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The cover of the sleeve on the second installment of Sufjan Stevens’ album invites the listener to “Come On Feel The Illinoise.” Ironically, Quiet Riot-style metal is one of the few musical styles that the rampantly eclectic pop auteur avoids on the second installment of his self-appointed quest to write about all 50 United States. His ambition is both a blessing and a curse. The impressively varied arrangements draw on Neil Young’s folk musings, the Association’s breezy pop and Steve Reich’s minimalism, while the lyrics flit from nostalgic travelogues to spiritual struggles. But only a handful of the album’s 22 tracks leaves a lasting impression; Stevens might do better by doing less.
