Sufjan Stevens is set to release “Javelin” Oct. 5, his tenth studio album and first solo concept record since 2020’s “The Ascension.”
The Grammy-nominated Indie Folk musician has released the first teaser track to the record, “So You are Tired,” a five-minute introspective chamber folk ballad reflecting on his past. Stevens has been making critically acclaimed records for over 20 years, and this teaser reveals the 48-year-old’s existential ruminations of loneliness (a common theme of his music).
“Javelin” was recorded in Stevens’ home studio in Holland, Michigan with a sparse collection of friends, as well as The Nationals’ Bryce Dessner who accompanies the record with acoustic and electric guitar. According to an interview with Sufjan Stevens, the album is a return to “Full singer songwriter mode.” This is potentially reminiscent of his 2015 studio release “Carrie and Lowell,” which garnered Stevens critical acclaim as his best work from popular review sites such as Pitchfork and Rolling Stones Magazine.
The full track list was released subsequently after his first teaser, revealing the closer of the album to be a cover of Neil Young’s “There’s a World” off his 1972 masterpiece “Harvest.”
Sufjan Stevens also announced a 48-page book of art and a 10-page short essay of his experiences which shape the songs on the album.
Coincidentally, this new release lines up with the “Illinoise” musical playing throughout the northeast based on Steven’s 2005 record of the same name.
The past few years, Stevens has kept himself busy with quiet collaborations with pianists to make off-kilter instrumentals known as his “revelations,” but the singer-songwriter seems to be switching back into what he is known for best, progressive chamber folk focused on his past.
Stevens makes records personal to him in every aspect, from questioning religion, to identity, abuse and trauma, love and loss, so it will be interesting to see the new direction he takes on “Javelin.”
Stevens has also seen a diverse evolution throughout his long career. His first landmark record, “Michigan,” was a quiet piano and banjo driven project centered around stories of Stevens growing up in Michigan.
“Seven Swans,” his following release, is an even more minimalist record and his ode to the lord. The subject is the centerpiece of all his early music.
“Illinoise,” is his next, most sprawling album, released in 2005. The theatrical release is considered by many review sites such as Pitchfork or NME as one of the best albums of the 2010s. This album tackles the history, tragedies, and growth of Illinois (the album is spelled with an E at the end to create a musical play on words, Illi-Noise).
“The Age of Adz” and “All the Delighted People” are sister records of groundbreaking electronic pop that would showcase the singer-songwriter’s virtuosity.
Finally, “Carrie and Lowell”, released in 2015, is his most depressing and personal album to date. An homage record to the passing of his mother who he never got to know due to divorce growing up.