Sufjan Stevens returns with “Javelin,” a magical album that seamlessly blends blissful melancholy with uplifting grandeur. Since the haunting “Carrie & Lowell” in 2015, Stevens has traversed experimental realms, collaborating with various artists and delving into instrumental meditations. Without throwing shade at the music he has released in the interim, “Javelin” feels like a homecoming, a fusion of the fragile balladry of the previously mentioned “Carrie & Lowell” and the glorious arrangements of “Seven Swans,” enriched by a collaboration with musicians such as the trusty Bryce Dessner.
Stevens recently announced he had been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), leaving him unable to walk. As such, these songs feel especially poignant. From the moving opening track, “Goodbye Evergreen,” the album takes listeners on a journey through the singer-songwriter’s wistful musings. The unexpected surge of sounds sets the tone for the album’s dynamic instrumentation. The pattern of starting softly and gradually expanding recurs, producing stunningly beautiful results.
“Will Anybody Ever Love Me” emerges as a contender for the most devastatingly gorgeous song in his discography, with gently plucked banjos and a barely detectable fragile falsetto intertwining against a backdrop of comforting backing singers. The album’s versatility shines through with “My Little Red Fox,” which starts as the quintessential Sufjan song yet ventures into uncharted territory distinct from his previous works, building on a lovely piano melody and culminating in a soaring chorus.
Lyrically, the album shifts from overarching themes to introspective reflections on relationships. Stevens has dedicated the release to his late partner, Evans Richardson, who passed away in April.. Tracks like “So You Are Tired” offer a rare glimpse into his private life and represent a continuation of that confessional spirit. The religious undertones persist, most explicitly in “Genuflecting Ghost,” a sacred plea for glimpses of paradise. Stevens‘ lyricism, though as enigmatic as ever, navigates the complexities of love, loss, and searching for solace without becoming overtly preachy.
“Javelin” invites listeners to uncover new elements with each listen. Whether it’s the attention-grabbing title track or the ambitious, emotionally charged epic “Shit Talk,” Stevens consistently offers a rich tapestry of emotions. A rare cover of Neil Young‘s “There’s A World” serves as a fitting conclusion, effortlessly personalized by Stevens in under three minutes.
Despite Stevens‘ health challenges, “Javelin” stands as a testament to his peak creative prowess. It balances blissful sadness with glorious uplift, immediately accessible yet intricate enough for repeated exploration. Even without an imminent tour, this album remains a magical and magnificent addition to Sufjan Stevens‘ illustrious career.
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