• DJ_JJSlider wrote his opinion about Illinois
    5 years ago
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    A ton of critics praised Illinoise back in the days. Although it wasn't the greatest album ever made, Sufjan Steven really established his magnificent acoustic style in this release. Forget that it was part of his ludicrous attempt to make an album series for every U.S. state--Illinoise had some of the most calming upbeat songs that I'd ever heard from any band. Heck, this album is worth owning for the third track alone, "Come On! Feel the Illinoise!" It also a good way to spook every rock fanatic who thinks that they know everything. Like, "Sure you might know everything Mr. Expert, but do you know Illinoise? Huh?" Touché.
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  • ded man wrote his opinion about Illinois
    9 years ago
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    Sufjan's second state-related concept album (ikr), and with it, Sufjan releases the peak of both his songwriting and his keen ear for musical arrangements. The album feels very breathy and light, like it could float away at any second. But it takes advantage of its airy presentation and surrounds the listener with diverse instruments and, for a 22-odd track album, manages to create stand out moments with every song. The cold and perspective shifting "John Wayne Gacy Jr", the easy and relaxed "Casimir Pulaski Day", the cheerful and spirited "The Tallest Man, The Broadest Shoulders", and the nervous and low key "Concerning the UFO Sighting...". It really does feel like a lovely trip through a humble and textured land, which was probably the albums biggest ambition.
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