Summary:Before the October 12th release of Sufjan Steven's full length album The Age of Adz, the artist released this eight-track EP as a digital download.
Record Label:Asthmatic Kitty
Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Indie Rock, Indie Pop, Alternative Singer/Songwriter, Chamber Pop
It's a staggering return from his alleged creative crisis, a terrific addition to his discography, and a wonderful addition to an already fantastic 2010.
The scrapbook-like cover of All Delighted People makes sense then, as its contents serve as a humble and friendly keepsake, songs that deserve to be heard, but belonging to a chapter in Stevens' artistic livelihood that he needed to close to maintain his vitality.
As it stands, All Delighted People is a curious and relatively minor release for Stevens. As a context-less bundle of songs, All Delighted People is Stevens having a little fun while testing the elasticity of his sound.
As per usual, the record is immaculately crafted, but a bit "proggy," which could serve to disappoint listeners who have been waiting patiently for the artist to return to the engaging, patchwork pop/rock of 2005's Illinoise. Fans of the quirky, less immediate moments from that album will find a great deal to love on this precursor to October's full length Age of Adz.
Stevens is best balancing his composer side with his singer-songwriter side on songs like "Arnika," which packs all that avant-Andrew Lloyd Webber ambition into soft, simple benedictions for bedroom-size cathedrals.
The title track is 11 minutes of painfully celestial balladeering self-indulgence, a mess of standard-Sufjan jittering flutes mixed with the most offensive noise from his best-avoided early electronic period.
I think that this release represents a great comeback for the Sufjan. Months after his existential crisis, he proves with this EP that heI think that this release represents a great comeback for the Sufjan. Months after his existential crisis, he proves with this EP that he hasn't lost his touch. A powerful emotional album, with original composure, and a breath of fresh air from the more electronic pop albums being released these days. A GREAT EP all together, from start to finish. The songs differ from style, with such listeners as Mouth of Gabriel, to the final rocking track. I agree with Steiner, all the way. Thanks Sufjan, for a great finish to my summer break. AGE OF ADZ, im ready for you.…Expand
Great "EP" to back from since "The BQE". Sufjan's songs are very new and original sounding that I think any Sufjan fan, such as myself wouldGreat "EP" to back from since "The BQE". Sufjan's songs are very new and original sounding that I think any Sufjan fan, such as myself would love. He writes about his sister in the last song and the "homage to the apocalypse" throughout the album. I can't wait to see what he does for the next album. The Age Of Adz October 12…Expand
This is a triumphant return for Sufjan Stevens. At first blush, I was a little uncertain, but multiple listenings yield great rewards. "AllThis is a triumphant return for Sufjan Stevens. At first blush, I was a little uncertain, but multiple listenings yield great rewards. "All Delighted People" (both versions) and "Djohariah" deserve especial praise. Don't know why reviewers choose to ignore this EP/album. An essential addition to the Sufjan canon.…Expand
It's an ambitious project-even for Sufjan. Fortunately, it works much more often than it doesn't. The long plays and sometime overly longIt's an ambitious project-even for Sufjan. Fortunately, it works much more often than it doesn't. The long plays and sometime overly long screeching notes are balanced out by the more soft passionate instrumentals and cleverly crafted lyrics.
CHECK OUT?- Absolutely!!
BEST SONG- All Delighted People (Classic Rock Version)
WORST SONG- All Delighted People (Original Version)…Expand
At almost an hour long, it's pushing it to call this release an "EP", The highlight is almost certainly the original version of the titleAt almost an hour long, it's pushing it to call this release an "EP", The highlight is almost certainly the original version of the title track, which is one of the best things Sufjan has ever released. "From the mouth of Gabriel" is also impressive once you get over the unsubtlety of the electronics, however, the EP suffers greatly from a lack of cohesion and the incredibly unjustified length of the closing track "Djohariah", which, while emotional, loses its effect over the course of its 17 minutes. Overall though, this marks an impressive return for Sufjan Stevens, especially considering how long he's been away. It does a great job of adjusting the listener for the obvious change of style coming with Octobers "Age of Adz"…Expand
i do believe this is a great comeback for Sufjan. Starting from its own established style he strays away from known territories, landing ini do believe this is a great comeback for Sufjan. Starting from its own established style he strays away from known territories, landing in Crosby surroundings, not forgetting the Isaac Hayes loose approach delivered in the last - wonderful - track. The title track may be the definitive Sufjan canon , leaving last four minutes for a breathtaking ( soft) climax. What will be coming next may give us even more.…Expand
