CD Review of...
Sufjan Stevens
Seven Swans
By Debi Rotmil
Sufjan Stevens has a way of making a song sound like a prayer: calm, peaceful, filled with a simple melodic grace that draws listeners into his search for meaning in life’s passages. In last year’s stunning release, “Greetings From Michigan, The Great Lake State”, Stevens honed into his native homeland, singing of the heartbreak of the heartland, the dieing cities, broken down factories, and souls lost, from Flint to Grand Rapids, longing for the welcoming arms of the farm. Each instrument was played by Stevens. He infused a loving Americana sound of banjo, trumpet and trombone, carrying out the sadness like an eccentric marching band in a funeral procession, playing for the loss of the American dream. His use of charming hooks and fascinating rhythm changes flecked the hint of despair with a dash of optimism for his fellow brethren. It was a touching album that provided him with an underground following that tags along, waiting for Sufjan’s next shimmering body of work. They didn’t have to wait long.
In his latest release “Seven Swans”, Stevens sheds the brass and drum, and weaves a rustic, and stunning tapestry of banjo and guitar. With a simple, melodic acoustic body of work that draws introspective wonder, he touches deeply upon the elements of faith using biblical references and spiritual psychology. With background vocals by Megan Smith of The Danielson Famile, he melds the same flavor of whimsy as he did in “Michigan”; yet, he lowers the volume, rendering the storylines of everyday life, down to the bare basics of his own human motivation: the focus on his love for God. From the first track, majestically titled, “All The Tress of the Field Will Clap Their Hands” to the profound optimism of “That Dress Looks Nice on you” to the rejoicing finale of “The Transfiguration”, we are taken through a journey through metaphorical concepts that lay deep within, not just in Christian faith, but in universal longing. The album does not preach. Regardless of what religion one follows, “Seven Swans” will draw you in and test your concept of personal strength. As the banjos dance, taking you on an autumnal journey through the forest and the open fields, it is clear that this sparkling gem of an album illustrates Sufjan Stevens as an artist with a voice, a new perspective and a unique sound in this world of commercial bottom lines.