Bon Iver is an American indie folk band formed in Wisconsin in 2006 by singer-songwriter Justin Vernon. The band’s name is derived from the French phrase “bon hiver,” meaning “good winter,” a reference to the secluded cabin where Vernon wrote and recorded his debut album. Bon Iver’s music is characterized by Vernon’s unique falsetto vocals, layered harmonies, and intricate instrumentation that often incorporates acoustic and electronic elements.
The band gained widespread acclaim with their debut album, “For Emma, Forever Ago,” which was self-released in 2007 and later reissued by Jagjaguwar Records. The album’s raw emotion and intimate sound, recorded in solitude during a cold Wisconsin winter, struck a chord with audiences and critics alike.
Bon Iver has since released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Bon Iver, Bon Iver,” which won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album in 2012. The band’s sound has evolved over time, incorporating more electronic and experimental elements while maintaining Vernon’s emotive vocals and introspective lyrics.
In addition to their music, Bon Iver is known for their activism and environmentalism, and Vernon has been involved in several philanthropic projects. The band has gained a loyal following around the world, and their music has been featured in films, TV shows, and commercials. They have been praised for their unique sound and emotional depth, solidifying their place as one of the most influential indie folk bands of the 21st century.
10. “PDLIF” (2020)
“PDLIF” is a haunting and ethereal song by American indie folk band Bon Iver, released in 2020. The track features a dreamy and atmospheric melody, with lead singer Justin Vernon’s falsetto vocals soaring above the sparse instrumentation. The title of the song stands for “Please Don’t Live In Fear”, with the lyrics speaking of the uncertainty and anxiety of the modern world. The use of electronic beats and distorted vocals add to the song’s haunting and otherworldly feel. “PDLIF” is a standout track from Bon Iver’s album “i,i” and showcases the band’s ability to create evocative and emotionally resonant music.
9. “Naeem” (from i,i, 2019)
“Naeem” is a haunting and introspective song by American indie folk band Bon Iver, released in 2019 as a single from their fourth studio album, “i,i”. The song features a sparse arrangement of piano, guitar, and lead singer Justin Vernon’s haunting vocals. The lyrics describe the pain and heartbreak of losing a loved one, with Vernon singing about “breaking like a fever” and struggling to come to terms with his loss. “Naeem” showcases Bon Iver’s ability to create emotive and powerful ballads with introspective lyrics and a raw emotional intensity. The song has become a fan favorite and a critical success, highlighting Bon Iver’s continued relevance in the indie folk genre.
8. “Holocene” (from Bon Iver, Bon Iver, 2011)
“Holocene” is a song by American indie folk band Bon Iver, released in 2011 as the second single from their second studio album, “Bon Iver, Bon Iver”. The song features a delicate and atmospheric sound with Justin Vernon’s falsetto vocals layered over a minimalist guitar riff and subtle percussion. The lyrics speak of nature and self-discovery, with the chorus repeating the line “And at once I knew I was not magnificent”. “Holocene” showcases Bon Iver’s ability to create emotive and introspective music that resonates with audiences. The song has received critical acclaim and remains a fan favorite and a highlight of “Bon Iver, Bon Iver”.
7. “Blood Bank” (from Blood Bank, 2009)
“Blood Bank” is a melancholic and introspective song by American indie folk band Bon Iver, released in 2009. The track features a sparse and atmospheric melody, with lead singer Justin Vernon’s haunting vocals delivering the emotionally charged lyrics. The song takes its name from a blood bank that Vernon used to pass by on his way to his ex-girlfriend’s house, and the lyrics speak of lost love and the pain of separation. “Blood Bank” is a standout track from Bon Iver’s EP of the same name and showcases the band’s unique blend of haunting vocals and introspective lyrics.
6. “Beth/Rest” (from Bon Iver, Bon Iver, 2011)
“Beth/Rest” is a lush and dreamy song by American indie folk band Bon Iver, released in 2011 as the closing track from their second studio album, “Bon Iver, Bon Iver”. The song features a lush arrangement of synths, saxophones, and lead singer Justin Vernon’s falsetto vocals. The lyrics describe the pain and heartbreak of a failed relationship, with Vernon singing about wanting to “burn this whole scene down” and start anew. “Beth/Rest” showcases Bon Iver’s ability to create ethereal and atmospheric ballads with a nostalgic 80s sound. The song has become a fan favorite and a critical success, solidifying Bon Iver’s status as one of the most innovative and influential indie folk bands of the 2010s.
5. “Skinny Love” (from For Emma, Forever Ago, 2007)
“Skinny Love” is a song by American indie folk band Bon Iver, released in 2007 as the lead single from their debut album, “For Emma, Forever Ago”. The song features a minimalist production, with Justin Vernon’s emotive vocals layered over a simple guitar riff and percussion. The lyrics speak of a failing relationship and the pain of unrequited love, with the chorus repeating the line “And I told you to be patient / And I told you to be fine”. “Skinny Love” became a commercial success and a fan favorite, solidifying Bon Iver’s place as one of the most influential indie folk bands of the 21st century.
4. “Re: Stacks” (from For Emma, Forever Ago, 2007)
“Re: Stacks” is a poignant and introspective song by American indie folk band Bon Iver, released in 2008. The track features a simple and stripped-down melody, with lead singer Justin Vernon’s emotive vocals delivering the deeply personal lyrics. The song speaks of loss and heartbreak, as the singer reflects on the end of a relationship and the pain of moving on. The title of the song is a reference to the storage of vinyl records, with the lyrics suggesting that memories can be stored in the same way. “Re: Stacks” is a standout track from Bon Iver’s album “For Emma, Forever Ago” and showcases the band’s raw and emotive songwriting.
3. “29 #Strafford APTS” (from 22, A Million, 2016)
“29 #Strafford APTS” is a song by American indie folk band Bon Iver, released in 2016 as the fifth track on their third studio album, “22, A Million”. The song features a dynamic, experimental sound with Justin Vernon’s falsetto vocals layered over a complex mix of acoustic and electronic elements. The lyrics speak of growth and change, with the chorus repeating the line “Now all your love is wasted? / Then who the hell was I?”. “29 #Strafford APTS” showcases Bon Iver’s ability to push the boundaries of their sound while still maintaining their emotive and introspective lyrics. The song has become a fan favorite and a standout track in “22, A Million”.
2. “Perth” (from Bon Iver, Bon Iver, 2011)
“Perth” is a soaring and anthemic song by American indie folk band Bon Iver, released in 2011 as the opening track from their second studio album, “Bon Iver, Bon Iver”. The song features a driving beat, soaring guitars, and lead singer Justin Vernon’s distinctive vocals. The lyrics describe the aftermath of a personal tragedy, with Vernon singing about “still alive who you love” and finding strength in the face of loss. “Perth” showcases Bon Iver’s ability to create epic and powerful songs with emotional depth and a raw intensity. The song has become a fan favorite and a critical success, cementing Bon Iver’s status as one of the most innovative and influential indie folk bands of the 2010s.
1. “Woods” (from Blood Bank, 2009)
“Woods” is a haunting and experimental song by American indie folk band Bon Iver, released in 2009 as a single from their debut album, “Blood Bank”. The song features heavily manipulated and layered vocals by lead singer Justin Vernon, creating an otherworldly and ethereal sound. The lyrics are impressionistic and abstract, with Vernon singing about “finding strength in your eyes” and “falling down in the forest”. “Woods” showcases Bon Iver’s willingness to experiment with sound and form, creating a unique and memorable song that has become a fan favorite and a critical success. The song highlights Bon Iver’s ability to push the boundaries of indie folk and explore new sonic landscapes.