What makes 22, A Million by Bon Iver notable?

22, A Million received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with Pitchfork awarding it a coveted Best New Music designation. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart and is notable for its influence on the indie folk genre, blending acoustic traditions with modern production techniques. By the time Bon Iver released 22, A Million in January 2016, they had transitioned from the breakout success of their self-titled album in 2013. This third studio effort marked a significant departure into experimental territory, showcasing Justin Vernon's willingness to embrace technology and abstraction in his music after a period of relative silence.

Who is 22, A Million for?

22, A Million works well if you're into wave-like emotional fluctuations, brief introspective listening bursts and haunting melodies for solitude.

How many songs are on 22, A Million?

22, A Million has 10 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

22, A Million

Bon Iver · 2016

34 min · 10 tracks · indie folk

A fragmented soundscape intertwining electronic elements with intimate vocal storytelling, creating an immersive emotional experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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33 “GOD” — This track encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of faith and existence through a blend of layered vocals and glitchy instrumentation, illustrating Vernon's unique approach to songwriting.
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715 - CR∑∑KS — The raw vulnerability of this track stands out as Vernon reflects on personal loss with striking clarity against a backdrop of minimalist production choices, highlighting the emotional core of the album.
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10 d E A T h b R E a s T ⚄ ⚄ — This song merges abstract lyricism with an innovative sound collage, pushing the boundaries of traditional song structures and exemplifying the album's avant-garde spirit.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

70 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

The album's experimental approach and unique sound make it stand out in the indie folk genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a track that features layered vocal harmonies and a minimalist electronic backdrop, setting an experimental tone.
Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt transitions and fragmented melodies, which challenge traditional forms.
The use of field recordings and ambient sounds throughout creates a textured soundscape that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like emotional fluctuations
brief introspective listening bursts
haunting melodies for solitude
dynamic flow with varied pacing

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time Bon Iver released 22, A Million in January 2016, they had transitioned from the breakout success of their self-titled album in 2013. This third studio effort marked a significant departure into experimental territory, showcasing Justin Vernon's willingness to embrace technology and abstraction in his music after a period of relative silence.
Stylistic neighbors: Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine· Fleet Foxes