Sufjan Stevens, Will Anybody Ever Love Me? | Track Review

Singer/songwriter Sufjan Stevens wows on “Will Anybody Ever Love Me?”, the second single from his 10^th solo album, Javelin.

Talent, talent, talent.  That is what alternative singer/songwriter Sufjan Stevens possesses.  Ahead of his 10^th studio album, Javelin, the Academy and Grammy award-nominated musician has faced the health challenges of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), and has been unable to promote the project . The good news is that Stevens is rehabbing, working towards recovery, and the brilliance of the music, specifically second single, “Will Anybody Ever Love Me?”, speaks for itself.

“Will Anybody Ever Love Me?” begins stripped, reminiscent of Stevens’ folky music moments .  As always, he plays his own instruments. The record commences with a simple, rhythmic accompaniment carried by guitar (or similar acoustic string instrument) supporting his hushed, expressed vocals, and it’s more than enough.  Soon enough, piano joins the mix in the pre-chorus, with Stevens maintains his hushed vocal approach  (“Tie me to a tiny wooden raft / Burn my body, point me to the undertow”). The initial chorus that follows grows a bit bigger in scope, but still, Stevens remains cool, calm, and collected – even keeled:

“Will anybody ever love me?

For good reasons

Without grievance, not for sport

Will anybody ever love me?

In every season

Pledge allegiance to my heart

Pledge allegiance to my burning heart.”

Following the first chorus, a more colorful soundscape arrives. In the second verse, not only is the arrangement and production more ornate instrumentally, but Stevens also adds vocalists who harmonize with him. The lyrics continue to shine brightly, with Stevens singing in the final couple lines of the verse, “Take my suffering as I take my vow / Wash me now, anoint me with that golden blade.” Expectedly, the second chorus is much grander – absolutely stunning with its vocal layers and the instrumental touches. Furthermore, the outro is also incredibly ear-catching, highlighted by the lyric, “My burning heart,” as well as supporting vocalist singing the titular lyric.  We wish the man, Sufjan Stevens, a speedy recovery.  As always, the music slaps – in the most refined, sophisticated way possible!

Sufjan Stevens • Javelin • Asthmatic Kitty • 10.6.23

[: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; Asthmatic Kitty; OpenClipart-Vectors, PIRO via Pixabay]