Bon Iver - 22, A Million FIRST EVER LISTEN

My first time hearing the gorgeous 22, A Million from Bon Iver.
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[@ruffcriminal]

One of my favorite albums ever, frankly. There are some great “lyric videos” for these tracks, in ways amplifying your assessment of an AI experiencing a spiritual awakening. Still remember sitting in darkness watching them all together, unforgettable.

[@chrilborn4138]

I read this comment in 10 seconds or less

[@farhannr28]

This comment is more than 10 seconds ruff

[@thesilenttreatment6837]

Yes it's better experienced with those lyrics, like it's never the same. It's part of the whole artwork. Just this album is incomplete.

[@ttanke]

Time stamps: 00:17 - 22 (OVER S∞∞N) 01:50 - 10 d E A T h b R E a s T ⚄ ⚄ 04:38 - 715 - CRΣΣKS 06:37 - 33 “GOD” 09:09 - 29 #Strafford APTS 11:08 - 666 ʇ 14:37 - 21 M◊◊N WATER 16:20 - 8 (circle) 19:11 - ____45_____ 21:37 - 00000 Million

[@boiketlothipane9431]

Thank you so much 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Bigdawg2504]

Bro how tf did you get the fonts to type these titles

[@feli6277]

​@@Bigdawg2504copy and paste

[@Coinpease]

The creeks vocoder is special as it was specifically designed for bon iver. It's called the Messina and it takes his voice and applies that effect and allows him to play it on his keyboard. That way he's effectively able to sing a choir by himself. It's literally his sound engineer pushing forward the technology itself.

[@c0p0g]

8 (circle) genuinely might be one of my favourite tracks of all time. It's utterly stunning. Glad you enjoyed it so much.

[@latenighthibachi]

One of bon ivers best

[@essaym7509]

My wife and I fell in love with Creeks because of the heavy vocoder. I honestly still get chills listening to that song. It inspired my wife and I so much that we started creating our own music together. If you stripped that vocoder out of the song my wife and I never would’ve fell in love with it. I promise you, if you don’t like it initially try it again. Put on headphones, remove distractions, and close your eyes - that song will take you on a journey.

[@TheHutcharmy]

Certain songs on this album still make me tear up or get chills. One of my favorites of all time, incredible musicality and style

[@LivingArtifice]

This album really picked me up out of a dark place when I needed it most. I hope you enjoy it 😊

[@NathanCowan21]

Album did the same for me man, hope you’re doing well 🙏

[@chelseal6957]

Same

[@rubyrayne8]

If an album does that for me, I have an emotional connection and love for the album that never really dies.

[@janssendelacruz1595]

Omg same!!

[@gustavofranca1401]

same 💜

[@jackelderton9928]

The biggest grower I have *ever* listened to. Stunning but overwhelming on first listen and then every time you come back, you catch something new in the background that adds so much colour. The soundscapes are so complex and developed that you miss these things to begin with but it's such an incredibly intricate and beautifully constructed project. Just wonderful. One of my favourite albums of all time.

[@jackelderton9928]

Very much an album mind you. There are some standout tunes on there but it's one to be listened to in the whole, for sure. The contrast between the different vocal effects have so much more purpose and clarity as you go through the whole thing.

[@romanspataro1688]

yes

[@reste92]

this album is a HUGE piece of art. So many layers to the production and lyrics it's jaw-dropping.

[@maxdiehl1101]

715 Creeks is one of my alltime Favorite Songs, just because it is so raw and pure, that it makes you feel all his emotions in your very core.

[@laurabeth8616]

22, A Million is, without question, my favorite record of all time. This music is absolutely a religious experience for me. It brought me immense joy to see you experience it for the first time. I think Moon Water is supposed to make you feel a little bit uncomfortable, I think the idea is to sit with it and just let yourself experience it until it softens and becomes beautiful again when Circle begins.

[@moxson]

Definitely a must listen for anyone in a dark place. It really helped me through one of the hardest times of my life.I heard this album when released driving over a mountain pass over looking the city I live in and 715-CREEKS starting playing…I cried and never knew why. To this day I still play this album almost every Sunday. BEAUTIFUL spiritual album. Thank you Bon Iver!!!

[@christopherjarrett9067]

Same for me friend. Glad to see so many others resonated so deeply with it.

[@nikolashansen4974]

I'm a sailor and my ship was docking in Kotka, Finland during the winter. I went on shoreleave with my crew. When they all went to the city I went out in the woods, wandered through the snow and listened to this album on my headphones. It was probably the most serene moment in my life to date. Nothing else mattered than the present and I was content.

[@prodbylilspotta5669]

One of the best albums of all time

[@yesmk000]

100%

[@W4LT3Rego]

It's good, but ... This is a bit much.

[@henriteo]

Agreed.

[@MayorBrownn]

100000%

[@mosezmusic]

Yes.

[@yungyeshua.]

715 creeks has been there for me in some really rough spots in life, so cathartic

[@retnugnahte]

it was the first bon iver track i heard. i was instantly impressed and listened to the entire discography that day. absolutely stunning song

[@comradechill]

This album ripped my soul out of my body when i first listened to it when it came out. I had an intense convo with that soul. We went to another universe for a little while and then eventually became one again when we arrived back on earth. Never been the same since

[@mckamy4711]

off topic but amazing username haha

[@MrTgrund]

You nailed the feeling of 29 strattford apts. Justin had said in concerts that the song is about being in a place that feels very familiar even though you know you’ve never been there before.

[@Robba16]

Their live performances of this album are also absolutely amazing, especially 33 GOD.

[@stellar3508]

I listen to that NPR show twice a week at least

[@kristenjackson713]

And CREEKS live for sure

[@eazy-e8085]

Absolutely spectacular

[@alexjobin623]

FACTS

[@timaustin77x]

@@stellar3508 I’ve watched that performance from start to finish so many times. Incredible

[@sean-zg4gx]

8 (circle) is on of my personal favorite songs of all time, it’s such an important breath of fresh air in the album that’s so beautiful inside the context of the album and singled out as well. Made my day seeing you dropped a reaction to this

[@benjadamon]

Same. I cried so hard when I saw them perform it live. They had some local musicians from Copenhagen do the horns on the songs, sounded so incredible.

[@Nobodys_Nothing]

I had scheduled my senior dog’s euthanasia 2 weeks in advance and had taken time off work to dedicate to him in his last days and I spent time listening to this album on repeat. I cannot listen to this album without feeling so many emotions. I’ve seen Bon Iver live twice now. It’s is like a religious experience. This album will always be so special.

[@COYSNY]

I know what it’s like to let your sidekick go. So many of us do. Thank You for sharing. - J

[@MayorBrownn]

I first listened to this album around the same time my dog passed away. I’m sorry for your loss

[@Nobodys_Nothing]

@@MayorBrownn thanks. Sorry for your loss as well. 🌈🐾

[@eazy-e8085]

You have to listen to the live versions to really appreciate this album in my opinion. It’s a whole different beast and amazing.

[@mikehamill3633]

715 - CREEKS is one of my favorite songs of all time, the lack of instruments and the use of the electronic harmonies really sound incredible and I think capture what the song is about

[@wouterwesterhof2549]

This album feels like I'm having fever dreams to my youth, in a good way. The beautiful innocence and vivid memories while being interupted by the unknown and scary present/future. I always describe it as 'feeling nostalgic for the future', if that makes any sense edit: Funny to see Jon having the same problems trying to describe how it feels. "M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming" is another album which gives me a similar feeling. It's bittersweet and the theme is about how our dreams as children differ from dreams as adults

[@ttanke]

NO WAY JON. I love this album so much! one of my favorite ever. I was just wasting time and wanted to see a Bon Iver reaction and it happened that you just dropped this ❤ it's so unique and different from everything you have ever heard. it truly is an experience and I can't quite describe it to you. even tho it can sound VERY strange at first, with all the weird sounds that don't seem to "connect", in a way it gets better as time passes, you just learn to appreciate it.. absolutely beautiful. so emotional. I tear up listening to some tracks. it gave me peace when I had none.

[@benjadamon]

YES JON! Amazing album. 8 (circle) is one of the greatest songs ever made. Really hoping you’ll do i,i as well, that album deserves much more recognition than it gets and it’s full of incredible songs.

[@eamonodea9588]

What I find so wonderful about this album is that I will never figure it out. It's inscrutable in a way. This density and complexity of the project reveals something to me about some of the thematic elements about existence and god. I adore this album, it's just so brilliant, so original, so thorough.

[@sean-zg4gx]

The way i have described this exact feeling is obscure. It’s just so obscure that the vision it took to make this is just incredible to imagine

[@Nick-dw8nd]

The end of 8 (circle) is an absolute spiritual experience. It felt like an outer body experience the first time I heard it.

[@matt2124]

This is an all time great album. I’ve listened to it every day for the last month. So beautifully yet cryptically written. I wish I could put into words how it makes me feel.

[@zanemorton3092]

Thank you so much for covering this album. One of my all time favorites. The peak from Moonwater into Circle walks me through the feeling of my anxiety breaking into peace. I highly suggest you listen to Heavenly Father - Sydney Opera House. It’s really something special

[@colinpaton3304]

So beautiful to share such a special album with other people; to feel through those same emotions, experience, related to you others x

[@hattymuang5825]

This is my favourite Bon Iver album. Watching this video brought back so many memories of listening to this album over the years; remembering different times, locations, and feelings. Thank you.

[@ByLuxley]

The 3 track run Creekz, God & Strafford APTS is so insane to me. I always tear up that shit is so beautiful

[@jacobrichards967]

I’d say if you remove the first two songs the whole album is pretty flawless. They just feel like they go nowhere to me.

[@MayorBrownn]

@@jacobrichards967 over soon is my favourite

[@yahard42]

I always have this feeling that GOD is the best song ever writing by a humam being

[@teaguemccourt2230]

this is my favorite album of all time. i’m really happy u enjoyed it.

[@Officialv5a]

Bon Iver is my biggest influence and all 4 of his albums are all hugely important in my life! Amazing stuff, glad that you reacted

[@misterbondage007]

The last two times I've seen Bon Iver live, the lights turned on after the performance. There would be someone openly weeping and a friend (or stranger) comforting that person. It was actually beautiful to see.

[@MartiniMartinify]

The number 22 means a lot to me too man. 2 has always been my favorite number, my brother passed when he was 22 and this album came out that year. It meant so much to me and really helped me with that nostalgic feeling you mention. Great video mate! Keep up the fantastic work!

[@dez-m]

This is one of the greatest projects I've ever heard, and imo, one of the greatest albums of all time. So glad to see you listening in!

[@ummmdudewtf]

Ahhhhhhhh we need a reaction to i,i now! Slight hot take but 22 a million and i,i are my fave albums from Vernon. Completely obsessed with his sound from 2016 onwards

[@allischaeffer2143]

My favorite album out there, without a doubt. It was great to see you just experience it, I wish I could reconnect with this album for the first time again

[@sugg1087]

Recently saw them live and all the songs they played off this album were absolutely magical.

[@julioacosta123]

You need to check out there NPR Live session of this album uploaded on youtube, the sound quality and emotion is just crazy. I come back and listen to it every other month

[@eazy-e8085]

This^

[@widenalgene]

Yes please this is the way

[@CrowCounty5]

i had the same reaction to this album when i first listened to it. glad you loved it!

[@farhannr28]

I had been recommending this album to you for so long. Glad that you finally did it

[@farhannr28]

This is my favorite non rap album that i have ever listened. I can never just stop in the middle of the album because its just such a fantastic piece of work as a whole. Also while im here im gonna leave my hot take. 10 deathbreast is the best song of the album

[@Th3Gr3mlinz]

One of my all time favorite albums. I was lucky enough to catch them on tour for this album and it was a beautiful experience. It was like bathing in sound and emotion. ❤️

[@retnugnahte]

I've been waiting for this

[@jpetryfied44]

I love how so many different people find solidarity and acceptance of vulnerability in this abstract piece of art. It’s unquestionably the most important piece of music in my life

[@ciglicia]

this is my favorite album of all time and I love your reactions and opinions so it's a good day, thank you :)

[@pathreacts]

this is one of my favourite albums ever. so timeless

[@carsten1989]

One of my fave albums. Fun to see you go through it. Thanks.

[@derekeastvold362]

On my first listen, I was still relatively new to his music so I had no clue what to expect so I went in with an open mind. I was completely blown away. I also highly recommend checking out his self titled album as well. I like to think of it as a "happy medium" sonically between 22 a million and for Emma.

[@Am3r1Kan0]

I've very recently come around on this album after years of loving bon iver's other music prior. I always thought that as far as production quality it's definitely pretty amazing, but it took me a while to really appreciate it on a more emotional level. It took me just listening to it on its own one day and not thinking about for emma or s/t to avoid comparisons in my head. Beautiful album

[@abelmj]

8 (circle) gives me goosebumps everytime I listen to it. Such a great album but it took so long for me to appreciate it.

[@Jaigantic97]

Bon iver is my top five all-time favorite artists I'm glad that you're reviewing this album

[@Cookerab]

You can't even explain his music. It's like indie gospel hip hop folk electronica blues rock funk and it is beautiful.

[@BREATHER_]

I love this album so much, my personal favorite Bon Iver project. I never really see anyone talk about it. Also James Blake’s “The Colour In Anything” almost mirrors this sonically with the overtly experimental, electronic tinged instrumentals and vocal effects throughout

[@madeleinedanes20]

this just reminded me how much i f**king love this album thank u

[@-tdjramsey-5407]

My favorite album, I'm glad you appreciated it. My first tattoo was something from the cover art.

[@ethanwaddell1343]

I went to Chicago for a kanye concert with 3 of my best friends the weekend after this dropped. this album takes me back to that point in my life every single listen. An album ill cherish forever.

[@el_mal_de_ojo]

This album never fails to bring me to tears.

[@vaniaaaB]

Watched him live in 2017 after this album came out. That concert is still one of the most beautiful sound experiences I've ever had, absolutely insane live

[@mmoore4456]

Straight up fabulous review!

[@kolyatirado1298]

I honestly don't know if there's any album that makes me feel more alive than this one. I have absolutely no words to describe the feeling I get while listening to this album, the music is so rich, feel like everything is in there.

[@mathewgoldsmith6938]

Don't ever apologize for feeling the music man

[@TheNraveles]

A true masterpiece. Absolutely amazing and by far my fave album of bon iver

[@JJ-gh2is]

Despite being a huge Bon Iver fan, it took me years to appreciate this album. Really interested to hear your thoughts

[@ineverswag]

this one hit me instantly, and tbh it was a time where i needed it

[@chelseal6957]

One of my favorite albums of all time 💛

[@benmartin4871]

Yesss finally my favourite album of all time getting reacted to by my favourite reactor

[@sheilapoole4628]

8 (circle) - yep - absolutely gorgeous and soulful. Such a perfect track. You must see Bon Iver live.

[@789theguy]

____45_____ is easily my favourite track on this album. It gives me such a sense of peace but also longing for peace that I have yet to feel.

[@faedec_music]

i always loved the sort of stream-of-consciousness feel this album had, not super structured. i know some people have gripes with that (*cough* fantano *cough*) but something about that makes the experience of the album feel so much more unique and special to me.

[@andrewevans5133]

Such a good album, haven’t done this before or since but I heard the first four tracks and just bought the whole thing on vinyl not hearing the rest but I knew whatever came would be magical

[@elibdot]

i would def listen to the self titled next if u haven’t, might be their best

[@nr1078]

Favorite album of all time, changed how I listen to music forever

[@caolanware]

its really interesting that you say spiritual at 13:57! ive always felt connected to bon iver because he studied religious studies just like i did, and this is definitely his most religious album in terms of the lyrics and worship/gospel harmonies

[@GSKArip]

I absolutely adore this album! You should also listen to i,i by Bon Iver. I find it equally as amazing as this body of work. It’s an incredible listen, through and through. Also to bring up your point about the track you think people might’ve preferred as just acapella, I asked my friend who’s been a fan of bon iver for a really long time. They said they actually loved that track on release, even if it was different from his other vocal performances. They absolutely adore this album though.

[@benjadamon]

i,i is incredible as well. Some of his absolute best songs, Sh’Diah gives me goosebumps every time and the likes of iMi, We, Naeem, Hey Ma, Faith and U (Man Like) are just outstanding pieces of work.

[@chrilborn4138]

You're definitely missing out if you don't listen to Bon Iver, Bon Iver. I'd argue it's just as ambitious as 22, AM but in a totally different way.

[@orangecrazy100]

It’s so nice to see someone who feels the same about this album on the first listen. It did something to me that I can’t describe, one of my all time favorites.

[@erinl9866]

creeks I think is one of his more popular songs within the fanbase. when I went to see him live last month, I think there were a lot of people in the crowd that were familiar with his music but were passive listeners, but when we started singing creeks there was an audible excitement from the crowd that wasn't very expected (at least for me) since his concerts are quite laid back. he also uses the autotune live which is super fun and different

[@antoineguilbeault8025]

i'm excited to watch this one I really love 22 A million

[@leonchow3122]

I’m so glad you did this John. Such an underrated album, I honestly get vibes close to Blonde with the slightly less ‘accessible’ nature - art in its own right though. 33 God and Creeks are soul hitting!

[@Elsiie]

oh fuck yeah one of my favorite albums LETS GOOOOO

[@tackesseven4413]

such a difficult album to describe but the way it makes you feel is certain. I'd love to see you react to i,i. that album is my favorite of his and in a way brings the mix of electronic folk of this album into a more unique soundscape.

[@ChildishDanbino]

Three of my favorite albums of all time came out in 2016. 22, a Million by Bon Iver, Blonde by Frank Ocean & Sudden Feeling by HalfNoise. Will be hard to ever have that year topped for me personally.

[@yahard42]

yes!!! i've been saying 2016 was a differemt year. for some time it fell like it didn't ended. Blonde and 22, a Million are 2 of my favourite albuns as well

[@cdnz0424]

THANK YOU FOR REACTING TO THIS!

[@Gennys]

To your question about creeks the song. It's my favorite song of any of his songs of any of his albums. I can listen to that song on repeat because there is so much that the music covers. It's all real

[@ahmadjonibrohimov7484]

I adoreee this album

[@stephaniehughes5893]

I hated this album the first time I heard it, had just in the previous couple years gotten to know and love Bon Iver's earlier albums and tracks, so this drastic and intense shift in sound really threw me off. Then I listened to it again. And again. And then I cried, a lot, and fell in love. 715 Creeks is my all time favorite track of theirs, the layering makes it sound like he is crying the words out, the emotion kills me every time. 33 God makes me feel like I'm closer to God listening to it. It's about Justin Vernon's personal experience with knowing God, and it's written and recorded so beautifully I don't think any song could even come close in likeness. I love that you're enjoying this album on the first listen, and hearing what I couldn't my on my first. The artistry of this group is unmatched

[@stephaniehughes5893]

Just wait till you listen to I,I

[@jpneves0801]

Justin Vernon is a beast. He's the most talented musician of this century, in my humble opinion. All of his bands are pretty awesome. Please, listen his other bands and his solo stuff

[@ThatGenericCanadian]

You asked about the initial reception of the album when it first came out: It was definitely a bit mixed but generally was pretty positive. It seems like people either felt like it was a collection of assorted 'not quite finished sounding' sounds blended together to give the weird soundscape type album, or people really clicked with those disjointed sounds and enjoy it. I think a lot of people have come around it it in recent times though, I generally hear it spoken about with pretty high praise! I highly recommend the album prior to this (Bon Iver, Bon Iver), it's absolutely stunning as well and it's fun to see the jump in sound between his first 3 albums!

[@Gerry_Hannan]

Love this fucking album

[@thedudebryan98]

Those two songs that had you all messed up are amazing 😂 i probably had your same reaction when i first heard em.

[@xxxelisaxxx]

...What a river don't know is To climb out and heed a line To slow among roses or stay behind... I love this song so much!

[@geebuttersnaps4247]

Bon Iver’s live NPR version of 29 #Strafford APTS, in my opinion, is the best version of itself. With the added percussion, it really lifts the song to another level. Life changing performance!

[@owenbenjamin6413]

8 (circle) is my favourite song of all time, great reaction man

[@timaustin77x]

You must watch the NPR Bon Iver concert. Seeing them perform this live is next level

[@joeo2628]

This is my go to album when I’m hungover or on a comedown lol

[@hustleandhobby7130]

It took me years to truly appreciate this album

[@princekgololo5860]

Check out their NPR concert! Certainly made me love the album more

[@Dantega415]

CREEKS fucked me up first listen, his soft vocals in the beginning to the yelling and louder vocals I found so passionate. No music needed or than the vocoder and that’s what hit for me. So good

[@duggy1710]

It took a few listens for me to really get my head around this album but now it’s one of my favourites, it’s such a beautiful piece of art. You should listen to his track PDLIF, it’s absolutely incredible