Bon Iver's third studio album, 22, A Million, is a groundbreaking masterpiece that marks a significant shift in the band's sound. Released on 30 September 2016 via Jagjaguwar, this album is the culmination of five years of creative exploration and experimentation. Led by the visionary Justin Vernon, Bon Iver has crafted a unique blend of indie folk, art pop, and folktronica that is both captivating and thought-provoking.
The album's ten tracks, including '22 (OVER S∞∞N)', '10 d E A T h b R E a s T ⚄ ⚄', and '715 - CR∑∑KS', showcase the band's ability to push boundaries and defy genre conventions. With its intricate production and poignant lyrics, 22, A Million is an intensely personal and emotional journey that invites listeners to immerse themselves in its sonic landscape.
Recorded at Justin Vernon's April Base studio in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the album benefits from the band's collaborative approach and Vernon's prior work with influential artists such as Kanye West. The result is a richly textured and deeply affecting record that explores themes of self-discovery, love, and existential questioning.
Clocking in at 34 minutes, 22, A Million is a concise yet powerful statement that showcases Bon Iver's innovative spirit and artistic vision. With its release, the band has once again demonstrated their ability to create music that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. As a work of art, 22, A Million is a testament to the band's unwavering commitment to their craft and their unrelenting pursuit of creative excellence.