Silver & Gold cover

Silver & Gold

Sufjan Stevens · 2012

167 min · 59 tracks · alternative rock

A whimsical blend of holiday classics and original compositions, laced with Sufjan's signature intricate arrangements and heartfelt storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Lumberjack Christmas / No One Can Save You From Christmases Past Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    Christmas Unicorn — Clocking in at over twelve minutes, this track encapsulates the album's spirit with its sprawling narrative and experimental soundscapes, reflecting on the complexities of Christmas.
  • →
    Do You Hear What I Hear? — Stevens reinvents this classic carol with haunting harmonies and layered instrumentation, creating an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
  • →
    Christmas in the Room — This original composition stands out with its intimate lyrics and minimalist arrangement, showcasing Stevens' ability to convey deep emotion through simple melodies.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • quirky holiday spirit exploration
  • introspective moments of reflection
  • playful arrangements for gatherings
  • patient unfolding of festive themes
  • background warmth during celebrations

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking traditional holiday tunes
  • prefer instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A unique holiday album that showcases Stevens' whimsical style, but not widely recognized as essential.
Career context
Released on January 1, 2012, 'Silver & Gold' came during a prolific period for Sufjan Stevens, following his critically acclaimed album 'The Age of Adz' in 2010. This album showcases Stevens' exploration of Christmas music through a deeply personal lens, contributing to his established reputation as an innovative artist blending genres.
Stylistic neighbors
Iron & Wine· Andrew Bird· Fleet Foxes
New to Sufjan Stevens? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Silent Night 2:26
  • 2 Lumberjack Christmas / No One Can Save You From Christmases Past Start here 3:22
  • 3 Coventry Carol 2:53
  • 4 The Midnight Clear 2:49
  • 5 Carol of St. Benjamin the Bearded One 3:32
  • 6 Go Nightly Cares 1:44
  • 7 Barcarola (You Must Be a Christmas Tree) 7:02
  • 8 Auld Lang Syne 1:34

Disc 2

  • 1 Christ the Lord Is Born 0:48
  • 2 Christmas Woman 5:33
  • 3 Break Forth O Beauteous Heavenly Light 1:09
  • 4 Happy Family Christmas 1:22
  • 5 Jingle Bells 1:18
  • 6 Mysteries of the Christmas Mist 2:10
  • 7 Lift Up Your Heads Ye Mighty Gates 1:20
  • 8 We Wish You a Merry Christmas 1:16
  • 9 Ah Holy Jesus 2:41
  • 10 Behold the Birth of Man, the Face of Glory 1:08
  • 11 Ding‐A‐Ling‐A‐Ring‐A‐Ling 1:49
  • 12 How Shall I Fitly Meet Thee? 2:09
  • 13 Mr. Frosty Man 1:49
  • 14 Make Haste to See the Baby 1:22
  • 15 Ah Holy Jesus (with reed organ) 1:28
  • 16 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing 1:50
  • 17 Morning L.M. (sacred harp) 2:27
  • 18 Idumea S.M. (sacred harp) 3:50
  • 19 Eternal Happiness or Woe 1:22
  • 20 Ah Holy Jesus (a cappella) 0:59
  • 21 I Am Santa’s Helper (You Are Santa’s Slave) 1:51
  • 22 “Maoz Tzur” (Rock of Ages) 0:42
  • 23 Even the Earth Will Perish and the Universe Give Way 2:00

Disc 3

  • 1 Angels We Have Heard on High 4:03
  • 2 Do You Hear What I Hear? 9:14
  • 3 Christmas in the Room 4:22
  • 4 It Came Upon a Midnight Clear 0:47
  • 5 Good King Wenceslas 4:17
  • 6 Alphabet St. 1:36
  • 7 Particle Physics 1:04
  • 8 Joy to the World 5:24

Disc 4

  • 1 The Child With the Star on His Head 15:30
  • 2 Christmas Infinity Voyage

Disc 5

  • 1 I’ll Be Home for Christmas 3:22
  • 2 Santa Claus Is Coming to Town 2:40
  • 3 The Sleigh in the Moon 1:44
  • 4 Sleigh Ride 2:27
  • 5 Ave Maria 2:08
  • 6 X‐mas Spirit Catcher 3:31
  • 7 Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! 2:17
  • 8 A Holly Jolly Christmas 2:26
  • 9 Christmas Face 0:39

Disc 6

  • 1 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas 3:41
  • 2 It Came Upon a Midnight Clear 0:39
  • 3 Up on the Housetop 4:21
  • 4 Angels We Have Heard on High 0:52
  • 5 We Need a Little Christmas 2:02
  • 6 Happy Karma Christmas 3:35
  • 7 We Three Kings 0:52
  • 8 Justice Delivers Its Death 3:15
  • 9 Christmas Unicorn 12:28

What to play next

Carrie & Lowell
Listen next

Carrie & Lowell

2015

This album continues the introspective storytelling and emotional depth found in Silver & Gold.
The Age of Adz
Go back to

The Age of Adz

2010

The Age of Adz offers a shift in sound that sets the stage for the eclectic nature of Silver & Gold.
Full Sufjan Stevens discography Where to start with Sufjan Stevens Artists like Sufjan Stevens
alternative rock

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