Sufjan Stevens - The Ascension

Sufjan Stevens is heralded as one of the most influential musical acts of the 21st century.
So, what’s his take on 21st century culture? Meet “The Ascension”.

Stevens surrounds himself in the harsh, desolate world of electronics on his newest venture, more so than on “The Age of Adz” (previously his most computerized eccentricity). The highlights here are the gratifyingly jagged instrumentals, which poke and prod at the brain with sinister bleeps and ear-wormy bloops. At times they’re lush, and others they’re chaotic, but whether you like it or not, they’re here to stay for this joyride.

The lyrics of this project lend a hand to a broken generation. By using his own religion as a form of coping with strange instances and times of trouble, he sets an outlet for others to look inside themselves and truly find the things of which they are capable. Although this isn’t a new example of that (i.e. “Seven Swans”, “), it’s juxtaposed with that set of quirky instrumentals. It’s a very interesting duality.

It’s ironic how this record is coming out this year, of all times, a year in which everything is changing faster than we would’ve ever guessed. It feels like one of those quarantine records, even when hearing Sufjan’s lonely and dark delivery. It feels different, but also acts as a catalyst to every one of his other records. A fun little diversion that pays off in the end.

Color: Pink and white
FAV TRACKS: Ursa Major, America, Ativan, Death Star, Gilgamesh, Run Away With Me, Tell Me You Love Me, Make Me An Offer I Can’t Refuse, The Ascension, Video Game
LEAST FAV: Die Happy, Lamentations, Landslide, Sugar