Sufjan Stevens is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer who has been making music for over two decades. With a discography that spans multiple genres and themes, Stevens has established himself as one of the most inventive and original artists of his generation. From his intimate acoustic ballads to his sprawling orchestral epics, Stevens’ music is characterized by its emotional depth, lyrical sophistication, and innovative arrangements. In this article, we will be exploring the top 10 best Sufjan Stevens songs of all time. These songs were chosen based on their musical and artistic merit, as well as their cultural impact and popularity. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to Stevens’ music, this list is sure to provide a comprehensive overview of some of the finest songs in his catalog. From heartbreaking ballads to uplifting anthems, these songs demonstrate Stevens’ unparalleled ability to capture the complexities of the human experience in his music. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top 10 best Sufjan Stevens songs of all time.
10. “Chicago”
“Chicago” by Sufjan Stevens is a charming ode to the Windy City. The song begins with a catchy electronic beat that sets the tone for the rest of the track. Stevens’ vocals are full of emotion and perfectly capture the essence of Chicago, a city that has a unique blend of hustle and bustle, warmth, and grit. The lyrics are poetic and vividly describe the city’s many landmarks, such as the Sears Tower and the Navy Pier. The song also touches on themes of longing and nostalgia, with Stevens singing about his desire to return to Chicago despite being far away. Overall, “Chicago” is a beautiful tribute to a city that has inspired countless artists over the years.
9. “Futile Devices”
“Futile Devices” by Sufjan Stevens is a delicate and introspective ballad that showcases Stevens’ impressive songwriting skills. The song is stripped-down, with just Stevens’ voice and a gentle acoustic guitar melody. The lyrics are heartfelt and poignant, exploring themes of love, loss, and the difficulty of communication. Stevens sings about his longing for someone who he can’t seem to connect with, and the frustration that comes with trying to make a relationship work. The song is a masterclass in vulnerability and emotional honesty, and is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to express their feelings to a loved one.
8. “Come on! Feel the Illinoise! Part 1…”
“Come on! Feel the Illinoise! Part 1…” is a sprawling epic that serves as the opening track to Sufjan Stevens’ critically acclaimed album Illinois. The song features a diverse array of instruments, from trumpets and violins to banjos and synthesizers, and is packed full of catchy hooks and memorable melodies. The lyrics are dense and poetic, referencing everything from Abraham Lincoln to Superman to the state’s many cities and landmarks. Despite its length and complexity, the song never feels overwhelming or pretentious, and instead exudes a sense of joy and playfulness. Overall, “Come on! Feel the Illinoise! Part 1…” is a bold and ambitious opening statement that sets the stage for the rest of the album.
7. “Death With Dignity”
“Death With Dignity” is a haunting and meditative track that deals with themes of mortality and acceptance. The song begins with a simple acoustic guitar melody, and gradually builds in intensity as Stevens’ voice becomes more urgent and emotional. The lyrics are introspective and deeply personal, with Stevens reflecting on his own mortality and the idea of dying with grace and dignity. The song is a beautiful example of how music can help us come to terms with the difficult realities of life, and is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever experienced loss or confronted their own mortality.
6. “John Wayne Gacy, Jr.”
“John Wayne Gacy, Jr.” is a chilling and powerful track that tells the story of the infamous serial killer who murdered over 30 young men and boys in the 1970s. The song is set to a simple acoustic guitar melody and features Stevens’ haunting vocals, which perfectly capture the darkness and despair of Gacy’s crimes. The lyrics are vivid and unsettling, painting a vivid portrait of Gacy’s twisted psyche and the horror of his crimes. Despite the darkness of the subject matter, the song is an incredibly powerful piece of art that forces us to confront the worst aspects of human nature. It is a testament to Stevens’ talent as a songwriter that he is able to create such a poignant and affecting piece of music from such a horrific topic.
5. “To Be Alone With You”
“To Be Alone With You” is a sweet and romantic track that showcases Sufjan Stevens’ talent for crafting simple yet effective love songs. The song features a catchy acoustic guitar riff and Stevens’ trademark delicate vocals, which perfectly capture the tenderness and vulnerability of falling in love. The lyrics are intimate and heartfelt, with Stevens singing about his desire to be close to his loved one and the joy he feels when they are together. The song is a beautiful expression of the power of love and the importance of human connection.
4. “Mystery of Love”
“Mystery of Love” is a hauntingly beautiful track that was featured in the Academy Award-nominated film Call Me By Your Name. The song features Stevens’ distinctive falsetto vocals and a lush, dreamy arrangement that perfectly captures the bittersweet emotions of the film. The lyrics are poetic and deeply romantic, exploring themes of longing, desire, and the mysteries of the human heart. The song is a testament to Stevens’ talent as a songwriter, and is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the joys and pains of falling in love.
3. “The Only Thing”
“The Only Thing” is a deeply introspective and emotional track that deals with themes of grief and loss. The song features a sparse, haunting arrangement that perfectly captures the sense of despair and isolation that often comes with mourning. The lyrics are poetic and raw, with Stevens singing about his struggle to find meaning and hope in the face of tragedy. The song is a powerful reminder of the power of music to help us process our emotions and find comfort in difficult times.
2. “Concerning the UFO sighting near Highland, Illinois”
“Concerning the UFO sighting near Highland, Illinois” is a mesmerizing instrumental track that showcases Sufjan Stevens’ talents as a composer and arranger. The song is built around a simple piano melody that is gradually augmented with layers of lush strings and atmospheric electronics. The result is a piece of music that is both ethereal and haunting, evoking a sense of mystery and wonder. The song’s title refers to a reported UFO sighting that took place in Highland, Illinois in 2000, and the music perfectly captures the otherworldly nature of the event. Despite being an instrumental track, “Concerning the UFO sighting near Highland, Illinois” is one of Stevens’ most evocative and emotionally resonant compositions.
1. “Casimir Pulaski Day”
“Casimir Pulaski Day” is a heartbreaking and deeply personal ballad that tells the story of a young man dealing with the death of his girlfriend from cancer. The song is set to a gentle acoustic guitar melody, and features Stevens’ plaintive vocals, which are full of emotion and raw vulnerability. The lyrics are poignant and introspective, exploring themes of faith, love, and mortality. The song’s title refers to a holiday that celebrates the life of the Polish-American Revolutionary War hero Casimir Pulaski, and the juxtaposition of this celebration with the protagonist’s grief adds an additional layer of complexity to the song. Overall, “Casimir Pulaski Day” is a beautiful and affecting piece of music that showcases Stevens’ talent for writing deeply personal and emotionally resonant songs. It is a testament to the power of music to help us come to terms with life’s difficult realities.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
