
  21. PoloP
    Aug 16, 2005
    10
    This album is amazing. Brilliant.
  22. CosmoPrelog
    Aug 5, 2005
    10
    Only a notorious jerk could dislike this record. An amazing achievement. Insanely good.
  23. IanS
    Aug 8, 2005
    10
    magical!
  24. JohnF
    Sep 1, 2005
    10
    Eclectic, heartfelt, but not sappy. No crying-in-your-beer Paul Simon schmaltz here...Mellow, but digs deep into your psyche.
  25. Kakvox
    Sep 10, 2005
    10
    Best album of the year in any genre - hands down.
  26. EmilyB
    Sep 2, 2005
    10
    This cd owns your life.
  27. fattakinskywalker
    Jan 10, 2006
    10
    Without a doubt the best album i have heard in a year!! Sounds fresh, exciting and intelligent.
  28. TaylorL
    Oct 20, 2006
    10
    Sufjan Stevens has made great albums in the past, but nothing this epic. Never before have I heard an album with such intellectual lyrics, amazing songwriting, and spot on instrumentals. Music in its purist form.
  29. peteb
    Feb 4, 2006
    10
    utterly brillant!
  30. David
    Sep 30, 2006
    10
    I love the album, its beautiful, breathtaking and moving.
  31. AyshL.
    Jun 13, 2007
    10
    Amazing.
  32. EddM.
    Apr 2, 2008
    10
    No doubt in my mind: 10/10. Incredible.
  33. BrianK
    Oct 10, 2005
    10
    Melodic to the point of perfection. Some of the most beautiful music you will ever hear. Album of the year.
  34. Adam
    Oct 18, 2005
    10
    innovative
  35. StigK
    Dec 2, 2005
    10
    My only problem about giving this album a 10, is that Sufjan might be capebable of makeing an even better album about NY - that is, when he finally leaves the place... Illinois is both intimate and grand in a way no other album I´ve ever heard.
  36. marck
    Dec 20, 2005
    10
    This is beautiful. Without doubt the most acomplshed album of the year by far. I was dubious about buying this album after reading all the reviews. Believe . . . it's even better.
  37. AustinL
    Oct 4, 2005
    10
    What oftern gets ignored about this album is how well the songs can hold up alone, let alone on the album
  38. MW
    Oct 4, 2005
    10
    There's so much there to marvel at that it's rarely left my player since it came out.
  39. AdelaidaS
    Oct 7, 2005
    10
    Best album of 2005. Don't let the first listen fool you, it takes a couple of listens to grasp the intricacy and masterful musicianship of this album. You'll probably learn something, too.
  40. OskarE
    Jul 11, 2005
    10
    Beautiful album, getting better and better with each listen (almost a hundred now!). Such a seemingly effortlessly crafted album, so subtle...not a microsecond of oversentimentalty, still one of the most passionate, emotionally charged albums I've ever heard.
  41. RamaS
    Jul 11, 2005
    10
    This is the first time I vote in here. And this is because of this perfectly beautiful album. It just blows me away, I can't tell the last time in recent years I ever feel so sure to give a 10 on an album. The music and the lyrics are just extraordinary.
  42. MattC
    Jul 10, 2005
    10
    Sufjan is a genius, period... I cannot get enough of this album
  43. TravisS
    Jul 14, 2005
    10
    I need to be honest. I have followed this web site for the last two years and agree with 75% of their scores. I have been somewhat apprehensive to go out and buy their top rated albums without listening to them (I usually agree but sometimes they let me down). I really love indie rock music but never heard of Sufjan. I noticed all of the acclaim it got and was convinced to buy it (took me I need to be honest. I have followed this web site for the last two years and agree with 75% of their scores. I have been somewhat apprehensive to go out and buy their top rated albums without listening to them (I usually agree but sometimes they let me down). I really love indie rock music but never heard of Sufjan. I noticed all of the acclaim it got and was convinced to buy it (took me 5 stores to find the album in NYC). I have to admit that this is one of the best albums I have ever listend to. He is simply amazing. Everything about his music and supporting cast is golden to ears. It has convinced me that I have a lot to learn about the indie rock movement and that I need to check out more Sufjan albums. Anyone who enjoys music needs to pick up this album! Enjoy it and have a good one.… Expand
  44. BjarteS
    Jul 10, 2005
    10
    Sufjan's best album so far.
  45. AceKabob
    Jul 19, 2005
    10
    Epic recording . . . An impressive expansion of the sounds on "Seven Swans" . . . Calling him "folk" seems a little, I don't know, insulting, because his musical vision is so grand . . . By comparison, I've always loved The Clash's "London Calling" because of the numerous musical genres represented on one album. Here, Stevens has similarly employed any number of Epic recording . . . An impressive expansion of the sounds on "Seven Swans" . . . Calling him "folk" seems a little, I don't know, insulting, because his musical vision is so grand . . . By comparison, I've always loved The Clash's "London Calling" because of the numerous musical genres represented on one album. Here, Stevens has similarly employed any number of instruments, time signatures, and music styles to create a beautiful album.… Expand
  46. ElliottM
    Jul 6, 2005
    10
    Utterly bewitching. It's one of the most wonderful things to be heard this year.
  47. bryanb
    Jul 6, 2005
    10
    gorgeous and affecting
  48. marcs
    Jul 7, 2005
    10
    Too bad I can't give it an 11. This has just about everything:creative arrangements,diverse instrumentation,hooks hooks hooks and visually evocative lyrics. What's great is that the songs actually live up to their epic titles.
  49. ClaireD
    Jul 7, 2005
    10
    Sufjan Stevens has taken a huge risk and succeeded, going above and beyond anything he has ever done before musically.
  50. Jackm
    Jul 7, 2005
    10
    This album exceeds the already high expectations I had for it. Simply amazing, simply the best album of the year so far and could possibly, more like easily, hold that status through the year. If you don't have it, get it and give it a few listens and let it grow and grow on you...and grow.
  51. whb
    Jul 7, 2005
    10
    Sufjan is one of the only musicians right now who takes music seriously. He takes everything so seriously, but without over earnest (ahem Bright Eyes) audacity. Rather, everything is connected and important from a wasp on his arm to a serial killer. This album is an amazing feat.
  52. AaronS.
    Jul 7, 2005
    10
    What a stunning album. A beautiful tone poem to my homestate. One of the most ambitious albums to come out this year.
  53. nicolos
    Jul 8, 2005
    10
    Reich rythyms run thru this beauty. Glorious.
  54. JasonT
    Jul 8, 2005
    10
    So far, no album released this year is even in the same class as "Illinois." Both heartbreaking and exciting, this is perhaps the best album since "The Creek That Drank The Cradle," only it may be better than even that. "John Wayne Gacy" is truly haunting, and the best song I've heard this year.
  55. AdamX
    Jul 9, 2005
    10
    Brilliant. Just brilliant.
  56. joshm
    Aug 13, 2005
    10
    this guy has God given creativity and he uses it more than any other musical artist in history
  57. christopherw
    Aug 21, 2005
    10
    Best album of 2005 so far by a mile, would recommend this to anyone who knows what music is and should be all about.Well done Sufjan on an excellent recording!!
  58. BrandonR
    Aug 23, 2005
    10
    A home run, if not a grand-slam, if not a pinch-hit grand-slam onto Waveland Ave. in the bottom of the ninth.
  59. timm
    Aug 26, 2005
    10
    One of the best albums of this decade. Truly great music. The kind of music that would be top of the charts if the media were not controlled by giant media conglomerates.
  60. IanB
    Aug 26, 2005
    10
    The most inspirational music that I have heard since the Dylan and folk era of the 60s/70's. Soulfull, haunting, with lyrics and harmonies that cut across generations. Cant wait for the next state.
  61. seant
    Aug 9, 2005
    10
    so far (and barring any unforseeable events) this is the best album of 2005, perhaps the best of this young millenium. stevens somehow writes music that is both immensly universal and intensely personal at the same time. this album is simply unbelievable.
  62. JLD
    Sep 10, 2005
    10
    a musical experience...so great!!
  63. mc
    Sep 16, 2005
    10
    Absolutely fantastic, one of the few originals in today's musical landscape, Sufjan is brilliant.
  64. JohnScott
    Sep 24, 2005
    10
    fantastic
  65. hotface.
    Sep 8, 2005
    10
    This is the best album I've ever owned. &i have about 5,000, not including vinyl. So, that right there is saying something.
  66. JonL
    Jan 10, 2006
    10
    beautiful album
  67. AlexD.T.
    Jan 14, 2006
    10
    The songwriting's inspired, the musical arrangements are great. One of my favourite albums.
  68. JeffP
    Jan 25, 2006
    10
    I have listened to Illinois for 2 months now. Can anybody help me get this out of my CD player. Blood,Sweat & Tears, John Sebastion, Paul Simon, and Elton John on stage being directed by Stravinsky's ghost this is how I try to relate the sound of this Indie aldum to my friends. If your tear ducts don't start twitching during the choral arrangement at the end of Predatory Wasp I have listened to Illinois for 2 months now. Can anybody help me get this out of my CD player. Blood,Sweat & Tears, John Sebastion, Paul Simon, and Elton John on stage being directed by Stravinsky's ghost this is how I try to relate the sound of this Indie aldum to my friends. If your tear ducts don't start twitching during the choral arrangement at the end of Predatory Wasp you are not human. But don't worry the zombie cheerleaders in the next cut will take care of you.… Expand
  69. SteveC
    Jan 31, 2006
    10
    May be the best album I have ever heard. I hear something new everytime. Every album seems to get better.
  70. johnp
    Jan 5, 2006
    10
    Sufjan Stevens is an intelligent songwriter, one of my favorites.
  71. ja
    Jan 5, 2006
    10
    Ambitious yet enjoyable. Some instrumental filler, but the songs are all varied and full of wonderful arrangements. The best of 2005 this is.
  72. HuyN
    Jan 6, 2006
    10
    Wow. This album is amazing. I don't know if the comparison has been made, but the sounds on this album is definitely in the spirit SMILE and in many respects is superior. Pick it up with an open mind, listen to it a few times and odds are you will find nothing ill about the noise on this album.
  73. MikeM
    Jan 9, 2006
    10
    A gorgeous album...one of the few that has changed my life
  74. JimD
    Feb 1, 2006
    10
    This is the most interesting CD that I've heard this millenium. The layering and interplay of melodies and rhythm along with the transitions within many of the songs are just fantastic. There has not been a perfect CD/album, so there are some bumps in the road, such as portions tunes that are overly-repetitive, but these bumps are far and few between. A unique aspect of this CD is This is the most interesting CD that I've heard this millenium. The layering and interplay of melodies and rhythm along with the transitions within many of the songs are just fantastic. There has not been a perfect CD/album, so there are some bumps in the road, such as portions tunes that are overly-repetitive, but these bumps are far and few between. A unique aspect of this CD is how entertaining and interesting and humorous the titles and liner notes are. The theme of the CD and the heavily-researched and often heartfelt lyrics are another impessive component of this CD that make it a treasure, and one of the few that makes the "stuck on a desert island" lists.… Expand
  75. billybob
    Feb 2, 2006
    10
    Absolutely inspired. So beautiful, it can hardly be stood. Are you writing from the heart? Are you writing from the heart?
  76. DonF
    Feb 24, 2006
    10
    Have to disagree, Brian K! I'm well over 30, have heard a LOT of music, and this work is far from pretentious or annoying. The ambitious nature of it is part of the beauty.
  77. TakaN
    Feb 3, 2006
    10
    Amazing, completely original taking a full journey throughout illinois.
  78. LeslieP
    Mar 6, 2006
    10
    This is a haunting, intensely personal piece of work that gets under your skin. Great music, combined with incredible lyrics. It's one not to be missed.
  79. ErikH
    Apr 11, 2006
    10
    this is a masterpiece.
  80. TylerA
    Apr 21, 2006
    10
    One of the best albums I've ever heard, Highly recommended!
  81. 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.
  82. WrenL
    Apr 9, 2006
    10
    Sufjan Stevens has bewitched me. His music holds such gentle strength; my heart bleeds and rejoices with his word.
  83. willo
    May 3, 2006
    10
    Just a masterpiece.
  84. 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.
  85. briannav
    Sep 5, 2006
    10
    one of my favorite albums, although no his best cd.
  86. DanK
    Feb 24, 2007
    10
    Minimalistic like Phillip Glass, but more melodic, really great higher state of conciousness....:-)
  87. 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
  88. DanF.
    Jun 25, 2007
    10
    One of my favorite all-time albums. I could listen to it anytime.
  89. Joni-M.
    Apr 21, 2008
    10
    Perfect. Nothing less than a masterpiece.
  90. AyshL.
    Aug 9, 2008
    10
    Amazing.
  91. PeterP.
    Dec 20, 2009
    10
    Astonishing, ambitious, addictive, highly original, sublime. Truly exceptional, once in a lifetime kind of album.
  92. GregS
    Oct 11, 2005
    10
    Freakin LOVE this cd
  93. 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
  94. 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.
  95. 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!).
  96. WillA
    Nov 6, 2005
    10
    it's a great cd. really creative. i don't think there's one bad song
  97. 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.
  98. 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............'
  99. alanh
    Dec 16, 2005
    10
    top of the heap.....by some distance
  100. JohnScott
    Dec 18, 2005
    10
    fantastic
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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 »