Sufjan Steven's Carrie & Lowell

"For my prayer has always been Love"

Indie Folk...

When I hear this the first thing I think about is those songs that play in between those sad scenes of romantic comedies where the main protagonists have an argument and go their separate ways temporarily. You'll understand what I'm talking about when you hear the album. Anywaaay. 

Those who read this blog frequently would guess that I listen to a lot of Hip-Hop due to most posts I have are related to this genre. Although this is true I love all music of different types and genres which is why I want to review this particular album. 

I first heard of Sufjan Stevens when I checked the producer credits of Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp A Butterfly and saw that "Hood Politics" was sampled from "All for Myself" from Sufjan's "The Age of Adz's" album. So it was just a coincidence where he released Carrie & Lowell 15 days later. 

Good:

When I heard the first opening chords on "Death With Dignity" I was completely in love. This type of music is something I'm not really used to but I was so impressed at the subtleness of the guitar and how this element alone can make such a rewarding song and album. Sufjan's vocals and lyrics is some of the best I've ever heard, I'm mesmerised with his robotic but sweet sounding voice, what makes it better is that the lyrics he's singing are so coherent and meaningful. For example in the song "Drawn To The Blood"  the song conceptualises love and religion and the accompanying chords make the song so beautiful and moving. By far one of the highlights of the album. Another thing I like about the album is just the fact that it's so mellow, you can listen to it anywhere at any time, it's very easy on the ears. The way Sufjan Stevens uses simple guitar, pianos and his own voice to create an incredible sound is fantastic and not many artists at present have that quality

Bad:
The only bad thing I can point out is the hollow instrumentals at the end of some songs such as in Drawn To The Blood and Death With Dignity. I feel like they can be a bit harsh on my ears after hearing such smooth and soft vocals and sounds.

Favourite Tracks/Things I love:

• Should Have Known Better
• Eugene
• Fourth Of July
• Death With Dignity 
• Drawn To The Blood
• Sufjan's Lyrics
• The subtle but powerful instrumentation 

Final Rating: TTTTTTTTTT