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. BenU
    Dec 21, 2005
    10
    One of my favorite albums ever. I cried the first time I listened to it.
  2. KateL
    Dec 30, 2005
    10
    A beautiful masterpiece. I get lost in thought whenever I turn it on.
  3. SWyn
    Dec 31, 2005
    10
    Best album I've heard in years. Caught me from the first second.
  4. TonyI
    Dec 5, 2005
    10
    Spectacular. Sufjan is brilliant, talented, and humble. What more can you ask for?
  5. 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!
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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?
  9. 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.
  10. 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!!! !
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. EthanH
    Jul 13, 2005
    10
    This album is amazing.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. NoahP
    Jul 15, 2005
    10
    If you don't love this album, you have no taste and you have no soul.
  17. JoeBriefcase
    Jul 16, 2005
    10
    Incredible. Album of the year? Quite probably. Album of the still young 21st century? Very possible.
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. Raza
    Jul 21, 2005
    10
    not only album of the year but easily one of the 10 best albums of the decade so far
  21. Bainy
    Jul 26, 2005
    10
    Superb
  22. JohnS
    Jul 28, 2005
    10
    It's that good. Wow.
  23. 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.
  24. 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+
  25. 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
  26. JohnM
    Jul 7, 2005
    10
    Album of the year.
  27. 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.
  28. ChelseaD
    Jul 7, 2005
    10
    Album of the year, hands down.
  29. ChrisH.
    Jul 7, 2005
    10
    Best album I've heard in forever. It is a masterpiece. Epic. Lovely. Poignant.
  30. 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.
  31. WhitL
    Jul 8, 2005
    10
    perfect
  32. [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.
  33. AlexV
    Jul 9, 2005
    10
    It is difficult to imagine a better record.
  34. Ben
    Aug 10, 2005
    10
    It's simple Philip Buchan must die.
  35. 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.
  36. 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
  37. 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!
  38. Tristan
    Aug 24, 2005
    10
    I've never heard more masterful music. Blew me away on first listen.
  39. 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.
  40. MarceloM
    Aug 3, 2005
    10
    Instant classic that gives musical independence hope.
  41. Mike
    Aug 30, 2005
    10
    One of the best CDs I heard in a long long time!!!
  42. 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...
  43. BlairC
    Sep 13, 2005
    10
    Simply elegant...believe the hype.
  44. ScottM
    Sep 19, 2005
    10
    Though not the best Sufjan album, it is the best release of this year. By far.
  45. 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.
  46. 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
  47. 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.
  48. 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!
  49. ZacharyM
    Sep 4, 2005
    10
    The best album I have heard in years. Life changing.
  50. ChrisH
    Sep 6, 2005
    10
    The best album of 2005 isn't an understatement.
  51. MarkR
    Sep 6, 2005
    10
    This has been a hauntingly good album - even the parts that might be questionable stays with me.
  52. 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.
  53. 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.
  54. 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!
  55. 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
  56. carriea
    Oct 5, 2006
    10
    i love this cd. ts so beautiful...so...SUFJAN :)
  57. EllenN
    Jan 5, 2006
    10
    Magical, splendid, gourgeous
  58. TimM
    Feb 20, 2006
    10
    Awesome. Absolutely awesome.
  59. RyanG
    Feb 8, 2006
    10
    Sufjan Stevens gets better with each album
  60. AndreaC
    Feb 9, 2006
    10
    Definately the most intelligent and beautiful album I've purchased in recent years. Sufjan has blown me away once again. Bravo!
  61. bolisj
    Mar 11, 2006
    10
    The 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!
  62. jaeroplane
    Apr 22, 2006
    10
    After first glance, the buyer must do a double take to make sure he read all of the song titles correctly. In much the same way, the listener has to keep the CD on repeat for several days just to make sure that he heard everything correctly. There is so much depth to the musical and lyrical qualities of this album that one's CD collection will need to be dusted off after finally After first glance, the buyer must do a double take to make sure he read all of the song titles correctly. In much the same way, the listener has to keep the CD on repeat for several days just to make sure that he heard everything correctly. There is so much depth to the musical and lyrical qualities of this album that one's CD collection will need to be dusted off after finally finishing the thorough listening this album requires. For long-time Sufjan fans, you'll find much of the stuff we've come to expect and love: there are much of the same multi-meter and multi-layered pop songs found on Michigan (Come On!, Chicago), many soul-stirring ballads of Seven Swans (John Wayne Gacy, Jr, Casimir Pulaski Day), and the pleasant melodic folk (Decatur). There are plenty of surprises, too: the funky R&B stylings of Jacksonville and They are Night Zombies! and the Wilco-esque rock of Man of Metropolis. It's a wonderfully beautiful, touching, entertaining, and awe-inspiring album that will always be within arms reach of this listener!… Expand
  63. JohnD
    Apr 23, 2006
    10
    Great to listen and play around a campfire
  64. BlayzeH
    Apr 4, 2006
    10
    Best album ever made.
  65. mr.hankey
    Apr 7, 2006
    10
    I known since it's release that this album was the best of 2005 because of it's emotion and feeling and the feeling of this record is the music that is lively and sad but the most of the part entertaining. With beautiful vocals and ingenius instrumentals you cannot go wrong with this album. Unfortunately it is not going to get the best album of the year by everybody and trust me I known since it's release that this album was the best of 2005 because of it's emotion and feeling and the feeling of this record is the music that is lively and sad but the most of the part entertaining. With beautiful vocals and ingenius instrumentals you cannot go wrong with this album. Unfortunately it is not going to get the best album of the year by everybody and trust me it didn't but thanks to Amazon and Pitchfork Sufjan Stevens can have an amazing year.… Expand
  66. LukeM
    May 19, 2006
    10
    Just spectacular, emotional, smooth, and astonishing.
  67. GabrielS
    May 25, 2006
    10
    It's incredible.
  68. ArikK
    Jul 6, 2006
    10
    Amazing album. It flows perfectly and even feels like a plot, what with a climax in Chicago and Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts.
  69. HollayR
    Aug 23, 2006
    10
    This 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.
  70. johnnyc
    Sep 22, 2006
    10
    has some of the most breathtaking songs i have ever heard
  71. ChadK.
    Nov 30, 2007
    10
    Magical, disarming, earnest, and potent. A masterpiece.
  72. ErikaL
    Jan 7, 2007
    10
    Wonderfull!
  73. christianf
    Mar 6, 2007
    10
    it's really good and Casimir Pulaski Day is the best song ever
  74. BennyM
    Jul 8, 2007
    10
    It's hard to describe how much I love this album. I could listen to it every single day and not get tired of it.
  75. PeterS.
    Feb 24, 2008
    10
    Never 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.
  76. AdamA
    May 30, 2009
    10
    Simply 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.
  77. PJZ.
    Jun 6, 2009
    10
    This 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.
  78. hal9000
    Jan 25, 2010
    10
    Sufjan 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.
  79. JasperB
    Nov 13, 2005
    10
    To sum this album up in one word: Godsend
  80. BH
    Nov 2, 2005
    10
    Amazing, 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"....
  81. JC
    Nov 2, 2005
    10
    Another 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.
  82. RebekahH
    Nov 20, 2005
    10
    Literally 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.
  83. MarkS
    Nov 2, 2005
    10
    This 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.
  84. PSellrs
    Oct 13, 2005
    10
    Melodically interesting, lyrically rhythmic, and pure genius!
  85. PatrickO
    Oct 14, 2005
    10
    Nothing will beat this pure, honest songwriting by the ambitious Sufjan in his second installment of the 50 States project.
  86. JohnB
    Nov 8, 2005
    10
    Amazing man and album!
  87. rajk
    Dec 13, 2005
    10
    believe 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).
  88. stth
    Dec 13, 2005
    10
    hypnotizing. i put in another album in my car and then put this one back in after a few minutes
  89. NickT
    Dec 26, 2005
    10
    Perfect. Every song is stunning and is completely necessary. Not since OK Computer have I had such hope for, well anything. Sufjan Stevens deserves all the accolade in the world for this album. It is completely baffling that a single person created such an elegant, poignant, and affecting piece of work. Sufjan, you make me want to be a better person and I thank you for that. Now, go make Perfect. Every song is stunning and is completely necessary. Not since OK Computer have I had such hope for, well anything. Sufjan Stevens deserves all the accolade in the world for this album. It is completely baffling that a single person created such an elegant, poignant, and affecting piece of work. Sufjan, you make me want to be a better person and I thank you for that. Now, go make more music.… Expand
  90. SeanH
    Dec 30, 2005
    10
    This 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.
  91. JonathanV
    Dec 31, 2005
    10
    This 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!
  92. byrond
    Dec 6, 2005
    10
    Great album! Come on feel the illinoise! is one of the most shake yer rump best pop songs in ages!
  93. DanO
    Dec 6, 2005
    10
    Believe 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.
  94. JamesM
    Dec 7, 2005
    10
    There 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.
  95. Helene
    Dec 8, 2005
    10
    There'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
  96. FlashFlooder
    Jul 11, 2005
    10
    Sufjan 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.
  97. MattW
    Jul 11, 2005
    10
    he is now my favorite musician of all time
  98. J.D.Howsley
    Jul 11, 2005
    10
    By far the best album I have heard all year! Cannot wait for his live show to see how it pulls it off.
  99. AaronS
    Jul 12, 2005
    10
    This 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!
  100. LawrenceP
    Jul 14, 2005
    10
    I hate to say it, but this guy is a genius. Keep the tunes coming.
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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 »