Digressions

Hello friends.  Today I must digress from the path of the cycle.  I have recently come into possession of the new Sufjan Stevens album, and have a few words to say on it.  As with most of his work, I am expecting it to take a little time to grow on me, but I am especially unimpressed with this latest release.  On my first listen through I am feeling bored, and although it is enjoyable to listen to, it doesn't have as much beautiful melodic work as I have come to expect from.  It is still the essential Sufjan, with the song I Walked feeling very familiar, with a slightly more electronic feel, but not as much as i was expecting having heard rumors on how electronic this album would be.  Still, one of the things i most enjoy about Stevens is his climactic build-ups and the feeling of exultation that comes from much of his music.  I will obviously give this album more time, but it feels as if he is preparing to delve more into a different field/style, and used this album as a transition stage.  I have no problem with this, and the more music he releases the happier I'll be, but overall, I am underwhelmed and a bit disappointed.  I would have much rather he followed in the same stream as the All Delighted People EP, but for now, I must be satisfied with this new release.