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Sufjan Stevens
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Out of 198 votes - Similar Artists: Damien Jurado, Simon and Garfunkel, Iron and Wine
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So much to be said about so little
22-Jun-2006 10:14:26 AM
Reviewer: BerkDog
Lacey use of simple instruments. A spider's web of sound; strong, supple, simple, effective. The alternative sound this guy makes has almost redefined the genre to a folkier level. I can't help but smile.
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sufjan stevens should be a folk hero
01-Feb-2005 03:17:23 PM
Reviewer: giantuglydonut
Discovering Sufjan Stevens was like finding a big freshwater pond in the middle of the desert. It's the instrumentation and harmonies that stand out, though the texture of his voice is also distinctive. Of the two songs here, the second--"All Good Naysayers, Speak Up! Or Forever Hold Your Peace!"--is definitely the better of the two. While I wouldn't draw any comparisons between this neo-folkie and the former Cat Stevens, there's something about the tone that's similar somehow. Oh yeah, and the last name. No relation, I'm sure.
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Amazing
23-May-2007 11:05:28 PM
Reviewer: Vidhi_92
Sufjan Stevens is one hell of a musician... his lyrics are amazing ... its like a story said in every song...his music is great...he uses his instruments so well...the perfect blend to make him the best in his genere.
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Great lyrics, interesting music
17-Aug-2006 09:17:40 AM
Reviewer: Laughamongous
His songs morph in unexpected directions.
They are also distinctly different from one another.
Glad I've heard him.
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Illinoise is sticking..
10-Apr-2006 09:31:45 PM
Reviewer: ELauber
Here's a guy unafraid to lay out his music composition direct to record without the benefit of peer review. His blending of style cold make a complete ***** of him or make a great piece of music - this tightrope walk doesn't seem to bother him while he's about to fall either way. That takes nerve that most pro musicians I'm familiar with don't have.
It's for his bold and daring that this music comes off as genuine and authentic. So he's got that, and quite a bit more, going for him.
In retrospect I like Illinoise because it's very unique in format, is musically compelling, and has hooks! Also living amongst various cultures tends to improve a musicians composing skills, so the 50-state project is a wise skill building run up to what should be eventual huge monetary success.
I don't think money will ruin this guy, rather it will just help him get the music out.
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found his music a year ago, still listening to the same stuff
10-Feb-2006 07:05:28 PM
Reviewer: kooldav
I found the music through someone else and am so excited to find his music online now.
I love the stuff that he does. Some of it seems so random, yet at the same time so purposeful. The music is calming, yet energizing. It has just the right mix of everything, it is great for just about any mood. I love the background stuff he adds such as the harmonies, and that banjo makes his music.
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Sufjan Stevens is every budding music elitist's best friend...
08-Nov-2005 01:39:25 PM
Reviewer: lulu_bella
So you want to impress someone inherently cooler than you when it comes to musical tastes? Mention Sufjan and you've got it made...
While Sufjan Stevens may be a little too, to put it bluntly, out there for mainstream, he will always be a sort of indie god. His music is engaging and enigmatic; the lyrics leave nothing to be desired. He makes us work a little to know exactly what he's talking about. But there's nothing wrong with a little thought; in fact, it's rather refreshing. On Illinois, instrumental songs do not feel tedious or out of place. He succeeds where most bands and musicians can't. During live shows, he has a unique ability to make you feel like you are the only one in the audience, as though he is singing to you and you alone. While his Fifty States project may give off an air of being pretentious, I know we all can't wait until he gets to wherever we live. But what exactly is it about Sufjan Stevens that has captured the hearts of any self-respecting indie elitist? The fact that everyone else just won't get him. So while I can't see Sufjan on the radio or MTV anytime soon, I know he'll always have a special place in our headphones.
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Innovative and sparkling brand new!
22-Jul-2007 12:52:46 PM
Reviewer: Jeanpaul Ferro
I won't compare Sufjan Stevens to anyone else, because he isn't like anyone else. His work is surprising, upbeat and downtrodden at the same time, a light in the darkness. Check him out. You won't be disappointed.
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Sufjan is kinda twee
17-May-2007 07:03:49 PM
Reviewer: glendagood
Sufjan Stevens doesn't seem to know whether he's butch or femme and the result is not the exotic tranny he/she that would make his rough-hewn whimsies nice and glam. Instead, the hard-sounding, low-fi promise of the openings of most of his songs turn into whiny, snarky aphorisms that only the most irritatingly ironic hipsters convince themselves they truly enjoy as soon as he begins to sing. I give him two stars for trying.
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Sufjan Stevens - we bow; we are in your thrall.
01-Dec-2005 11:15:16 AM
Reviewer: DavidMR
If there is a God he must have been in a very good mood indeed the day he decided to create Sufjan Stevens. If you aren't immediately transfixed and find yourself smiling contentedly when you first hear Mr Stevens' simple yet enthralling melodies and sublime voice you must indeed have a heart of stone. Look and hear now - this has to be the point of greatness.
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