Illinois
by Sufjan Stevens
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 792 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 721 out of 792
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 792
  3. Negative: 55 out of 792

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  1. Ryan
    Jul 15, 2005
    10
    I'm going to listen to this album in late autumn and feel an overwhelming sense nostalgia for the summer. It's an opus worthy of EVERYONE'S ear. I feel like it's the world's responsibility to buy this record so Sufjan can fund his undoubtedly great next outing.
  2. OwenH
    Jul 17, 2005
    10
    This album restores my faith in the music industry. If Thom Yorke were to buy a copy of this album, he might, just might get back to challenging himself with making another really good album, instead of some existential junk.
  3. Chris
    Aug 13, 2005
    10
    Among the best of 2005 so far (August 13th) with Bright Eyes, The White Stripes, System of a Down and The Game. Let's see what Idlewild, Kanye West, OutKast, Elbow, BRMC, the Dandy Warhols, and Broken Social Scene have to offer in the last 4.5 months.
  4. Matt
    Aug 15, 2005
    10
    Wonderful! Future generations will be looking at it as the first classic neo-folk album.
  5. PhilipG
    Aug 24, 2005
    10
    This album is simply brilliant
  6. Sumi
    Aug 25, 2005
    10
    This is an album of uncommon melodies and beautiful arrangements. The bittersweet yet genuinely uplifting songs are simply gorgeous, with nary a false emotion. A true joy to listen to.
  7. PETERS
    Sep 11, 2005
    10
    Wow. He captures the feelingof Illinois is 21 songs. Wow.
  8. FakeName
    Sep 12, 2005
    10
    most refreshing album this side of the century. amazing!
  9. chrisc
    Sep 14, 2005
    10
    unlike anything i have ever heard - something that is rare in music today!
  10. TiagoC
    Sep 14, 2005
    10
    Great record. Probalby the best of 2005.
  11. JoshuaJE
    Sep 15, 2005
    10
    Incredible. Just say Sufjan at the Majestic in Detroit, he and his band were amazing and this album expresses it all.
  12. ErlingO
    Sep 21, 2005
    10
    My favourite of the year. Just fantastic.
  13. BradM
    Sep 22, 2005
    10
    Illinois is a triumph - Possibly one of the most outstanding records of the last two years. If Sufjan's music is ever to reach the masses, this could be the album to mark his arrival. Steven's songs are bigger than life, digging into the memories of simple innocence, big dreams, and heartbreaking coming of age. Illinois transends Michigan and Swans and will be on everyone's Illinois is a triumph - Possibly one of the most outstanding records of the last two years. If Sufjan's music is ever to reach the masses, this could be the album to mark his arrival. Steven's songs are bigger than life, digging into the memories of simple innocence, big dreams, and heartbreaking coming of age. Illinois transends Michigan and Swans and will be on everyone's 'best of 2005' lists.… Expand
  14. JosiahRoe
    Sep 26, 2005
    10
    Glory!
  15. ChrisFromCalifornia
    Sep 29, 2005
    10
    Ever listened to an album that was so good it just made you cry. You will after listening to this. I can't remember the last time when an album hit me this hard emotionally. People, stop buying Coldplay, give your money to someone who deserves it. Album of the year.
  16. DanielG
    Nov 19, 2006
    10
    This is an amazing album, it is one of those extremely influential albums that makes people who say "I hate that kind of music" start to say, "Oh wait, I guess I do like that kind of music". Who knows what gaps this CD bridges, I can only wait for him to do my homestate, Wisconsin.
  17. JGrahm
    Jan 16, 2006
    10
    Sufjan is so original, his music is amazing
  18. PaulRocks
    Jan 17, 2006
    10
    This is the album of the year. Mr Stevens your a genius. Can't wait for the Alaska album!!
  19. stefanp
    Mar 15, 2006
    10
    awesome
  20. JasonE
    Apr 12, 2006
    10
    This is a fantastic album, I don't really understand why he has been given a folk tag, well maybe because he plays a banjo; anyway everyone who loves music should buy this album. Actually no, don't, he needs an incentive to finish off his Album per state project. If everyone buys this album, he'll be too rich to bother. Find a friend who has it and get them to copy it for This is a fantastic album, I don't really understand why he has been given a folk tag, well maybe because he plays a banjo; anyway everyone who loves music should buy this album. Actually no, don't, he needs an incentive to finish off his Album per state project. If everyone buys this album, he'll be too rich to bother. Find a friend who has it and get them to copy it for you; it's wonderful.… Expand
  21. Syd
    May 17, 2006
    10
    Easily one of favourite post millenium albums. Up there with Michigan.
  22. Rod
    May 31, 2006
    10
    Stunningly beautiful, provocative work. I'm constantly amazed at the emotion he is able to draw from me. Vocal performances are pure and real.
  23. JoeG
    Jun 14, 2006
    10
    I try to give every CD I buy at least 5 listens before I form an opinion. Illinoise took many more plays before I truly warmed to it. However, it was well worth getting to know. Now it gives me great pleasure to stamp yet another 10 on this page, particularly as I first heard about the CD from this site! Recommended to any other Rufus Wainwright fans looking for somebody else a cut above I try to give every CD I buy at least 5 listens before I form an opinion. Illinoise took many more plays before I truly warmed to it. However, it was well worth getting to know. Now it gives me great pleasure to stamp yet another 10 on this page, particularly as I first heard about the CD from this site! Recommended to any other Rufus Wainwright fans looking for somebody else a cut above the rest.… Expand
  24. stefanp
    Jun 19, 2006
    10
    awesome
  25. anna
    Jul 17, 2006
    10
    stunning from begining to end. a modern day musical achievement.
  26. KevinK
    Aug 27, 2006
    10
    Best Album of 2005. Best Songwriter right now. You gotta love Sufjan's ambition It's so exciting to see in a time where the spotlight is usually put on unoriginal and unartistic music.
  27. DORELLW
    Sep 15, 2006
    10
    This is a great album. It gets better and better the more you listen to it.
  28. PhilW
    Sep 24, 2006
    10
    If you ever wondered who the character Max in Rushmore would grow up to be, it would be Sufjan Stevens. I've traveled to just about every county in Illinois and all I can say is Stevens hit a home run with this album!
  29. AndreaO
    Sep 29, 2006
    10
    His artistic vision is so complete. He reflects such an innocent joy and such a deep knowledge of sorrow. Who is this man and how did this happen?
  30. LizM
    Jan 24, 2007
    10
    To me, it's one of the most beautiful albums I have ever heard. In the end, it all depends on your taste in music. This is right up my alley. I might not believe in God, but I do believe in Sufjan Stevens.
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Album of 2005
1
#1 Most Discussed Album of 2005
7
#7 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 40 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
  1. AllMusic
    80
    There's a distinct community theater vibe to the whole affair... but the majority of Illinois is alarmingly earnest.
    Read full review
  2. Almost Cool
    90
    Stevens is simply one of the most talented artists creating music right now, period.
    Read full review
  3. Delusions of Adequacy
    90
    Exhausting, enthralling, disorientating, celebratory, and contemplative, Sufjan Stevens has delivered another album that will keep us listening and educated till Christmas.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »