Sufjan Stevens – Seven Swans

Back when he was cracking out an album a year and not leaving us waiting four long ones for some new material, Sufjan Stevens took a break from his 50 states project to delve into the most dangerous of territories - the Christian folk album. Despite its litany of gospel references, there's little here to put off the more fearful or cynical of listeners as Sufjan delivers his most delicate work, relying, for the most part, on just his banjo and heart-melting vocals. There really are few albums full of such wonder, joy and beauty that the mere thought turns the listener into a crumbling wreck and Seven Swans is among the minority. (Padraic Halpin)