User Score
Universal acclaim- based on 440 Ratings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 401 out of 440
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Mixed: 10 out of 440
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Negative: 29 out of 440
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Jul 30, 2023
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Jun 7, 2022most 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.
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Mar 25, 2022really 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 -
Jan 9, 2022An 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.
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Apr 8, 2021A cathartic piece that builds you up just to tear you right back down to you core.
9.2/10 -
May 11, 2020An 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
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Jan 5, 2020This 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.
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Sep 6, 2019For 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.
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Aug 18, 2019Beautiful 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 -
May 22, 2019Justin 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.
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Apr 29, 2018This album is sadder than In The Aeroplane Over The Sea, more intimate than Either/Or, and more expressive than anything released in the 2000s.
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Jan 7, 2018
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Feb 3, 2017
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May 30, 2015Throw 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.
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Apr 21, 2015
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Mar 6, 2015
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Nov 18, 2014Beautifully 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. -
Oct 28, 2014Listening 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.
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Mar 24, 2014Words 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.
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Mar 20, 2014
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Oct 25, 2013
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Jun 25, 2013
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May 28, 2013This 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.
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Jan 30, 2013A 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.
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Nov 9, 2012Sad, sorrowful, and, at times, quite powerful. Bon Iver's debut will quietly blow you away.
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Sep 9, 2012Beautiful, Eerie and intimate. Bon Iver at its finest.
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Mar 28, 2012This 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.
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Dec 3, 2011Refreshing, 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
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Aug 22, 2011
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Jul 14, 2011
Awards & Rankings
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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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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.
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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.