'Javelin' Sufjan Stevens' new album
Sufjan Stevens' new album 'Javelin' is intentionally dedicated to his late colleague who died earlier this year.
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| Sufjan Stevens released his new album 'Javelin' months after revealing his Guillain-Barré diagnosis. (Photo: Colin Young-Wolff / Invision / AP file) |
The Detroit singer-songwriter's 10th album was released today (October 6), which NME praised in four-star reviews as a "lush and intimate indie-folk" record that remains "interesting and fresh".
'Javelin' for Evans Richardson, who died in April 2023
The artist has now opened up on social media about dedicating the record to his late "beloved" colleague Evans Richardson, who died in April.
"Thank you for listening. I love you," Stevens began with the Instagram post, alongside a photo of his late partner smiling in bed.
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"This album is dedicated to the light of my life, my beloved partner and best friend Evans Richardson, who passed away in April. He is someone very precious, full of life, love, laughter, curiosity, integrity, and joy. She is one of those rare and beautiful people you only find once in a lifetime—precious, impeccable, and truly remarkable in every way.
"I know a relationship can be very difficult at times, but hard work and caring for the people you love is always rewarding, especially the beautiful ones, of which there are few and far between."
He continued: "If you happen to find such love, hold it tight, hold it tight, enjoy, take care of, and give everything you've got, especially in difficult times. Be kind, strong, patient, forgiving, strong, wise, and be yourself. Live each day as if it were your last, with fullness and grace, with respect and love, with gratitude and joy. This is the day God has made. Let us rejoice and rejoice over it."
"Thank you. I love you," she concluded her post.
Stevens spent most of his career hiding details about his personal life, sexuality, and relationships from social media and public attention.
Last month, he told of being hospitalized with Guillian-Barré Syndrome after the illness left her unable to walk. "My doctors did everything to keep me alive and stabilize my condition. I owe them my life," he shared.
Reviewing 'Javelin', NME wrote: "It is the musical power of Sufjan Stevens that makes great feelings like this convey in a seemingly effortless and unguarded way. Heartache and pain are alleviated by the chorus and the unique instrumental arrangements that bring an element of hope."