For Emma, Forever Ago

Bon Iver -- For Emma, Forever Ago Reviewed by Witz

Indie Folk. Bon Iver is Justin Vernon’s cabin project—meaning he boarded himself up in a cabin in Wisconsin after his former band broke up and eventually, he wrote this album. The album perfectly reflects his circumstances as it plays precisely like what goes on after a break up. The first two songs are somber and melancholy, barely audible at times, and conveying a sense of loss and of being lost. Tracks three through six are the healing period, as more energy and emotion enter the music and Vernon’s falsetto singing style conveys the slightest sense of hope. The instrumental track seven sets the stage for the final two songs, which give the sense that normalcy is returning, and that life goes on. They are still simple, but lighter and more upbeat. Individually, there are some great songs on this album, but (unfortunately, for radio play) it is even better as a whole.
FCC CLEAN

1) Slow, melancholy lament – “only love is all maroon” – feels like he is thinking to himself outloud (3:39)
2) Medium pace, more energy and urgency in guitar, with floating vocals on top. (3:21)
**3) Energetically emotional, simple guitar work goes a long way with varying volumes and vocals. (3:58)
4) Slow minimalism builds to hypnotic catharsis. (5:22)
5) Another long track that acts almost as a continuation of the first. Vocals and guitar, however, change to feel upbeat and healing. (5:29)
*6) Slow, thoughtful verse and bigger, falsetto chorus-- energy ebbs and flows.(3:06)
7) Instrumental— sets a “something’s about to happen” tone. (1:56)
*8) Poppier and upbeat. Horns and simple rhythms. (3:40)
9) Simple, light, upbeat conclusion song. Feels like the sun coming out after a storm. The length isn’t a problem and while it’s not very diverse, the tone works. (6:41)