Bon Iver, Faith | Track Review

Grammy-winning alt collective Bon Iver returns with “Faith,” a gorgeous, high-flying single where Justin Vernon shares his perspective on faith & religion.

“Fold your hands into mine / I did my believing / Seeing every time.” Hmm, perhaps the key portion of that lyrical excerpt from the bridge of “Faith,” an advanced single from the album, i, i, is “I DID my believing.”  Why is that key you ask? Well, it’s signifies that Grammy-winning collective Bon Iver (led by Justin Vernon) clearly doesn’t believe in the traditional, Christian sense anymore. On the gorgeous, high-flying single “Faith,” his faith has clearly shifted.  Yes, he still has faith, but you could say that Vernon isn’t necessarily a proponent of “⁷For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7) or the Christian concept of Faith is Seeing the Unseen.  Let’s dig deeper, shall we?

Moving aside from the break with Christianity temporarily, musically, “Faith” has everything you expect from a Bon Iver record.  The production by Vernon, Brad Cook and Chris Messina is marvelous.  The sound naturally embraces indie-folk, constructed by layered acoustic guitars, as well as piano.  Of course, it’s not only indie-folk, with the signature alternative-electronic piece remaining in play, with unique vocal effects, synths, and pads.  With such awesome music occurring, being bored by “Faith” simply isn’t a possibility.

Refocusing on the faith component of “Faith,” the nods to religion, rather anti-religion, run rampant.  On the second verse, he asserts, “I should’ve known / That I shouldn’t hide / To comprise and to covet,” continuing later, “There is no design / You’ll have to decide / If you’ll come to know, I’m the faithful kind.” The fourth verse is arguably the crowning achievement, where Vernon flat out denounces faith in God:

“This is for my sister

That for my maple

It’s not going the road I’d known as a child of God

Nor to become stable

(So, what if I lose? I’m satisfied).”

Final Thoughts

Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with the beliefs of Justin Vernon or Bon Iver, “Faith” itself is an absolutely fantastic record.  It’s well-written, well-produced, and ultimately, just a fabulous, ear-catching gem.  What really shines about this record is the fact that it makes you think – it’s a deep, philosophical piece of art.

Bon Iver • i, i • Jagjaguwar • Release: 8.30.19

Photo Credit: Jagjaguwar