Search - Sufjan Stevens :: Greetings From Michigan: The Great Lake State

Genius Put to Music

timmy | Indiana | 08/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The extremely intelligent, multi-talented, incredibly hot Sufjan Stevens never ceases to amaze. His first album, A Sun Came, was a fun, emotional, and experimental (in the best sense of the word) album, while Enjoy Your Rabbit proved he had more under his sleeves than folky guitar songs and could groove out like the best of them (which isn't much these days).Now here comes Greetings From Michigan, where Stevens returns to his roots a bit. Scratch that. His roots are planted in creativity, and he has always stayed in that soil. What I mean is that Michigan is a lot closer to A Sun Came, yet is an album of its own style and complexity. This is almost like a perfected A Sun Came, for those who found the noiser moments in his debut too unlistenable (for those, like me, who found them part of the album's personality, be thankful that Stevens is open-minded enough to satisfy both sides).How do I describe Michigan? To merely say "folk" would be an injustice; to say "hardcore" would be right in spirit, but probably not soul; and you're not going to catch me saying "pop" or "light rock." Simply put, Sufjan Stevens has a mind of his own. He is pure, honest, and sincere. Untouched by the egoistic pollution of the indie world that usually poisons artists of his status, all Stevens wants to do is create timeless music.Now, about the album. We open with "Flint," a quiet piano ballad which leads into the brighter, happier "All Good Naysayers," a jubilant track that sets the tone for most of the album. Not to say Stevens writes all happy songs, but even in his most melancholy numbers I can't help but smile. Maybe it's the realization of his genius in crafting melodies, no matter what the tone may be. Anyway, back to the album: "Say Yes! To Michigan" is another magical, sweeping track, with a vast array of instruments (most played by Stevens himself) that transports the listener to wherever it is in our brains that remembers those peaceful moments in our lives. "Detroit, Life Up Your Weary Head!" is probably the closest in sound to Enjoy Your Rabbit, with its louder, more chaotic beats and chord changes. Most of the other tracks are very acoustic, though, relying on banjo for support. Two songs that use the instrument brialliantly: "The Upper Peninsula" and "Romulus." Both are soft and soothing, the kind of music I can safely call "folk" and still love affectionately. Another acoustic track of note is the simple, haunting "Holland," a song that sends chills down my side (a perfect song for downpours as the rain trickles down your window outside).Some of the tracks, namely the water body tunes ("Tahquamenon Falls," "Alanson," etc.) are instrumentals, similar to the one-minute tracks in the Asthmatic Kitty compilation Stevens helped produce last year. One particularly amazing one, "Redford"; like the opener, Stevens is again alone on the piano. With only four chords and the haunting background wind-like sounds, it literally brought tears to my eyes. Sometimes I forget music can have such an emotional impact on me like that, and it takes artists like Sufjan Stevens to remind me.So, what else is there to say? Should I mention how each track flows perfectly into each other? Should I mention the incredibly diverse number of instruments used, most played by Stevens himself? Should I mention this is probably one of the greatest concept albums ever made, which will be followed by even more states? (Yes, Stevens plans to make an album for every state in the USA; he is pretentious, yet I believe he's going to do it.) You know, too much talk can ruin what could be a wonderful experience to the casual listener. So, Casual Listener, take a trip over to Stevens' Michigan and visit him for awhile. Rest in his arms, sleep in his bed. You won't ever want to return home."

Heartbreaking and Inspiring.

Cale E. Reneau | Conroe, Texas United States | 12/17/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Michigan" by Sufjan Stevens is a heartbreaking look back at the state of Michigan from a man who grew up there. At times there is joy, but for the most part, it seems as if Sufjan either looks back on his childhood with regret or sees the state as a shadow of its former self (Detroit). As always in a Sufjan Stevens album, a driving theme of love is present. Perhaps it is personified best in the song "Romulus" where he counters the neglectful and unloving actions of his mother with the unwavering love of his grandfather who bought he and his siblings a new VCR when his mother moved away. In the end, however, Michigan is about love. It is about the love that Sufjan has for his former home and his memories that he had there, both good and bad.



For the listener, it is hard not to find something to love about this album. If you're already a Sufjan Stevens fan, then this should not be a huge departure for you. Be prepared for an emotional journey, however, as you will be taken from tear-jerkers to joyful reaffirmations all in about an hour. This album is hard to dismiss, even if you're not a fan of the state of Michigan."