Review of Michigan by Sufjan Stevens

Let me start out by saying that there is perhaps no way that this review for Greetings From Michigan: The Great Lakes State can be completely fair. A few weeks ago, I introduced myself to Sufjan Stevens' best work, Come on Feel the Illinoise, a few weeks ago and fell completely in love with it. That eventually led me to check out its predecessor (Michigan) next and, consequentially, out of order. Michigan was the first step in Stevens' ambitious quest to create an album for all 50 states, and Illinoise was its follow-up released two years later. Ideally, one would like to follow a musician's works as they progress and improve over the course of his/her career, but since I had the unfortunate disadvantage of not discovering Stevens' brilliance until now, there is probably no way I can review Michigan without subconsciously comparing it to Illinoise.

The most immediate thing that I noticed was the much more melancholy tone of this album. The themes center around the declining economy of Stevens' home state which has become even worse since the album's release in 2003. Clear shades of despair, frustration, and hopelessness are prevalent in songs such as "Flint (For the Unemployed and Underpaid)", "For the Widows in Paradise, For the Fatherless in Ypsilanti", "The Upper Peninsula", and "Holland". Compared to the grandiose of Illinoise, this album feels much more minimal and reserved, however, this is not necessarily a detraction.

There are also cheerful spots among the despair in Michigan, including "Say Yes! to M!ch!gan!", the instrumental "Tahquamenon Falls", and "Oh Detroit, Lift Up Your Weary Head!" - almost as if Stevens is trying to become the flag bearer for the state and lead her out of her lethargy. He has a great way of making every track intimate and deeply personal, regardless of whether it actually is or not. One thing that was a pleasant surprise to me was that there are even more tracks here that feature Stevens' magnificent banjo picking skills than on Illinoise. For those of you who don't know, pretty much any song that features a banjo will at least win my attention if not eventually my affection as well. Stevens also has a great sense for when to add a few horns to set the mood for a song, something that Neutral Milk Hotel perhaps started and now from whom Sufjan has gracefully grabbed the torch. He uses them to make a track either melancholy and reflective or upbeat and driving, and he does it beautifully either way.

Having already been acquainted with Illinoise, there are many songs on that album that I think can trace their roots back to Michigan. For instance, the repetitive instrumental introduction to "Detroit" reminds me of "Come On Feel the Illinoise", while "All Good Naysayers" lays the cobblestones "The Tallest Man, The Broadest Shoulders." I also think that "For the Widows in Paradise" and "Romulus" are both very reminiscent of my favorite Illinoise track, "Casimir Pulaski Day".

If there's one complaint I have for Michigan, it's that some of the songs are a bit on the long side. Songs like "Detroit" and "Oh God Where Are You Now" tend to drag on once they cross the five minute mark since the same riffs and phrases keep repeating, and therefore prevent the album from having a natural flow to it. This is a mistake that Stevens seems to have corrected on the next album, meaning that if he was going to make the song long, then he was sure to at least break it into two or three parts so that the listener doesn't become bored. This is only a minor complaint, however, as I would still consider those songs good despite their length.

At first listen, I would have to say that "Sleeping Bear, Sault Saint Marie" is my favorite track on the album. It blends all the things I love about Sufjan Stevens into one great song: expansive horn parts, twanging banjo, rustic and simple lyrics, and absolutely beautiful harmonies with help from the Danielson Famile (who provide great backup vocals throughout the album).

Overall, this album is a proper first step for Sufjan's musical journey across America: a great start, and still with room to grow as well. I'm guessing that by album #50 - if he ever gets there - Sufjan will have had plenty of time to craft his talent to something so phenomenal that I probably can't even fathom it. I'm definitely looking forward to the rest of the ride.

Score: 4.0/5