Review
Sufjan Stevens' 'The Age of Adz' is a kaleidoscopic journey through the mind of an artist grappling with mortality, love, and the human condition. Released in 2010, this album marks a seismic shift in Stevens' musical trajectory, swapping his folksy roots for a pulsating electronic landscape. The result? A sonic tapestry that's as disorienting as it is mesmerizing.
At the heart of 'The Age of Adz' lies Stevens' fascination with Royal Robertson, a schizophrenic artist whose apocalyptic visions seep into the album's DNA. This influence, combined with Stevens' own battle against a mysterious illness, infuses the record with a raw, primal energy. Tracks like 'I Want to Be Well' serve as feverish exorcisms of pain and anxiety, while 'Futile Devices' offers a moment of acoustic respite amidst the electronic storm.
From the glitchy beats to the heavily filtered vocals, every element of 'The Age of Adz' feels urgent and immediate. The sprawling closer 'Impossible Soul' encapsulates the album's grandiose ambitions, a 25-minute odyssey that defies easy categorization. It's a bold, sometimes challenging listen, but one that rewards patience with its unflinching exploration of the human psyche. - Harper
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.
