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. WillA
    Nov 6, 2005
    10
    it's a great cd. really creative. i don't think there's one bad song
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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"....
  5. CiaranC
    Nov 2, 2005
    9
    I was really amazed with this albumn, I've been listening to it on and off over the last few months and have really fallen inlove with it.Sufjan's voice is really soft on the ears but still commands your attention.The use of the rest of the band as a backing chorus and sometimes singing entire choruses together really adds body to the songs.The arrangements are excellent and the I was really amazed with this albumn, I've been listening to it on and off over the last few months and have really fallen inlove with it.Sufjan's voice is really soft on the ears but still commands your attention.The use of the rest of the band as a backing chorus and sometimes singing entire choruses together really adds body to the songs.The arrangements are excellent and the variety of piano,guitar and brass used in the songs really gives this albumn depth.I'd give this albumn ten but nothings perfect.… Expand
  6. ACritic
    Oct 31, 2005
    2
    Not convinced at all. This isn't an album about Illinois--it's yet another album about Sufjan, his favorite subject, and now he's trying to convince us he has something in common w/Gacy? Oh man, please... The songs are dull piano noodling that remind me of Roger Waters after The Wall. Writing songs about historical figures can be interesting (Dylan did this well) but Not convinced at all. This isn't an album about Illinois--it's yet another album about Sufjan, his favorite subject, and now he's trying to convince us he has something in common w/Gacy? Oh man, please... The songs are dull piano noodling that remind me of Roger Waters after The Wall. Writing songs about historical figures can be interesting (Dylan did this well) but Stevens just cannot move past his own private world and seems incapable of doing anything beyond songs whose titles carry more weight than the actual music. Look for him to stop writing music and become a poet soon. Thank god. Then I won't have to fast forward through his next record (which will sound exactly like this one which sounds exactly like the one before that) looking for some actual substance beyond the wimpiness. Go ahead. Keep giving it 10s. You'll listen to this thing at most twice, maybe three times, until your fellow hipsters have moved on to the next big thing, and you can quietly file it next to the first Strokes record, another substanceless over-hyped ultimately hollow artist.… Expand
  7. 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!
  8. EddieT
    Oct 24, 2005
    5
    Gosh, don't get me wrong, I like Sufjan a lot, I've been on the wagon for a few years now. But isn't "Illinois" kind of boring? Doesn't it fail to have a singular knockout like "Vito" or "For the Widows in Paradise" or "Size Too Small"? Don't most of the songs sound the same, even after 5 months of listening plus a concert? I'm not giving up hope on him, but Gosh, don't get me wrong, I like Sufjan a lot, I've been on the wagon for a few years now. But isn't "Illinois" kind of boring? Doesn't it fail to have a singular knockout like "Vito" or "For the Widows in Paradise" or "Size Too Small"? Don't most of the songs sound the same, even after 5 months of listening plus a concert? I'm not giving up hope on him, but I don't understand what all the fuss for this album is about.… Expand
  9. Adam
    Oct 18, 2005
    10
    innovative
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. PSellrs
    Oct 13, 2005
    10
    Melodically interesting, lyrically rhythmic, and pure genius!
  13. 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!).
  14. GregS
    Oct 11, 2005
    10
    Freakin LOVE this cd
  15. DonN
    Oct 10, 2005
    7
    I'm getting a post-christian, after school lunch special feeling when listening to this. Yes it's voicings are fresh, lyrics are MFA without the pretension but, this is not pop music. You get the sense that the insular small town white boy is just getting his rocks off on some hyper-orchestration.
  16. 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.
  17. 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?
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. 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
  22. ArendvanE
    Oct 4, 2005
    9
    Just beautiful (like his other albums, exept maybe that "enjoy yr rabbit" album).
  23. rudiw
    Oct 4, 2005
    9
    One of the best albums of 2005! (so far)
  24. MW
    Oct 4, 2005
    10
    There's so much there to marvel at that it's rarely left my player since it came out.
  25. 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.
  26. StevenL
    Oct 2, 2005
    8
    Come on feel the ILLINOISE is overrated, but it's a very good album.
  27. ChrisFromCalifornia
    Sep 29, 2005
    10
    Ever listened to an album that was so good it just made you cry. You will after listening to this. I can't remember the last time when an album hit me this hard emotionally. People, stop buying Coldplay, give your money to someone who deserves it. Album of the year.
  28. 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.
  29. 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
  30. JosiahRoe
    Sep 26, 2005
    10
    Glory!
  31. JohnScott
    Sep 24, 2005
    10
    fantastic
  32. 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.
  33. BradM
    Sep 22, 2005
    10
    Illinois is a triumph - Possibly one of the most outstanding records of the last two years. If Sufjan's music is ever to reach the masses, this could be the album to mark his arrival. Steven's songs are bigger than life, digging into the memories of simple innocence, big dreams, and heartbreaking coming of age. Illinois transends Michigan and Swans and will be on everyone's Illinois is a triumph - Possibly one of the most outstanding records of the last two years. If Sufjan's music is ever to reach the masses, this could be the album to mark his arrival. Steven's songs are bigger than life, digging into the memories of simple innocence, big dreams, and heartbreaking coming of age. Illinois transends Michigan and Swans and will be on everyone's 'best of 2005' lists.… Expand
  34. ErlingO
    Sep 21, 2005
    10
    My favourite of the year. Just fantastic.
  35. 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.
  36. ScottM
    Sep 19, 2005
    10
    Though not the best Sufjan album, it is the best release of this year. By far.
  37. KamilM
    Sep 18, 2005
    8
    inspired, infectious and warm, only sometimes incoherent
  38. mc
    Sep 16, 2005
    10
    Absolutely fantastic, one of the few originals in today's musical landscape, Sufjan is brilliant.
  39. BenD
    Sep 16, 2005
    9
    It takes a couple of listens to fully appreciate this album. However, once you have warmed up to its abstract concepts, you won't want to listen to anything else for quite some time. It's incredibly lush in sound while somehow remaining intimate at the same time. It also gets bonus points for having some of the best song titles ever. I swear, some of these titles take a longer It takes a couple of listens to fully appreciate this album. However, once you have warmed up to its abstract concepts, you won't want to listen to anything else for quite some time. It's incredibly lush in sound while somehow remaining intimate at the same time. It also gets bonus points for having some of the best song titles ever. I swear, some of these titles take a longer time to read than it does to listen to the songs themselves.… Expand
  40. JoshuaJE
    Sep 15, 2005
    10
    Incredible. Just say Sufjan at the Majestic in Detroit, he and his band were amazing and this album expresses it all.
  41. SansB
    Sep 15, 2005
    10
    This album is pure bliss
  42. TiagoC
    Sep 14, 2005
    10
    Great record. Probalby the best of 2005.
  43. chrisc
    Sep 14, 2005
    10
    unlike anything i have ever heard - something that is rare in music today!
  44. BlairC
    Sep 13, 2005
    10
    Simply elegant...believe the hype.
  45. FakeName
    Sep 12, 2005
    10
    most refreshing album this side of the century. amazing!
  46. 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...
  47. PETERS
    Sep 11, 2005
    10
    Wow. He captures the feelingof Illinois is 21 songs. Wow.
  48. JLD
    Sep 10, 2005
    10
    a musical experience...so great!!
  49. Kakvox
    Sep 10, 2005
    10
    Best album of the year in any genre - hands down.
  50. 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.
  51. MarkR
    Sep 6, 2005
    10
    This has been a hauntingly good album - even the parts that might be questionable stays with me.
  52. ChrisH
    Sep 6, 2005
    10
    The best album of 2005 isn't an understatement.
  53. ZacharyM
    Sep 4, 2005
    10
    The best album I have heard in years. Life changing.
  54. 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!
  55. EmilyB
    Sep 2, 2005
    10
    This cd owns your life.
  56. 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.
  57. Mike
    Aug 30, 2005
    10
    One of the best CDs I heard in a long long time!!!
  58. 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.
  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. 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
  61. 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.
  62. Sumi
    Aug 25, 2005
    10
    This is an album of uncommon melodies and beautiful arrangements. The bittersweet yet genuinely uplifting songs are simply gorgeous, with nary a false emotion. A true joy to listen to.
  63. DavisW
    Aug 25, 2005
    9
    Very Strong effort, beautiful arangements very "crafty" musicians.
  64. PhilipG
    Aug 24, 2005
    10
    This album is simply brilliant
  65. Tristan
    Aug 24, 2005
    10
    I've never heard more masterful music. Blew me away on first listen.
  66. 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.
  67. 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!!
  68. 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!
  69. DavidM
    Aug 16, 2005
    9
    Not as good as THE WOODS, BLACK SHEEP BOY, or GET BEHIND ME SATAN, but damn close. It's more critic proof sound is what has it atop the metacritic poll over these other titles. That said, praise must be given...at times this album attains a near ASTRAL WEEKS level of timeless transcendence. Like Morrison, Stevens seems an absolute master at maintaining emotional intensity and musical Not as good as THE WOODS, BLACK SHEEP BOY, or GET BEHIND ME SATAN, but damn close. It's more critic proof sound is what has it atop the metacritic poll over these other titles. That said, praise must be given...at times this album attains a near ASTRAL WEEKS level of timeless transcendence. Like Morrison, Stevens seems an absolute master at maintaining emotional intensity and musical interest over an extended play length. I give it a nine for one reason only, Stevens doesn't know how to quit when he's ahead, suffers from major BIlly Corgan syndrome, where artist choses to include everything, rather than just the great stuff, on each release...by song 16 or 17, the sound loses all sense of variety and wears out it's welcome big time, and THE SEER TOWER is absolute dead weight in light of what comes before. Flawed, but great, though I have to admit feeling a little weird heaping such praise on an artist who seems to have taken his principal inspiration, at least sonically, from Shroeder of Peanuts fame.… Expand
  70. 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
  71. PoloP
    Aug 16, 2005
    10
    This album is amazing. Brilliant.
  72. Matt
    Aug 15, 2005
    10
    Wonderful! Future generations will be looking at it as the first classic neo-folk album.
  73. Chris
    Aug 13, 2005
    10
    Among the best of 2005 so far (August 13th) with Bright Eyes, The White Stripes, System of a Down and The Game. Let's see what Idlewild, Kanye West, OutKast, Elbow, BRMC, the Dandy Warhols, and Broken Social Scene have to offer in the last 4.5 months.
  74. joshm
    Aug 13, 2005
    10
    this guy has God given creativity and he uses it more than any other musical artist in history
  75. Ben
    Aug 10, 2005
    10
    It's simple Philip Buchan must die.
  76. 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.
  77. IanS
    Aug 8, 2005
    10
    magical!
  78. CosmoPrelog
    Aug 5, 2005
    10
    Only a notorious jerk could dislike this record. An amazing achievement. Insanely good.
  79. 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
  80. AmandaP
    Aug 4, 2005
    8
    Very nice, but the more expansive it gets, the more I miss the quiet intimacy of Seven Swans, which I still consider his most personal, and best, work.
  81. MarceloM
    Aug 3, 2005
    10
    Instant classic that gives musical independence hope.
  82. 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.
  83. AlexB
    Aug 1, 2005
    9
    Great album, almost no complaints, but I think it could have been tighter. Also, too much flute. Still one of the best albums this year though.
  84. 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.
  85. AramisG
    Aug 1, 2005
    9
    Plenty of people have given Sufjan Stevens favorable reviews I totally agree with. He is very talented and even if you agree with what I have to say you should still listen to his albums if you haven
  86. 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.
  87. JohnS
    Jul 28, 2005
    10
    It's that good. Wow.
  88. Bainy
    Jul 26, 2005
    10
    Superb
  89. BryanS
    Jul 24, 2005
    9
    Mr.Stevens has, with this CD, proved himself to be one of the most talented, innovative, and simply enjoyable musicians alive today. These 22 tracks span more territory and display more talent than 99% of artists can hope to achieve collectively throughout their entire career. Definitely one of the best albums to be released this decade, snapping respectfully at the heals of Kid A, Mr.Stevens has, with this CD, proved himself to be one of the most talented, innovative, and simply enjoyable musicians alive today. These 22 tracks span more territory and display more talent than 99% of artists can hope to achieve collectively throughout their entire career. Definitely one of the best albums to be released this decade, snapping respectfully at the heals of Kid A, Agaetis Byrjun, and the Moon and Antarctica.… Expand
  90. Raza
    Jul 21, 2005
    10
    not only album of the year but easily one of the 10 best albums of the decade so far
  91. 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
  92. 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.
  93. OwenH
    Jul 17, 2005
    10
    This album restores my faith in the music industry. If Thom Yorke were to buy a copy of this album, he might, just might get back to challenging himself with making another really good album, instead of some existential junk.
  94. 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
  95. JoeBriefcase
    Jul 16, 2005
    10
    Incredible. Album of the year? Quite probably. Album of the still young 21st century? Very possible.
  96. 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.
  97. JeffW
    Jul 15, 2005
    6
    This album is great. It makes me feel good to listen to it and it does not make me think that I am being sucked into a cult..... sort of. The only reason I gave it a 6 was to add a little color to the "Rate this album" board... Green can get old and that red looked alone. Can't wait for Whyoming on my mind.
  98. Ryan
    Jul 15, 2005
    10
    I'm going to listen to this album in late autumn and feel an overwhelming sense nostalgia for the summer. It's an opus worthy of EVERYONE'S ear. I feel like it's the world's responsibility to buy this record so Sufjan can fund his undoubtedly great next outing.
  99. 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.
  100. NoahP
    Jul 15, 2005
    10
    If you don't love this album, you have no taste and you have no soul.
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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

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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.
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  2. Almost Cool
    90
    Stevens is simply one of the most talented artists creating music right now, period.
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  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.
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