I, I
by Bon Iver
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
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  1. PopMatters
    Aug 20, 2019
    60
    i,i hangs between surrealism and meaning in a way that's more frustrating than tantalizing.
  2. The 405
    Aug 12, 2019
    60
    i,i is an album meant to please their least demanding customers; a session of pure, light nostalgia, and given the band’s rabid following, it’s still certain to succeed, even to receive knee jerk, overeager accolades. That’s all well and good, but it’s hard not to recall just how much more these guys are capable of.
  3. The Independent (UK)
    Aug 8, 2019
    60
    You can let i,i overwhelm you or sink into its currents of drift and despondency – either way, it is immersive and rich. Yet it’s hard not to anticipate certain peaks (the unimpeachable climax of “Holyfields,” the joyfully silly “Sh’Diah” chorus) as if waiting for the school bell to ring.
  5. AllMusic
    Aug 30, 2019
    50
    It's clear after four albums that the best Bon Iver is the one that manages to keep the arrangements in check and doesn't swing for the fences. I,I takes many mighty swings and at best knocks out a few infield hits, while striking out far too often.
  6. The Quietus
    Aug 30, 2019
    50
    Overall i,i sounds expensive and yet – simultaneously – all too safe.
  7. musicOMH.com
    Aug 14, 2019
    50
    Justin Vernon has succumbed to his most inane impulses – and released a selection of unseasoned, lightly scented pleasantries that neither hit or miss. They just are.
  8. The Guardian
    Aug 8, 2019
    40
    There is lots of prettiness and some innovative production, like the tumbles of wordless vocal on iMi, gently insulated by downy static; Vernon’s gospel holler and falsetto curlicues will always make ears prick up. But frequently, including on iMi, his melodies are uninspired, feeling like the first thing he came up with while woodshedding around the backing track.

Awards & Rankings

39
#39 Most Discussed Album of 2019
7
#7 Most Shared Album of 2019

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 170 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 139 out of 170
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 170
  3. Negative: 14 out of 170
  1. SergeVolchenkov
    Aug 9, 2019
    10
    This album is out of our world. Beautiful, well structured with gorgeous sound.
  2. sammyanthony
    Aug 15, 2019
    8
    Bon Iver tried to color the landscape with glitchy, staggering and minimal storytelling once again.
  3. matthewmirliani
    Aug 14, 2019
    8
    Bon Iver’s newest release is a stunning, breathtaking, confounding, at times uneven project that marries a woodsy folksiness with gospel andBon Iver’s newest release is a stunning, breathtaking, confounding, at times uneven project that marries a woodsy folksiness with gospel and hints of warm jazz, and blends Bjork-esque abstract-electronica with Radiohead-esque gloominess and introspection. As you listen through the LP, you’re not always sure what exactly you are listening to; but its ultimate beauty cannot be denied; a fascinating and accomplished project.… Full Review »
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