Carrie & Lowell

“Carrie & Lowell” marks the seventh studio album by American musician Sufjan Stevens, released on 31st March 2015 through Asthmatic Kitty. Produced by Stevens himself, it features contributions from various artists including Thomas Bartlett, Sean Carey, and Laura Veirs.

In contrast to Stevens’ previous electronic-focused album “The Age of Adz” (2010), “Carrie & Lowell” adopts a sparse instrumentation, reminiscent of his earlier indie folk work. Lyrically, the album delves into the aftermath of Stevens’ mother Carrie’s death in 2012, as well as his relationship with Lowell Brams, Carrie’s second husband who co-founded Asthmatic Kitty.

Supported by lead singles “No Shade in the Shadow of the Cross” and “Should Have Known Better,” the album gained traction through a one-week preview on NPR and inclusion of the track “Death with Dignity” in video games. Stevens embarked on the Carrie & Lowell Tour across North America, Europe, and Australasia to promote the album.

Receiving widespread critical acclaim, “Carrie & Lowell” was hailed by many as Stevens’ best work. It debuted at number ten on the US Billboard 200 and sold 105,000 units by July 2015, with a significant portion in vinyl format. The album also received a silver certification from the British Phonographic Industry for sales in the UK.

Recorded primarily in Stevens’ office in Brooklyn and various studios across the US, the album was produced by Thomas Bartlett. Inspired by personal experiences and family trips to Oregon, where Stevens spent his childhood, “Carrie & Lowell” served as a means for Stevens to come to terms with his mother’s death and find closure.

Critics praised the album for its poignant lyrics and understated instrumentation. It received universal acclaim on review aggregator sites like Metacritic and was ranked among the best albums of 2015 by numerous publications. Consequence of Sound named it as Stevens’ best studio album.