Album Review: Sufjan Stevens, Worst Christmas Ever!

Just in time for the holidays, Sufjan Stevens has compiled a catalogue of Christmas classics that have swirled around his discography since the early aughts. The indie folk heavyweight started recording holiday songs as a gift for his friends and family, which slowly turned a few mixtapes into a collection of EPs.

They arrive altogether on his latest offering, Worst Christmas Ever!, a masterly compendium of festive standards. It boasts all the favourites: ‘Joy To The World’, ‘Holly Jolly Christmas’, ‘Sleigh Ride’ and more. Sufjan makes a point of repackaging the especially sombre classics, like ‘Auld Lang Syne’, sealed and delivered with sonic majesty. ‘Silent Night’ is as gorgeous as ever with its nylon-strung, choral wonder.

But the real splendour lies in Sufjan’s own take on Christmas, his pen so sharp it feels both curative and cataclysmic. ‘Put The Lights On The Tree’ is a case-in-point: an ode to lonesome, tinsel-hanging loved ones that recalls his Illinois days.

‘Christmas In The Room’ is as gorgeous and lush as it is heartbreaking, as Sufjan sings of holiday blues for the 21st century: “No silver bells or mistletoe / We’ll kiss and watch our TV show”. Elsewhere, the title track offers banjo, Ren-fair sweetness, while ‘Sister Winter’ is sure to slot neatly alongside the non-holiday classics in Stevens’ catalogue.

If there is anyone to see us through the holiday blues, Sufjan Stevens is certainly the guy – a purveyor of heartache who manages to wrap it up in a nice red bow.

8/10