1. ScS

   10

   Two things are obvious about The Age of Adz: this album is bold, and this album is pure genius. Sufjan combines his signature melodiousness with complex, lush orchestration, a frantic aesthetic, and a knack for surprising his demanding audience. The result is possibly the best work of his prolific career.… Expand

   • Helpful? 4 of 4 users said Yes.
2. Billyliar87

   8

   I would first like to commend Mr. Stevens for creating another unique album experience. As an artist, Sufjan Stevens manages to blend so many interesting styles and instruments together to have a sound all of his own. Is "The Age of Adz" his masterpiece...? To me, no. However, this album has kept me thoroughly enthralled and coming back for more this past week. The album doesn't have the folk roots that both Illinoise, or Michigan had. This may be a problem for many fans of his earlier work. The warmth of his storytelling, and instrumentals have changed for a (what some would call) a colder-electronic feel. For me, this is not a problem. In fact, i embrace his new style on this cd, and it works for the most part. The album truly shines on certain tracks "Too Much," "Vesuvius," and "I Walked". These tracks are beautiful as they mix Sufjan's usual brass and strings skills, with an electronic twist. Another track that has surprised me was the 25:35 minute long "Impossible Soul." I feared that i would quickly become bored with this very ambitious track. However, it's quite the opposite. I love the track. It's entertaining, and changes enough to keep it interesting throughout. The Age of Antz is a welcome and successful change for Sufjan Stevens, an artist who is always changing and experimenting. I can imagine his next effort will be a different experience all together than brings together as well as alienates some fans. I would recommend this album to anyone who wants something new, and emotional.… Expand

   • Helpful? 1 of 1 users said Yes.
3. astallascliffs

   6

   As others have stated, it's not a bad thing for musicians to explore new territory in successive releases. However, in doing so you're always taking the risk of alienating old fans. The leap from Illinoise to Age of Adz isn't so great that you'd suspect it wasn't even the same artist, but it's still enough to turn some people off. Yes, the instrumentation is different but there's no mistaking that you're listening to a Sufjan song. Itâ… Expand

   • Helpful? 1 of 1 users said Yes.
4. druss

   3

   Sufjan has completely turned his back on his older material, to the point where he only played 3 old songs at his live show in Toronto, all off of Illinois. The audience did not respond to his new material. Its irritating, repetitive, self-indulgent, lacking melody, and Sufjan can't connect properly to the audience. Its great for him that he went off on a new path and can't stand playing his gimmicky old material, but where does that leave us? It's weirdness makes for rock critic fodder, but it's a crap listen, front to back.… Collapse

   • Helpful? 4 of 20 users said Yes.

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