Illinois
Sufjan Stevens · 2005
74 min · 22 tracks · alternative rock · classical · electronic
A whimsical orchestral tapestry intertwines with deeply personal narratives, painting a vivid portrait of Illinois.
Why this album works
'Illinois' received widespread critical acclaim and solidified Stevens' reputation, debuting at number 40 on the Billboard 200. The song 'Chicago' became particularly influential, often cited as one of his signature tracks and contributing to the album's legacy within the baroque pop genre. Its inclusion in various media further expanded its reach, influencing a new wave of indie artists.
- Best for
- whimsical storytelling through sound short tracks with vivid imagery playful exploration of history
- Context
- By the time 'Illinois' was released in July 2005, Sufjan Stevens had already garnered attention with his previous album 'Seven Swans' (2004). This record marked a significant artistic leap, showcasing Stevens' ambition to create a series of state-themed albums, beginning with Illinois. His blend of folk, classical arrangements, and intricate storytelling positioned him as a unique voice in the indie music scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Moby· Green Day· Nine Inch Nails· Linkin Park· Sonic Youth· Foo Fighters· Ariana Grande· Weezer
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Concerning the UFO Sighting Near Highland, Illinois 2:08
- 2 The Black Hawk War, or, How to Demolish an Entire Civilization and Still Feel Good About Yourself in the Morning, or, We Apologize for the Inconvenience but You’re Going to Have to Leave Now, or, “I Have Fought the Big Knives and Will Continue to Fight Them Until They Are Off Our Lands!” 2:14
- 3 Come On! Feel the Illinoise! Part I: The World’s Columbian Exposition, Part II: Carl Sandburg Visits Me in a Dream 6:45
- 4 John Wayne Gacy, Jr. Standout 3:19
- 5 Jacksonville 5:24
- 6 A Short Reprise for Mary Todd, Who Went Insane, but for Very Good Reasons 0:47
- 7 Decatur, or, Round of Applause for Your Stepmother! 3:03
- 8 One Last “Whoo‐Hoo!” for the Pullman 0:06
- 9 Chicago Standout 6:04
- 10 Casimir Pulaski Day Standout 5:53
- 11 To the Workers of the Rockford River Valley Region, I Have an Idea Concerning Your Predicament 1:40
- 12 The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts 6:17
- 13 Prairie Fire That Wanders About 2:11
- 14 A Conjunction of Drones Simulating the Way in Which Sufjan Stevens Has an Existential Crisis in the Great Godfrey Maze 0:19
- 15 The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out to Get Us! 5:23
- 16 They Are Night Zombies!! They Are Neighbors!! They Have Come Back From the Dead!! Ahhhh! 5:09
- 17 Let’s Hear That String Part Again, Because I Don’t Think They Heard It All the Way Out in Bushnell 0:40
- 18 In This Temple as in the Hearts of Man for Whom He Saved the Earth 0:35
- 19 The Seer’s Tower 3:53
- 20 The Tallest Man, the Broadest Shoulders, Part I: The Great Frontier, Part II: Come to Me Only With Playthings Now 7:02
- 21 Riffs and Variations on a Single Note for Jelly Roll, Earl Hines, Louis Armstrong, Baby Dodds, and the King of Swing, to Name a Few 0:46
- 22 Out of Egypt, Into the Great Laugh of Mankind, and I Shake the Dirt From My Sandals as I Run 4:21
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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