On February 17th, folk favorite Bon Iver will be performing an intimate 10th-anniversary show for their debut album For Emma, Forever Ago in Milwaukee. Safe to say, it’ll probably be their best show of the decade. In honor of this, we’ve gathered up the band’s top 5 songs over the years, in no particular order.
8(circle) (from 22, A Million)
Oh come on, is this really surprising? This track is without a doubt one of Bon Iver’s greatest creations (on 22, A Million) and in their entire discography. It opens up with a warm, airy-like harmony from a group of horns while a robust vocal delivery by Vernon greets your ears. It’s absolutely breathtaking and might even give you a few goosebumps; an instant favorite.
Beth/Rest (from Bon Iver)
Though it was the final track of Bon Iver, Beth/Rest is by far one of the album’s standouts. The organ-heavy track brings a medley of distinct instruments that all fall into place perfectly, as well as a myriad of heartfelt emotions worthy of some tears. Oh, and there’s even a gorgeous instrumental bit towards the end guaranteed to make you sway.
Perth (from Bon Iver)
“Perth”, the opening track to Bon Iver needs no introduction whatsoever. Undoubtedly one of the group’s most celebrated songs to date, “Perth” demonstrates the gritty side of Bon Iver we’re not typically used to hearing while bringing all of the emotional griefs that follow a recent loss.
715 CRΣΣKS (from 22, A Million)
There aren’t many artists out there that can carry an entire song with only autotune but for Bon Iver, it’s practically a piece of cake. Unlike most of the tracks from 22, A Million, “715 CRΣΣKS” is a rather heavy song as it conveys all of Vernon’s raw emotions. There aren’t any horns, guitars or anything that we’re used to hearing from the group; only drowned out autotune capable of keeping your ears enthralled.
Re: Stacks (from For Emma, Forever Ago)
If you’re ever in need of a cathartic song to take you away, listen to “Re: Stacks.” Though it was made back in 2007, the six-minute song is filled with hopeless feelings that we can all (still) relate to, such as the lyric Vernon delivers: “There’s a black crow sitting across from me/His wiry legs are crossed/And he’s dangling my keys, he even fakes a toss/Whatever could it be that has brought me to this loss?”
