With its strange mixture of brilliantly orchestrated music and starkly beautiful lyrics, there can be no argument that this record deserves its place on the high seat of 2005's best

Dedicating a song to this clown somehow made me think less of Mr. Stevens, his lyrics a little muddled, who cares where he drew his inspiration for this particular tune when in the end it sucks big oranges

Looking past the unusual story lyrics, the music never reaches folk, or alternative status.

However, the whimsical tone does not undermine his literate lyrics and the tunes are so catchy and memorable that my 6 year-old daughter can often be heard singing "Chicago".

The lyrics are not cynical, self-absorbed, materialistic or political.

Have a listen, buy the album and enjoy the thought provoking lyrics (despite whether or not you're a christian).

The evocative melodies, the folksy rhythms, and playful lyrics all come together in a highly impressionistic portrait that extends far beyond the bounds of Illinois.

(Or am I to believe that Stevens has strong personal feelings about Casimir Pulaski, Mary Todd Lincoln, Carl Sandburg, and the Columbian Exposition?)The lame lyrics could be somewhat forgiven if the music had a pulse, but this album is totally D.O.A -- no energy whatsoever, melodies that are completely innocuous and instantly forgettable

his lyrics are good, and he has at least tried to be original, something all too rare in today's corporate music scene

The lyrics that were hyped up as deep were shallow and seemingly unrehearsed and the so-called "historisity" are bizarre stories that have no application to the listeners

It, unlike michigan, is a little more upbeat and jazzy as it proceeds with perfect lyrics and a story behind every song

Have a listen, buy the album and enjoy the thought provoking lyrics (despite whether or not you're a christian).

Great, intelligent lyrics, and mellow but upbeat music make this the ideal artists companion.

Touching, poignant lyrics

Again, nothing new about honest, quirky, interesting lyrics that take more than one listen to figure out the meaning (if there is any at all).

Banjo is the primary instrument in this song and the lyrics are steeped in history

His lyrics are so poetic and credible while still having a chorus/hook to captivate the listener.

I guess I like to get my fill of clever lyrics with rocking guitars and cool dance beats rather than flute recorders and choirs.

Wonderful imaginative lyrics, terrific guitar work, a useful backing of a strings section, and a singer with a beautiful voice

Whether it's stupid instrumention, lame lyrics that don't make any sense, background vocal choirs that do not fit the songs, etc.

And, as always, Stevens mixes mature lyrics with whimsical, humorous prose.

" seems like the most bizarre, far-out, self-indulgent piece of music, and it is, but it mentions a huge range of cities in the title state throughout the song, as well as some goosebump-worthy lyrics of a man speculating about death

The lyrics are just as enchanting, Stevens has filled it with simple lines and stories, while still sounding like a poet.

and always I'll listen for good song writing before good lyric writing

His voice is very sweet, the lyrics are lovely, and I love the variety of instruments and generosity of banjo.

The lyrics can be MOST profound as in

And the lyrics are pretty good especially for including Illinois references

The lyrics are poetic whilst the music may be characterized as soulful folk-pop with orchestral infusions

Very good acoustic/baroque pop with great vocals and very interesting lyrics

I found no profound lyrics