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CRITIC REVIEWS
100
This exceptional, empathic record reshapes that idea into a call to arms for the broken, and the devoured, so that a kind of purity might yet triumph over dissolution.
90
Sufjan has always followed his muse through Electronica, Folk, Classical and Experimental genres scoring critical and widespread acclaim and mining gold with A Beginner’s Mind. Along with De Augustine Stevens delivers the heartfelt and breathtaking, do not miss this release.
7mo
90
This collaborative record, of course, is not a Sufjan Stevens album per se, and yet such is its beauty that it stands up against anything the 46-year-old American has done.
85
As art begets art, A Beginner’s Mind is both truly inspirational and a testament to what can come out of work-shopping with A-list performers
80
The gently ticking, lightly compressed acoustic instrument arpeggios will be familiar to fans of both songwriters, but it’s the pair’s half-whispered vocal blend that enchants.
80
Sufjan Stevens still loves a concept album, and this film-inspired set of songs works seamlessly.
80
At 14 tracks and a few missteps, the album could be trimmed slightly, but the pair’s first full-length collaboration shows both artists bringing the best out of each other.
80
Sufjan and Angelo make beautiful music together.
80
This duo have reflected on their classic movie binge-watch in sweetly harmonised acoustic tranquility, like a modern day Simon & Garfunkel with PhDs in psychotherapy.
80
Though Stevens has long known the value of self-imposed creative restrictions, rarely before have they yielded music with quite so much vividness and imaginative power.
80
For the most part A Beginner’s Mind sees Stevens shifting onto De Augustine’s territory, as well as returning to the psychedelia and folk influences of his earlier work.
80
A Beginner's Mind will not wow you with grand theatrics but it will have you on the edge of your seat nevertheless.
80
The result isn’t moving, per se, but it is at its best affecting and warm.
77
A Beginner’s Mind proves the two are not only capable of making beautiful music as a duo, but bodes well for their solo work to come.
77
With A Beginner’s Mind, Sufjan Stevens and Angelo De Augustine have stumbled upon a beautiful vocal recipe.
76
Though his lyrics are more concerned with matters like faith and existence than they are about flexing movie knowledge, Stevens as a cinephile is consistent with what he’s shown us.
70
Stevens is one of the most prolific composers of our time and the album is filled with excellent production and lovely instrumentation. However, because he has shown his ability to oscillate between intimacy and excess on previous albums, this one feels a bit restrained by comparison.
70
A Beginner's Mind is intelligent and well-crafted, and will appeal to fans of either Stevens' or De Augustine's recent work, but it somehow feels less distinct than the music they create on their own.
67
With a collection of gentle duets inspired by great-to-iffy movies, the veteran songwriter and protégé uncover mythic resonances and ugly truths.
60
A Beginner’s Mind is an album of meditative ambience, with stylistic sound layers, vocal whisper hush and tingle of lo-fi folk that is recognisably Stevens.
[I know that not long ago I had already made a parenthesis of thanks, but since the non-active followers were added... I am very honored to have passed the significant 2000 followers milestone! A gigantic thank you to all of you, those who follow me, those who were following me at the time. All your messages of support, encouragement and kind attentions since the beginning have only fed little by little the happiness to be able to share one's work and the passion around music. I'm proud of ... read more
Somehow didn't have this rated but I listened to it way back in 2021, Sufjan Stevens is my favourite person
Após os lançamentos ao longo do ano que se concretizam no projeto Convocations – uma compilação de ensaios instrumentais com efeito catártico, fruto do processo de luto de Stevens após a morte de seu pai, Sufjan regressa ao chamber-folk que o catapultou como um dos artistas mais promissores do início do século. Com a colaboração de Angelo de Augustine, o retorno às cordas de uma guitarra acústica evoca o ... read more
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Track List
| 1 | Reach Out 3:43 | 89 |
| 2 | Lady Macbeth In Chains 3:42 | 86 |
| 3 | Back To Oz 4:12 | 93 |
| 4 | The Pillar of Souls 3:10 | 84 |
| 5 | You Give Death a Bad Name 4:07 | 84 |
| 6 | Beginner’s Mind 2:15 | 81 |
| 7 | Olympus 3:07 | 90 |
| 8 | Murder and Crime 3:30 | 86 |
| 9 | (This Is) The Thing 2:48 | 84 |
| 10 | It’s Your Own Body and Mind 2:27 | 84 |
| 11 | Lost In the World 3:10 | 82 |
| 12 | Fictional California 2:50 | 85 |
| 13 | Cimmerian Shade 4:19 | 89 |
| 14 | Lacrimae 2:07 | 85 |
Total Length: 45 minutes
Year End Lists
| #4 | / | The Wild Honey Pie |
| #8 | / | Spectrum Culture |
| #10 | / | Norman Records |
| #11 | / | RIFF |
| #12 | / | The Needle Drop |
| #26 | / | Slant Magazine |
| #28 | / | Under the Radar |
| #33 | / | Sputnikmusic |
| #47 | / | Rough Trade (UK) |
| #48 | / | Piccadilly Records |
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1mo
honestly this is fairly forgettable in the context of his discography but its just so catchy and cosyyy
Added on: July 7, 2021