5 Facts About Sufjan Stevens' Illinois Album

The album was released on July 4, 2005. This date ties the album’s themes of American identity and history to Independence Day.

It is the second album in Stevens’ planned 50-state project. He intended to make an album for every state but abandoned the idea after Michigan and Illinois.

The album’s full title is “Illinois” but it is sometimes referred to as “Sufjan Stevens Invites You To: Come on Feel the Illinoise.” This playful subtitle references the 1970s rock band Chicago’s album “Chicago VII.”

The album features songs about historical figures and events from Illinois. Subjects include serial killer John Wayne Gacy, poet Carl Sandburg, and the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.

“Illinois” received widespread critical acclaim and is often considered Stevens’ masterpiece. It was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album at the 2006 Grammy Awards.