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. 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
  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. 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-
  4. 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
  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. 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.
  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. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  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. ramona
    Dec 12, 2011
    9
    The only song that Iâ
  19. 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
  20. hdcooper
    Apr 8, 2021
    6
    A subtle, nuanced work that is beautiful to listen to and creates imagery with each sound.

    6.8/10
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. Tbone413
    Sep 25, 2021
    10
    One of the best albums ever. A spiritual, stirring, magical and gorgeous journey the whole way through.
  24. 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!
  25. 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
  26. charlesobrien
    Sep 9, 2012
    9
    An absolute classic which only just falls short of being amongst the same pedigree of his earlier work.
  27. 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...
  28. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. 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!
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »