Sufjan Stevens, whose 2005 Illinois album cast him in the indie music limelight, has taken some side trips and detours in these past five years. Illinois was the second and last album in his overly ambitious 50 states project, and he has also released a multimedia orchestral project (The BQE), an album of outtakes (The Avalanche), and an EP (All Delighted People). Now he’s back with a more “official” follow-up, The Age of Adz. The EP gave fans a taste of the direction Stevens is headed toward – more electronic, grandiose orchestral songs with jarring effects added in. Opening track “Futile Devices” has Stevens singing in a hushed tone over a gentle repeating pattern that is simple and effective, while others like “All for Myself” and the 25-minute-long “Impossible Soul” are more disjointed and puzzling. This may appeal to only the most adventurous fans, but if you’re willing to go on this ride, I say Godspeed. – Written by DBosket
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