Silver & Gold cover

Silver & Gold

Sufjan Stevens · 2012

167 min · 59 tracks · alternative rock · classical · electronic

An eclectic tapestry of holiday sounds interwoven with introspective lyrics and experimental arrangements that defy traditional genre boundaries.

Why this album works

Best for
quirky holiday spirit exploration introspective moments of reflection playful arrangements for gatherings
Context
By the time 'Silver & Gold' was released in January 2012, Sufjan Stevens had established himself as a prominent figure in indie music, following the critically acclaimed albums 'Illinois' (2005) and 'The Age of Adz' (2010). This album marks his return to seasonal music after his earlier Christmas compilation, presenting a more experimental approach during a prolific period in his career.
If you like
alternative rock, classical, electronic

Silver & Gold is an album by Sufjan Stevens, released in 2012. An eclectic tapestry of holiday sounds interwoven with introspective lyrics and experimental arrangements that defy traditional genre boundaries. This album is significant for its bold reinvention of holiday music, blending traditional carols with Stevens' unique artistic vision. Notably, it received positive critical reception, with many praising its originality within the Christmas music canon and influencing subsequent artists exploring similar thematic depths in seasonal recordings. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Silver & Gold sound like?

An eclectic tapestry of holiday sounds interwoven with introspective lyrics and experimental arrangements that defy traditional genre boundaries. Rooted in alternative rock and classical.

What makes Silver & Gold by Sufjan Stevens notable?

This album is significant for its bold reinvention of holiday music, blending traditional carols with Stevens' unique artistic vision. Notably, it received positive critical reception, with many praising its originality within the Christmas music canon and influencing subsequent artists exploring similar thematic depths in seasonal recordings. By the time 'Silver & Gold' was released in January 2012, Sufjan Stevens had established himself as a prominent figure in indie music, following the critically acclaimed albums 'Illinois' (2005) and 'The Age of Adz' (2010). This album marks his return to seasonal music after his earlier Christmas compilation, presenting a more experimental approach during a prolific period in his career.

Who is Silver & Gold for?

Silver & Gold works well if you're into quirky holiday spirit exploration, introspective moments of reflection and playful arrangements for gatherings.

How many songs are on Silver & Gold?

Silver & Gold has 59 tracks, running approximately 167 minutes.

Tracklist

59 tracks·167:01

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Silent Night 2:26
  • 2 Lumberjack Christmas / No One Can Save You From Christmases Past Standout 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? Standout 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 Standout 12:28

Release Date

January 1, 2012

Genre

alternative rock

More albums in alternative rock

Artist Origin

United States

Runtime

167 min 1 sec