It’s rare that an album gets universal praise from the critics, but that’s exactly what’s happening with Carrie & Lowell. The seventh studio album from Michigan singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens is a return to the stripped-down folk sound of his earlier releases, and is quite possibly his most earnest and pure effort to date. There’s a sense of sincerity and vulnerability in each of these songs that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. It’s like Stevens is baring his soul, and you can’t help but respect that. Listen as Stevens kills it softly through the eleven tracks on the album with nothing but gentle guitar, pensive melodies, and tales of personal moments past. Simplicity at its best.

• black vinyl pressing
• printed insert
• digital download included
• music label: Asthmatic Kitty Records 2015

reviewed by Bo Linas 04/2015