Top 5: Bon Iver - i,i

Justin Vernon released his fourth album as Bon Iver on on August 9, 2019. The album is a natural continuation from his last masterpiece (and one of my favorite albums of all time), 22, A Million. This time, Vernon seems to be more playful with the music but more honest with his lyrics and vocals. Check out my top 5 songs from i,i:

#5 - Faith

The instrumentation in this song is gorgeous. On the second verse, when Vernon belts "Time and again," the bass hit my soul and left me breathless. I cried, no joke. The song has everything I need in a Bon Iver song, with soft acoustic guitar paired with gorgeous harmonies.

Favorite lyrics: "I should've known / that I shouldn't hide / to compromise and to covet / all what's inside."

#4 - Naeem

I like this song because I think it stands out in Vernon's discography. The music sounds like nothing I've heard from him before. Unlike his last album (22, A Million), Vernon doesn't use as many instruments to manipulate his voice. Instead, his voice ends up being at the forefront of this song.

Favorite lyric: "I can hear, I can hear / I can hear crying"

#3 - Sh'Diah

When I first heard this song I cried immediately. I personally think this is the most beautiful song on this album. The saxophone is hypnotizing, and the last few minutes of this song are incredible.

Favorite lyric: "Well you find the time / Don't you? / For the Lord / But you can find the time"

#2 - Hey, Ma

I can't put into words how much this song means to me. This is one of my favorite Bon Iver songs ever. The song is relatable and a bit more nostalgic than what we are used to hearing from Vernon. Perfection. Also, there's just something about the way he sings, "I was tokin' on dope."

Favorite lyric: "Tall vote, you know you mope it up / Well, you wanted it your whole life / You're back and forth with light."

#1 - iMi

Why? This song has every element of an amazing Bon Iver song. The instruments, the harmonies, the acoustic guitar, manipulation of multiple vocals, and Vernon's beautiful falsetto. I may have cried with this one too, I get emotional with Bon Iver.

Favorite lyric: "If forgiveness is a chore / What you waiting for?"

Honorable mentions: U (Man Like) and Marion