Grade: A
“The Age of Adz,” pronounced “odds,” is Sufjan Stevens’ first full-length album in five years. The opening track, “Futile Devices,” seems like typical Stevens with enchanting vocals and string instruments, but the next song, “Too Much,” unveils the beginning of an electronically heavy piece. The album includes copious loops and repetition of electronic sounds, which may displease fans, accompanied by backing orchestral music. The simpler era of Stevens making songs with just his voice, a banjo, some verses and a chorus may have expired, but fans shouldn’t begrudge Stevens — it’s just a new age.