The importance of Sufjan Stevens lies in his classic ability to create great songs (like the full “Illinoise” album), but also to recognize great talent via his Asthmatic Kitty label (Lily & Madeleine got their start on his label.) He has twelve albums in his catalogue with a new one on the horizon.
Each track on “Javelin” starts intimately: the trickle of an acoustic guitar, the patter of a lidded piano, and the cascade of a coruscant arpeggio. And then, of course, there is that disarming voice, the throughline in one of the most eclectic catalogue’s of any songwriter this century – soft but strong, as if the very scenes of hurt and hope it is about to share have only galvanized it through the decades. “Javelin” pairs musical sweep with emotional breadth, an entire lifetime of feeling woven into 42-minutes. On “Javelin”, Sufjan, as you may know him best, returns: offering gorgeous if pained glimpses of himself, so that we may see ourselves more fully. This album is classic Sufjan. A must own.
It’s his latest foray in a scattered grouping of primarily singer-songwriter focused LPs, which have seen the artist gain mass acclaim for his evocative, heart-wrenching storytelling style. Lead single “So You Are Tired” is typical Stevens at his most poignant, compassionate and searching with a relentless introspective streak. As insistent on painful honesty as always, You can hear a track from the album below “So You Are Tired”.
On October 6, Sufjan Stevens returns with a new collection of songs contained within “Javelin“. Crafted at his home, all of “Javelin” is his own personal draft. The album will feature 10 new Stevens compositions just how you’d expect them.
Bonus CD = 5 Unreleased Extra Tracks.
The Fat Angel Sings 