Bon Iver
by Bon Iver
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 348 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 309 out of 348
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 348
  3. Negative: 12 out of 348
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  1. Wanesta
    Jan 9, 2022
    9
    Take everything that was so deeply charming about Bon Iver's debut, but add a bigger budget, a bigger band, and bigger ambition. The result? You get this album, a grandiose effort that brings, again, a lot of love to unpack into lonely souls. What is so good about this self-titled project is that everything great about For Emma, Forever Ago gets amplified, and it's an amazing thing to achieve.
  2. All_ButTrU4
    Dec 6, 2021
    8
    Akin to For Emma, Bon Iver breaks the listener's heart. And to experience an album (an oft-dreaded sophomore album, no less) that evokes such deep emotion is a welcomed pain.
  3. Tbone413
    Sep 25, 2021
    10
    One of the best albums ever. A spiritual, stirring, magical and gorgeous journey the whole way through.
  4. hdcooper
    Apr 8, 2021
    6
    A subtle, nuanced work that is beautiful to listen to and creates imagery with each sound.

    6.8/10
  5. fifi3
    Jan 21, 2020
    8
    Bon Iver's self entitled project is an intimate and endearing project. The instrumentals are gorgeously layered and nuanced. Justin Vernon's falsetto is the stuff of legend. It's complete and cohesive. An album that's combination of musicality and heart-piercing soul equates to a relatively clear and timeless classic.
  6. Jes1310
    Aug 27, 2019
    9
    Follow up on Justin Vernons amazing debut. Bon Iver continues to deliver beautiful songs. In many ways a more complex album than the debut and maybe not an instant classic (like the debut) but listen to it a few times and this fully delivers.
  7. C_dot
    May 22, 2019
    9
    Justin Vernon continues to amaze as Bon Iver's frontman. Vernon's song writing remains impeccable while maintaining the gorgeous, intimate Bon Iver sound. Throughout the album, you can feel Vernon slowly painting a masterpiece in your mind as the album progresses.
  8. JeanDracolosse
    Jul 29, 2017
    10
    Beauty. This is the world that summarize this album the best. The lyrics are as well written and intimate as FE,FA, the main difference with it is the instrumentation. BI feels like a big album, with its grandiose tracks (Perth, Calgary) and its intimate ones (Wash, Beth/Rest). The flow of the album is very good, and its short length make it easy to listen.
  9. greekmatthew
    Apr 12, 2017
    10
    This is hand's down Bon Iver's best work. Every song is set on a personal level that speaks directly to the heart. Justin Vernon's words are unique, captivating, and symbolic.
  10. tino_bandito
    Jan 23, 2017
    9
    Absolutely love Bon Iver's unconventional folk / alternative style and this album really shows his character and the type of subtle, ambient music that he's clearly an expert at creating. It's funny to think that this type of music was loved by even artists like Kanye, enough to include Bon Iver in Kanye's music.
  11. longjetty7
    Nov 9, 2016
    8
    This is my favorite Bon Iver album. It's uplifting, tear-jerking, and emotional. A perfect album to play when you're feeling down or need a pick-me-up. Songs like Perth, Holocene, and Beth/Rest are fantastic and sublime, and most of the other songs are good as well. There are some slower songs that don't quite live up to the best moments of the album, but overall, this is a pretty strongThis is my favorite Bon Iver album. It's uplifting, tear-jerking, and emotional. A perfect album to play when you're feeling down or need a pick-me-up. Songs like Perth, Holocene, and Beth/Rest are fantastic and sublime, and most of the other songs are good as well. There are some slower songs that don't quite live up to the best moments of the album, but overall, this is a pretty strong album that is easy to get lost in.… Expand
  12. exodus9237
    Mar 7, 2016
    10
    I am late here. I clearly remember the days leading up to the release of this album, five years on. The sound of For Emma, Forever Ago was still haunting me in a way. Every song, every line, every note, Bon Iver's debut opened my mind in a way no other album has. It really grows on you.

    But I'm not going to talk about that one now. This is about Bon Iver, the long-awaited (for me, for    I am late here. I clearly remember the days leading up to the release of this album, five years on. The sound of For Emma, Forever Ago was still haunting me in a way. Every song, every line, every note, Bon Iver's debut opened my mind in a way no other album has. It really grows on you.

    But I'm not going to talk about that one now. This is about Bon Iver, the long-awaited (for me, for me) second album of Justin Vernon's project. I remember a friend telling me: "Have you heard Bon Iver's new album, it has great drums". It was a simple conversation, the album HAS great drums, and singing, and songwriting, and keyboards, and pianos, and guitars, and basses.....sorry I let myself go there. But that's what it is, great, in every sense of the word. It is a whole damn trip. A trip full of emotion, and that sounds common, but it is, it makes you feel, the perfect arrangements, the haunting melodies and Justin's voice, that in a way does not change much from the previous album, but here it sounds free, instead of painful.

    What else should I say? Is difficult to explain the way my brain reacts when I hear Towers first chords, and then it changes, the same with Holocene or Calgary or Wash, even Hinnom is not my usual kind of song with its ethereal voice and quirky choruses, but I love it. And let's talk about Beth/Rest: in the worst opinions you can read comparisons with Enya, and this song, which is the one that most resembles the once-famous singer, it is worlds apart from that because it is a pop song, but not with that focus in changing and growing, but with its idea focused in making you feel, whatever you want, think whatever you want and that's it, that's how the album finishes. Talking about a great conclusion.

    Come on, did you think I am finished? Ok, just something more. Even the freaking cover is great. Ok, that is subjective, and I know, this is my opinion, obviously the music is also subjective, but if you have respect for songwriting and music made in a unique way, just give it a listen. Yeah, five years later, whatever. (Maybe you'll realize you have lost five years of pure enjoyment, ok I'm just kidding) (But think about it). (Seriously).

    (Did I mentioned that Bon Iver is a freaking nine piece?) Ok, now I'm finished.    … Expand
  13. Sani
    Jan 11, 2016
    9
    This is such an important album to me. Lyrically, complex yet deeply personal. Justin struck gold. "Holocene" is the bands best. Fantastic balance of sound and so well strung together.
  14. stephenkipp4
    Sep 22, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It is extremely difficult to locate the direction in which Justin Vernon went in completing "Bon Iver". "For Emma, Forever Ago" was a brilliant album full of intimate lyrics with a very autobiographical approach and it is undoubtedly one of the greatest releases of the 21st century. However, even upon first listen to the epic opener, "Perth", it is clear that the album appears more mature in its own right; the music has a more consistent flow and the instrumentation appears to be increased in variety. It can be argued that there is not that intimacy that one may find on "For Emma...", but it is difficult to ignore the earnest voice and lyrics of Justin Vernon. This is perfectly depicted in "Holocene", as Vernon's smooth and virtually faultless falsetto break cleanly into a clean and meditative acoustic guitar tune; his hauntingly beautiful words are a beautiful tribute to the Bon Iver that made "For Emma..." so spectacularly brilliant, yet carry a distinct tone of abandonment and yearning for love. "Towers" continues the joyride with an upbeat musical riff complimented beautifully by a saxophone and pedal slide in the background courtesy of Colin Stetson and Greg Leisz; it is almost too short of a song to truly grasp what Vernon is attempting to write, but provides a seamless interlude to "Michicant". Indeed, within the meat of this album beats a heart of poetry, of loneliness, of isolation, of love, and of rebirth. All of this is compiled into a final piece that epitomizes the world in which the modern man (and woman) lives. At just over five minutes in length, "Beth/Rest" is a startlingly beautiful and introspective masterpiece that blends 80s synths with smooth saxophone inputs and electric guitars that pay heavy tribute to Peter Gabrielle and the Post-rock era. Mixed reviews have lingered with this song, as some have criticized Vernon's auto-tuned voice and the shift in musical qualities that define the piece. However, such commentary is reduced to insignificance when the first icy notes from Vernon's synth hammer into an utter sea of brilliance. "Beth/Rest" grips the listener and invites him or her on a contemporary tour into the mind of Justin Vernon; it offers a heart-wrenching tour-de-force that reassures us, comforts us, and isolates us into the brilliance of Bon Iver. "Bon Iver" is a definitive album concerning what a masterpiece should sound like. Give this one a listen, you won't regret it.… Expand
  15. ellisfetus
    May 30, 2015
    6
    While it represents a new musical direction for Bon Iver, I feel that it was a mistake, changing most of the good aspects from the band's previous two albums into an over-produced mess.
  16. ughnicewatch
    Mar 23, 2015
    9
    Very difficult album to sit through in its entirety. Not because of any tediousness however, but simply because you have to keep replaying the last track...
  17. MorriBey
    Apr 8, 2014
    10
    This is an amazing album. It took me over a year to like it though. I had scored it 0. I couldnt get it. Stuck on a plane for too many hours and listening to it made me realise what i missed. Its epic.
  18. godwinkent888
    Apr 3, 2014
    8
    It's still good, though. I really really love Bon Iver's music. However, this album just gives this impression that Justin Vernon was better off by himself.
  19. lilkillpappy
    Oct 10, 2013
    10
    This is a very easy review to write. Bon Iver has created another great album. The music of Bon Iver is possibly the best music in history, so that's all there is to say about it. Hope Justin Vernon comes out with more!
  20. christplatt
    Jun 21, 2013
    10
    I originally gave this 9 but I had to come back and top up. I don't think I will ever get bored of this amazing collection of ethereal gems. I can't find a flaw with this record its become one my favourite albums ever. The songwriting here is second to none, if I had to pick favourite tracks then Holocene, Perth and Beth/Rest are beautiful, however so is every other track.
  21. BENNEB
    Feb 20, 2013
    10
    Yes, Bon Iver did it again. An improvement from their previous album. With soothing and ambient settings in the songs, this is their best. Original and trying something new, I did not expect it to be that good. But now, my mind is set. Perth was a great song, starting with a arm-style movement, followed by soothing sounds in Minnesota, WI. Holocene is calm and gentle, followed by TowersYes, Bon Iver did it again. An improvement from their previous album. With soothing and ambient settings in the songs, this is their best. Original and trying something new, I did not expect it to be that good. But now, my mind is set. Perth was a great song, starting with a arm-style movement, followed by soothing sounds in Minnesota, WI. Holocene is calm and gentle, followed by Towers and Michicant respectively, all calm and nice. Then there was the best moment, Hinnom, TX. 'And in Hinnom'. The best song ever. The greatest experimentation with superb vocals. Then the seabreeze Wash., calm tensions. Then Calgary, a nice emotional song. Follow by Lisbon, OH and Beth/Rest, the final ending worth listening. The best album of that year. And Hinnom, TX, the best song ever!… Expand
  22. TuataraTim
    Jan 30, 2013
    5
    As a separate album from For Emma, this really is a decent album. It has a nice, pretty sound, and has some cool instrumentation. But in comparison to For Emma, it is a slap in the face for me. Rather than than just Vernon armed with only his guitar, he brings in a dozen other people to completely change the record. It feels sloppy, overdone, and an act of shark jumping. This record isAs a separate album from For Emma, this really is a decent album. It has a nice, pretty sound, and has some cool instrumentation. But in comparison to For Emma, it is a slap in the face for me. Rather than than just Vernon armed with only his guitar, he brings in a dozen other people to completely change the record. It feels sloppy, overdone, and an act of shark jumping. This record is just too forced, it lacks the heart that For Emma had.… Expand
  23. charlesobrien
    Sep 9, 2012
    9
    An absolute classic which only just falls short of being amongst the same pedigree of his earlier work.
  24. Cobweb
    Aug 17, 2012
    10
    This is a great album, probably even better than For Emma, Forever Ago. It is, in many ways, a very immediate album, with gorgeous melodies that hit the listener instantly and excellent production that lends it a clean feeling. But it can also be a slow-building album. It may take a while for some listeners to wrap their heads around the deliberately cheesy 80s-homage that is "Beth/Rest,"This is a great album, probably even better than For Emma, Forever Ago. It is, in many ways, a very immediate album, with gorgeous melodies that hit the listener instantly and excellent production that lends it a clean feeling. But it can also be a slow-building album. It may take a while for some listeners to wrap their heads around the deliberately cheesy 80s-homage that is "Beth/Rest," but once they do so they'll find that the song buried inside stands out as one of the best on the album. The album is sequenced excellently, with songs flowing into one another and feeling interconnected without ever being same-y and boring. The buildup of the slow, haunting opener "Perth" gets paid off in the frantic, almost country-esque "Minnesota, WI" (which, surprisingly, features Justin Vernon singing in a rich baritone rather than his usual falsetto). "Michican't," "Hinnom, TX," and "Wash" feel like one long alternate-reality indie-folk version of "Bohemian Rhapsody." The closing one-two punch of "Calgary" and "Beth/Rest" contains some of the most brilliant work Bon Iver has ever done. If you're the sort of person who doesn't like slow songs or sad songs this probably isn't the album for you, but if you're of a more mellow disposition or simply appreciate all kinds of music, this is worth checking out. The standout track, in my opinion, would be "Calgary," but the general public seems to prefer "Holocene," so make what you will of that.… Expand
  25. TheDRauch
    Jul 31, 2012
    8
    Bon Iver's second, self-titled release brings out warm, wintry, sipping-hot-cocoa-in-a-log-cabin feelings, but manages to balance them with fits of torrential emotion that is what truly defines the release. There is evidence of a matured artist here and their craft really speaks for itself.
  26. Lordpall
    Feb 25, 2012
    10
    Best album I've ever heard in my life..When I listened to this album, the first time was an orgasm, the second time i cried, then i cry everytime I listen to this album. Simply magic.
  27. Vampire25
    Jan 25, 2012
    9
    Bon Iver's sophomore album sounds like Justin Vernon coming out of the woods and out of the "For Emma, Forever Ago" stage. Bon Iver is officially a band that needs to be reckoned with. The instrumentals swoon on this album. Justin Vernon's falsetto is just as gorgeous, if not more, than For Emma. Bon Iver, Bon Iver may not be as fantastic as their debut album, but it's pretty damn close. A-
  28. LuizCC
    Jan 12, 2012
    5
    I don't get the fuss-over about this album. Seriously, it might have folk-based songs and good lyrics, but the last time I checked this mix wasn't supposed to become so boring. It has not a compelling theme like their debut, and Vernom's turned the weakness in a fake bravery. I hope they improve the results they had in this album.
  29. Crimsonking58
    Jan 9, 2012
    3
    I absolutely loved For Emma, Forever Ago. It was one of the most beautiful albums I had heard in a while, and it created such a soundscape with a minimal amount of instruments and very little multi-tracking. So what went wrong? The problem with this album is it's over reaching attempts to sound almost post-rock-y with it's ridiculous amount of added instrumentation that simply doesn'tI absolutely loved For Emma, Forever Ago. It was one of the most beautiful albums I had heard in a while, and it created such a soundscape with a minimal amount of instruments and very little multi-tracking. So what went wrong? The problem with this album is it's over reaching attempts to sound almost post-rock-y with it's ridiculous amount of added instrumentation that simply doesn't belong. The songs aren't intimate anymore, they are just a sea of "lets see what we can fit in to this song", which is ultimately much less enjoyable and incredibly forgettable.… Expand
  30. zmleslie
    Dec 30, 2011
    9
    Bon Iver is far from being an accessible band. In fact, the first time you listen to their sophomore efforts, you may become very discouraged from their high falsettos. But once you get used to their old-school, light synth-heavy sounds, the album becomes increasingly enjoyable every time you listen to it. It's a surprisingly rewarding record that easily goes down as one of the bests from 2011.
  31. Beau
    Dec 24, 2011
    10
    The greatest band you're not listening to. Every song has a meaning - and all of the lyrics are poetic and daring. You will never hear them on the radio as their songs require to much attention and thought to really grasp the universal greatness that they posses.
  32. Rafa018
    Dec 21, 2011
    10
    amazing album. The self-titled album is more than likely what Justin Vernon wanted to do originally with his first album, For Emma, Forever Ago. He considered those songs demos until they exploded on the internet and on various television shows +1 perfect!
  33. DanceVera
    Dec 18, 2011
    10
    I honestly didn't think For Emma could be beat, but this self-titled gem showed just how much more Justin Vernon is capable of. As a sax player, I have some serious appreciation for his use of the Bass Saxophone (played by awesome Canadian Jazz man, Colin Stetson), and Bon Iver's use of horns in general. This album somehow seamlessly weaves jazz and folk music without sounding eitherI honestly didn't think For Emma could be beat, but this self-titled gem showed just how much more Justin Vernon is capable of. As a sax player, I have some serious appreciation for his use of the Bass Saxophone (played by awesome Canadian Jazz man, Colin Stetson), and Bon Iver's use of horns in general. This album somehow seamlessly weaves jazz and folk music without sounding either elitist or hokey. The only out of place song for me was Beth/Rest, reminding me a bit too much of 80's Christian artist, Michael W Smith... but it actually grew on me somehow. A lovely record that will find a home in my living room and on my headphones for a long time to come.… Expand
  34. ramona
    Dec 12, 2011
    9
    The only song that Iâ
  35. eleaone
    Dec 7, 2011
    10
    Even better than the last album. Less hidden in the woods, more in the open, with bits and piece from a wide range of influences and sounds. This is not an album that can be labeled as one thing. It is plural, and it is good !
  36. JRSnell
    Nov 12, 2011
    10
    This album is without doubt one of the best I have ever listened to. The way you can discover something new upon each listen is mesmerising and goes to show the sheer amount of effort and pure musical talent that went into the album. There is not a faultless track, with each offering a range of unique sounds alongside deeper meaning upon close listening. Listening to this transports you toThis album is without doubt one of the best I have ever listened to. The way you can discover something new upon each listen is mesmerising and goes to show the sheer amount of effort and pure musical talent that went into the album. There is not a faultless track, with each offering a range of unique sounds alongside deeper meaning upon close listening. Listening to this transports you to a place of brilliant scenery which has never been achieved before personally. For those who dislike this or simply don't get it, check out professional reviews, as they speak volumes and show just how amazing this peice of music really is.… Expand
  37. Ricko
    Nov 9, 2011
    8
    Although this record doesn't have the same magic the For Emma.. one thing that has to be acknowledged is Bon Iver's refusal to dish out the same again. The production feels a bit soulless and it just lacks the spirit that was present in its predecessor. Overall it's still a very good record but the first half of it is much stronger than the second. It really fades off into limbo a bitAlthough this record doesn't have the same magic the For Emma.. one thing that has to be acknowledged is Bon Iver's refusal to dish out the same again. The production feels a bit soulless and it just lacks the spirit that was present in its predecessor. Overall it's still a very good record but the first half of it is much stronger than the second. It really fades off into limbo a bit towards the end. It will be very interesting to see where this band goes next.… Expand
  38. Dub-C
    Oct 11, 2011
    10
    I get why some people say they don't "get" this album - it's generally slow and quiet, and very nuanced. It's a headphones listen. If you see the band live, you'll learn that it's miles more nuanced than you even imagined - there's 9 people on stage, switching instruments, melding their sounds so well that the music seems more simple than it really is. In my opinion, this album is justI get why some people say they don't "get" this album - it's generally slow and quiet, and very nuanced. It's a headphones listen. If you see the band live, you'll learn that it's miles more nuanced than you even imagined - there's 9 people on stage, switching instruments, melding their sounds so well that the music seems more simple than it really is. In my opinion, this album is just about perfect. Just quiet enough to be background music while I work or study, bombastic enough to hold my attention on a straight-thru listen, and a religious experience when seen in concert. Pick it up. The percentage of people that love it vs. those that don't is ridiculously off-center in favor of loving it. You just have to actually listen to it.… Expand
  39. finners_99
    Sep 26, 2011
    10
    I've struggled a little with this one, but eventually I've be won over. Perth, Holocene and Wash are simply outstanding pieces of music. Calgary is simply beautiful. There are some missteps here most notably Beth/Rest which had me looking around to see if Magnum PI had just driven by, it was dripping with a horrific (to me) 80s American sound, it nearly but not quite ruined the whole experience.
  40. Benjaminimal
    Sep 9, 2011
    10
    The album features opaque story telling, impeccably memorable musical arrangements that evoke the same emotional punch as For Emma, but on a much larger and grander scale.
  41. zimmertosser69
    Sep 2, 2011
    9
    Gods gift to the indie Iron and Wine crowd. This is a complete piece of art that has balance and texture throughout the entire CD. Vernon has the most exquisite voice currently obtainable in music and everyone including Kanye and James Blake has worked with him. I can't give much higher praise for any Cd released this year.
  42. fredphoesh
    Aug 29, 2011
    9
    This album WOULD be 10/10 if Forever Emma did not exist and this was the first, fresh blast of originality from bon iver. I'd say it's as good as Forever Emma, but it is very similar in tone, though the production and instruments used are more varied and complex - but without being forced or over done. Excellent album!
  43. Belmsher
    Aug 21, 2011
    7
    Despite some dull moments (Vernon's voice and production might be entirely magic but a bit tedious as well sometimes, bringing a winter feeling putting me half asleep, must confess), "Bon Iver, Bon Iver" is a consistent album, with absolutely breathtaking moments (Holocene, Minnesota, Perth), while some others easily come up a bit short concerning they're similiar to Vernon's otherDespite some dull moments (Vernon's voice and production might be entirely magic but a bit tedious as well sometimes, bringing a winter feeling putting me half asleep, must confess), "Bon Iver, Bon Iver" is a consistent album, with absolutely breathtaking moments (Holocene, Minnesota, Perth), while some others easily come up a bit short concerning they're similiar to Vernon's other records/projects tracks.… Expand
  44. Yurfrendenme
    Aug 20, 2011
    10
    Knowing Justin for years now, I can't believe how evolved he has become in his musical production. This self titled disc might be one of the best purchases you will ever make.
  45. wayywayytoocool
    Aug 9, 2011
    9
    Bon Iver return for their second album and oh what a wonderful album it is. It doesn't just sound like a collection of songs thrown together but a cohesive piece of art from start to finish. Kudos to Bon Iver
  46. louis-wilkinson
    Aug 1, 2011
    10
    Great!!!!
    I think it is fantastic,it is one of my favorite albums of the year so far
    It has lost of interesting drumming and all the tunes are lovely.
    It is im my opinion one of his best albums.
  47. GriffinDM
    Jul 31, 2011
    8
    I thought this album was a more upbeat (at times) and more all-around enjoyable than "Emma". Although I am partial to the acoustic sound compared to synth and electronic sound of most of the album, I found myself wanting to listen to this more for its tempo and its tracks ability to grow on me.
  48. wollenscke
    Jul 26, 2011
    9
    Absolutely stunning album. While listening to this second full length album from Bon Iver, there is a sense of space and atmosphere that is very difficult to explain. This sense can only be felt from listening to the entire album; start to finish. Overall, it is an unreal album that needs to be listened! 9/10
  49. lovemusic
    Jul 23, 2011
    8
    i liked this whole album it was decent. it had some good songs. it was a good folk album. if your not a folk music person don't even write an review for this. your just being an hater and a **** solid album
  50. mlaponsky
    Jul 20, 2011
    10
    People love giving one word to an album to describe it, one word to encapsulate its atmosphere, its feel, whatever have you. This is one album for which one word simply doesn't cut it. Bon Iver has lost none of his alone-in-the-woods thoughtfulness, yet meanwhile brings in a full band this time to produce something deeply layered, wonderfully produced and ultimately sublime album forPeople love giving one word to an album to describe it, one word to encapsulate its atmosphere, its feel, whatever have you. This is one album for which one word simply doesn't cut it. Bon Iver has lost none of his alone-in-the-woods thoughtfulness, yet meanwhile brings in a full band this time to produce something deeply layered, wonderfully produced and ultimately sublime album for those willing to sit down and truly listen to it.


    This is album is certainly not for the faint of heart listeners. One half-hearted listen and you could easily pass this off as highly synthesized easy listening. Yet as you listen to that first song, "Perth", you'll undoubtedly notice how it exploded, rupturing into a cacophonous string of distorted bass and guitar and bellowing double bass drums. Don't lose this moment; this is the moment that will tell you that this album is more than just your average indie rock production.


    The fact is that this album is a wonderfully intricate 10 song masterpiece. Justin Vernon heartbreaking falsetto negates any disappointment one may have over the unintelligible lyrics (literally, you can't understand more than 10 words he says without hurting yourself). The band he's managed to assemble is nothing short of magnificent, adding often times unpredictable and almost always inspiring support to Vernon's creation. You will often find a banjo strumming away in the background, a soft but ear-melting saxophone droning away or a trumpet blaring gently alongside the band. The production of the album adds yet more depth to the album. For something that feels so organic, a closer look at what you actually hear is surprisingly synthetic, marked by a slew of filters, distortions and effects. Yet it is never overwhelming; rather it serves to offer a remarkable balance, a very fine tightrope on which the organic sounds of a jam band sink wonderfully into a distinctly produced but tasteful digitization. "Bon Iver" never fails in its creativity. Almost undoubtedly a huge step forward musically for Justin Vernon from the Bon Iver debut "For Emma, Forever Ago," "Bon Iver" never fails to entrance you, but demands your effort to truly hear it. Its constantly shifting sonic landscape will rap your attention if you let yourself alone in the room with it and give yourself up to this truly fascinating and enthralling addition to the slew of wonderful albums of the year.    … Expand
  51. np6
    Jul 16, 2011
    10
    For me, this was the best album of 2011 so far. Better every time repeated listen. I know some have complained about it, but the added instrumentation works for me. I think it's actually a more rewarding and complex effort then "For Emma ...". It's as if "For Emma ..." was the effort that got him through the door but with "Bon Iver" he is going full blast towards a place he knows heFor me, this was the best album of 2011 so far. Better every time repeated listen. I know some have complained about it, but the added instrumentation works for me. I think it's actually a more rewarding and complex effort then "For Emma ...". It's as if "For Emma ..." was the effort that got him through the door but with "Bon Iver" he is going full blast towards a place he knows he belongs. Can't wait to hear these 10 songs performed live on stage.… Expand
  52. ns151
    Jul 14, 2011
    5
    In a word- it's boring. It has its moments, like "Skinny Love," a track that actually features some loud/soft dynamics, but the rest is just too monotone. The man makes it clear that he's been hurt and for a little while, makes you care. Unfortunately, while listening to this album, I kept waiting for so many of the tracks to actually go somewhere, and they hardly ever did. If you are aIn a word- it's boring. It has its moments, like "Skinny Love," a track that actually features some loud/soft dynamics, but the rest is just too monotone. The man makes it clear that he's been hurt and for a little while, makes you care. Unfortunately, while listening to this album, I kept waiting for so many of the tracks to actually go somewhere, and they hardly ever did. If you are a fan of the "one man playing an acoustic guitar softly" genre (think Iron & Wine's earlier albums), you may well love this as many others like you have. Otherwise, you will find this to be overhyped and disappointing.… Expand
  53. matt__
    Jul 5, 2011
    5
    I really don't think I've ever had so many mixed feelings about an album before. One one hand, all the songs sound kinda the same. But on the other hand, all the songs are pretty good. Now I'm the kinda guy who can't stand artists whose songs all sound the same. But they're all pretty alright songs. I
    'm just glad this is my biggest stress factor right now...
  54. afar1
    Jul 3, 2011
    4
    I have decided after all these years of following metacritic to join the user review group. I must listen to a new cd every week. My drug is music .The reason to join this group of reviewers is because of Bon Iver. I tried many times to listen and understand this cd but no luck. Its just simply over rated and maybe its the voice but I just don't understand him. The music is very good butI have decided after all these years of following metacritic to join the user review group. I must listen to a new cd every week. My drug is music .The reason to join this group of reviewers is because of Bon Iver. I tried many times to listen and understand this cd but no luck. Its just simply over rated and maybe its the voice but I just don't understand him. The music is very good but I will give them a chance to listen to this group live , how could everyone be wrong maybe live they sound better.....Puzzled… Expand
  55. alfredosauce
    Jul 1, 2011
    10
    Near perfect album, in my opinion. Bon Iver perfectly meshed his classic melancholy folk sound with other genres in a way that doesn't change too much, while still changing enough to hold interest. Some judge the album off of the last song, which I think is ridiculous. I happen to love the last song, but that's not why I enjoy the album. Each song holds onto it's own quite well. GreatNear perfect album, in my opinion. Bon Iver perfectly meshed his classic melancholy folk sound with other genres in a way that doesn't change too much, while still changing enough to hold interest. Some judge the album off of the last song, which I think is ridiculous. I happen to love the last song, but that's not why I enjoy the album. Each song holds onto it's own quite well. Great album by a great artist, and I look forward to hearing more from them in the future.… Collapse
  56. piercerules86
    Jun 29, 2011
    9
    A very relaxing, nicely composed album. This album has been an enjoyable listen every time. Not quite as good as "For Emma, Forever Ago," his first album, but that is a very high standard to live up to. He really delivered with this album.
  57. TheDaveHimself
    Jun 26, 2011
    8
    It's an album that requires a time and a place. It isn't universal enough to be replayed at any given moment, but when it's right, it's the perfect choice. The self-titled album is more than likely what Justin Vernon wanted to do originally with his first album, For Emma, Forever Ago. He considered those songs demos until they exploded on the internet and on various television shows. ThereIt's an album that requires a time and a place. It isn't universal enough to be replayed at any given moment, but when it's right, it's the perfect choice. The self-titled album is more than likely what Justin Vernon wanted to do originally with his first album, For Emma, Forever Ago. He considered those songs demos until they exploded on the internet and on various television shows. There are some strong songs on this album, even if sometimes they feel like they aren't going anywhere. And sometimes they don't.… Expand
  58. mattchumon
    Jun 23, 2011
    3
    Probably one of the most boring musicians I have ever had the opportunity to endure. The songs are painfully beige, lacking of any emotion or creativity and totally forgettable.
  59. MooziikMaster
    Jun 23, 2011
    9
    Beautiful, calm, and creative. This is the perfect album to listen to while outside in your easy chair on a breezy summer day. Every song comes with a combination of creative lyrics and catchy beats. The must hear songs of the album are "Perth", "Minnesota, WI", "Towers", "Michicant", "Hinnom, TX", and "Calgary". This is one album that you should have in your iTunes library or with theBeautiful, calm, and creative. This is the perfect album to listen to while outside in your easy chair on a breezy summer day. Every song comes with a combination of creative lyrics and catchy beats. The must hear songs of the album are "Perth", "Minnesota, WI", "Towers", "Michicant", "Hinnom, TX", and "Calgary". This is one album that you should have in your iTunes library or with the rest of your CDs.… Expand
  60. andrewsky124
    Jun 22, 2011
    10
    This album deserves nothing but amazing reviews. I've been looking forward to this for a while now and was nothing but impressed. Hopefully seeing them in August in either DC or Philly!
  61. johnnyblaze
    Jun 21, 2011
    4
    Some of the instrumentation is cool and the singing has some decent hooks. But after a couple songs, his white boys soul thing starts to grate, and god damn if Beth/Rest isn't the worst, cheesiest song of the year.
  62. thrownfree
    Jun 21, 2011
    10
    I guess it's not for everyone. I love it, and I think the layered synths mark a suprisingly natural progression for the band--still intimate, but not cloistered.
  63. josefrijoles
    Jun 21, 2011
    10
    This is a gorgeous album. It's complex and beautiful. I don't think it's the easiest album to get in to, but certainly worth listening to at least 100 times before being too down on it.
  64. Zeus
    Jun 21, 2011
    0
    Justin! I want to hear your voice reverb over and over. I suppose I'll be happy, as long as, people stop citing Vernon as a great songwriter (comparisons to Dylan??) In a year or two no one will probably mention this album or even be listening to it - until the next indie masterpiece!
  65. cosmogramma
    Jun 21, 2011
    5
    This sounds like an amalgamation of yacht rock, folk, and James Blake but with none of the positives of any of 'em. There's no experimentation. There's no hooks. It's good enough to not want to turn off once it's on, but it's not good enough to actively want to listen to. It's easy listening that goes nowhere
  66. JInge
    Jun 21, 2011
    10
    Occasionally, an album comes along and grows into the soundtrack of a specific time and place. Summer, autumn, winter or spring. A particular road trip, adventure or vacation. Love, hate, happiness or sadness. They become the touchstone triggers of our nostalgia, leading our memories down the paths of our past and present. Those albums we could consider "great."

    But what do you classify    Occasionally, an album comes along and grows into the soundtrack of a specific time and place. Summer, autumn, winter or spring. A particular road trip, adventure or vacation. Love, hate, happiness or sadness. They become the touchstone triggers of our nostalgia, leading our memories down the paths of our past and present. Those albums we could consider "great."

    But what do you classify something better than that? For that you'll have to ask Justin Vernon. Because Bon Iver's long-awaited sophomore album isn't just 10 songs with atmosphere, it's a vacation in the stratosphere. It's not just a step forward, but a mad dash on the back of a Scud missile. This album isn't just good, it's great. And it's as close to perfection as you can get before being burned.

    It's been a busy and fruitful three years for Vernon. He struck critical gold with 2008's "For Emma, Forever Ago," a sparse and haunting LP recorded in a freezing backwoods cabin following a breakup with someone presumably named Emma. The album's romantic backstory, coupled with its innovative minimalism, made it incredibly popular throughout indie circles, eventually garnering low spots on many "best of the 2000s" lists.

    If "Emma" was the bitter cold of a blizzard, follow-up EP "Blood Bank" captured the warmth of a cabin fire. In many ways "Blood Bank" was an artistic advancement. Using quicker, shorter steps, it covered much of the same ground - without excess baggage. Then Vernon spent three weeks with Kanye West working on 10 songs that would go toward West's magnum opus, "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy." Bon Iver's "Woods" would even be the main sample for that album's epic closer, "Lost in the World."

    Each song on "Bon Iver" crafts an ambient atmosphere both individualistic and homogeneous to the album's greater arc. Footprints of "Blood Bank" and "Emma" can be found here on "Michicant" and "Hinnom, TX." But "Bon Iver" comes with a noticeable influence from the time Vernon spent collaborating with Kanye.

    The minimal sparseness that endeared critics to "Emma" is now replaced with synths, drum rolls, guitars and horns. Songs like "Perth" and "Towers" are beautifully convoluted in their arrangement. Yet as the instrumentation is piled on, it never becomes overwhelming. There is a Spector-esque wall of sound on "Bon Iver," but it is held in check by tasteful moderation.

    Lead single "Calgary" is the album's pre-eminent exposition of electric guitars and drums. Another example of Vernon's vocal talent, it's the most fitting homage to the western Canadian province since Gordon Lightfoot's "Alberta Bound."

    And then there's "Beth/Rest," the album's most enjoyable anomaly. A sprawling masterpiece overwhelmingly influenced by "The Way It Is"-era Bruce Hornsby, "Beth/Rest" is the album's crescendo. The last hurrah of the journey started on "Perth" and finished 40 all-too-quick minutes later.

    "Beth/Rest" goes beyond the album to symbolize Vernon himself. For many of his fans, channeling Bruce Hornsby seems an ironic gesture - a bow to the subset of indie culture that bastardizes nostalgia they never experienced with a sarcasm that degrades its intrinsic value. But there is nothing ironic about Bon Iver or Justin Vernon. From "Mandolin Rain"-inspired songs to performing Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me" on prime time television, Vernon has proven himself the antithesis of an ironist. He might be the darling of indie culture, but he's not wearing his nostalgia because it's funny.

    In an era dictated by the amount of glitter and mascara on a performer's face, or their ability to push envelopes toward commercial dividends, "Bon Iver" is not an album that 2011 deserves. But it's certainly one that our culture of reboots and copycats needs. It's not just a great album. It's an album that defines the idea of music's potential, and highlights that potential's limitlessness. It shows us what a generation weened on the culture of yore can still achieve on its own accord.

    "Bon Iver" splits the difference between restraint and excess, and in the process finds a healthy ambition often lacking in so many sophomore albums. It takes what was and uses it to move toward what could be. It is the musical version of what James Earl Jones meant in "Field of Dreams" when he said baseball "reminds of us of all that once was good and could be again." In the land of Madonna copycats and misplaced sax solos, there is finally an album giving us hope that the heart of musical originality beats on.    … Expand
  67. Dingo
    Jun 21, 2011
    5
    My bottom line: I can't back Vernon's Kenny G moment. And Minnesota - WI is the only really tasty track on the disc.

    Two things that are similar between this and Emma (which is my album of 2008) - There are no crazy acrobatic melodies, no avant-garde chords, it's all kept pretty nice and simple. The difference between them is that Emma sort of floats above your head like a sepia-tone    My bottom line: I can't back Vernon's Kenny G moment. And Minnesota - WI is the only really tasty track on the disc.

    Two things that are similar between this and Emma (which is my album of 2008) - There are no crazy acrobatic melodies, no avant-garde chords, it's all kept pretty nice and simple. The difference between them is that Emma sort of floats above your head like a sepia-tone dream, while Bon Iver sinks into an icy lake of crystalline-timbre instrumentation. For me, Bon Iver's tasty, tangible creativity couldn't keep up with his inevitable sonic shift.

    Three things:

    Most of those critics have no idea what they're talking about, chasing some x-factor around the grooves in order to back the guy that made us cry with Emma.

    I love Minnesota - WI. It's the most invitingly textured track. And it avoids the miserably executed pastel horns. If one thing could turn the crank a little harder, it would be a bit of extra bass when the verse comes back in with the crunchy synth.

    Beth/Rest - In a popular music season where 70s/80s throwback grooves seem to be finding all of my favourite artists (mostly to great effect), this one stands alone as the most audacious and the most embarrassingly terrible. Don't try to pin naivete on me - the e. piano is only the cherry on top. A tip, Justin - when your fingers touch a piano, they invoke the most cliched of cliches. The sus releases, in particular, are enough to make me cringe. Horns in the wrong places, pedal steel crying for the wrong reasons...

    So, you took a big risk and it didn't work out for me. Better than being a banal fool. I will wait three more years if I have to to get your next record.    … Expand
  68. vmd1020
    Jun 21, 2011
    10
    The perfect follow up to a perfect album. Although this album does not come with the legend associated with the first, Vernon and company are able to successfully go from isolation to rebirth and paint listeners a vivid picture this time not only with the lyrics but with the music as well. The album also brings with it a perfect flow and can keep the listener intrigued through intenseThe perfect follow up to a perfect album. Although this album does not come with the legend associated with the first, Vernon and company are able to successfully go from isolation to rebirth and paint listeners a vivid picture this time not only with the lyrics but with the music as well. The album also brings with it a perfect flow and can keep the listener intrigued through intense musical breakdowns and slower prayer type numbers. I would say this follow up is unbelievable, but Justin Vernon seems to be able to do no wrong in music. Stand out tracks for me personally include: "Perth" "Holocene" "Calgary" and "Beth/Rest." Pick this album up now.… Expand
  69. 2hip2beahipster
    Jun 21, 2011
    9
    When Emma Forever Ago came out, and I finally gave it a listen I was so overcome with emotion just from listening to a few songs on there such "Skinny Love" "For Emma" "Flume" and many more songs. Every time a difficult occurrence came up in my life where sometimes I thought it was too much to handle, I'd throw this album on and all my emotion would be expressed from the voice of JustinWhen Emma Forever Ago came out, and I finally gave it a listen I was so overcome with emotion just from listening to a few songs on there such "Skinny Love" "For Emma" "Flume" and many more songs. Every time a difficult occurrence came up in my life where sometimes I thought it was too much to handle, I'd throw this album on and all my emotion would be expressed from the voice of Justin Vernon. So when this album came out I was expecting more of the same, maybe "better" produced, but I was wrong. This time Justin comes in with an assortment of strings and even synths, a full band on some songs, and though this might've left me skeptical at first, I ended up loving this album. This album is beautiful. A great album to play while you lay on your hammock or are just sitting back and relaxing. The emotions from the first album are still here, but there is a much bigger sound. There was so much beauty in "Emma, Forever Ago" and I wouldn't say the emotion and beauty has improved since, but I think it's evolved into something new while still capturing those two elements which Justin Vernon's so good at.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Best Album of 2011
18
#18 Most Discussed Album of 2011
1
#1 Most Shared Album of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 43 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 43
  3. Negative: 0 out of 43
  1. Delusions of Adequacy
    Dec 15, 2011
    90
    Bon Iver sounds distinctively matured and alive on Bon Iver: an album that even still, in the late winter, months after its release sounds magical.
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  2. Urb
    Sep 9, 2011
    90
    In an industry flooded with trumpeted artists not worth their weight in salt, Bon Iver's abstract ruminations more than warrant the hype.
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  3. Blurt Magazine
    Aug 3, 2011
    90
    Akin to For Emma, Bon Iver breaks the listener's heart. And to experience an album (an oft-dreaded sophomore album, no less) that evokes such deep emotion is a welcomed pain.
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