22, A Million
by Bon Iver
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 41 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 41
  3. Negative: 0 out of 41
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. The Observer (UK)
    Oct 3, 2016
    60
    Oblique lyrics provide few hand-holds; while his distress is palpable, it remains frustratingly nondescript.
  2. Chicago Tribune
    Oct 3, 2016
    50
    Bon Iver is moving on, but to where exactly? Even Justin Vernon doesn't appear to know, which may be why this transitional album sounds so muddled and the songs so elusive.

Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Best Album of 2016
27
#27 Most Discussed Album of 2016
54
#54 Most Shared Album of 2016

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 387 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 334 out of 387
  2. Mixed: 31 out of 387
  3. Negative: 22 out of 387
  1. IAmGary
    Sep 30, 2016
    6
    Mostly disappointing. First off, let me say I'm a big fan of Justin's and Bon Iver. I loved 'For Emma' and 'Bon Iver,' and I thought theMostly disappointing. First off, let me say I'm a big fan of Justin's and Bon Iver. I loved 'For Emma' and 'Bon Iver,' and I thought the latest Volcano Choir album was brilliant. Cannot play them all enough. But this record underwhelms. First, there's not enough of it. The CD goes by in a heartbeat. But the real problem here was production. The record sounds like someone broke into the studio, deleted most guitar and piano tracks, clipped random verses and the last 30 seconds of most of the songs. And then he or she submerged the remaining master tape in a bucket of water. Instead of fixing, Justin said, "screw it," and released it as is.
    The record should have sounded like the live recording of "666" from Eaux Claires 2015 festival. Sadly that big, bold and crisp sound is gone. We're left with a sparse, autotune-gone-wild mix that's mostly an assault on the senses, and not in a good way.    … Full Review »
  2. coopdedoop
    Oct 1, 2016
    5
    Pretty disappointed in this album to be honest. To me, it seems like Justin Vernon is trying to hard to create art instead of music, if youPretty disappointed in this album to be honest. To me, it seems like Justin Vernon is trying to hard to create art instead of music, if you get what I mean. I get the feeling like he is trying to create the best album that's ever existed and that every boundary must be broken, but a lot of it just comes out as pretentious to me, especially those titles. There are some songs that definitely have a lot of good stuff, particularly "29 #Strafford APTS," but some of the production choices seemed unnecessary and too much of an attempt at being groundbreaking. Just because the way you distorted your voice has never been done before doesn't mean it's good. But what really bothers me about this album is the lyrics. They literally are fragments of ideas that only confuse everyone. His lyrics are the equivalent of throwing paint on to a canvas at random and hoping that it turns into something. Your lyrics have to be accessible to someone other than yourself, so at least try to make them readable. Just because you make up words like "paramind" doesn't mean you're a genius. Justin Vernon is a talented musician, but his ego is obviously really big, and I don't get the type of pleasure listening to this album as I have with his earlier stuff. To me, it's just a cluttered mess and a disappointment. Also, screw those song titles.… Full Review »
  3. Prosmooth
    Sep 30, 2016
    5
    I'll probably end up re-reviewing this after (i hope) it grows on me. First couple of spins though--I'm sorry, but I'm just not into it,I'll probably end up re-reviewing this after (i hope) it grows on me. First couple of spins though--I'm sorry, but I'm just not into it, especially the first half. I hated Kid A among other avant-garde releases on first hearing them though, so I'm hoping it's one of those records. Sounds like real mess at this point though. Let the downvoting commence!… Full Review »
See all user reviews »