Sufjan Stevens has displayed nothing but brilliance and vast diversity throughout his expansive discography. From the multi-instrumental and theatrical masterpiece Illinoise, to the stripped down and banjo-driven tunes found on Seven Swans, all the way to the electronic-folk hybrid Age of Adz, Stevens has proves he cannot be pigeonholed with each passing release. Each new addition to his catalogue proves to be equally as refreshing, and Carrie & Lowell is no different. In fact, I would boldly go as far to say this is his best.
No knowledge of the album’s lyrics are required to feel the haunting intimacy found in Stevens’ seventh LP. Sufjan revisits the stripped down approach found on Seven Swans but the execution proves to be far more layered and captivating. His alluring acoustic guitar work serves as the album’s backbone matched with enticing ambience and personal lyricism.
The lyrical focus of Carrie & Lowell deals with the passing of Steven’s mother Carrie, the support from his stepfather Lowell, and the reoccurring theme of coping with death’s inevitable forces. It is an unread love letter to a mother that was never there, but also an admiration for her willing absence given the circumstances surrounding her life including diagnosed schizophrenia coupled with a history of substance abuse.
Carrie and Lowell is a musical diary inviting you to feel and experience Steven’s most buried skeletons including detailed descriptions of his troubled past. Never before has this artist’s music been so emotionally-driven and tear-inducing. I highly recommend this release to anyone coping with loss or anyone that often ponders the concepts of mortal limits.