Bon Iver returns with the quirky, ambitiously brilliant single, โ33 โGODโ.โย It provides a sneak peak of album 22, A Million.
Bon Iver, led byย Justin Vernon, returns with single โ33 โGODโ.โ โ33 โGODโโ provides the first sneak peek into the forthcoming album, 22, A Million. Judging by this quirky, oddly-titled single, 22, A Million โ due September 30 โ should be quite the trip.
โ33 โGodโโ opens with piano patch, complemented with samples and various patches. The piano carries a nice rhythmic groove, signifying pop and urban cues without being overtly either.ย As always, Justin Vernonโs voice is haunting. The timbre of his pipes is stunning and the vocals beautifully produced.ย As always, Bon Iver does gimmicky and disjointedness well considering his eclectic musical tastes.
Notable Lyrics
The song itself is sort of mystical. It dabbles in romance, a potential hook-up, reminiscing back on younger days, and religion and the lack thereof. Numerous theme can be interpreted from a diverse set of lyrics.ย The first signal of a budding romance is when Vernon sings,
โIโd be happy as hell, if you stayed for tea.โ
He goes on to reminisce on younger days while suggesting spending time together builds a bond; a true relationship.
โThis is how we grow now woman A child ignored These will just be places to me now.โ
Other notable lyrics include, โWe find God and religions too / Staying at the Ace Hotel.โ This particularly lyric arguably likens the potential relationship (or hook up) to spirituality.ย Hence, this clearly triggers an agnostic/atheistic sentiment. Why? Many devout Christians wouldnโt necessarily liken a human relationship to one with God, no matter how deep it is.ย Regardless where Vernon stands spiritually, itโs an awesome, thought-provoking lyric.
One final lyrical passage stands out:
โI didnโt need you that night Not gonna need you anytime Was gonna take it as it goes I could go forward in the light Well I better fold my clothes.โ
It seems that things didnโt work out within the potential relationship/hook-up narrative, and Vernon is moving on (โWell I better fold my clothesโ).
Final Thoughtsย
โ33 โGodโโ is ย bizarre. Despite being difficult to pinpoint, itโs brilliant at the same time. Ultimately, it’s quite different from any- and everything else thatโs been released as of late.ย It is well produced, ambitious, and definitely captivating.
Bon Iver โข 22, A Million โข Jagjaguwar โข Release: 9.30.16
Photo Credit: JagJaguwar
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