Songs about death and sorrow laced with hope and love

Carrie & Lowell Sufjan Stevens Asthmatic Kitty B+

SUFJAN Stevens is an American singer-songwriter in the tradition of Bob Dylan and James Taylor - the sort of bard that resonates with unexpected audiences. His song The Seer's Tower was recently covered as a jazz number by Jamie Cullum, for example.

Carrie & Lowell sees Stevens mourning his mother, Carrie, who died of cancer in 2012. Lowell Brams is Stevens' stepfather and co-founder of his record label, Asthmatic Kitty.