Sufjan Stevens' eighth studio album, The Ascension, is a profoundly moving and deeply personal work, released through Asthmatic Kitty on 25 September 2020. This chamber pop and baroque pop masterpiece is a culmination of the artist's introspective and poetic songwriting, showcasing his unique ability to craft songs that are both deeply emotional and universally relatable.
The Ascension is Stevens' first solo LP since 2015's Carrie & Lowell, and it marks a significant return to form for the singer-songwriter. The album's 15 tracks, including the hauntingly beautiful title track, are a testament to Stevens' skill as a storyteller and his capacity to convey complex emotions through his music.
With influences ranging from the introspective to the existential, The Ascension is an album that defies easy categorisation. From the opening lines of "Make Me An Offer I Cannot Refuse" to the closing notes of "America", Stevens takes the listener on a journey through themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. The album's soundscapes are characterised by Stevens' signature use of keyboard and poignant melodies, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that draws the listener in.
The physical release of The Ascension is equally impressive, with a standard black vinyl edition featuring a 16-page booklet of original drawings by Stevens, a download card, and printed inner sleeves, all packaged in a gatefold sleeve. The CD edition comes in a 4-panel Digisleeve with a 16-page artwork booklet and a 12-page lyrics booklet, made from rough paper.
Clocking in at 1 hour and 20 minutes, The Ascension is an album that rewards repeated listens, with each track offering a new insight into Stevens' creative vision. With its release, Sufjan Stevens cements his reputation as one of the most innovative and compelling singer-songwriters of his generation, and The Ascension is an essential addition to any music collection.
Vinylscout
