New Subscriber Playlist: “For All Good Naysayers”

Earlier this year, Asthmatic Kitty Records announced plans to release a tenth anniversary edition of Sufjan Stevens’ heartbreaking 2015 album Carrie & Lowell (which will be released on May 30). Thus, it seemed only fitting to offer up a celebration of Stevens’ considerable and inimitable catalog of music.
This month’s playlist — titled “For All Good Naysayers” — collects 20 of my favorite Sufjan Stevens songs. They capture what made me fall in love with his music over 20 years ago and explain why, after all this time, his music continues to be so beautiful, moving, and affecting.
Accompanying the playlist is the latest episode of my “Playlist Breakdown” podcast, in which I spotlight one of the playlist’s songs and why it’s so special, interesting, and/or meaningful. This month’s episode focuses on “Vito’s Ordination Song,” the closing track on 2003’s Michigan that evinces hope and comfort in God’s sovereignty.
Both of these are little bonuses for subscribers who support Opus financially. If you’d like to get access to them (and more), subscribe to Opus for just $5.00/month or $50/year. (You can also subscribe for free and get my weekend newsletter.)