Sufjan Stevens, known for his unique musical style, is ready to immerse listeners in the holiday spirit with his upcoming compilation, "Worst Christmas Ever!". This new collection, set to be released on November 6 through Asthmatic Kitty, brings together a blend of classic festive tunes reinterpreted through Stevens' distinctive lens, alongside fresh original compositions from his extensive holiday archives. Among these is a previously unheard song, "On This Christmas (It Only Gets Better)," offering fans a new piece of his celebrated Christmas work.
Stevens' profound connection with Christmas music is widely recognized. He has, remarkably, crafted and recorded over one hundred holiday tracks since 2001. "Worst Christmas Ever!" showcases several selections that previously appeared in his "Songs for Christmas, Vols. 1-5" and the 2012 box set "Silver & Gold: Songs for Christmas, Vols. 6-10." The album features collaborations with various talented artists, including Aaron and Bryce Dessner of the National, Richard Reed Parry from Arcade Fire, Cat Martino, Gabriel Kahane, and Casey Foubert.
Despite not having released a new full-length album since 2023's "Javelin," Stevens has maintained a consistent presence in the music scene. The year 2024 saw the release of a 20th-anniversary edition of his album "Seven Swans." In the previous year, he marked a decade since "Carrie & Lowell" with a special reissue and collaborated with Mina Tindle on the song "Heaven Thunder." A notable moment in September saw Stevens making an unexpected appearance at Meg Lui's concert in Kingston, New York. This performance was particularly significant as it marked his first live musical showing in over eight years, following his diagnosis with Guillain-Barré syndrome in 2023, a rare neurological condition where the immune system attacks the nerves.
The tracklist for "Worst Christmas Ever!" includes a variety of traditional carols and original pieces, demonstrating Stevens' artistic range and his deep appreciation for the holiday season. Familiar titles such as "Silent Night" and "Joy To The World" are presented alongside his unique compositions like "Put The Lights On The Tree" and "That Was The Worst Christmas Ever!" The compilation promises to be a cherished addition to any holiday music collection, blending both the traditional and the innovative aspects of Stevens' musical craftsmanship.