The Ascension
Sufjan Stevens · 2020
80 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock
A sprawling exploration of electronic soundscapes intertwined with introspective lyricism and orchestral arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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Make Me an Offer I Cannot Refuse Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Video Game — This track stands out for its poignant lyrics exploring escapism through the metaphor of video games, set against an infectious electronic backdrop. Its fusion of relatable themes with catchy melodies makes it emblematic of the album's blend of introspection and experimentation.
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Ativan — With its haunting melodies and candid lyrics about anxiety and dependence, this song encapsulates the emotional core of the album. The ethereal production enhances the sense of vulnerability, making it a key reflection of Stevens' personal struggles.
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America — As the closing track, this nearly twelve-minute suite critiques American identity and culture through a sweeping orchestral arrangement. It serves as a powerful culmination of the album's themes, combining lyrical depth with ambitious musicality to leave a lasting impact.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends electronic and orchestral sounds with evolving motifs, showcasing strong production and thematic depth.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that build gradually, layering electronic elements with orchestral strings, while the second half shifts to more introspective and subdued arrangements.
- Several tracks utilize a repetitive melodic motif that evolves throughout the song, creating a sense of continuity across the album.
- The final track, 'America', extends over seven minutes and incorporates spoken word elements alongside its musical composition, providing a reflective conclusion.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like emotional peaks
- introspective lyrics for reflection
- sprawling exploration of soundscapes
- immersive late-night listening experience
- dynamic journey through moods
Maybe skip if you
- prefer short, standalone tracks
- seek immediate gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Represents a significant stylistic shift towards electronic music.
- Moods
- Introspective· Dreamy
- Career context
- Released on September 25, 2020, The Ascension is Sufjan Stevens' first album of original material since Carrie & Lowell in 2015. This album marks a significant stylistic shift towards electronic music, reflecting both personal and societal themes that emerged during a tumultuous period. Following a series of collaborative projects and film scores, Stevens presents a bold artistic statement that redefines his sonic boundaries.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Iron & Wine· Andrew Bird· Fleet Foxes
Tracklist
- 1 Make Me an Offer I Cannot Refuse Start here 5:18
- 2 Run Away With Me 4:07
- 3 Video Game 4:15
- 4 Lamentations 3:42
- 5 Tell Me You Love Me 4:21
- 6 Die Happy 5:46
- 7 Ativan 6:32
- 8 Ursa Major 3:42
- 9 Landslide 5:04
- 10 Gilgamesh 3:50
- 11 Death Star 4:04
- 12 Goodbye to All That 3:48
- 13 Sugar 7:36
- 14 The Ascension 5:56
- 15 America 11:56
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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