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. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Keith
    Aug 5, 2005
    9
    This is one of those albums from which I have to step back and critique separate from my personal affection (or lack thereof) for the cd. Mr. Stevens is clearly a gifted musician, ridiculously so. This album, all of it, every note sung, played, and written is wonderfully original. He is an artist of the first rank in a musical climate that is downwright depressing for its lack of artistic This is one of those albums from which I have to step back and critique separate from my personal affection (or lack thereof) for the cd. Mr. Stevens is clearly a gifted musician, ridiculously so. This album, all of it, every note sung, played, and written is wonderfully original. He is an artist of the first rank in a musical climate that is downwright depressing for its lack of artistic vision and risk. I admire that he crafts songs so lyrically and musically intricate. And to say that his influences are ecclectically drawn is a vast understatement. And I look forward to listening to the album repeatedly. As with most singer-songwriters, the more I listen, the more I will come to like it, I'm sure, as his genuinely touching and intelligent songs come alive. I must confess that, while comparisons to Radiohead and Sigur Ros and other "art rock" musicians seem appropriate, I don't find his music as palatable as I do these others--but I suspect this is just a question of taste. I do find his musical style, while utterly accomplished, to be a little too cloying and precious. Tenderness and delicacy is no fault, even in a male singer, but here I find it, particularly when the volume of horns and strings and vocals are turned up, a little tiresome, almost syrupy, particularly some 15 songs in. What at first is completely transfixing and beuatiful, becomes almost, creepy? To me, Stevens is best when he keeps it simple. I kept wanting a bit more of an edge, just a bit, in the orchestral arrangements. But, these are I suppose minor complaints, and I admit to feeling guilty for having any against an album so intelligent and sensitive and unique. And even with my misgivings, I can't help but give the album a 9. It is an impressive achievement.… Expand
  4. 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.
  5. JLD
    Sep 10, 2005
    10
    a musical experience...so great!!
  6. mc
    Sep 16, 2005
    10
    Absolutely fantastic, one of the few originals in today's musical landscape, Sufjan is brilliant.
  7. SoupS
    Sep 23, 2005
    7
    I liked it mostly but it's way too long and needs to change up more. It would've been a lot better if it had a lot less fluff.
  8. JohnScott
    Sep 24, 2005
    10
    fantastic
  9. 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.
  10. JonL
    Jan 10, 2006
    10
    beautiful album
  11. AlexD.T.
    Jan 14, 2006
    10
    The songwriting's inspired, the musical arrangements are great. One of my favourite albums.
  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. laurag
    Jan 4, 2006
    9
    one of the best this year.
  15. johnp
    Jan 5, 2006
    10
    Sufjan Stevens is an intelligent songwriter, one of my favorites.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. MikeM
    Jan 9, 2006
    10
    A gorgeous album...one of the few that has changed my life
  19. 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
  20. 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?
  21. 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.
  22. TakaN
    Feb 3, 2006
    10
    Amazing, completely original taking a full journey throughout illinois.
  23. 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.
  24. ErikH
    Apr 11, 2006
    10
    this is a masterpiece.
  25. TylerA
    Apr 21, 2006
    10
    One of the best albums I've ever heard, Highly recommended!
  26. 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.
  27. WrenL
    Apr 9, 2006
    10
    Sufjan Stevens has bewitched me. His music holds such gentle strength; my heart bleeds and rejoices with his word.
  28. willo
    May 3, 2006
    10
    Just a masterpiece.
  29. 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.
  30. briannav
    Sep 5, 2006
    10
    one of my favorite albums, although no his best cd.
  31. DanK
    Feb 24, 2007
    10
    Minimalistic like Phillip Glass, but more melodic, really great higher state of conciousness....:-)
  32. 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
  33. DanF.
    Jun 25, 2007
    10
    One of my favorite all-time albums. I could listen to it anytime.
  34. Joni-M.
    Apr 21, 2008
    10
    Perfect. Nothing less than a masterpiece.
  35. AyshL.
    May 1, 2008
    9
    Amazing.
  36. AyshL.
    Aug 9, 2008
    10
    Amazing.
  37. PeterP.
    Dec 20, 2009
    10
    Astonishing, ambitious, addictive, highly original, sublime. Truly exceptional, once in a lifetime kind of album.
  38. GregS
    Oct 11, 2005
    10
    Freakin LOVE this cd
  39. 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
  40. 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.
  41. 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!).
  42. DanB.
    Oct 16, 2005
    8
    Maybe it could be a bit shorter? But that's a small complaint. It's one of those albums that are great to listen to from start to finish... but it's definitely not for everyone, it's not pop or rock, it's like an old-style movie musical soundtrack done with a Brooklyn indie sensibility. Whatever that means.
  43. WillA
    Nov 6, 2005
    10
    it's a great cd. really creative. i don't think there's one bad song
  44. JoaoL
    Nov 7, 2005
    9
    An extraordinary mixture of feelings, landscapes, persons. Sung by that fantastic voice, both sad an dazzled. Great folk songs remembering Neil Young or Dylan, with arrangements that bring their immortal songs to thepresent time
  45. 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.
  46. StevenL
    Oct 2, 2005
    8
    Come on feel the ILLINOISE is overrated, but it's a very good album.
  47. IrvG
    Dec 12, 2005
    9
    The two best songs of the year -- one about a mass murderer, the other about a cancer victim -- headline a near masterpiece. The album is too abmitious and therefore contains a few songs that should have been left out. Still, the best album of the year.
  48. 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............'
  49. alanh
    Dec 16, 2005
    10
    top of the heap.....by some distance
  50. JohnScott
    Dec 18, 2005
    10
    fantastic
  51. PerspicaciousCritic
    Dec 10, 2005
    7
    So I kept ignoring this Sufjan Stevens dude even though Illinois received the highest Metacritic score, but I finally broke down and decided to visit his Web site, www.sufjan.com, where I checked out samples of Greetings From Michigan: The Great Lakes State (Samples of Illinois weren
  52. BenU
    Dec 21, 2005
    10
    One of my favorite albums ever. I cried the first time I listened to it.
  53. KateL
    Dec 30, 2005
    10
    A beautiful masterpiece. I get lost in thought whenever I turn it on.
  54. SWyn
    Dec 31, 2005
    10
    Best album I've heard in years. Caught me from the first second.
  55. TonyI
    Dec 5, 2005
    10
    Spectacular. Sufjan is brilliant, talented, and humble. What more can you ask for?
  56. 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!
  57. 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.
  58. JenniferJ
    Oct 3, 2005
    9
    This album, like "Say Yes! to Michigan," is addictive and infectious. The more you listen to it, the better it is.
  59. ArendvanE
    Oct 4, 2005
    9
    Just beautiful (like his other albums, exept maybe that "enjoy yr rabbit" album).
  60. Hey
    Oct 6, 2005
    9
    To Mojo, I have to say YOU'RE F*CKING IDIOTS! Come on, you gave this a 70 and Ryan Adams new one (new one as in Jacksonville City Nights) a 40? You have to be kidding me. This one is tied for album of the year for me.
  61. 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.
  62. 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?
  63. 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.
  64. 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!!! !
  65. chrisb
    Jul 11, 2005
    9
    Great CD, a little out there but overall a great album
  66. 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.
  67. 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.
  68. RyanJ
    Jul 13, 2005
    8
    Michigan in my mind is untouchable. A classic album...pronounced Soof-Jan...now a household name. Can't wait to see him in Portland...I heard The New Lows will be supporting
  69. EthanH
    Jul 13, 2005
    10
    This album is amazing.
  70. 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.
  71. 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.
  72. NoahP
    Jul 15, 2005
    10
    If you don't love this album, you have no taste and you have no soul.
  73. JoeBriefcase
    Jul 16, 2005
    10
    Incredible. Album of the year? Quite probably. Album of the still young 21st century? Very possible.
  74. 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
  75. 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.
  76. Raza
    Jul 21, 2005
    10
    not only album of the year but easily one of the 10 best albums of the decade so far
  77. Bainy
    Jul 26, 2005
    10
    Superb
  78. JohnS
    Jul 28, 2005
    10
    It's that good. Wow.
  79. 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.
  80. 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+
  81. 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
  82. JohnM
    Jul 7, 2005
    10
    Album of the year.
  83. 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.
  84. ChelseaD
    Jul 7, 2005
    10
    Album of the year, hands down.
  85. ChrisH.
    Jul 7, 2005
    10
    Best album I've heard in forever. It is a masterpiece. Epic. Lovely. Poignant.
  86. 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.
  87. WhitL
    Jul 8, 2005
    10
    perfect
  88. [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.
  89. AlexV
    Jul 9, 2005
    10
    It is difficult to imagine a better record.
  90. Ben
    Aug 10, 2005
    10
    It's simple Philip Buchan must die.
  91. 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.
  92. 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
  93. 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!
  94. Tristan
    Aug 24, 2005
    10
    I've never heard more masterful music. Blew me away on first listen.
  95. DavisW
    Aug 25, 2005
    9
    Very Strong effort, beautiful arangements very "crafty" musicians.
  96. AlexM
    Aug 26, 2005
    9
    This Album was an amazing mixture of canonballing, uncomformative instruments like trumpets and banjos. i swear some of the song will see you sheding a tear of joy. Sufjan's almost angelic and euphoric voice ads to the wonder that is this album. The style includes acoustic fairy tale ballads "john wayne gracey Jr" and more alternative rock/ choir songs "The Man of the Metropollis This Album was an amazing mixture of canonballing, uncomformative instruments like trumpets and banjos. i swear some of the song will see you sheding a tear of joy. Sufjan's almost angelic and euphoric voice ads to the wonder that is this album. The style includes acoustic fairy tale ballads "john wayne gracey Jr" and more alternative rock/ choir songs "The Man of the Metropollis steals our hearts". truely a musical masterpeice.… Expand
  97. 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.
  98. AliC
    Aug 3, 2005
    9
    This record justifies metacritic's existence. I doubt very much that I would have even heard of, let alone bought this phenomenal record if I hadn't seen it at the top of metacritic's lists for this year. In fact it's the first record I've bought on the basis of a metacritic rating. And so should you. Wow.
  99. MarceloM
    Aug 3, 2005
    10
    Instant classic that gives musical independence hope.
  100. Mike
    Aug 30, 2005
    10
    One of the best CDs I heard in a long long time!!!
Page:

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 40 Critic Reviews

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