Illinois (2005) — Sufjan Stevens

This is one of those albums that makes me so sad I didn't listen to it sooner. I think listening to this album earlier would've really shaped the route of my music exploration.

It's a feat, a true gem, and will absolutely be an album that stays with me for a long time. It's more than an album. It's a full musical without the need for a stage. It speaks for itself and by itself. I cannot think of any piece of music I've listened to that is similar, even Sufjan's indie folk contemporaries lacked the vision that this album has.

As an instrumental alone, I would give this 5 stars. The fact that such contemplative, heart-wrenching lyrics accompany the vast soundscape is astounding. Simultaneously being a profound poet and immensely skilled musician is so rare. I was truly amazed by this.

I feel like I'm overhyping it, but this was truly one of the most beautiful, moving pieces of art I've ever consumed. Immersive, interesting, and sharp. This album could not be any better.