The Ithacan

Sufjan Stevens handles grief and loss in a beautiful way in ‘Javelin’

By Matt Minton, Senior Writer • October 17, 2023

Stevens’ vocals throughout are just as beautiful and heavenly as fans have to expect from his past albums. But in “Javelin,” he leans even heavier into solely instrumental music — both electronically and acoustically — as heard in the last two minutes of “Shit Talk.” These more artistic and experimental flourishes give the record an unmistakable feeling of euphoria, conveying two lovers connecting from across worlds, across the boundaries of life and death.

Review: New concept album is perfect for movie lovers

By Sarah Marsh, Contributing Writer • October 6, 2021

On "A Beginner's Mind," Sufjan Stevens and Angelo De Augustine spent a summer in the woods to create the perfect concept album.

Review: Band doubles down on gentle sound to unsavory results

By Jackson Noel, Staff Writer • September 7, 2021

Everything about “How Long Do You Think It’s Gonna Last?” doubles down on the bands gentle sound and adds numerous guests to mostly unsavory results.

Review: Musician mixes spirituality with electropop

By Eva Salzman, Staff Writer • October 5, 2020

Sufjan Stevens’ “The Ascension” combines Stevens’ familiar spirituality with a new electropop twist.

Review: Electronic album is magically experimental

By Kara Bowen • April 26, 2020

Sufjan Stevens' instrumental album is anything like his usual genre of music — soft indie folk and baroque pop. But it's not quite unexpected either.

Review: Singles for the week of 11/9

By Kara Bowen, Life and Culture Editor • November 9, 2018

thank u, next Ariana Grande Released Nov. 3 Republic Records The sheer chutzpah of name-dropping four ex-boyfriends takes “thank u, next” to another level. The song’s instrumentals...

Review: Mellow artist bares soul in new release

By Corey Hess, Photo Editor • April 7, 2015

Stevens’ ability to turn great loss and suffering into perfectly simple chords and flawless lyrics is a demonstration of his genius as a musician and what makes “Carrie & Lowell” Stevens’ best album to date.