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TechnicLePanther · 07-02-2017, 08:49 AM

Sufjan Stevens - Seven Swans

Not sure if you're obligated to review your own album, but here goes.

I think this album is a near perfect example of what Sufjan is best at, and that is arrangement. He knows how to take several quite simple melodies and intertwine them to create an expansive and complex atmosphere. Then, he cleanly fits his deeply personal stories and descriptions into this atmosphere to complete the package. A cherry on top, so to speak.

First half has a couple great tracks, namely To Be Alone With You, Sister, and The Dress Looks Nice on You, but the second side is where the album really shines in my opinion. It's got Size Too Small, A Good Man Is Hard to Find, Seven Swans, and The Transfiguration, with a couple slightly worse tracks sprinkled within. Seven Swans might be my favorite track for the way it slowly picks up and then really takes off at the end.

I'm well aware that the relative simplicity of this album isn't for everyone, and I agree that Carrie and Lowell has a similar atmosphere with improved songwriting. But taken on its own merit, I still really enjoy this album; it's jam-packed with catchy melodies and soothing instrumentation, and even the less intriguing songs have something interesting to say.

Favorite Tracks: To Be Alone With You, Sister, Size Too Small, Seven Swans

8/10

07-02-2017, 08:49 AM	#1072 (permalink)
TechnicLePanther and the livin' is easy... Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: New York Posts: 1,997	Sufjan Stevens - Seven Swans Not sure if you're obligated to review your own album, but here goes. I think this album is a near perfect example of what Sufjan is best at, and that is arrangement. He knows how to take several quite simple melodies and intertwine them to create an expansive and complex atmosphere. Then, he cleanly fits his deeply personal stories and descriptions into this atmosphere to complete the package. A cherry on top, so to speak. First half has a couple great tracks, namely To Be Alone With You, Sister, and The Dress Looks Nice on You, but the second side is where the album really shines in my opinion. It's got Size Too Small, A Good Man Is Hard to Find, Seven Swans, and The Transfiguration, with a couple slightly worse tracks sprinkled within. Seven Swans might be my favorite track for the way it slowly picks up and then really takes off at the end. I'm well aware that the relative simplicity of this album isn't for everyone, and I agree that Carrie and Lowell has a similar atmosphere with improved songwriting. But taken on its own merit, I still really enjoy this album; it's jam-packed with catchy melodies and soothing instrumentation, and even the less intriguing songs have something interesting to say. Favorite Tracks: To Be Alone With You, Sister, Size Too Small, Seven Swans 8/10 __________________ Many have tried to destroy it... but... true evil never dies. It is only... REBORN *SUGGEST ME AN ALBUM* - I'm probably not going to listen to it but I will if you bother me enough. Last edited by TechnicLePanther; 07-02-2017 at 09:01 AM.