Description
Bon Iver – I I – Vinyl Record
I, I (pronounced as “I comma I”) is the fourth studio album by American indie folk band Bon Iver, released on August 9, 2019, through Jagjaguwar. The album is widely seen as the final installment in a seasonal cycle of Bon Iver’s discography, where For Emma, Forever Ago represents winter, Bon Iver, Bon Iver represents spring, 22, A Million represents summer, and I, I reflects the fall—a time of maturity, reflection, and acceptance. The album blends Bon Iver’s earlier folk roots with electronic and experimental sounds, creating a warm yet introspective atmosphere that embraces both uncertainty and hope.
With Justin Vernon as the creative force behind Bon Iver, I, I continues the band’s trajectory of genre-blending and innovation, using layered instrumentation, intricate production, and Vernon’s signature auto-tuned vocals to explore themes of self-acceptance, love, community, and human connection.
Following the experimental, electronically focused 22, A Million (2016), I, I returns to a more grounded, organic sound while retaining the layered, production-heavy style that Vernon developed in recent years. The album was recorded primarily at Sonic Ranch in Texas and April Base, Vernon’s own studio in Wisconsin. Throughout the process, Bon Iver collaborated with a number of guest musicians, including James Blake, Bruce Hornsby, Aaron Dessner of The National, and Moses Sumney, contributing to the album’s rich, eclectic sound.
The album combines indie folk, electronica, and jazz influences, creating a sonic landscape that is both lush and introspective. Complex arrangements and intricate soundscapes are paired with Vernon’s reflective lyrics, which explore existential themes and the search for connection in an increasingly fragmented world.
Key Tracks
‘iMi’ – Opening with textured electronic beats and layered vocals, ‘iMi’ captures the album’s blend of digital and organic sounds. The song features contributions from James Blake and evokes themes of self-reflection and acceptance.
‘We’ – A song about unity and interconnectedness, “We” features warm brass and subtle harmonies that create a sense of intimacy and optimism. The lyrics are both cryptic and uplifting, inviting listeners to find comfort in togetherness.
‘Holyfields,’ – This track has a soft, melancholic tone, with sparse production that brings out Vernon’s tender, fragile vocals. It reflects on isolation and the longing for authenticity amid modern life’s distractions.
‘Hey, Ma’ – One of the album’s standout singles, “Hey, Ma” is a nostalgic tribute to Vernon’s mother and a reflection on family bonds. With lush instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics, it became one of the most accessible and emotionally resonant tracks on the album.
‘U (Man Like)’ – A soulful, piano-driven song featuring Bruce Hornsby, “U (Man Like)” addresses themes of empathy and social justice. It criticizes greed and apathy while calling for compassion and human connection.
‘Naeem’ – One of the album’s most powerful tracks, ‘Naeem’ builds in intensity with Vernon’s vocals expressing a raw, desperate yearning. The song’s lyrics and dynamic instrumentation evoke themes of redemption and determination.
‘Jelmore’ – A more somber, introspective track, ‘Jelmore’ addresses the impact of climate change and environmental crisis. The sparse, haunting instrumentation underscores the urgency and despair in Vernon’s lyrics.
‘Faith’ – This song reflects on trust and self-acceptance, combining ethereal harmonies with uplifting lyrics. The steady beat and evolving arrangement give it a hopeful, forward-looking feel.
‘RABi’ – The closing track is a warm, reflective piece that sums up the album’s themes of acceptance and maturity. With lyrics like “Well, it’s all just scared of dying / But isn’t this a beach?” it leaves listeners with a sense of peace and optimism.
I, I is a deeply introspective album that touches on themes of human connection, personal growth, social responsibility, and acceptance. Vernon’s lyrics, while often abstract, evoke a yearning for understanding and community. The album embraces the fall season’s symbolism of maturity and reflection, capturing both a sense of melancholy and a sense of peace with the world as it is.
The production on I, I is expansive yet delicate, with each track layered with electronic textures, brass, woodwinds, and vocal harmonies. The sound is a continuation of the experimental approach seen in 22, A Million, but with a warmer, more cohesive feel that reflects a return to Vernon’s folk roots, while still incorporating his evolved electronic aesthetic.
I, I received critical acclaim, with many praising its emotional depth, complex arrangements, and Vernon’s willingness to address personal and societal issues. Critics noted the album’s ability to balance introspection with universal themes, creating a listening experience that is both intimate and resonant. It was nominated for two Grammy Awards, including Best Alternative Music Album, further cementing Bon Iver’s influence on indie and alternative music.
Fans and critics alike appreciated I, I for its thematic unity and its role as a culmination of Bon Iver’s exploration of self and sound over four albums. Songs like “Hey, Ma,” “Faith,” and “Naeem” became fan favorites, resonating with listeners for their emotional transparency and lush arrangements.
I, I stands as a mature, reflective album in Bon Iver’s discography, synthesizing the experimental impulses of previous albums with a grounded, heartfelt approach. It is seen as the final chapter in Bon Iver’s seasonal concept, representing a period of reflection, acceptance, and peace. For many fans, the album encapsulates Vernon’s ability to push boundaries while remaining deeply personal and emotionally resonant.
As a milestone in Bon Iver’s career, I, I reflects the band’s journey from indie folk roots to a more expansive, genre-blending sound, solidifying their place as a powerful force in modern music.
Gatefold sleeve, inner sleeve for LP, 11′ x 11′ 28 page booklet, all packaged within a printed outer plastic slipcase, plus yellow sticker.
Comes with download code.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Yi
iMi
We
Holyfields
Hey, Ma
U (Man Like)
Naeem
Jelmore
Faith
Marion
Salem
Shi’Diah
BRABi
