Review
"Carrie & Lowell" by Sufjan Stevens hits you right in the feels, transporting you to a landscape of raw emotion with every strum of his guitar and delicate whisper. Released in 2015, this album is a soul-baring account of grief and the tumultuous rollercoaster of family ties. Named after his mother, Carrie, and stepfather, Lowell, it's like reading his diary; the lyrics bleed with memories of childhood, heartache, and the aching vastness of human loneliness. Stevens strips back the music to its bare bones—just his voice and guitar for much of it—creating an intimate, haunting aura that pulls you into his world.
We're talking about an album that received mad love from critics, many calling it his magnum opus. It landed at number ten on the US Billboard 200, which is no small feat for a record so drenched in melancholy and minimalist beauty. This one’s for anyone who's ever wrestled with their own family ghosts or grappled with the bittersweet dance of remembrance and letting go. Plus, with guest talent like Thomas Bartlett, Sean Carey, and Laura Veirs, the album gains even more depth. "Carrie & Lowell" isn't just an album—it's an emotional journey that stays with you, like a cherished, tattered letter you keep coming back to. - Ivy
Artist Bio
Sufjan Stevens is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Michigan, known for blending folk, indie rock, and electronic music since his debut in 2000. He first released music on Asthmatic Kitty, a label he co-founded, and gained wider attention with albums like *Michigan* and *Illinois*, the latter showcasing his lush arrangements and narrative songwriting. Stevens is recognized for his prolific output and experimental approach, often playing a wide range of instruments himself and collaborating with artists such as Angelo De Augustine. He received critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for his song "Mystery of Love" from the *Call Me by Your Name* soundtrack. Fans of artists like Iron & Wine, Bon Iver, and Elliott Smith may find his intimate, inventive style especially appealing.
