Sufjan Stevens, everyone’s favorite banjo-wielding folk-star, has been on hiatus since 2005. Let’s put that into perspective. In 2005, the world had not yet swung a Wiimote. They had not yet navigated a foreign country using the almighty Iphone. Heck, most who heard the name Barak Obama, probably thought it was the name of some Al-Qaeda terrorist. Well, maybe the good people of Illinois knew who he was. Speaking of which, Illinoise was the most critically acclaimed album of the year and while its parts may be traced and categorized, its sum manages to still sound unlike anything I have ever heard; like music of the future. Well at least it seemed like that until the Age of Adz.
To those who were waiting for Sufy’s follow up - you know, Maine, California, or any of the other 48 albums that were promised - let me just say this: prepare for disappointment. Not that the 50 states project was ever to be taken seriously, but an album offering more of the same with perhaps slight progression or evolution (a la Michigan to Illinoise), was expected. At least, I was hoping for that album. Upon first hearing the streaming track “Too Much,” confusion was all I felt; confusion even though I was forewarned and even excited for the new venture into electronica. It was as if I was awaiting the return of an old friend who had left the state for school, only to find that he was now into Reggae, leather and Twilight. In short, I was disappointed, as I expect many will be.
But don’t let your hearts be troubled! Once the dust settles, you will realize that you best friend is still your best friend, he just likes to wear glitter sometimes. OK, this analogy is not working... only 13 year old girls and my wife would follow. What I mean to say is, I have a new love in my life. The album is still growing on me, but what is clear is that Sufjan has created something very special and genuinely heart-breaking.
I was initially distracted by the new sound - the bleeps and the bloops - but the shock will dissipate as the lyrics and melodies surge through you. Because, in comparison, this album is far more personal than its predecessors. It is almost is as if Sufjan is singing his diary; and it seems Sufjan has seen dark days. As a result of this, the album and Sufjan himself become far more relatable. Singing along to songs about industry in Illinoise is peachy, but there is a disconnect. Singing along to “I Want to be Well,” on the other hand imbues the doubt and horror into the listeners mind. It will take time to process the content found underneath the orchestral and thematic waves and clashes of classical and electronic instruments. However, the album leaves me with an undeniably sinking feeling of sorrow with a tinge of hope. Does this stem from Sufjan’s own lost love, loss of faith, or identity crisis? It will ultimately be up to the listener to decide. I cannot recall being so moved by an album’s lyrical content.
There is a great beauty in the transparency and raw emotion evoked. And this beating heart of the album comes through not only through the words, but the instruments as well. It is as though Sufjan has created a machine that takes emotional input and outputs a corresponding noise. This is where the electronic clashes seem to be accounted for. There is discord, there is conflict; and it is translated softly, violently, and beautifully.
In the spirit of true artistry, Sufjan has produced an album without fear. Why not throw the expectations out the door and end the album with a 25 minute epic including vocoder? Yeah, you heard me, vocoder. He has ambiguously and bravely laid is heart out on the table through song; even if it sounded like crap the beauty of such a feat would have to be admired. Thankfully though, the beauty is amplified by the sweet, sweet melodies of a master. There are stunning and poppy melodies that will catch you instantly; but as with most of my favorite albums, it is chalk full of subtleties that slowly reveal themselves to you in time.
And time will tell just how good this album really is. But for now I am just glad to sink my teeth into something so fresh and enthralling.
The Age of Adz drops tomorrow Oct. 12th. In the words of Ike, son of Greil, “Prepare Yourself!”
- By Scott
- By Scott
