10 Greatest Albums Of 2016
2. Bon Iver - 22, A Million
When Bon Iver announced in 2012 that they were going on an indefinite hiatus, many fans feared it was the end for the band. Fronted and largely coordinated by musician Justin Vernon, it soon became clear that the man was beginning to feel disillusioned with the industry, and by the subsequent fame that accompanied immense success.
When glimpses of new music appeared at the 2015 Eaux Claires festival, then, fans feared getting their hopes up would only lead to disappoint. Yet a year later at the exact same place, Vernon debuted Bon Iver's new record 22, A Million in its entirety, following up with a studio release in September 2016.
22, A Million is a complete departure for Bon Iver, casting off the folksy, indie rock vibe for glitchy, electronic experimentation. It's clear that Vernon has been influenced by past collaborators like Kanye West, as the track Death Breast sounds like something from Yeezus (an album on which Vernon has multiple features) and Creeks sounds like its straight from West's 808s & Heartbreak.
Despite the array of new sounds, however, Vernon's songwriting prowess shines through, the vulnerable fragility of his voice remaining as captivating as ever.