Carrie & Lowell
by Sufjan Stevens
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 600 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 552 out of 600
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 600
  3. Negative: 36 out of 600
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. chickenbowl
    Apr 2, 2015
    10
    This is more than an album. It's an exhaustion of emotion. It's reconciliation, it's guilt, it's vulnerable. Sufjan captures what it means to lose all you wish you had. He lays everything out for the listener and never misses a beat.
  2. smithsgirl
    Apr 1, 2015
    10
    Once you know the background to this album, there is nothing that can be written that won't sound clichéd or gushing.

    Carrie & Lowell should come with a health warning.
  3. Basquilly
    May 10, 2015
    10
    I really like this album. It's a nice album. You should listen to this album. Then you should cry. I cry. I cry like a little baby. Is this 150 characters yet?
  4. troyissocool
    May 30, 2015
    10
    This album is the most lyrically beautiful album you may ever hear. It's not for everyone in that most of these songs differ from Age Of Adz, Illinois, and Seven Swans. Its more of polished and matured version of Seven Swans, but its easily the most heartwrenching. This album is for the pessimistic. It shows the stage in Steven's life where he or someone he loved suffered from drugThis album is the most lyrically beautiful album you may ever hear. It's not for everyone in that most of these songs differ from Age Of Adz, Illinois, and Seven Swans. Its more of polished and matured version of Seven Swans, but its easily the most heartwrenching. This album is for the pessimistic. It shows the stage in Steven's life where he or someone he loved suffered from drug addiction, alcoholism, and depression. The best track in my opinion would be "The Only Thing". Just totally captivating stuff. If you can't relate to his tracks, then you have never felt pain. You'll cry and expect the pain to end, but it doesnt. He opens his chest for 44 minutes and that's the most beautiful thing an artist could do.

    Suggested Tracks:
    -Death With Dignity
    -Should've Known Better
    -Eugene
    -Fourth of July
    -The Only Thing
    -No Shade in the Shadow of the Cross
    -John My Beloved    … Expand
  5. JUIKER
    Apr 3, 2015
    9
    Quiet, disquieting, intensely personal, more intensely resonant. For me, there are similarities to last year's Benji (Sun Kil Moon) and that is very good.
  6. frienderman
    Jul 3, 2016
    10
    Perhaps the most devastating, haunting, beautiful, reflective and profound collection of poetry that has ever been recorded; Carrie & Lowell is nothing short of perfect.
  7. longjetty7
    Apr 4, 2015
    9
    It took me a bit to warm up to this album, but now I really like it. The lyrics are incredibly dark, but the music is soft, simple, and beautiful. It's a nice combination that makes for a very thoughtful and introspective album. It's completely unpretentious, but it's the sort of album that's crafted so well you don't fully realize how good it is until it's over and you're left justIt took me a bit to warm up to this album, but now I really like it. The lyrics are incredibly dark, but the music is soft, simple, and beautiful. It's a nice combination that makes for a very thoughtful and introspective album. It's completely unpretentious, but it's the sort of album that's crafted so well you don't fully realize how good it is until it's over and you're left just sitting there wanting to play it again. It's hard to pick a standout track since they're all pretty strong.… Expand
  8. mc_ryn
    Mar 12, 2016
    10
    Sufjan Stevens's music is a gift to mankind.............................................................................................................
  9. NickolasM
    Mar 31, 2015
    10
    There are no read-between-the-lines songs in here. They are all quite direct and sincere and you feel like diving in his mourning, singing along the guitar/piano-driven tracks. Sufjan suffers like a normal human being who has just lost his mother. And this is actually sweet. But he writes about it like everything else around him is dead, too, thus leaving you without hope. And the mostThere are no read-between-the-lines songs in here. They are all quite direct and sincere and you feel like diving in his mourning, singing along the guitar/piano-driven tracks. Sufjan suffers like a normal human being who has just lost his mother. And this is actually sweet. But he writes about it like everything else around him is dead, too, thus leaving you without hope. And the most weird thing of all? He makes you feel nice about it with his melodies, just because he is that kind of guy· he can transform his dark lyrics and sad chords into some kind of redemption. For him and for you, too.
    Read the whole review here: http://www.anartcalled.blogspot.gr/2015/03/sufjan-stevens-carrie-lowell.html    … Expand
  10. cwilliams90
    Apr 4, 2015
    10
    Sometimes we get caught up in the progression of an artist that we expect big and bold and transformative things, but this isn't an attempt to recreate any magic from past albums. It's not an attempt for perfection, it's more of an attempt to cope with the toughest parts of loss and tragedy while trying to balance some of the uplifting themes that's buoyed him from such heartbreak in theSometimes we get caught up in the progression of an artist that we expect big and bold and transformative things, but this isn't an attempt to recreate any magic from past albums. It's not an attempt for perfection, it's more of an attempt to cope with the toughest parts of loss and tragedy while trying to balance some of the uplifting themes that's buoyed him from such heartbreak in the past. It's dark, it's twisted, haunting, but yet the beauty comes from the sort of catharsis from the tracks. It's subdued and perhaps stripped down, but it wouldn't fit any other way. That's what makes it a special album. It leaves you understanding the pain he's gone through and that's one of the most powerful things an artist can do. Like he said, "This is not my art project. This is my life."… Expand
  11. jyo_tirmaya
    Apr 2, 2015
    8
    This album reminds me of "Illinois," but the sound and writing on this album is even more immediate, urgent yet peaceful, loving, cathartic, and more spiritual than anything Sufjan Stevens has written before. ...The sound of a wise talented young American man -- but one who still has questions. Who knows, maybe like Stephen Foster, people will be playing and singing his songs in theThis album reminds me of "Illinois," but the sound and writing on this album is even more immediate, urgent yet peaceful, loving, cathartic, and more spiritual than anything Sufjan Stevens has written before. ...The sound of a wise talented young American man -- but one who still has questions. Who knows, maybe like Stephen Foster, people will be playing and singing his songs in the decades and centuries to come.… Expand
  12. markymark
    Mar 31, 2015
    10
    Beautiful. Devastating. Endlessly replayable. Incredibly personal. Unforgettable lyrics and melodies. I didn't think music could make me cry anymore. I was wrong.
  13. sheldoncoooper
    Sep 23, 2015
    10
    One of my favorite albums of all time. Absolutely brilliant.

    Lemon yoghurt, remember I pulled at your shirt
    I dropped the ashtray on the floor
    I just wanted to be near you
  14. Smick
    Mar 31, 2015
    10
    The most structurally perfect album I've ever heard. Every song is flawless, and the journey Sufjan takes you on, while difficult, is ever so rewarding.
  15. ReubenIsAGod
    Dec 29, 2015
    8
    I have a Mom, and damn it all to hell this thing made me feel so sad. I love my mom and im gonna miss her when she is gone, this album has inspired me to always be their for my family and to treat my mother with as much respect as possible, cause I don't know how much longer she is gonna be around for, and Id hate her to die thinking that i hated her.

    Love u mom.
  16. Jeff-S
    Apr 30, 2015
    10
    Motoflu couldn't have said it better...WOW
    This one is a masterpiece but as others have warned, you feel his pain. I always considered Illinois his best and songs like John Wayne Gacy, Jr. stay with me forevere. On Carrie & Lowell the whole album stays with you.
  17. TimW001
    Dec 24, 2015
    9
    I cannot stop listening to this album. It has deep lyrics which put you in a bind emotionally and makes you feel the story of Sufjan. Each song takes you through multiple emotions. Beautiful album.
  18. cryhardhumor
    May 25, 2015
    9
    It tells an extremely sad story, which is only made more impactful by it being so personal to the singer. The emotions bleed through from the the lyrics into the music and soft vocals. it can be a bit heavy at times, but is a masterfully put together and performed album if not a little slow for people who are not used to Sufjan Steven's style
  19. Stubert
    Apr 21, 2015
    10
    One of the saddest and most beautiful pieces of music to come out recently. He makes you feel exactly what he's going through. The music compliments the lyrics perfectly. Simple, tragic, and beautiful.
  20. chippythekid
    Dec 3, 2015
    9
    This was the first Sufjan Stevens project I have ever listened to and I loved it. At first it was a little hard for me to get into being a big hip hop fan but after a few listens I really grew to enjoy this album. Stevens has taken a very calm and quiet approach to every song on this project. But it is very soothing to listen to.
  21. exodus9237
    May 5, 2015
    10
    One word: Beautiful. Sufjan Stevens is really a great storyteller, and here the story is him, his life, his emotions. Carrie & Lowell, reminds you of one of my favorite Sufjan albums, Seven Swans, the only difference? Here he really opens up, obvioulsy with excellent harmonies and arrangements that only his voice could give life to.
  22. ORIGINATED
    Apr 29, 2015
    9
    What’s more confusing than death? When Carrie dies in 2012, she leaves an unconventional child confused. Sufjan Stevens was never able to choose one genre, or even one instrument, yet it’s the combinations of his multiple skills that keeps his latest heart-breaking album on this advanced technical level. He was able to gather some of the most intimate moments he shared with his mother andWhat’s more confusing than death? When Carrie dies in 2012, she leaves an unconventional child confused. Sufjan Stevens was never able to choose one genre, or even one instrument, yet it’s the combinations of his multiple skills that keeps his latest heart-breaking album on this advanced technical level. He was able to gather some of the most intimate moments he shared with his mother and rendered a superb tribute not only to her beloved friend slash mother but also to true love. The kind of love that leaves milestones and clichés behind and elevates the small quiet insignificant moments. It’s a travel through time with some beautiful memories and some darker moments that always celebrate humanity and authenticity. Even if he sometimes sound tied to his indie folk roots, that doesn't mean he doesn't make it his best album to date and that alone means a lot. One of the best album of 2015.

    Best track – “No Shade in the Shadow of the Cross”
    Exact score: 9.2    … Expand
  23. Rochefort10nh
    Apr 11, 2015
    10
    The most heart wrenching and devastatingly beautiful album I've ever listened to. I have been an avid Sufjan fan since Michigan and have enjoyed all of his works but this, this is on another level. It is so deeply personal yet I'm able to apply every song to my own circumstances of loss (the death of my father) and longing and feel both sympathy and empathy. It resonates to my very coreThe most heart wrenching and devastatingly beautiful album I've ever listened to. I have been an avid Sufjan fan since Michigan and have enjoyed all of his works but this, this is on another level. It is so deeply personal yet I'm able to apply every song to my own circumstances of loss (the death of my father) and longing and feel both sympathy and empathy. It resonates to my very core and brings out deep emotions that I often lock away - the very essence of catharsis.… Expand
  24. DannyGlock
    Apr 30, 2015
    10
    Beautiful and piercing. This is a comprehensive album; there are no loose ends. The same skill Stevens displayed in Age of Adz, this time filtered through Seven Swans minimalism. Masterpiece is the term that comes to mind.
  25. thewindowseat
    May 18, 2015
    9
    Who hurt this guy? Where were these demons born?

    Nobody will have these questions when hearing Carrie & Lowell, an album of unrelenting sorrow. Nearly every song make it impossible to even grin without fighting back any tears. "Everything I feel returns to you somehow" His only reason may only seem as pointless as the point of avoiding ignorance in the first place. If he were to    Who hurt this guy? Where were these demons born?

    Nobody will have these questions when hearing Carrie & Lowell, an album of unrelenting sorrow. Nearly every song make it impossible to even grin without fighting back any tears.

    "Everything I feel returns to you somehow"

    His only reason may only seem as pointless as the point of avoiding ignorance in the first place. If he were to really tear his eyes out, he would sing about more than just the blindness.    … Expand
  26. ouestleguerre
    Aug 2, 2015
    9
    Sufjan manages to create a beautifully cohesive and resolute album on such somber issues. His lyricism is deeply personal, poignant and earnest. Through simplistic, guitar-picked, folk songs he is able to encapsulate the grief, anger, desperation, loneliness and confusion one experiences when losing someone close. By far Sufjan's most honest, engaging and grounded works.
  27. Mannhorse
    Jan 15, 2016
    10
    What a record. The third track and eight track, though incredibly vague with its lyrics, still break my heart when I listen to them now. Sufjan has such vivid memories of things that probably happened long ago.

    BUY THIS ALBUM
  28. gibusmann
    Feb 1, 2017
    10
    This record is simply the best indie record of the decade. Very few albums come close to Carrie & Lowell, not only in the beauty of the songs and instrumentals, but in the emotional content. You can hear Sufjan's Soul and his sadness over his mother's death as each song progresses. The background of Sufjan's bedroom air conditioner whirring brings a humanity to it that the lyrics andThis record is simply the best indie record of the decade. Very few albums come close to Carrie & Lowell, not only in the beauty of the songs and instrumentals, but in the emotional content. You can hear Sufjan's Soul and his sadness over his mother's death as each song progresses. The background of Sufjan's bedroom air conditioner whirring brings a humanity to it that the lyrics and content already amply provide, and perfect an otherwise instrumentally phenomenal album. Overall, Carrie and Lowell is Sufjan Stevens' best record, by quite a margin. I'd highly recommend listening to this album several times, even if it doesn't "Click" with you, for the first time.… Expand
  29. sratomasfer
    Jan 30, 2017
    10
    This is Sufjan's best album which says a lot considering his vast and acclaimed discography. But with this album, we're not seeing a new form of Sufjan like we typically do with every new album he puts out. We're getting his story that he's built his career around only this time... that's it. He's not incorporating his story into some greater artistic theme, he's just telling his story. IThis is Sufjan's best album which says a lot considering his vast and acclaimed discography. But with this album, we're not seeing a new form of Sufjan like we typically do with every new album he puts out. We're getting his story that he's built his career around only this time... that's it. He's not incorporating his story into some greater artistic theme, he's just telling his story. I dare anyone not to cry while listening to this record as he recalls his schizophrenic, alcoholic mother who abandoned him as a child and her death. This is a record that will, without a doubt, be remembered for decades.… Expand
  30. greekmatthew
    Apr 5, 2017
    10
    Carrie and Lowell displays some of Sufjan's most intimate emotions. His songwriting is creative, deep, and on a level that musicians seldom come close to meeting. This is the perfect album for a dark and rainy night, and will provoke some of the most unique feelings that any album has to offer.
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best Album of 2015
18
#18 Most Discussed Album of 2015
41
#41 Most Shared Album of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 40 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
  1. New York Daily News (Jim Faber)
    May 1, 2015
    80
    The impeccable music Stevens has created gives shape to the chaos of his emotions.
    Read full review
  2. Under The Radar
    Apr 16, 2015
    85
    As always, Stevens' precise details makes his songs ring through with truth. [Apr - May 2015, p.87]
  3. Magnet
    Apr 15, 2015
    90
    The bona-fide masterpiece that Stevens' career has culminated in, and likely the one that will come to define his career. [No. 119, p.58]
See all critic reviews »