Sufjan Stevens

Say it with me: SOOF-yahn. Last year you could still get away with mispronouncing the symphonic folkie's first name. His previous two records, the sprawling Greetings from Michigan and the banjo-filled Seven Swans, were gorgeous works that never received nationwide attention. Illinois follows Michigan's semisymphonic path. The beautiful "Come On, Feel the Illinoise"' runs six minutes and is broken up by separate swelling movements of flutes, electric organ, and violins. Throughout, Sufjan is careful to offer folky songs and instrumental numbers as respites to the album's dizzying six- and seven-minute epics. The result is a wonderful amalgam of restraint and ambition. After releasing Illinois, Sufjan shouldn't have to worry about people getting his name wrong again.

Related Content

• Martha Stewart on Match.com: Real Life = Great Comedy (Videos)
  May 7, 2013
• Miami Top Five in First-Date Offers for Valentine's Day
  February 11, 2013
• Suze Orman May Leave Florida Over Gay Marriage and Taxes
  April 1, 2013
• Swedish House Mafia Is Dying: An Extremely Detailed Breakdown
  September 14, 2012
• Ten Best Songs for Forgetting Your Ex and F#$%ing the Pain Away
  August 22, 2012

More About

• Relationships
• Breakups