Sufjan Stevens
has displayed nothing but brilliance and vast diversity throughout his
expansive discography. From the multi-instrumental and theatrical masterpiece Illinoise, to the stripped down and
banjo-driven tunes found on Seven Swans,
to the electronic-folk hybrid Age of Adz,
Stevens has never stuck to one specific style. Each new addition to his
discography proves to be equally as refreshing, and Carrie & Lowell is no different. In fact, I would boldly go as
far to say this is his best.
No knowledge of the album’s lyrics are needed to feel the
haunting intimacy found in Stevens’ seventh LP. Sufjan revisits the stripped
down approach found on Seven Swans
but the execution proves to be far more layered and captivating. His alluring
acoustic guitar work serves as the album’s backbone matched with enticing
ambience and personal lyrics.
The lyrical focus of Carrie
& Lowell deals with the passing of Steven’s mother Carrie, the support
from his stepfather Lowell, and the reoccurring theme of coping with the
inevitable forces of death. It is an unread love letter to a mother that was
never there, but also an admiration for her willing absence given the
circumstances surrounding her life including diagnosed schizophrenia coupled
with a history of substance abuse.
Carrie and Lowell
finds Sufjan Stevens inviting you into his personal life with detailed
descriptions of his life and his past. Never before has this artist’s music
been so emotionally-driven and tear-inducing. I highly recommend this release
to anyone coping with loss or anyone that often ponders the concepts of mortal
limits.
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