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. clem666
    Jul 30, 2023
    8
    Bon Iver's debut album, "For Emma, Forever Ago," takes listeners on a heartfelt and soul-stirring journey through haunting melodies and raw emotions. Justin Vernon's unique falsetto vocals and poignant songwriting create an intimate atmosphere that resonates with the depths of human experiences.

    'For Emma, Forever Ago' is a collection of intimate acoustic arrangements that perfectly    Bon Iver's debut album, "For Emma, Forever Ago," takes listeners on a heartfelt and soul-stirring journey through haunting melodies and raw emotions. Justin Vernon's unique falsetto vocals and poignant songwriting create an intimate atmosphere that resonates with the depths of human experiences.

    'For Emma, Forever Ago' is a collection of intimate acoustic arrangements that perfectly complement Vernon's vulnerable storytelling. The stripped-down production emphasizes the raw emotions, creating a sense of authenticity and connection with the artist's innermost thoughts.

    However, the album's only flaw lies in its slight repetitiveness. While the emotional intensity remains consistent throughout, some listeners as myself might find the similar musical motifs and themes somewhat disappointing. A touch of variation in the musical arrangements could have elevated the overall listening experience.

    "For Emma, Forever Ago" is undeniably a deeply personal and soulful offering that captures the essence of human emotions. Despite the slight repetitiveness. Bon Iver's debut masterpiece remains a poignant and timeless work of art that continues to captivate listeners with its emotional depth and authenticity despite being a bit overrated though.    … Expand
  2. All_ButTrU4
    Jun 7, 2022
    8
    most subtle incorporation of drum machines, horns, and vocal effects transforms Bon Iver’s music from the quiet afterthought that characterizes much of today’s indie-folk into a sonic landscape of moods and nuances.
  3. garfield7081
    Mar 25, 2022
    7
    really depressing album, it feels as if you can hear the isolation vernon put himself through. however, some songs feel as if they overstay their welcome.

    best song: skinny love

    worst song: blindsided
  4. Wanesta
    Jan 9, 2022
    8
    An honorable debut by Bon Iver with soothing vocals and enchanting instrumentals. Something to bring comfort and warmth back into a cold broken heart. It's perhaps a bit rudimentary, but nonetheless effective.
  5. hdcooper
    Apr 8, 2021
    9
    A cathartic piece that builds you up just to tear you right back down to you core.

    9.2/10
  6. kuhlmusic
    May 11, 2020
    10
    An album filled with pure raw and unfiltered emotion in a time of isolation and self awareness and a sound that is calm and comforting that brings nostalgia. A beautiful masterpiece
  7. kermie_the_frog
    Jan 5, 2020
    10
    This record might just be among the top 5 most beautiful albums I've ever heard. Perfect indie folk album. It's devastating, many moments on here are so painfully crushing, but he still manages to close the record in a hopeful light with what I believe to be possibly the most brilliant closer song ever: Re: Stacks.
  8. ACRendon
    Sep 6, 2019
    10
    For Emma, Forever Ago delivers resonant music that captivates listeners with surreal music that paces parallel with the cold melancholy of the inspired narratives. Vernon, with his artillery of masterclass lyricism and music, echoes his soul that leaves a bittersweet aftertaste of haunting sadness and picturesque imagery.
  9. Shaymooose
    Aug 18, 2019
    8
    Beautiful Debut. Bon Iver's music is consistently always beautiful.

    Best Tracks: Skinny Love, Flume, The Wolves(Act I and II),For Emma, Team
    Worst Tracks: Lump Some
  10. C_dot
    May 22, 2019
    10
    Justin Vernon's musical genius is impossible to deny on this album. You can hear his pure emotion and rawness on each and every track. Vernon's voice is hauntingly beautiful, and often the listener gets lost within this album.
  11. 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.
  12. Ricko
    Jan 7, 2018
    9
    One of the records of the decade and one that would became a plaform for a superstar to launch from. This has beautiful songs, unique arrangements and a genuine rawness that only gets captured on record properly once every few years. On the surface this is sparse and simple but getting simplicity so right takes incredible talent. Bon Iver do an awful lot with very little on this album.One of the records of the decade and one that would became a plaform for a superstar to launch from. This has beautiful songs, unique arrangements and a genuine rawness that only gets captured on record properly once every few years. On the surface this is sparse and simple but getting simplicity so right takes incredible talent. Bon Iver do an awful lot with very little on this album. Highly recommended album from a highly recommended artist. Amazing.… Expand
  13. UWGamer83
    Feb 3, 2017
    10
    For an album to be considered truly great, in my opinion, it must work its way into the fabric of your very soul. Only about 4 or 5 albums thus far have done that. This is one of them. A beautifully cathartic and heartbreaking record, recorded in isolation in snowy conditions, Justin Vernon shows the cold side of romance. This album encapsulates all of my life experience with love andFor an album to be considered truly great, in my opinion, it must work its way into the fabric of your very soul. Only about 4 or 5 albums thus far have done that. This is one of them. A beautifully cathartic and heartbreaking record, recorded in isolation in snowy conditions, Justin Vernon shows the cold side of romance. This album encapsulates all of my life experience with love and isolation and heartbreak. It reminds me of a dear friend. It isn't for everyone and the kick of electric guitar on only two songs might not be enough for some people. But for me and many others, it's enough, the instrumentation amplified by what isn't there rather than what is. This will likely be a favorite of mine for many years to come!… Expand
  14. ellisfetus
    May 30, 2015
    10
    Throw this up as my favorite album of all time, there isn't a single bad song in the collection. It is filled with emotion and is incredibly relate-able.
  15. 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
  16. longjetty7
    Mar 6, 2015
    9
    This album is simple, sweet, and unpretentious, yet that's exactly why it's so special. The music is melancholy and introspective and the vocals are timid and emotional, but at the same time there's something very uplifting about this album. It's really great music to get lost in, especially if you're laying in bed, studying, or driving down the highway late at night. This is definitely anThis album is simple, sweet, and unpretentious, yet that's exactly why it's so special. The music is melancholy and introspective and the vocals are timid and emotional, but at the same time there's something very uplifting about this album. It's really great music to get lost in, especially if you're laying in bed, studying, or driving down the highway late at night. This is definitely an album I'll be listening to over and over again.… Expand
  17. ImmersedInSound
    Nov 18, 2014
    9
    Beautifully sung, written, arranged and just beautiful in general.
    For Emma, Forever Ago connects with the listener in a way which Justin Vernon does very easily. The lyrics effortlessly provoke all kinds of feelings. Something which modern music almost never does nowadays. Skinny Love and Creature Fear are especially brilliant.
  18. renatomoraesp
    Oct 28, 2014
    10
    Listening to this album is an unique experience that I recommend to everyone who likes really good music - not just as a piece of fun, but totally art. My favorite band, by far.
  19. 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.
  20. TheRanter26
    Mar 20, 2014
    9
    Decided to get back into Bon Iver. This is a beautiful album. Justin's voice is so haunting and his falsetto is to die for. The simplicity of it enhances it fully, their second album falls from being over produced. Justin escaped into the Woods for a few months to work on this album and you can hear that perfectly here. The music has this tone and attitude where the wilderness is all youDecided to get back into Bon Iver. This is a beautiful album. Justin's voice is so haunting and his falsetto is to die for. The simplicity of it enhances it fully, their second album falls from being over produced. Justin escaped into the Woods for a few months to work on this album and you can hear that perfectly here. The music has this tone and attitude where the wilderness is all you can picture. It sounds as a longing to get free and want to be away.

    His vocals on ever song is beautiful, especially the harmonies with himself on The Wolves Act 1 & 2. Musically it's easy and accessible to listen to. The only place this album has some faults is with lyrics. On songs like Lump Sum, Blindsided, and Creature Fear, they are questionable. But at other times they rip through like beautiful poetry, and talent is undeniable.

    The Wolves Act 1 & 2, Flume, Skinny Love, and re: Stacks, are the highlight tracks easily. They have the most emotion and power to them and that's where Bon Iver really shines. Sure if you're in a blissful carefree mood, Bon Iver is not the band to go to, but if you need to cry, need to be picked up some, need something nice, this is the perfect place to go.

    There isn't too much to comment, because it's an incredible album plain and simple. A must listen to from the last decade.

    A-    … Expand
  21. jdavidlantz
    Oct 25, 2013
    10
    The soulful lo-fi tones of Bon Iver’s debut album, For Emma, Forever Ago, exude the loneliness and heartbreak that characterized the writing and recording of the songs by Justin Verner in a remote cabin in the wintry woods of Wisconsin. Beautifully balanced, the album moves from one haunting melody to the next, each track building and developing it into a story of lost love and longing. ItThe soulful lo-fi tones of Bon Iver’s debut album, For Emma, Forever Ago, exude the loneliness and heartbreak that characterized the writing and recording of the songs by Justin Verner in a remote cabin in the wintry woods of Wisconsin. Beautifully balanced, the album moves from one haunting melody to the next, each track building and developing it into a story of lost love and longing. It starts with the slow tones of Flume and progresses to the more upbeat horns in For Emma before dialing back down to end with the poetic lyrics and simple guitar riffs of Re: Stacks.

    For Emma, Forever Ago plucks at old memories of long-lost loves, and is a rare treat in a fast-paced world, inviting you to slow down, have a cup of tea, and watch the snow fall softly down outside a cabin in the woods.
         … Expand
  22. benpaco
    Jun 25, 2013
    10
    Incredible album. My favorite of all time,really. One of the complaints I've read on message boards and the like is that the lyrics are "nonsensical". This just means you aren't really listening. This album tells a very detailed, very intricate story. Very slight details are incredible here. For those who don't get it:

    Flume Icarus’ story is a metaphor for getting too close to someone    Incredible album. My favorite of all time,really. One of the complaints I've read on message boards and the like is that the lyrics are "nonsensical". This just means you aren't really listening. This album tells a very detailed, very intricate story. Very slight details are incredible here. For those who don't get it:

    Flume Icarus’ story is a metaphor for getting too close to someone and then losing them
    Lump Getting over that un-named girl, and falling for “Emma”
    Skinny Love Short mutual love as they slowly grew apart
    The Wolves Complete loss of love from “Emma”, which slowly wears away at him as she won’t tell him she’s moved on, but Justin knows now
    Blindsided He saw a breakup coming, but something made it especially tough, past just a breakup. Perhaps another guy, etc.
    Creature Fear The fear of seeing “Emma” around and saying something stupid/embarrassing
    Team Time Passes
    For Emma He still loves Emma and attempts once more to get her back
    RE: Stacks Re-rejection hits hard, maybe even via e-mail, hence the “RE:”. She has no love for him at all, and not even enough respect for him to have that conversation in person
    Wisconsin About moving on and trying to find yourself again

    As Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) said in an interview, "Everyone has an Emma". This album will hit home if you've ever been rejected, broken up with, or in love. Truly incredible.Too bad 10 is the highest rating I can give it.    … Expand
  23. 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.
  24. 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.
  25. cameronmorewood
    Nov 9, 2012
    9
    Sad, sorrowful, and, at times, quite powerful. Bon Iver's debut will quietly blow you away.
  26. charlesobrien
    Sep 9, 2012
    10
    Beautiful, Eerie and intimate. Bon Iver at its finest.
  27. Leftyy
    Mar 28, 2012
    8
    This is a pretty nice album with a subtle and interesting feel to it. It's the type of music you would listen to if you were camping with a bunch of friends and you got stuck in a rainstorm in the middle of the afternoon. Give it a chance, it's a fine listen.
  28. Michaelkirkpat
    Dec 3, 2011
    8
    Refreshing, soulful album. New sound for alternative, and we can only hope we keeps this up. Crossroads will happen if he decides to continue to experiment or move to a more mainstream sound
  29. 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
  30. 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
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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.
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  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.
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