For Emma, Forever Ago
by Bon Iver
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 440 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 401 out of 440
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 440
  3. Negative: 29 out of 440

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  1. PaperCoversRock
    Jun 16, 2011
    10
    A truly cathartic masterpiece of a debut album from Justin Vernon. What started as a retreat ended in creation, that creation came in the form of "For Emma, Forever Ago". Like many, the first song that peaked my interest was "Skinny Love" (please don't pretend like you're "over" this track because it's popular you elitist douche) every song on the album builds and destroys, pushes andA truly cathartic masterpiece of a debut album from Justin Vernon. What started as a retreat ended in creation, that creation came in the form of "For Emma, Forever Ago". Like many, the first song that peaked my interest was "Skinny Love" (please don't pretend like you're "over" this track because it's popular you elitist douche) every song on the album builds and destroys, pushes and pulls, burns and freezes the emotions of a bitter heartbreak and quiet defeat of denial.I've never met a person who has taken the time to sit down and listen to this album and not love...if these people exist...I would rather never acknowledge their existence for as long as I live.… Expand
  2. JoeH.
    Sep 24, 2009
    10
    Best album released for years, the lyrical content is something to admire, completely compelled to listen to it at least once a day even though its been out for over a year, thanks Justin.
  3. TuataraTim
    Jan 30, 2013
    10
    A beautiful, yet sparse debut. Vernon flays his very heart out for the listener. It is full of pure, raw emotion. The guitars are perfectly placed, juxtaposed by Vernon's introspective, albeit mysterious lyrics.
  4. Vampire25
    Aug 22, 2011
    10
    Justin Vernon has one of the most beautiful falsetto I've ever heard. This album is a slice of pure musical genius. Each track is beautifully written and gets better with each listen. I never found this to be an entertaining album but after listening to it a few times, it's really grown on me. Lump Sum is easily the best track on this album but every other track is amazing also. All InJustin Vernon has one of the most beautiful falsetto I've ever heard. This album is a slice of pure musical genius. Each track is beautifully written and gets better with each listen. I never found this to be an entertaining album but after listening to it a few times, it's really grown on me. Lump Sum is easily the best track on this album but every other track is amazing also. All In All, "For Emma, Forever Ago" is an extremely well written album and I highly recommend this to anyone. A… Expand
  5. Take-it-from-me
    May 28, 2013
    10
    This album is the example set when one thinks about good music. It's amazing what such a talented musician when they go back to their roots. Every song as beautiful as the other and every word a painful memory to a proud belief, this album deserves the best ratings from every critic.
  6. godwinkent888
    Mar 24, 2014
    10
    Words cannot explain how much I love this album. There's a comforting feeling in this album-- it's heartbreaking, but at the same time, it has a light of optimism that shines. This album is relaxing and Justin Vernon's singing is distinctive.
  7. chapmania
    Apr 21, 2015
    10
    I could go on for a while, but I won't.

    This is my favorite album. Although I understand why so many people don't like it. To enjoy it, you have to be able to connect with the story. It's that simple. It's like watching a broken heart heal over time. It's haunting, because it can take you back to times in your own life that you might not want to remember. Yet still, it triumphs in    I could go on for a while, but I won't.

    This is my favorite album. Although I understand why so many people don't like it. To enjoy it, you have to be able to connect with the story. It's that simple.

    It's like watching a broken heart heal over time. It's haunting, because it can take you back to times in your own life that you might not want to remember. Yet still, it triumphs in the end because it is a story of healing and of progress.

    Justin Vernon certainly isn't 100% better at the end of the album - life can cut us pretty deep and scars will inevitably remain. But that doesn't mean the process isn't beautiful - even essential, to living life. And listening to him illustrate this process in himself is an intimate thing that's totally unexpected in music today.

    More than 10/10 - this is so raw, so genuine, and so honest that it shouldn't really be rated. It's a work of art that will survive long after the artist for millions to experience. Some will love it, some will hate it, and many will fall somewhere in the middle of that spectrum (as I do). In a strange way, that's what makes For Emma, Forever Ago so special.    … Expand
  8. MoralSupport
    Apr 29, 2018
    10
    This album is sadder than In The Aeroplane Over The Sea, more intimate than Either/Or, and more expressive than anything released in the 2000s.
  9. Dave
    Nov 25, 2009
    10
    The only thing I can add to what everybody else has said about this incredible album is that it breaks your heart.
  10. MattH.
    Dec 12, 2008
    5
    Every song on the album is good, as is the overall mood presented, but it felt like I was listening to one very very long song. Just not enough variety.
  11. HayroC
    Mar 19, 2009
    5
    The album is good, but some songs are boring.
  12. MarcG.
    Apr 16, 2008
    7
    Decent effort...must confirm the next time.
  13. OkeeMokee
    Feb 28, 2008
    4
    What a bore!
  14. 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.… Collapse
  15. MauriceS.
    Aug 1, 2008
    10
    Such sadness, but such beauty. His voice stays with me for hours
  16. AniruddhaB.
    Jan 6, 2009
    9
    Beautiful album. Justin Vernon's voice is so intimate... yet so intense... the best of the year for me along with portishead's third.
  17. christianp.
    Feb 27, 2008
    9
    What a fantastic album. The vocals are hauntingly familiar and there is enough subtle diversity to keep the record fresh. My only complaint is that there are only 8 full songs on it -- it's a lovely listen though.
  18. wimk.
    Jan 9, 2009
    10
    Great, fantastic. Great, gloomy and genious!
  19. JJ
    Oct 14, 2008
    10
    This album is a very soothing and calming release. I first heard it while in Iraq and have been a fan since. His music was just what I needed on those rough days when tempers flared and situations were nearly out of control...I would go and listen to this album to calm down.
  20. josh
    Feb 27, 2008
    9
    Love this record, "Skinny Love" stands out as the best track for me. Bon Iver sounds like an accoustic version of TV on the Radio. Outstanding.
  21. Jeremy
    Feb 27, 2008
    10
    One of the best albums I have EVER heard.
  22. JoshP.
    Feb 28, 2008
    10
    I love this. I'm waiting for one of these songs to end up on Grey's Anatomy because of all the hype. Not that I'd watch Grey's, but seriously boys and girls. If you don't own this and are any sort of person that is inspired by music, this record will haunt you for a long time.
  23. wisdomwisdom
    Mar 21, 2008
    10
    Briliant...
  24. TedG.
    Mar 20, 2008
    10
    The guitar reminds me of Elliott Smith and the off-putting at first that grow on you vocals remind me of the first few times I listened to the Pixies. Definitely worth multiple listenings.
  25. AlanR.
    Mar 2, 2008
    10
    Amazing album. Sounds like Tunde Adepimbe from TV on the Radio meets the instrumentation of Sam Beam. Great for late nights or early morning car drives to work. My only complaint is that this rerelease came out at the end of winter. Would have been a great soundtrack for December and January.
  26. SleimanC.
    Mar 5, 2008
    10
    Great album from this french artist! Merci!
  27. TimT.
    Mar 6, 2008
    10
    incredibly refreshing; I say with no uncertainty that this is the most beautiful album I have ever listened to.
  28. R
    Mar 6, 2008
    10
    This is the best record I've heard in a long long time.
  29. Craig
    Apr 17, 2008
    10
    I think this was the best album of 2007. Hauntingly beautiful. Skinny Love never gets old.
  30. DarenH.
    May 12, 2008
    10
    My favourite record of the year. An ambient, honest, simple, soul-searchingly wonderful record. Can't stop listening to it.
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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best Album of 2008
15
#15 Most Discussed Album of 2008
17
#17 Most Shared Album of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. cokemachineglow
    79
    A sure-footed assertion of the artist's individual talents and landing it a spot among the best folk records of 2007 has to offer.
    Read full review
  2. NOW Magazine
    80
    As good as it is, it’s clear that Vernon still has room to grow. A few songs could have used a little extra instrumental kick, and while his songs are great, you can tell he has more to offer. Keep an eye on this one.
    Read full review
  3. Pitchfork
    81
    Vernon gives a soulful performance full of intuitive swells and fades, his phrasing and pronunciation making his voice as much a purely sonic instrument as his guitar.
    Read full review
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