Songs of the Decade: “Chicago” (2005)

Photo courtesy of aumbop.web-log.nl

I’ve made a lot of mistakes. Chances are, you have too. Sufjan Stevens has too, and he’s not afraid to admit it, over and over again, in his whispery voice, as “Chicago” winds down from its joyride across  the first three minutes of the song.

Of all the songs on the second installment of his 50-state saga, “Chicago” is the most intriguing. The other songs tell tales of famous figures, serial killers, and historical events of the state. But for a tribute to the Windy City, Stevens embarks on an interstate journey.

From the twinkling intervals of the first six notes, then the breathless, rollicking drive (that pushed “Little Miss Sunshine” through its voyage), the song begins as a celebration of freedom (“I drove to New York / In a van with my friends / We slept in parking lots / I don’t mind, I don’t mind / I was in love with the place”), which makes a perfectly fine road-trip and soundtrack song. But as the song begins to reflect on itself, we hear about the double-edged sword of nomadic existence, and that’s where Stevens makes a song of the decade.

Also included: three alternate versions of “Chicago,” from Stevens’ outtake album “The Avalanche.” The acoustic version will break your heart.

- Ellen

Sufjan Stevens – Chicago (download)

Sufjan Stevens – Chicago (Adult Contemporary Easy Listening Version) (download)

Sufjan Stevens – Chicago (Acoustic) (download)

Sufjan Stevens – Chicago (Multiple Personality Disorder Version) (download)