Sufjan Stevens

These five albums, all released in 2021, offer listeners a beacon of light and hope in hard, vulnerable times — if not, at least a little fun.

There is something touchingly universal about Stevens’ and Augustine’s lyricism as well as their resolute commitment to piecing elements of their own most beloved films, creating artistry carefully steeped in the desire to reconcile our humanity.

After the 49-track debacle of “Convocations” rolled out in April and May, it’s tempting to accept anything from Stevens with lyrics and a hummable melody.

Chock-full of what can best be described as jarring and erratic whale sounds, this record will leave listeners feeling disoriented and bored. 

Stevens has excelled in the past with a variety of different, sometimes abrasive, sounds. And yet, on The Ascension, that purpose is never made clear.

Both “America” and “My Rajneesh” feel very much like the culmination of Stevens’ niche artistry.

Be it about one’s ability to love oneself or another or both, the EP acts as a form of normalization through open interpretation.

I revisit my adolescent angst in the dramatic throes of Linkin Park’s “Numb,” and I cringe at my compulsory desire for heterosexuality when I hear the Jonas Brothers sing “When You Look Me in the Eyes.”

On Thursday, get in the mood for Coheed and Cambria’s 6:30 p.m. show at Hearst Greek Theatre by watching the trailer for “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

Yes, I can never read a book for the first time twice. But film adaptations offer the chance for two first impressions of the same story.