Photo by Andy Argyrakis

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For the past decade and a half, Sufjan Stevens has developed a reputation amongst a fiercely dedicated fan base and astute critical community as one of the most inventive, articulate, transparent and periodically perplexing artists of his generation. But no matter if he’s turning the tides towards indie folk, baroque pop, psychedelic rock or electronic inspirations, the singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist is consistently compelling and authentic.

In that regard, the bulk of the concert couldn’t really be considered entertaining as much as it was enthralling, playing out like a group therapy session where anyone who experienced loss or a burden of any nature could find a glimmer of hope in the faith Stevens still clings tightly to, even if he’ll be the first to admit he doesn’t have all the answers.

Photo Provided by Asthmatic Kitty Records

Besides being considered a return to his sparse and understated stylistic beginnings, the new album “Carrie & Lowell” (named after his mother and stepfather) is also the most personal to date, chronicling the web of emotions stemming from the former’s recent death. In fact, much of his 90 minute set during the first of two sold out Chicago Theatre shows was spent on not just grief, but multi-layered reflections and regrets surrounding a sometimes tumultuous upbringing at the hands of his mom’s schizophrenia, depression and alcoholism.

Though the 39-year-old presented songs such as “Death With Dignity,” “Should Have Known Better,” “Fourth Of July” and “No Shade In The Shadow Of The Cross” all tour (often accompanied by childhood home movies on split-panel video screens), he was clearly choked up at various points throughout the night. As heart-wrenching as it was to see and hear, there were also messages of forgiveness, healing and wanting to leave a lasting legacy on this earth, which was even more vulnerably conveyed in a post-encore speech.

In that regard, the bulk of the concert couldn’t really be considered entertaining as much as it was enthralling, playing out like a group therapy session where anyone who experienced loss or a burden of any nature could find a glimmer of hope in the faith Stevens still clings tightly to, even if he’ll be the first to admit he doesn’t have all the answers. Nonetheless, the night did end on the brighter note of “Chicago,” which was most appropriate given the city and sent those brave enough to take the entire emotional journey home with a less weighty dose of purebred pop sensibility for dessert.

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