When your ears first taste Bon Iver’s chilling voice, they are sure to bring your entire mind to a standstill. And that reaction is a good one. Bon Iver, pronounced “Bonne EE-vair”, formed in 2007. Initially, a Bon Iver song can come across as something simple and quiet. But upon furthering listening, there is a depth that millions of popular songs cannot compare to.
While many people struggle to put their feelings and thoughts into words, the brain and heart behind Bon Iver, Justin Vernon, seems to have no trouble at all. The album For Emma, Forever Ago, came about after Vernon decided to free his collection of emotions and memories that had built up over a span of six years. The result? Beautiful. Stunning. Raw.
Oftentimes, society becomes caught up in bubblegum rifts and slurred lingo. Rarely is it captivated by something true. With Bon Iver’s debut album, listeners found themselves strung up by the intensity of Vernon’s layered sounds and lyrical stories. Three years later, it still elicits the same reaction. That is a lasting album.
“Skinny Love” is a highlight track filled with crisp chord progressions and vocal play. Peppered with visual scenes, it is a song too-oft passed over for simpler, cheaper tunes.
“Re: Stacks” is another widely popular song from the album. It is not as sharp as the latter and flows more calmly, but is equally wondrous. In my personal opinion, it is soothing. And endearing.
In one word, this album can be summed up as honest. There are no false pretenses to muddle listeners, no disillusions. It is a real take on real life, and it is incredibly beautiful. It is my wish that Bon Iver will continue to delight listeners of the world for years to come.