Carrie & Lowell by Sufjan Stevens

I wasn't exactly sure where to begin with reviews, as so far 2015 has been one of the best years for music in recent memory. I finally decided on Sufjan Stevens latest LP not only because it's my favorite release so far, but also because it showcases so many things that I look for in a great album.

For those unfamiliar with Sufjan Stevens (pronounced Soof-yahn), he's an American born singer-songwriter known for his varying styles, which range from pop, to folk, to more electronic sounding recordings. In 2012, Stevens' mother, Carrie died from stomach cancer, three years later he released this album, inspired by the life of his mother, and his step father; Lowell.

As mentioned, Sufjan Stevens is known for his ever-changing musical style, and ability to incorporate many different instruments and sounds into his recordings. However, rather than striving to once again evolve and change his sound, with Carrie & Lowell, he returned to his indie-folk roots, as the album contained a very sad and atmospheric energy which adds to the already emotional delivery of Stevens' vocals.

The album opens with some sparse yet beautiful harp sounding instrumentation, as Stevens' spills his guts about his relationship with his mother and how hard her death impacted him on Death with Dignity. While in disbelief of his mother's passing at the beginning of the track, Sufjan finishes the song by simply stating "you'll never see us again" a line which foreshadows a sentiment that is repeated throughout the length of the album.

The third track, All of Me Wants All of You is still what I consider to be the stand-out track of the album, as loneliness meets lust in yet another lo-fi atmospheric song. With lyrics that detail a broken relationship, while also carrying over much of the sadness and depression left by the passing of his mother, you can't help but feel the sincerity when you hear lines like "In this light you look like Poseidon, I'm just a ghost, you walk right through."

The story telling continues as the album progresses, as Stevens' goes in depth with his childhood and his relationship with his mother. An emotional rollercoaster, the ride ends with (surprise) yet another emotionally driven track, Blue Bucket of Gold,  where rather than finding closure through opening up about his mother, the album concludes with Sufjan questioning his friends, family and life itself, as to why his mother had to leave him when he needed her the most.

Perhaps the best album in Sufjan Stevens discography to date , Carrie & Lowell contains everything that makes both Stevens' and the genre of indie folk so good. Whether it be through the deep lyricism or the charming-yet-saddening musicianship, it's a guarantee that this album will cause you to reflect on your childhood, and those who have passed. If nothing else, it will certainly remind you to tell your mother that you love her.

Rating: A

Favorite Songs: Should Have Known Better, All of Me Wants All of You, Fourth of July

Least Favorite: None