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. JoeG
    Jun 14, 2006
    10
    I try to give every CD I buy at least 5 listens before I form an opinion. Illinoise took many more plays before I truly warmed to it. However, it was well worth getting to know. Now it gives me great pleasure to stamp yet another 10 on this page, particularly as I first heard about the CD from this site! Recommended to any other Rufus Wainwright fans looking for somebody else a cut above I try to give every CD I buy at least 5 listens before I form an opinion. Illinoise took many more plays before I truly warmed to it. However, it was well worth getting to know. Now it gives me great pleasure to stamp yet another 10 on this page, particularly as I first heard about the CD from this site! Recommended to any other Rufus Wainwright fans looking for somebody else a cut above the rest.… Expand
  2. stefanp
    Jun 19, 2006
    10
    awesome
  3. anna
    Jul 17, 2006
    10
    stunning from begining to end. a modern day musical achievement.
  4. TheCritic
    Jul 19, 2006
    9
    A great album. The only thing holding it back is the consistentsy and the annoying female back up singers.
  5. barth
    Aug 14, 2006
    9
    My first contact with an artist that keeps surprising. Fun, musical inspiration, great lyrics.
  6. KevinK
    Aug 27, 2006
    10
    Best Album of 2005. Best Songwriter right now. You gotta love Sufjan's ambition It's so exciting to see in a time where the spotlight is usually put on unoriginal and unartistic music.
  7. DORELLW
    Sep 15, 2006
    10
    This is a great album. It gets better and better the more you listen to it.
  8. PhilW
    Sep 24, 2006
    10
    If you ever wondered who the character Max in Rushmore would grow up to be, it would be Sufjan Stevens. I've traveled to just about every county in Illinois and all I can say is Stevens hit a home run with this album!
  9. AndreaO
    Sep 29, 2006
    10
    His artistic vision is so complete. He reflects such an innocent joy and such a deep knowledge of sorrow. Who is this man and how did this happen?
  10. LizM
    Jan 24, 2007
    10
    To me, it's one of the most beautiful albums I have ever heard. In the end, it all depends on your taste in music. This is right up my alley. I might not believe in God, but I do believe in Sufjan Stevens.
  11. RobertC
    Jan 31, 2007
    9
    Extremely original.
  12. JohnJ
    Jul 17, 2007
    10
    The only reason this album did not recieve a perfect 10 from Sufjan's fans is because of one low, outlying score. Every other person has given this album a 10. Come on, man. Don't tell me this isn't one of the most beautiful albums ever recorded. Please develop some taste in music before reviewing and rating albums.
  13. alexf
    Jul 25, 2007
    10
    I love this album so much! Every single song is great.
  14. D.Mac
    Sep 14, 2007
    10
    best album I've heard in years!
  15. JustinB.
    Sep 25, 2007
    10
    I will never know how this didn't get all 100s, it is one of the most complete and amazing albums ever created. the brilliance of sufjan stevens is evident the moment you hear this album even if you never heard of him before.
  16. RyanK.
    Feb 29, 2008
    10
    A masterpiece. 'Nuff said.
  17. ZacC.
    May 17, 2008
    10
    The greatest musical work since the turn of the century and I think that it will stay that way for a time...
  18. MattM.
    Jun 21, 2008
    10
    Easily the greatest album I've ever listened to. An bonafide masterpiece and an album that deserves to be put in a time capsule or museum. A true piece of American history.
  19. ChrisM.
    Jul 17, 2008
    10
    An amazing expansive album. You will be impressed by its rich production on first listen, and then a stupid grin on your face while enjoying the beauty on the following listens.
  20. cg
    Nov 19, 2005
    10
    love this cd, I can't stop listenening to chicago
  21. GeoffS
    Nov 22, 2005
    9
    Easily one of the best albums I've bought this year. It takes two listens to catch on to most songs, yet some songs (i.e. Chicago, Come on Feel the Illinoise!) grab you at first listen. It is fundamentally subtle and mostly brilliant.
  22. othos
    Nov 24, 2005
    10
    Note to LF: It may not be your cup of tea, but it is, decidely, NOT crap. If every artist put this much thought and craftsmanship into records, the airwaves would not be filled with such dreck.
  23. SeanT
    Dec 11, 2005
    10
    great record! this man deserves some kind of reward immediately
  24. Harry
    Dec 12, 2005
    10
    I blindingly brilliant achievement. Ranks among the top 3 albums of the year and is as engrossing as it is ambitious.
  25. C.B.
    Dec 13, 2005
    9
    beautiful...
  26. jimcu
    Dec 15, 2005
    10
    fandabadozzi
  27. RoarkL
    Dec 18, 2005
    10
    Hands down album of the year.
  28. marshalls
    Dec 24, 2005
    10
    the predatory wasp of the palisades is out to get us! amazing album. i keep coming back to it.
  29. DanielS
    Dec 29, 2005
    10
    A breath of fresh air by an extremely talented artist.
  30. AdamP.
    Dec 21, 2007
    10
    Easily the best album of 2005, and one of the best of the decade (so far)!
  31. Rikardsen
    Feb 7, 2012
    10
    Obviously a gifted multi instrumentalist who has written some of the most wonderful songs. Soothing and creative this will last a lifetime. Get a good sound system and listen to beauty in sonic form.
  32. Vampire25
    Nov 18, 2012
    10
    This album deserves all the hype it's garnered. It really is an ambitious, epic masterpiece. Sufjan Stevens creates not only one of the best written records in our generation, but also one of the best produced records of all time. The experimentation is bold, and all of it fits perfectly together. No one song sounds the same. All In All, Illinois is a beautiful, haunting, lovely recordThis album deserves all the hype it's garnered. It really is an ambitious, epic masterpiece. Sufjan Stevens creates not only one of the best written records in our generation, but also one of the best produced records of all time. The experimentation is bold, and all of it fits perfectly together. No one song sounds the same. All In All, Illinois is a beautiful, haunting, lovely record that shouldn't be missed by anyone who is musically inclined. A… Expand
  33. lauranette
    Jan 5, 2011
    10
    One of my favorite albums at all time - catchy, beautiful and haunting (especially for someone who's actually from Illinois). Many of the tracks stand out on their own, but as an album the whole thing flows perfectly. Lov it.
  34. folkster
    Jan 28, 2011
    10
    I had no idea who Sufjan was when I listened to this album first, nor had I listened to any music quite like this. This quickly became my favorite album and I find myself listening to it more than anything else and would forever change my taste in music and my definition of what good music is. His songs on Illinois are so deep, so varied, and so sincere. I love the lyrics because youI had no idea who Sufjan was when I listened to this album first, nor had I listened to any music quite like this. This quickly became my favorite album and I find myself listening to it more than anything else and would forever change my taste in music and my definition of what good music is. His songs on Illinois are so deep, so varied, and so sincere. I love the lyrics because you can listen to them over and over again and still find new meaning. Thank you Sufjan.… Expand
  35. lovemusic
    May 12, 2011
    9
    i liked this album very much. good music. great music. the lyricism is great and touching. what more can i say....................................................................................................
  36. ClassyClimber
    May 25, 2011
    10
    As far as I see it, this is the second best album of the post-millennial indie music world, second only to Arcade Fire's Funeral. There is no lapse in emotion throughout this album. Sometimes Steven's lyrics venture a little bit into the hokey, but even this only further defines his voice as a devout catholic indieman struggling with just about everything everyone struggles with. I am fromAs far as I see it, this is the second best album of the post-millennial indie music world, second only to Arcade Fire's Funeral. There is no lapse in emotion throughout this album. Sometimes Steven's lyrics venture a little bit into the hokey, but even this only further defines his voice as a devout catholic indieman struggling with just about everything everyone struggles with. I am from Illinois, and this entire album totally encapsulates the state, as perfectly, if not more perfectly, than any other album. Please, give it a listen.… Expand
  37. kman5473
    Jul 26, 2011
    10
    From start to finish, a masterpiece concept heavy album. Deep, heavy, impeccably easy to listen to, and highly addictive. You will quickly fall in love with the highlight tracks, which, although the whole album is mere perfection, truly stand out. Illinois begins with "Concerning UFO Sighting near Highland, Illinois;" a siren song of flutes that hypnotize and capture your imagination--theFrom start to finish, a masterpiece concept heavy album. Deep, heavy, impeccably easy to listen to, and highly addictive. You will quickly fall in love with the highlight tracks, which, although the whole album is mere perfection, truly stand out. Illinois begins with "Concerning UFO Sighting near Highland, Illinois;" a siren song of flutes that hypnotize and capture your imagination--the overture to an incredibly journey through Illinois. "Come on! Feel the Illinois!" an extraordinary piece that makes your ears thank you for blessing them with the suite sounds of Sufjan Stevens. "Jacksonville," a nice, old-country ballade, and "Chicago," an amazing climax to the album. This album is far from disappointing, and where its highs hit and truly hits with a BANG!… Expand
  38. ramona
    Sep 13, 2011
    10
    Sufjan Stevens couldn't sound any sweeter, deeper and honest than in this album. Describing this state, combining with this description his memories, with so many details that will make you feel that you're there, even when you don't know it, as me. the first song is a beautiful introduction to this album of 22 songs that will never make you tired of them. It's one of those albums that youSufjan Stevens couldn't sound any sweeter, deeper and honest than in this album. Describing this state, combining with this description his memories, with so many details that will make you feel that you're there, even when you don't know it, as me. the first song is a beautiful introduction to this album of 22 songs that will never make you tired of them. It's one of those albums that you can listen entirely without skipping any song: nor the happy ones as "Chicago", the nostalgic ones as "The Predatory Wasp Of Th Palisades Is Out To Get Us" or the obscure ones as "John Wayne Gacy Jr.". I think that a lot of people would agree with me if I sat that this is the masterpiece of Sufjan Stevens.… Expand
  39. LuizCC
    Jul 31, 2012
    9
    The arrengements in this album are beautiful. Sufjan's voice blends with the folk/pop he sings. The lyrics honoring the state of Illinois makes justice as compliments. The melodies he created, for example, in a song like "Chicago"- far best of the album- has an orchestra sound that reminds us how good music can be. Sufjan's hardest, but best work.
  40. Aradessa12
    Nov 19, 2011
    10
    A fun playful album. Sufjan has achieved another success. It blends nice melodies and fun subject matter. He even slides his own religion into his music nearly undetected.Sufjan can make everyone and anyone smile.
  41. keanex
    Jan 21, 2012
    10
    I was going to give this album a 9, the only flaw being length. Then I realized that Illinois is much more than an album, it's a journey from start to finish with checkpoints throughout. This album can be listened to for it's single songs, but even the noodling and such as the end and in-between some songs adds tremendous weight to the depth of this album. It's 7 years after it's releaseI was going to give this album a 9, the only flaw being length. Then I realized that Illinois is much more than an album, it's a journey from start to finish with checkpoints throughout. This album can be listened to for it's single songs, but even the noodling and such as the end and in-between some songs adds tremendous weight to the depth of this album. It's 7 years after it's release and I'm still listening to it as if it were brand new, picking out little things and enjoying it more and more with each time.… Expand
  42. ChairmanMeow99
    Mar 20, 2012
    9
    This would be rated a 10, if Michigan had not been created. While this album expands greatly on Michigan, it lacks the emotions of Michigan, which is what made it great. If this could keep those emotions, it would be a 10, but it is gone. Anyways, what lacks in emotion is made up for in grandiose instrumentation, choir chants, and some extra epicness. The lack of emotions is the only flawThis would be rated a 10, if Michigan had not been created. While this album expands greatly on Michigan, it lacks the emotions of Michigan, which is what made it great. If this could keep those emotions, it would be a 10, but it is gone. Anyways, what lacks in emotion is made up for in grandiose instrumentation, choir chants, and some extra epicness. The lack of emotions is the only flaw I can find. A-… Expand
  43. NianGao
    Aug 5, 2021
    0
    A flawless, captivating, and creative album that sounds simultaneously beautiful and cool at the same time. A must-listen for indie fans.
  44. pesho_one
    Jan 7, 2015
    7
    Nice acoustic music, well arranged with some good female voice choruses. Doesn't have that "bite" I require from really great music, but it has high musical qualities, nevertheless.
  45. reijiro
    May 14, 2020
    10
    years and years of listening to this album and I'm still in love with it. Stands the test of time, stands my ever changing musical taste from when i was in my 20s to now being in my 30s.

    guess you can say i'm in love with this entire album
  46. Ornatco
    Aug 26, 2015
    10
    I remember the first time I heard Sufjan's song Chicago. I was driving at the time. I pulled in to make sure I got the name of the artist on this amazing record. That weekend I was in a record store, and I heard Casimir Pulaski day. Again I was blown away. I asked the guy behind the counter about it. When I discovered it was the same artist from the same album, I bought it immediately. AndI remember the first time I heard Sufjan's song Chicago. I was driving at the time. I pulled in to make sure I got the name of the artist on this amazing record. That weekend I was in a record store, and I heard Casimir Pulaski day. Again I was blown away. I asked the guy behind the counter about it. When I discovered it was the same artist from the same album, I bought it immediately. And I have been in love with it ever since. Chicago is such a catchy melody, but really interesting musically and lyrically. Casimir Puklaski day is a sad sad story of a dying friend. But even after years of listening, I am still blown away by the musical arrangement. Especially the off beat piano. Wonderful.
    And then of course there is John Wayne Gacy Jr. A song about the childhood of a serial killer. And probably the most haunting song I have ever heard. And again the musical magic is here in the arrangement.
    They are my 3 favorites, but there is lots more on offer here. Check out this wonderful album ASAP. and prepare to be amazed.    … Expand
  47. BryanDubeux
    Apr 20, 2017
    10
    I believe there's one way to listen to this album and it's going through till the end, tasting one song at a time. This LP feels more like a gigantic picture than a series of songs, and that's what I love the most about this record. Its cohesion is impeccable, still, it manages to arrange a vast amount of different experiences concerning one huge topic. The chorus and the wide number ofI believe there's one way to listen to this album and it's going through till the end, tasting one song at a time. This LP feels more like a gigantic picture than a series of songs, and that's what I love the most about this record. Its cohesion is impeccable, still, it manages to arrange a vast amount of different experiences concerning one huge topic. The chorus and the wide number of instruments play the other half of Stevens' great harmonies, that accomplish the necessary light to take the perfect photograph.… Expand
  48. AkumaJack
    Nov 2, 2017
    10
    I'm not giving ten just because i think is a very important number for very important albums (See "Ok Computer by Radiohead). But this is truly a masterpiece.

    Sufjan is a great songrwiter capable of writing deep and haunting songs like "Casimir Pulasky day" and "The Predatory wasp of the palisades is out to get us". I'd like to give say "X song is the best song of this album, check    I'm not giving ten just because i think is a very important number for very important albums (See "Ok Computer by Radiohead). But this is truly a masterpiece.

    Sufjan is a great songrwiter capable of writing deep and haunting songs like "Casimir Pulasky day" and "The Predatory wasp of the palisades is out to get us".

    I'd like to give say "X song is the best song of this album, check it out and see if you like it" but honestly half the album is a pure masterpiece, a quart are litteral fillers and the last quart is "just" very very good.

    You know an album is a masterpiece when the worst track is "just very good".

    EDIT:
    After rehearing the whole album i changed my mind. Is a 9.8ish out of ten so i'll give it ten.
    One of my favorite album. Especially "The Tallest man the broudest shoulder" that is a killer track..    … Expand
  49. All_ButTrU4
    Jan 31, 2021
    8
    This album shouldn't be good on paper:a concept album about the state of Illinois with paragraphs for titles with exclamations, commas and multiple fullstops. But instead it matches its ambition with equal talent and attention to detail. It isn't forced and unattached. It's affecting and optimistic even when taking about clown serial killers or wasp attacks. Instead this album feels likeThis album shouldn't be good on paper:a concept album about the state of Illinois with paragraphs for titles with exclamations, commas and multiple fullstops. But instead it matches its ambition with equal talent and attention to detail. It isn't forced and unattached. It's affecting and optimistic even when taking about clown serial killers or wasp attacks. Instead this album feels like reminiscing about childhood memories good and bad through the perspective of multiple people. This was my introduction to this artist and I was unaware of it's indie cred and universal acclaim (something i dont have the privilege of lately) it felt personal, funny,real and sad. It could've been more impacting with less experimentation (first time I've thought this)but some of his experimentations feel useless and skippable withno charm or contribution to the overall output such as the interludes and the long titles which although aren't musical feel pretentious. Favourites:john wayne gacy,jr,the preparatory wasps of...,casmir pulaski day,concerning the ufo sighting near...… Expand
  50. nwlierly
    Apr 20, 2022
    10
    This album lives on a very special list for me, albums that other folks suggested that made me go "why have I not had this in my life before today".

    A remarkable album even 17 years later
  51. kermie_the_frog
    Dec 26, 2019
    10
    Absolutely incredible folk masterpiece. Sufjan incorporates Illinois history along with personal trials and dark examinations of human nature using brass, acoustic guitar, banjo, choir, brilliant melody writing and some of the most masterful vocal layering of Sufjan's entire discography.
  52. lemonadeflavour
    Mar 1, 2020
    10
    I tried to write a review for this album, but the sheer majesty of this masterpiece refuses to be put into words. Just know that this is the absolute pinnacle of hundreds of years of musical progression; a sweeping, poetic tapestry of places, people, and things belonging to the titular state, stopped from ever becoming a pointless farce by Sufjan's personal, confessional lyricism.
  53. snoflaek
    Jul 3, 2020
    10
    I rode a bike on a nature path for a couple of miles while listening to this album and it was one of the best experiences of my life.
  54. Cindy82
    Dec 12, 2020
    10
    The second best album of all time, has the best production of any album, no doubt. Beautiful orchestration with soaring trumpets and enchanting strings. This album is so good at telling a story. I love it so much.
  55. rjrjuddhhdh
    Dec 23, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Alright, this album is arguably my second favorite sufjan album from his entire catalogue. I really like the production and sound, and of course sufjan killed it with his lyricism.… Expand
  56. vancemay77
    Apr 22, 2022
    9
    This album blew my mind when I first heard it. It felt like the style of music I had been waiting for my entire life. Definitely one of the best albums of the 2000s and a milestone for alternative folk music.
  57. MarcoBlancas
    Sep 30, 2022
    10
    An album that is too beautiful, and that treats its sound very well, too harmonic
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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 »