I’m cold, it’s really early in the morning (what most would call late at night). My heart hurts, for many reasons and I am trying to keep a level head. Let me write this:
Sufjan Stevens released a new album titled “Javelin” last month on the Asthmatic Kitty record label. The album was dedicated to his partner, Evan Richardson, who passed away in April. Stevens was also diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome and has since been recovering. This kept him from participating in press and promotion of his album.
I feel like this album came out at a perfect time. Particularly for me. The emotion and themes this album purveys resonated with me in a time that I felt I needed it the most. This is why I envy musicians. They are able to talk about pain in such a beautiful manner. Through tears I still revel in the idea of what the future may hold.
The first song on the album, “Goodbye Evergreen,” starts off slow with the first two verses. It then swells into an almost industrial-like pulse of instrumentation, with the vocals lingering in the background. The end sounds like you are slowly riding on a haunted carousel.
One line that stood out to me was, “Just as you were in my dream, now let me off easy, and slip down through the drain, to release my scattered brain, my enemy.”
The third track “Will Anybody Ever Love Me” is more reminiscent of songs from his older albums like “Come on Feel the Illinoise!” and “Carrie & Lowell,” a song where you feel the lyrics and melody in your stomach. Where you choke on the loneliness that is aching to surface. Where you sit with head in hands rocking back and forth.
The album is typical Stevens, which I feel is a compliment. If there is one artist you want to remain consistent it’s Sufjan Stevens.
That is not to say that he doesn’t introduce new elements to this album. But you can tell at the core, it’s still Sufjan. With the light guitar and soft ghostly vocals. The background vocalists are reminiscent of going to church with my family on Sundays and helps to accentuate the religious aspect that is present in Stevens’ music.
Another song that caught my attention was the second to last track titled “Shit Talk.” In this song Stevens creates an atmosphere where you can breathe. A place where you can think about the past, present and future. A small slice of solace within the harsh realities we bear witness to.
The album was well-rounded and what fans of Stevens have been waiting for. It might not hit some people on the first time around, but after that, hopefully you will understand.
