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. MauriceS.
    Aug 1, 2008
    10
    Such sadness, but such beauty. His voice stays with me for hours
  2. wimk.
    Jan 9, 2009
    10
    Great, fantastic. Great, gloomy and genious!
  3. 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.
  4. Jeremy
    Feb 27, 2008
    10
    One of the best albums I have EVER heard.
  5. 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.
  6. wisdomwisdom
    Mar 21, 2008
    10
    Briliant...
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. SleimanC.
    Mar 5, 2008
    10
    Great album from this french artist! Merci!
  10. TimT.
    Mar 6, 2008
    10
    incredibly refreshing; I say with no uncertainty that this is the most beautiful album I have ever listened to.
  11. R
    Mar 6, 2008
    10
    This is the best record I've heard in a long long time.
  12. Craig
    Apr 17, 2008
    10
    I think this was the best album of 2007. Hauntingly beautiful. Skinny Love never gets old.
  13. 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.
  14. FelipeP.
    May 20, 2008
    10
    Fantastic album, unique voice.
  15. JennaR.
    May 30, 2008
    10
    Absolutely amazing sound; pure emotion and thought.
  16. MissW
    Jun 2, 2008
    10
    It has been long since I heard this album first time but what I remember is this magical feeling. It makes this CD timeless sailing through my mind. Album has only 9 tracks but sometimes it's better to put some really good melodies on the disc and leave the less shiny behind. Songs for Emma are picked with love and by a big ear which knows how to get into humans soul.
  17. ahmada.
    Dec 22, 2008
    10
    Album of the year, with Skinny Love as the track of the year.
  18. MarkF.
    Oct 23, 2008
    10
    I listen to this CD in my car and find myself transported. Even my kids love the songs. This is such a transformational CD that i am telling all of my friends about it. I cant wait to hear what he does next. he reminds me a bit of Sufjan Stevens!
  19. T.Nixon
    Feb 28, 2008
    10
    Wow ... Easily album of the year for me. I have never had an album grab me the way this has. A moment of musical genius.
  20. [Anonymous]
    Mar 1, 2008
    10
    Great record, but to get the full deal see them LIVE. Just saw them open for Black mountain in Halifax, Nova Scotia and was floored. Holds a nice spot right next to the handsome family and all my Palace Music. Solid talent to be reckoned with
  21. DavidB.
    Mar 21, 2008
    10
    I just fell in love with this album tonight so take the "10" rating for what it is. But as far as first impressions go it doesnt get much better than this for me. Beautiful record.
  22. OwenP.
    Mar 21, 2008
    10
    Such a gripping listen. His voice is precious. As the album progresses, you can almost envision the 3 months he spent in a cabin tucked away in Wisconsin's hinterland. Although thoroughly enjoying this album at the moment, I can't help but look forward to future albums from Justin, aka. Bon Iver.
  23. Sam
    Mar 22, 2008
    10
    Easily the best indie album of the year (so far). Painfully evocative of the rural setting which inspired him and a truly masterful acoustic opus.
  24. Justin
    Mar 23, 2008
    10
    Intimate. Hypnotic. Beautiful. Intense.
  25. ChadS.
    Apr 24, 2008
    10
    On the title track, this songwriter uses, then surpasses, the best Damien Jurado("Tragedy"), M. Ward("Chinese Translation"), and Beiruit("Postcards from Italy"), song. It sounds like the soundtrack to Rob Sheffield's "Love is a Mix Tape", the memoir about the rock critic's late-rock critic wife. Of all the sadly beautiful songs on "For Emma, Forever Ago, "For Emma" is the most On the title track, this songwriter uses, then surpasses, the best Damien Jurado("Tragedy"), M. Ward("Chinese Translation"), and Beiruit("Postcards from Italy"), song. It sounds like the soundtrack to Rob Sheffield's "Love is a Mix Tape", the memoir about the rock critic's late-rock critic wife. Of all the sadly beautiful songs on "For Emma, Forever Ago, "For Emma" is the most sadly beautiful. It might be the best of its kind since Elton John's "Your Song". "Skinny Love" is my other favorite. Violent Femmes didn't do punk, but they gave good pathos on acoustical instruments, just like "Skinny Love". The "creature" in "Creature Fear", must be the girl, the proverbial "Emma", but it's also a funny reference to the animals outside this songwriter's "recording studio", his cabin. A raccoon? A chinchilla? A rabbit with rabies? He's girl and squirrel afraid. I'm afraid I'll never hear another album like "For Emma, Forever Ago". This is rare music, indeed.… Expand
  26. RuiR.
    May 15, 2008
    10
    The real American ballads os XXI century. Genetics: American Music Club, Cowboy Junkies. I love it. Come to Portugal, one day.
  27. TimTom
    May 15, 2008
    10
    What can I say-- this album is too good to be lumped into any sort of genre. For Emma.. gives me that feeling of being kissed for the very first time. I'm pretty sure its going to be the best thing to come out this year.
  28. ElliotC.
    May 18, 2008
    10
    Perfect. Whatever the situation you find yourself listening to this album, every song suits every eventuality. But there is still more to come no doubt, looking forward to seeing where he goes in his career.
  29. LinusG.
    May 8, 2008
    10
    Re: Stacks must be the most beautiful sentimental song I have ever heard. Great to listen to when looking at old pictures from college parties.
  30. WesP.
    Jun 13, 2008
    10
    When I first heard this album, by the third song, my brain had begun to re-wire itself, neurons grew, new synapses formed. I will never be the same. This is one album that I will try my best to keep to myself, like a briefcase full of cash you find in an alley.
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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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