Bon Iver, Bon Iver by Bon Iver

After the closeness and austerity of For Emma, Vernon has given us a knotty record that resists easy interpretation but is no less warm or welcoming.

The album is a shoo-in for being a timeless great, no matter what we say.

It’s a rich and intricate collage that shows restraint in its cascade of ideas as well as Vernon’s maturity as a songwriter.

Justin Vernon and his crew have changed things up here for sure, but the results are every bit as beautiful as you might expect.

It is undeniably an album about “growth,” and it has a way of pushing you out of your comfort zone.

Those who approach Bon Iver with open minds and open ears will with repeated listens find that Vernon has not strayed too far from his original raison d'etre.

Bon Iver embarks on a sustainable new direction for the band and is evidence of a successful transition from one-off wonder to durable outfit.

Despite its hype, its expectations, its blown up sound, and its many production flourishes, Bon Iver is nothing more than a solid placeholder album.

"Someway, baby, it's part of me, apart from me" Bon Iver

What's most rewarding is that Bon Iver has emerged from the mysterious veil only to reveal more mystery, but now in the warmest context possible.