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. 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.
  2. JeremyF.
    Feb 28, 2008
    8
    A very pretty, lush record. Muted. Calm. Hushed. Intimate, yet detached. This is a very dour record, but it a good way. "Skinny Love" and "Re: Stacks" stand far above the rest, which pale in comparison to those two highlights. But "Flume" is also a very sparsely emotional opener, and "Lump Sum" and "Creature Fear" both share beautiful strange decaying harmonies. "Team" is a brief A very pretty, lush record. Muted. Calm. Hushed. Intimate, yet detached. This is a very dour record, but it a good way. "Skinny Love" and "Re: Stacks" stand far above the rest, which pale in comparison to those two highlights. But "Flume" is also a very sparsely emotional opener, and "Lump Sum" and "Creature Fear" both share beautiful strange decaying harmonies. "Team" is a brief instrumental that doesn't really do much, but fades into the awkwardly dialogged tale seamlessly. This is a nice record, and wonderful rainy morning or misty night soundtracking. However, it is not as amazing as everyone thinks it is; the lyrics are often incomprehensible, which works with many bands, but not necessarily in these instances. It's definitely ignorable, but it did deter from the listening/mood for me. And, honestly, I'd rather go spin "The Creek Drank The Cradle" a few times, and lull into that sepia-toned realm instead of this wintery cast. Beautiful. Emotional. But not outstanding.… Expand
  3. OkeeMokee
    Feb 28, 2008
    4
    What a bore!
  4. 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.
  5. Jeremy
    Feb 27, 2008
    10
    One of the best albums I have EVER heard.
  6. e
    Feb 27, 2008
    9
    The layering of vocals and the subtle Peter Gabriel meets Simon and Garfunkel ethos makes this one of the best albums of the first two months of 2008.
  7. 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.
  8. KyleN.
    Feb 26, 2008
    9
    A relaxing listen
  9. RobertP.
    Feb 26, 2008
    10
    Wisconsin, Winter, Moonlight... the best 3 am album ever.
  10. ScottM.
    Feb 26, 2008
    8
    Bon Iver's splendid ballads of heartbreak, loss and regret fall, soft like snow on one's ears, gradually and subtly penetrating the soul. He sets up camp in a well trodden musical landscape - the stripped down quest of the singer songwriter - yet manages to emerge with something that feels personal, fresh and vital. This is a grower. Initially it may sound much more conventional Bon Iver's splendid ballads of heartbreak, loss and regret fall, soft like snow on one's ears, gradually and subtly penetrating the soul. He sets up camp in a well trodden musical landscape - the stripped down quest of the singer songwriter - yet manages to emerge with something that feels personal, fresh and vital. This is a grower. Initially it may sound much more conventional than it is. An album that pays big dividends to those willing to allow its less obvious strengths surface.… 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.
    Read full review
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