Musically, Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon has spent nearly two decades distancing himself from the individual who secluded himself in a mountain cabin to create the undeniably beautiful ‘For Emma, Forever Ago’. In contrast, 2016’s ‘22, A Million’ offered a stark departure from the raw heartbreak of his debut, opting for arrhythmic electronics rather than the singer-songwriter vibe that characterized both the mountain album and its self-titled follow-up, which visually echoed similar wilderness themes. Nearly six years ago, he released his latest Bon Iver project, which found a middle ground between the two but fell short of revisiting the snowy solitude. The lead single of this album, ‘S P E Y S I D E’—notable for its playful formatting—swiftly changed that, its tone marked by an apologetic regret that harkened back to Justin’s tender guitar strumming and unique falsetto. The minimalistic sound aligned with the grim lyrics, seemingly the result of another self-imposed isolation. This track leads ‘SABLE, fABLE’, accompanied by two other stripped-back meditations, giving a misleading impression that Justin has returned to his introspective reflections. However, as ‘Short Story’ transitions into the gospel-infused ‘Everything Is Peaceful Love’, Bon Iver’s fifth studio album reveals a different narrative. The themes of apology, regret, and reconnection are fleeting and painful, while what follows ascends dramatically. More consistent than in the past, Justin’s redemption feels soulful, almost spiritual, particularly in the collaboration with Dijon and Flock of Dimes on ‘Day One’. "I don’t know who I am without you," he implores over electronic pianos, expressing unwavering love. This sentiment aligns with the remorse found in ‘S P E Y S I D E’ and the thoughtful reflection of the standout track featuring Danielle Haim, ‘If Only I Could Wait’. Yet, it’s the soaring choral melody of ‘From’ that conveys the story most effectively, with Justin urging his love to return. "I can see where you’re coming from," he extends as a heartfelt olive branch. This marks a significant evolution from the introspective melancholy of ‘For Emma…’, showcasing a man who is not only 20 years older but also wiser. The gravity dissipates swiftly, yielding to an acceptance of his faults and a humble plea for forgiveness. Musically, as expected, he accompanies both themes brilliantly.
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