22, A Million
by Bon Iver
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 387 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 334 out of 387
  2. Mixed: 31 out of 387
  3. Negative: 22 out of 387
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  1. Wael
    Oct 15, 2016
    9
    The third effort from Bon Iver hits right where and how it should. It is an outstanding record, in every sense the word "outstanding" has. The change of sound is very fresh, adding some electronica, all while preserving the folksy roots in place. The album is dark and enlighting at the same time. The theme is awesome. The numerical pattern the song-titles have is a genius idea. The lyricsThe third effort from Bon Iver hits right where and how it should. It is an outstanding record, in every sense the word "outstanding" has. The change of sound is very fresh, adding some electronica, all while preserving the folksy roots in place. The album is dark and enlighting at the same time. The theme is awesome. The numerical pattern the song-titles have is a genius idea. The lyrics are as poetic as Bon Iver lyrics ever got. Each time I spin it again, I see and understand a new thing about the songs. The whole thing is just very-well crafted and executed. I guess Justin Vernon can do no wrong, can he?… Expand
  2. Implicit
    Sep 7, 2019
    10
    I come to review this album after listening to i, I and taking a good moment to consider how it compares to Justin's most similar effort. This album was the beginning of a style change for an artist that up-until this point had been pegged right down the middle of the indie folk genre that he grew in. The first time I listened to this, I actually did not believe it was Bon Iver. I sat in aI come to review this album after listening to i, I and taking a good moment to consider how it compares to Justin's most similar effort. This album was the beginning of a style change for an artist that up-until this point had been pegged right down the middle of the indie folk genre that he grew in. The first time I listened to this, I actually did not believe it was Bon Iver. I sat in a room and listened to it and had to check if it was some eclectic effort from Justin's other group, Volcano Choir. But no, it was the real thing.

    And so I sat there, in my room, confused. And then slowly the music began to set in and I just started to wail. I still don't understand what about this album makes me feel so much. It is like listening to a memory trapped in a broken radio. There are no direct lyrics; no apparent theme to the melody. But I am feeling and experiencing memories that are not mine and it is bringing to me memories of my own.

    This stands as my favorite piece of art that I've experience in this life. When I listen to it, I'm reminded of every love I ever had. But not the good moments, or even the bad. It's just the moments in between, if that makes any sense. When I listen to this album, I remember walking between buildings feeling the air on my face. I remember talking about **** and breathing mist into cold air in awkward silence. I smell someone else's burning cigarette as I pace the sidewalk under the shadow of some building obscured by memory's loose grip.

    This album is very important to me and it is impossible to compare anything else to it.    … Expand
  3. All_ButTrU4
    Sep 29, 2021
    10
    I remember sitting on the pavement of a burgeoning suburb:tears in my eyes and death on my mind. I was unhappy,anxious and afraid. I felt no God. I sat their in silence for a while thinking abt how i could just dissapear right there and then because it wouldn't get better. Whatever "it" was . Then my musicplayer was put on as the life returned to the cold November morning and it began. TheI remember sitting on the pavement of a burgeoning suburb:tears in my eyes and death on my mind. I was unhappy,anxious and afraid. I felt no God. I sat their in silence for a while thinking abt how i could just dissapear right there and then because it wouldn't get better. Whatever "it" was . Then my musicplayer was put on as the life returned to the cold November morning and it began. The first crying notes of "22 (OVER S∞∞N)" seeping in only for me to pause it after the first uttering of "it might be over soon". Why was that so comforting? Why was that so destructive? And why did i repeat it so many times afterwards? The voice pitched and the words stressed made my head fill up. As i write this i realize just how right Justin had been,it had ended.
    But as the explosive rage or mania of 10 d E A T h b R E a s T ⚄ ⚄ marched in like a rescuing army i knew that those endings didn't mean peace,feeling is forever. I couldn't tell how "sleeping at a stable mate" translated to the feeling of instability I felt trapped in. The wraped teen angst only an abused 16yr old can exaggerate. Those tears boiled and i was mad. Mad at the things my mom let happen to me,the things i ruined and the ones wouldn't get back. I wanted to break anything so we could reflect eachother. Breaking skin for red hadn't worked. I understood why tears could be an expression of emotion or ripping something apart.It was surreal, it was amazing. And it would end. And I'd feel it's abandonment and strain, being angry is an exercise,and "715 - CRΣΣKS" is the rest. Clarity in the eye of the storm. The harsh auto-tune indicative of the agony. Seeing things so fundamental slip away as my belief in God had or my trust in family. It sounds like a betrayal and the grief in "God damn turn around you're my A-team" i attached to two people who gave me life. The same who would've been the reason i gave it back. I only truly realized how much i had wanted to die at that moment, scared of myself.

    Perfectly, 33 “GOD” ,as if to reassure me, piano's sparkled like hopeful eyes wet with tears. I couldn't begin to say what the lyrics meant,who could? But when "staying at the Ace hotel/if the calm would allow/i would just be floating to you now" was delivered a frisson cane across me. I understood it to mean live through this and you'll make it. It felt like saying good bye to god or any other thing you believed in for so long. And for the second time Justin was correct:i didn't need you that day,not gonna need you anytime. Could becoming a heathen be so beautiful? It didn't help seeing the title references Jesus's alleged age of death marking his most traumatic moment which would be worn around the necks of those taught to love him. His pain a religion. The day he wasn't just the son of a God but a God. Just like him i wasn't the kid i was ,trauma aged me.

    This year had been the first time i feel in love with a boy. Something punishable by death somewhere in the world. That same boy would never learn to love me. I felt that he wanted to. He had shared my depression with me and after my raves abt this record he'd give it to me. Through that gesture i heard "29 #Strafford APTS" and we were sharing smoke. It was a reprieve from the previous ordeals a private pocket in friendship i loved. I could've stayed there forever. But I knew he'd get bored. Like the crack at "canonize" i had ironically done the same thing:replaced God with love so it could hurt me just the same. The beginning of a harmful path peaking on the scattered "666 ʇ" titled with two universally evil symbols. I was gay and a heathen. I was depressed and in love :"ain't that some kind of quandary?" was too on the nose. The short "21 M♢♢N WATER" either intention can be divided by 3 as resulting in the no.7 as is the tracks placement. As well as the spiritual symbolism of the no.7 following "666 ʇ". It feels like a baptism and the moon title evokes an ethereal atmosphere and acts as an opposite to the Sun which is pronouced the same as Son which alludes to the holy trinity. It feels like seeing the light at the end of a tunnel. A tunnel which becomes the meditative "8 (circle)". An exploration of terrestrial relationships, the foil to the previous spirituality. Commiting to trying "From the door till we die/Deny with love my labour" to live Despute the strain. My suicidal self hadn't felt that way but through time I'm grateful for the idea being placed.

    " _ 45_ " composed of two no. which when added result in the tracks placement is purity through fire. It's pain making something other than exits for blood. It's growth. It's a panic attack ending. It sounded so grating the 1st time. It has the one of the most human lyrics on the record about giving up because it's too hard without thinking about what could come after "I stayed down(    … Expand
  4. coopdedoop
    Oct 1, 2016
    5
    Pretty disappointed in this album to be honest. To me, it seems like Justin Vernon is trying to hard to create art instead of music, if you get what I mean. I get the feeling like he is trying to create the best album that's ever existed and that every boundary must be broken, but a lot of it just comes out as pretentious to me, especially those titles. There are some songs that definitelyPretty disappointed in this album to be honest. To me, it seems like Justin Vernon is trying to hard to create art instead of music, if you get what I mean. I get the feeling like he is trying to create the best album that's ever existed and that every boundary must be broken, but a lot of it just comes out as pretentious to me, especially those titles. There are some songs that definitely have a lot of good stuff, particularly "29 #Strafford APTS," but some of the production choices seemed unnecessary and too much of an attempt at being groundbreaking. Just because the way you distorted your voice has never been done before doesn't mean it's good. But what really bothers me about this album is the lyrics. They literally are fragments of ideas that only confuse everyone. His lyrics are the equivalent of throwing paint on to a canvas at random and hoping that it turns into something. Your lyrics have to be accessible to someone other than yourself, so at least try to make them readable. Just because you make up words like "paramind" doesn't mean you're a genius. Justin Vernon is a talented musician, but his ego is obviously really big, and I don't get the type of pleasure listening to this album as I have with his earlier stuff. To me, it's just a cluttered mess and a disappointment. Also, screw those song titles.… Expand
  5. chidime
    Oct 5, 2016
    9
    Really good album. I love the sound and textures of it. Even within songs, some new sounds always pop up to keep things interesting. Fell in love with Bon Iver after his appearances on Kanye's MBDTF, and it doesn't look like I'm falling out of love anytime soon.

    BEST: 22 (Over Soon), 8 (circle)
  6. alextmarra
    Oct 13, 2016
    9
    Truly an excellent album. It won't be for everyone because it isn't traditional like a lot of listeners are really looking for, but others will really enjoy the cutting edge sound.
  7. krimzon
    Oct 3, 2016
    10
    At 34 minutes, 22, A Million is painfully short, but it is also Bon Iver's most complex and abstract record. Its brilliance is conveyed not in the meaning of the lyrics, but how they feel when put together, hence the use of made-up words in places.The same is true for the music: the feeling of lostness and distortion adds to the aesthetic that Justin Vernon is trying to create. It is alsoAt 34 minutes, 22, A Million is painfully short, but it is also Bon Iver's most complex and abstract record. Its brilliance is conveyed not in the meaning of the lyrics, but how they feel when put together, hence the use of made-up words in places.The same is true for the music: the feeling of lostness and distortion adds to the aesthetic that Justin Vernon is trying to create. It is also a f*cking good listen. Album of the year so far.

    LISTEN TO: "33 "GOD"" / "29 #Strafford APTS" / "715 - CRΣΣKS" / "10 d E A T h b R E a s T ⚄ ⚄" /    … Expand
  8. xtinalol
    Oct 3, 2016
    10
    Justin Veron, again, proving himself a genius singer-songwriter, every song, every lyric, nothing in 22, A Million is straight forward, a whole context is needed for the understanding of this album, it's why that's a not single-listening work, it need to be decomposed, every synth, every instrumental, every vocal and every listening.
  9. Hinaria
    Oct 5, 2016
    10
    A true Bon Iver album. Lives up to the expectation. Justin Vernon proves again that he is a brilliant artist. Great variety and original sounds throughout the album. Collapse
  10. IAmGary
    Sep 30, 2016
    6
    Mostly disappointing. First off, let me say I'm a big fan of Justin's and Bon Iver. I loved 'For Emma' and 'Bon Iver,' and I thought the latest Volcano Choir album was brilliant. Cannot play them all enough. But this record underwhelms. First, there's not enough of it. The CD goes by in a heartbeat. But the real problem here was production. The record sounds like someone broke into theMostly disappointing. First off, let me say I'm a big fan of Justin's and Bon Iver. I loved 'For Emma' and 'Bon Iver,' and I thought the latest Volcano Choir album was brilliant. Cannot play them all enough. But this record underwhelms. First, there's not enough of it. The CD goes by in a heartbeat. But the real problem here was production. The record sounds like someone broke into the studio, deleted most guitar and piano tracks, clipped random verses and the last 30 seconds of most of the songs. And then he or she submerged the remaining master tape in a bucket of water. Instead of fixing, Justin said, "screw it," and released it as is.
    The record should have sounded like the live recording of "666" from Eaux Claires 2015 festival. Sadly that big, bold and crisp sound is gone. We're left with a sparse, autotune-gone-wild mix that's mostly an assault on the senses, and not in a good way.    … Expand
  11. TrentRey
    Oct 1, 2016
    10
    This album is a masterpiece. It is the year's best album and Bon Iver's best album. The tracklist for the album is very strange and interesting. This album has overall, great song lyrics, vocals, and instrumentals. The way the album is produced is outstanding. This album does sound different from the previous album. It's a better and more beautiful album than the groups' previous.
  12. jesseurbancsik
    Oct 2, 2016
    10
    Vastly different from Bon Iver's previous releases, however it proves to be a stunning piece of work with interesting sounds and lyrics. Beautiful, deep lyrics about heartbreak, sacred moments and nostalgic love. Overall, Love IS HARD. This is a contender for Album of the Year.
  13. Tom_Bombadil
    Oct 4, 2016
    8
    If you're one of those who irrationally hates style changes and thinks this isn't at least good: try comprising this much color and texture into such a short runtime. Name me a release from 2016 that does half of what this album does. C' mon. I dare you.
  14. NavyBean
    Oct 7, 2016
    4
    I will happily change this review if I have some ephinany but alas for today ... this is overproduced nonsense.

    It reminds of the time I was in Key West and immediately walked into a bar with a beautiful rainbow motif. Let me just say what happened next changed me FOREVER! I was given a very strange proposal by a group of older men in matching jumpsuits. Sensing destiny, I reached    I will happily change this review if I have some ephinany but alas for today ... this is overproduced nonsense.

    It reminds of the time I was in Key West and immediately walked into a bar with a beautiful rainbow motif. Let me just say what happened next changed me FOREVER! I was given a very strange proposal by a group of older men in matching jumpsuits. Sensing destiny, I reached around for it!

    The next thing I knew, I was in the backroom of a fish shop and all my clothes were gone except for some spandex shorts and wooden clog shoes.

    That was 18 months ago. I'm not sure whatever became of my wife and kids, but I think they'd be proud of the new me and the courageous decisions I've made. I'd also like them to see the cage I dance in on the weekends.

    Thank you Bon Iver. I close my eyes and see you always!    … Expand
  15. BADWOLF700
    Oct 11, 2016
    10
    Justin Vernon's latest effort is as much a stunning piece of contemporary art as it is a masterpiece in music production, that gets better with each listen.
  16. kglnyc
    Oct 6, 2016
    5
    Bon Iver meets Muzak -- okay, I guess, if you're on an elevator or wandering around an airport. I used to think that Vernon was the best thing happening for Kanye West; now I think West is the worst thing happening for Vernon. Very disappointing.
  17. jdk8008
    Oct 14, 2016
    10
    I love the challenge that this record gives me as a listener. On first listen, I was a bit confused about what I was listening to. It doesn't adhere to any kind of conventional structure or production, which is what I think makes this album interesting to listen to. After a few listens, I began to recognize the intricacies and sub-layers to each song.

    One user stated that this album    I love the challenge that this record gives me as a listener. On first listen, I was a bit confused about what I was listening to. It doesn't adhere to any kind of conventional structure or production, which is what I think makes this album interesting to listen to. After a few listens, I began to recognize the intricacies and sub-layers to each song.

    One user stated that this album sounds like something a high schooler would create in his electronic music class. It's clear to me that this person can't recognize the difference between controlled experimentation and noise. This album was meticulously crafted and has tons of hidden layers. I would be extremely impressed if a high schooler could pull off the level of detail crafted into this record.    … Expand
  18. officialmbc
    Oct 3, 2016
    10
    This album can be abrasive and confusing at times, and that abrasiveness will be off putting to a lot of people, but if you stick with it and really listen I think you will find immense beauty. Underneath all of the distortion there are beautiful melodies and meaningful lyrics. Give it a chance.
  19. asshondryia
    Oct 4, 2016
    4
    There is nothing to this record. It's only some magical **** that allows Bon Iver release any **** outtakes that he wishes, and be sure about the Pitchfork rating. Lo-fi sound of 22 a million is pathetic, and it mainly seems to impose the lack of melodies. With his third and worst album, Bon Iver somehow manages to fool everyone with drum machine being used separately from the blank vocalThere is nothing to this record. It's only some magical **** that allows Bon Iver release any **** outtakes that he wishes, and be sure about the Pitchfork rating. Lo-fi sound of 22 a million is pathetic, and it mainly seems to impose the lack of melodies. With his third and worst album, Bon Iver somehow manages to fool everyone with drum machine being used separately from the blank vocal parties. He tries to be both Kanye West and James Blake, but fails miserably.… Expand
  20. Prosmooth
    Sep 30, 2016
    5
    I'll probably end up re-reviewing this after (i hope) it grows on me. First couple of spins though--I'm sorry, but I'm just not into it, especially the first half. I hated Kid A among other avant-garde releases on first hearing them though, so I'm hoping it's one of those records. Sounds like real mess at this point though. Let the downvoting commence!
  21. IrradiatedNun
    Oct 1, 2016
    10
    I was never a giant Bon Iver fan due to his albums sounding so perfect. Everything was always where you thought they would be. I appreciated his massive talent and I knew there was something special there, but I can be a weird listener. This album Is incredible. He sounds experimental and he doesn't sound afraid of making messy sounding songs. This album is still a musical masterpiece butI was never a giant Bon Iver fan due to his albums sounding so perfect. Everything was always where you thought they would be. I appreciated his massive talent and I knew there was something special there, but I can be a weird listener. This album Is incredible. He sounds experimental and he doesn't sound afraid of making messy sounding songs. This album is still a musical masterpiece but he sounds like he's having fun, which is great to hear. I feel like I'll be listening to this for the rest of time.… Expand
  22. Paulo_Jorge
    Sep 30, 2016
    10
    Justin Veron, again, proving himself a genius singer-songwriter, every song, every lyric, nothing in 22, A Million is straight forward, a whole context is needed for the understanding of this album, it's why that's a not single-listening work, it need to be decomposed, every synth, every instrumental, every vocal and every listening.

    First of all, the concept of the album is full of    Justin Veron, again, proving himself a genius singer-songwriter, every song, every lyric, nothing in 22, A Million is straight forward, a whole context is needed for the understanding of this album, it's why that's a not single-listening work, it need to be decomposed, every synth, every instrumental, every vocal and every listening.

    First of all, the concept of the album is full of Veron's experiences, questionings and each track has a number that means something for him in his personal life, creating this mixture of indirect lyrics that once comprehended, enhances the knowledge of Veron's personality and thoughts, making this album sort of undigestable for most.

    The intro here, self-entitled, talks about his favorite number (22) and relates it with his life experience of trying to find himself. "It might be over soon" says he, disappointed that going to the Greek islands didn't helped him at all. This cut is full of a gorgeous performance by Veron, some beautiful instrumentals hanging on the back and those weird voices saying "It might be over soon", a great track that introduces to this album's concept, it gets you ready for how experimental that album will be.

    10 d E A T h b R E a s T ⚄ has one of the best beats on the album, with again those weird voices out of nowhere helping to build the lyrics. "Darling don't make love, fight it" is maybe one of the most beautiful phrases in the album, all those chords building up the instrumentals in this track, just makes you feel in the middle of an orchestra mixed with some synths and vocals, astonishing.

    Then we move to 715 - CRΣΣKS, for me the best track in the whole album, is moves quickly from the previous one, but now in a whole silence, only with Veron's performance and a vocoder, this track starts and finishes feeling glorious and passionate. Now imagine yourself surrounded by all the beauty of the Greek islands, all that colorful landscape, but feeling empty. Veron here is talking about how he felt spiritually abandoned, standing on the beautiful reeds of Greece he's simply trying to leave there because he can't stand the fact that he failed at trying to find himself, saying "Love, a second glance, it is not something that we'll need".

    33 “GOD” caries Veron's vision about love, religion and some thoughts of duality that carries all over the album, mixed with a gorgeous performance and a beautiful piano standing at the back, this cut is one of the most thoughtful ones in the album. 666 ʇ and 21 M♢♢N WATER together represents how far Bon Iver goes with all this concept of experimentation with their own sound, two beautiful songs that may feel weird at the first listens, but fits perfectly on the album.

    Now for 8 (circle), I've never listened Veron performing like that, his vocals are just different, but what shines even more here is the back vocals and the amazing instrumentals, all these trumpets and trombones adds a whole emotional weight for the track, one of the most beautiful cuts.

    00000 Million closes up the concept, a more straight forward track, chilled out piano arrangements, but as it stills, lyrically that cut is a blast, poetic and thoughtful, "Where the days have no numbers, if it's harmed, it's harmed me, it'll harm, I let it in" represents a closure, it goes back to all the numbers in the tracks and it shows that Veron accepted his depression and did let if flows trough him until it finishes.

    22, A Million is for me Bon Iver's best work until now, the most experimental that they've ever gone, the whole concept of the album is duality, while Veron's talking about failing at finding himself, he's as well questioning life, religion and going around his life experiences, making the album feels like Veron's reflecting about his own life. It's a masterpiece, full of moments of absolute beauty and sounds that I've never experienced before, I can easily say that this is one of best records of the year if not the best one, well done Justin, well done Bon Iver.    … Expand
  23. 2016starts
    Sep 30, 2016
    9
    Another beautiful album by Justin Vernon ! He experiments here something completely new. And the result is beautiful and interesting. The changes of styles are simply perfect.
  24. rockywillson
    Sep 30, 2016
    10
    Truly an achievement. Could not bring myself to give this anything lower than a 10.
    There's such a demanding beauty shooting through this entire record, whether it's the lo-fi/overproduced ambience or the stacked harmonies found in each track. Justin emotions are as up front as ever; sharp, and painfully honest. His struggles with spiritual beliefs, the direction of the band and efforts    Truly an achievement. Could not bring myself to give this anything lower than a 10.
    There's such a demanding beauty shooting through this entire record, whether it's the lo-fi/overproduced ambience or the stacked harmonies found in each track. Justin emotions are as up front as ever; sharp, and painfully honest. His struggles with spiritual beliefs, the direction of the band and efforts of soul searching all somehow come across through the ambiguous lyricism we've come to know, more so than any of his previous work. For Emma puritans will probably be up in arms, which is a real shame, because they're missing the most sonically intriguing record of the decade. I've never enjoyed listening to music as much as I did listening to this.

    I was hesitant to compare this to Kid A, and as much as I now agree, at the same time, this release as a whole is just it's own entire entity. I don't think anything else is going to sound like this.
    Hope this helps!    … Expand
  25. adambrandt
    Oct 3, 2016
    10
    Amazing piece of art. First listen: what is this? Second listen: hmm. Third listen: crying like a small child for reasons I can't explain. So thankful that Justin plucked this beautiful work out of the ether.
  26. Cyrone
    Oct 2, 2016
    6
    Overrated garbage. Seriously, how badly do you have to be on Bon Iver's **** to actually say this is genius? It sounds like a high school graduate created this in his electronic music class. Songwriting is piss poor and save for a couple beat here and there, I see no reason to listen to this again. This is coming from someone who thought his 2012 album was a 10/10.
    This is a poor man's    Overrated garbage. Seriously, how badly do you have to be on Bon Iver's **** to actually say this is genius? It sounds like a high school graduate created this in his electronic music class. Songwriting is piss poor and save for a couple beat here and there, I see no reason to listen to this again. This is coming from someone who thought his 2012 album was a 10/10.
    This is a poor man's James Blake. Also, no Kanye??    … Expand
  27. andrewsalgado
    Oct 4, 2016
    2
    This is pretty dreadful. Hopefully its a grower, but its screechy, annoying, overly-vocoded grinding nonsense that sort of meanders around melodies and never finds any.
    I loved For Emma. The second album was...average. Overrated. This is pretty terrible
  28. anonymous1baby
    Nov 2, 2016
    0
    Sad, just sad.

    Another seemingly bright musical talent seduced by the dark side of self-indulgent idiots thinking we'll buy unfinished junk. This record is the musical equivalent of Warhol's soup cans with the exception that at least Warhol was unique. This sonic junk gimmickry has all been done before. Maybe I can come redecorate Justin's house with junkyard finds and rotting    Sad, just sad.

    Another seemingly bright musical talent seduced by the dark side of self-indulgent idiots thinking we'll buy unfinished junk.

    This record is the musical equivalent of Warhol's soup cans with the exception that at least Warhol was unique. This sonic junk gimmickry has all been done before.

    Maybe I can come redecorate Justin's house with junkyard finds and rotting fruit and sell it as art?    … Expand
  29. Engobbaz
    Dec 21, 2016
    0
    To me it is incomprehensible how a musical act can go from Masterpiece to Mutilated garbage in 4 short years, there is nothing even remotely similar to Bon Ivers previous music on this album. This is truly bad, I struggle to believe that anybody truly liked this, despite positive reviews.

    Im utterly shocked how Bon Iver could blurt out something like this after creating 1 utterly    To me it is incomprehensible how a musical act can go from Masterpiece to Mutilated garbage in 4 short years, there is nothing even remotely similar to Bon Ivers previous music on this album. This is truly bad, I struggle to believe that anybody truly liked this, despite positive reviews.

    Im utterly shocked how Bon Iver could blurt out something like this after creating 1 utterly beautiful album and followed that up with another great album, only to completely shatter the perfect illusion like this. One of the biggest dissapointments in music I have ever experienced. I made an account here just to write this.    … Expand
  30. Targayrean
    Oct 21, 2016
    10
    Beautifully cosmic, Cinematically structured evoking feelings through aesthetic and never hits you over the head with obviousness. 22, A Million has a cute whimzy about it that uses melodies that dance to the sounds in the record. It's clear that there are inspirations from contemporary classical and it's beautiful to see so many genres, elements, and ideas to come together in such aBeautifully cosmic, Cinematically structured evoking feelings through aesthetic and never hits you over the head with obviousness. 22, A Million has a cute whimzy about it that uses melodies that dance to the sounds in the record. It's clear that there are inspirations from contemporary classical and it's beautiful to see so many genres, elements, and ideas to come together in such a linear sounding collection of songs. The melodies are more soulful that folky that are accessible but clouded in electronics cool enough for your average hip hop record. Top tracks: 715 Creeks, 666, 33 God, 21 Moonwater, and 45.… Expand
  31. Ricko
    Aug 20, 2018
    7
    Album number 3 from Bon Iver is a curveball. Strangely, despite a seismic shift in direction, Vernon's trademark style is so unique that it is unmistakably a Bon Iver record. The song titles are hard to decipher mixtures of words, special characters and numbers and the music is similarly inaccessible. "22, A Million" is as far removed from the traditional songwriting of debut "For Emma,Album number 3 from Bon Iver is a curveball. Strangely, despite a seismic shift in direction, Vernon's trademark style is so unique that it is unmistakably a Bon Iver record. The song titles are hard to decipher mixtures of words, special characters and numbers and the music is similarly inaccessible. "22, A Million" is as far removed from the traditional songwriting of debut "For Emma, Forver Ago" as you can get. Each track is an idea in its own right and most come in somewhere between 2 and half and 3 and a half minutes meaning that the ideas never get boring but equally they rarely get a chance to breath and develop. Even on tracks like "33 God", which have the more traditional Bon Iver sound, you have layers of complexity going on in the background. The biggest change is the introduction of samples and electronic beats. "22, A Million" while strange in parts is a rewarding listen that grows on the listener with time and repeated visits. Like previous Bon Iver albums, you have a gorgeous soundscape underpinning the whole album and the individual tracks fit into this environment perfectly to give a satisfying listening experience. Bon Iver's "Kid A".… Expand
  32. stanTM4
    Feb 15, 2017
    10
    After a hiatus that we had to endure for what felt like easily over a millennia Justin Vernon’s finest act, Bon Iver, has graced fans and music listeners alike with a new album titled ‘22, A million’. This album, filled with cavernous beats and grunge heavy riffs, with a specialty for the subtle beauty is not for everyone. Some fans may even find it too strong of a shift in direction fromAfter a hiatus that we had to endure for what felt like easily over a millennia Justin Vernon’s finest act, Bon Iver, has graced fans and music listeners alike with a new album titled ‘22, A million’. This album, filled with cavernous beats and grunge heavy riffs, with a specialty for the subtle beauty is not for everyone. Some fans may even find it too strong of a shift in direction from their previous work, whose indie rock feats were both experimental and refreshing.
    Such songs like ‘666’ and ‘33 God’ have such up-tempo rhythmic patterns and lighter instrumentation that their commercial fans may find pleasantly nostalgic. The pertinent attention to detail is very much evident in this project as well. It’s even been explained by Justin himself how himself and some other artist and engineers crafted a new vocoder type machine in the making of 22. This culminates in a sound that separates Vernon’s voice in a distortion that establishes his presence in the music as foreign and extracted, even other-worldly.
    It’s Vernon ability to sound incredibly in tuned with the feelings attributed to love, lost, regret, guilt, divine intervention, and spirituality that has spawned his career in the direction it’s in. 22 is no different, and I even find this technique of musical craftsmanship as more ground-breaking and pathway making due to all of its defining revelations through obscurities. Nothing on this album is predictable, and those pockets of beautify and repeated listens of bliss are what make the album that much better. For instance, once I found out what the sample on ‘22 Over soon’ was about, it elevated my listening experiences for that song and connected me to its message that much more.
    This ethereal music was preempted by Justin’s 2015 dynamic ‘Heavenly Father’ as well as his contributions to the Staves, Frank Oceans, and James Blake’s latest projects. ‘715 Creeks’ encompasses stripped back, auto-tuned, James Blake-type vulnerability written all over it. Vocally, Justin’s performance is merely a piece of the tracks overall purpose of projecting feelings of lost and reminiscence of love that may now or ever have ‘mean something’. He uses his voice as just another instrument, and it works out resoundingly. Those last few lines on that song alone convey such powerful passion and energy outside of Blake’s comfort or realm of capability. This is why Justin’s one of indie rocks most profound voices and has continued with this project to push the sound of music and artist ambition in the wake of it. Now just listen to ‘8(circle)’ with your eyes closed and enjoy the beauty that this album presents.    … Expand
  33. Elucidator
    Nov 27, 2016
    9
    If you want something more listenable, check out Volcano Choir, another group Justin is a part of.
    I was disappointed at first -- the sensitive accessibility of For Emma and Bon Iver is gone in this album, replaced with more bizarre choices that at first appear to be nothing more than shocking and provocative. However, I found myself drawn back to it repeatedly, eventually craving the    If you want something more listenable, check out Volcano Choir, another group Justin is a part of.
    I was disappointed at first -- the sensitive accessibility of For Emma and Bon Iver is gone in this album, replaced with more bizarre choices that at first appear to be nothing more than shocking and provocative. However, I found myself drawn back to it repeatedly, eventually craving the dissonant, winding tunes, distortions, samples and drawls. Justin proves to be an absolute master of his craft here, infusing every moment with complex emotional landscapes, connotations and associations, creating a sense of nostalgia, wonder and wistfulness through semi-abstract sound. His control and bold direction are both laudable, and though this release doesn't have the radio appeal of Skinny Love or Holocene, it was the only way up for him. As admirable as it is, it reads more as a frenetic mental essay than "music", sacrificing easy listening for emotional punches and wallowing melodrama. While I think this was the right choice to continue the growth of the Bon Iver project, it does leave me wishing for a standout statement piece that could champion the album, much like Skinny Love or Holocene. Unfortunately, each track almost washes together into a long, winding journey, and no track stands out powerfully as an instant favourite.    … Expand
  34. longjetty7
    Nov 21, 2016
    5
    I've tried really hard to like this album, but I just can't. Normally I appreciate experimental music, but this album feels intentionally defiant, like it's trying to be as challenging as possible, and I just can't handle that level of pretension. Everything about 22, A Million, from the cryptic lyrics, to the Aphex Twin-like song titles, to the jarring song structures, feels soI've tried really hard to like this album, but I just can't. Normally I appreciate experimental music, but this album feels intentionally defiant, like it's trying to be as challenging as possible, and I just can't handle that level of pretension. Everything about 22, A Million, from the cryptic lyrics, to the Aphex Twin-like song titles, to the jarring song structures, feels so unnecessarily rebellious. The best moments of the album are when Bon Iver writes actual songs with melodies and interesting instrumentation (10 deathbreast, 666), but these moments are few and far between, and the album goes by too quickly to feel substantial or satisfying. There are some pretty moments that redeem this album from being in the red, but overall this is a confusing and disappointing listen.… Expand
  35. Blanche
    Nov 5, 2016
    8
    Having never listened to Bon Iver's previous material, I thought I would pick this up when I heard they were going for an experimental, glitzy electronic direction. The songs released prior to the full album release piqued my interest so I thought why not.

    The album is quite conceptual, perhaps too conceptual since the obnoxious track titles only make it more difficult for me to    Having never listened to Bon Iver's previous material, I thought I would pick this up when I heard they were going for an experimental, glitzy electronic direction. The songs released prior to the full album release piqued my interest so I thought why not.

    The album is quite conceptual, perhaps too conceptual since the obnoxious track titles only make it more difficult for me to remember specific songs - the lack of sharp hooks also adds to this. But that also makes the album even more appealing, the spontaneity of the very well-crafted production helps maintain its organic output when it is combining with the synthetic. The wailing vocals of Vernon fuse with the carefully chosen chord progressions to create this sad, yet fulfilling emotional aesthetic my ears craved for.

    Anyone who says that the production sounds like a kid made it clearly have an awful understanding of electronic music and clearly don't understand the fantastic perspectives it brings to their sound.

    The only reasons I think that this album isn't quite amazing is because sometimes the syncopated production has points where it sounds convoluted, certain points where the amount of elements are too overly intricate for my ears to properly digest. The lyrics also didn't strike me at times as well. Lastly, as I said before, it very much sounds like a concept album so picking out particular songs I like isn't very easy.

    Overall, it's certainly a fantastic album and I'm glad I gave it a shot. The record is just overproduced at times.    … Expand
  36. gustavonever
    Mar 29, 2017
    10
    A emoção retirada de momentos harmoniosos já seria impressionante levando em conta a sonoridade que o Bon Iver vinha trazendo em seus álbuns anteriores, mas dessa vez eles soaram muito mais emocionantes trazendo músicas mais desconstruídas.
  37. brianmo
    Dec 1, 2016
    9
    With more electronic and experimental sides, Bon Iver still delivered a very solid record. Underneath it all, it's still the same feeling that was conveyed in both For Emma and BI, BI. Justin Vernon has truly reinvented his music and it's a triumph.
  38. sratomasfer
    Feb 28, 2017
    6
    I was pretty underwhelmed with this record. It seems to me that Justin is trying to borrow from glitch electronic artists like Proem and Thom Yorke in order to cover up the fact that the record is full of unfinished ideas. I'm glad he's trying to go somewhere different sonically but I want it to be more honest and less artificial in use.
  39. tino_bandito
    Jan 23, 2017
    8
    Bon Iver continues to grow and experiment greatly in all his albums. This album is a superb progression of where I'd expect his music to go, but it's way too short.
  40. krazyyeti555
    Feb 1, 2017
    10
    Justin Vernon's latest masterpiece comes in a possibly unexpected form, but the emotion and beauty that drives his music is absolutely present - and possibly at its finest - in the setting of 22, A Million. Bold, cohesive, and gorgeous, Vernon's soundscapes here reach new heights of technological marvel while retaining that pure expression of humanity that draws so many to his music.Justin Vernon's latest masterpiece comes in a possibly unexpected form, but the emotion and beauty that drives his music is absolutely present - and possibly at its finest - in the setting of 22, A Million. Bold, cohesive, and gorgeous, Vernon's soundscapes here reach new heights of technological marvel while retaining that pure expression of humanity that draws so many to his music. Easily one of the best albums of 2016, and becoming a top favorite of mine with every listen. Must hear tracks are "33 God", "#29 Strafford", and "8 Circle", though the album is so majestic in sequence that it must be heard together to fully digest and appreciate it.… Expand
  41. friedrichroger
    Mar 6, 2017
    10
    É o primeiro trabalho do Bon Iver que escuto, e suas músicas simplesmente penetraram na minha cabeça, parece que estou participando de um ritual do qual não quero sair. A começar pela capa do álbum que veio carregada de simbologismo assim como suas músicas. Uma obra de arte.
  42. bruzrs
    Apr 10, 2017
    10
    So strong and beautifully constructed. What at first seems like a random displaying of concepts and sounds turns out to be one of the most peculiar masterpieces of all time. The sense of “22, A Million” is something hidden, something that our ears has yet to discover when we first start listening.
  43. C_dot
    May 22, 2019
    10
    22, a Million is a large stylistic change for Bon Iver. It is apparent that Vernon's past collaborations with Kanye West made an impact on the cut. It is the most experimental and abstract project Vernon has ever made, and it is a welcomed change. The glitches and vocal instruments are new, unique sounds that Vernon executes with precision. Bon Iver keeps moving forward, and Vernon remains22, a Million is a large stylistic change for Bon Iver. It is apparent that Vernon's past collaborations with Kanye West made an impact on the cut. It is the most experimental and abstract project Vernon has ever made, and it is a welcomed change. The glitches and vocal instruments are new, unique sounds that Vernon executes with precision. Bon Iver keeps moving forward, and Vernon remains infallible.… Expand
  44. rachelyoung248
    Jun 15, 2018
    9
    The opening lines in the song 8 (circle) "Philosophize your figure/What I have and haven't held" sums up this album perfectly. This is beautifully written, experimental album by Justin Vernon. It breaks down songs, adding electronica, and glitches, and then pulling the songs together with resolving chords. The album sound is fresh with lyrics that explore the purpose and fragility inThe opening lines in the song 8 (circle) "Philosophize your figure/What I have and haven't held" sums up this album perfectly. This is beautifully written, experimental album by Justin Vernon. It breaks down songs, adding electronica, and glitches, and then pulling the songs together with resolving chords. The album sound is fresh with lyrics that explore the purpose and fragility in life, and are held together with Vernon's melody's and soaring falsetto voice. Its a must listen!… Expand
  45. Gimz0
    Feb 25, 2019
    9
    Aside from the glaring EDGE this album protrudes, it really is fantastic in a way which is hard to describe at first. Even if you're not a fan indie or electronica, please give this a few listens; as this albums depth doesn't really show itself after just one listen. Even after listening to this project dozens of times, I still find myself mesmerized by the almost melancholy tone of thisAside from the glaring EDGE this album protrudes, it really is fantastic in a way which is hard to describe at first. Even if you're not a fan indie or electronica, please give this a few listens; as this albums depth doesn't really show itself after just one listen. Even after listening to this project dozens of times, I still find myself mesmerized by the almost melancholy tone of this piece. A true work of art.… Expand
  46. editero
    Feb 12, 2019
    10
    this album reminds me of my past, an album that was criticized in its release and today is seen as an example album for the greatest producers on the planet, I love this album since the launch because of the boldness to show such a wide musicality and futuristic, like Travis Scott's songs in 2018, when he did not win the Grammy for best rap album, people and critics are not yet ready tothis album reminds me of my past, an album that was criticized in its release and today is seen as an example album for the greatest producers on the planet, I love this album since the launch because of the boldness to show such a wide musicality and futuristic, like Travis Scott's songs in 2018, when he did not win the Grammy for best rap album, people and critics are not yet ready to understand the new era of music, simply one of the best album in the history of music.… Expand
  47. XalderAlenPurge
    Aug 11, 2019
    1
    An amorphous clump of electronic navel gazing, it is so vague as to barely suggest any points. It seems more interested in complex overly long musical passages than telling a story or something worthwhile
  48. GabrielPaz
    Feb 9, 2020
    6
    Ele tentou mas conseguiu fazer um conjunto de músicas que doem o ouvido as vezes, distorções são boas quando você usa elas com sabedoria, e Bon Iver não usou tão bem, esse album tem músicas muito boas mas como uma obra completa ele peca demais.
  49. MidWestWill
    Mar 22, 2020
    10
    Bon. Iver. This album is truly a thrill ride and an absolute joy to listen to. Justin Vernon proves once again that he is one of the most talented musicians working today. Every note, every lyric is meticulously placed just so, and it's really nothing short of perfect. Because of how brilliantly this album is sewn together I remember every song very well since first listening to it inBon. Iver. This album is truly a thrill ride and an absolute joy to listen to. Justin Vernon proves once again that he is one of the most talented musicians working today. Every note, every lyric is meticulously placed just so, and it's really nothing short of perfect. Because of how brilliantly this album is sewn together I remember every song very well since first listening to it in 2016. The lyrics are perfectly poetic about love and relationships without being completely obvious. A lot of the album is left up to interpretation which leaves people being able to talk about it still in 2019. And the way he designed the track list is very genius. The numerical pattern encourages the listener to listen through the album all the way through, numerically which is the best way to listen because of these smooth ass transitions. Vernons' vocals sound very contained, yet very powerful and tortured. Like I said before, everything about this album is perfect or close to perfect. Tracks like 715 - CR∑∑KS, 8 (circle), ____45_____ and, 33 “god” stand apart from the rest in the vocals, instrumentals, and pure, beautiful storytelling from Vernon. This album is one of the best tracks of the last 5 years, and maybe one of the best of the decade, setting Bon Iver apart from a lot of other artists out there today. And for those reasons, Bon Iver most definitely deserves a 10/10.… Expand
  50. olivergibbon99
    Jul 20, 2020
    10
    This is truly Bon Iver's best release, no exceptions. It did take a long time to grow on me, admittedly. But 4 years after its release I feel like I can see it for what it really is. It's borders on indecipherable—but when you finally do make sense of the record, it's their most satisfying release to date
  51. hdcooper
    Apr 8, 2021
    8
    A complex and abstract record that creates meaning in how the words and sounds feel, rather than exactly what they say. Vernon's take on purpose of religion is refreshing.

    8.8/10
  52. Wanesta
    Jan 9, 2022
    10
    What people don’t seem to understand about 22, A Million is not only how breathtaking it is, but more specifically how it’s nothing less than brilliant. Bon Iver found a way, yet again, to expand his immense talent further than what mankind can possibly create. Imagine “Lost In the World”, one of Justin Vernon’s finest works that always got kept as a hidden gem, already an immense song,What people don’t seem to understand about 22, A Million is not only how breathtaking it is, but more specifically how it’s nothing less than brilliant. Bon Iver found a way, yet again, to expand his immense talent further than what mankind can possibly create. Imagine “Lost In the World”, one of Justin Vernon’s finest works that always got kept as a hidden gem, already an immense song, having its structure and beauty be blended onto an entire album. Words are hard to express how every second of 22, A Million is brutally magnificent so the only task left is to sit down, close your eyes and enjoy the ride.… Expand
  53. siggi104
    Jul 8, 2022
    10
    I can't describe the feeling I felt listening to this album the first time. It's on of those LP's that are so good it discouraged me from making music knowing I could never reach that level.
  54. msteck
    Aug 31, 2022
    10
    Brilliant writing, thoughtful arrangement and production, and a plethora of fresh ideas executed at the highest level. It is the complete package.

Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Best Album of 2016
27
#27 Most Discussed Album of 2016
54
#54 Most Shared Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 41 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 41
  3. Negative: 0 out of 41
  1. Magnet
    Nov 16, 2016
    85
    Vernon's gorgeous falsetto and vice grip on melody hold it all together beautifully. [No. 137, p.52]
  2. Record Collector
    Nov 3, 2016
    100
    While some may sneer at the glitches and production tricks that pepper the record, thinking them mere gimmicks, those who stick around long enough will be rewarded by a string of mature, thoughtful songs emerging from their concealment, gradually revealing a little more of themselves with each play.
    Read full review
  3. Los Angeles Times
    Oct 14, 2016
    80
    Vernon is in no rush to clear up any of this--to harden ideas about himself or his art--on 22, a Million, which represents an even bigger leap than Bon Iver’s previous record.
    Read full review
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