Wisconsin art collective and folk band Bon Iver released their 5th studio album, “SABLE, fABLE,” on April 11. The album beautifully explores the band’s frontman, Justin Vernon’s, complex journey dealing with depression and vulnerability to healing and finding love in the time since releasing the band’s debut album, “For Emma, Forever Ago,” in 2007.
Diving into the album feels as if the listener is reading through Vernon’s personal thoughts. The songs off “SABLE,” the first half of the album’s two part structure, are stripped of heavy production and controlled immensely by raw emotion as the weight of the songs is taken on simply by Vernon and his guitar. The songs of “fABLE,” the back half of the album, explore the genres of pop and contemporary R&B. “fABLE” keeps similar elements but builds off of “SABLE” with various additions such as the saxophone, Wurlitzer cords, and petal steel.
“SABLE” is considered an act of solitude, written on the edge of a breaking point. “THINGS BEHIND THINGS BEHIND THINGS” unpacks years of Vernon’s personal anxiety of his future in the public eye. “S P E Y S I D E” carries on with an apologetic tone behind it. The lyrics illustrate themes of regret and hopelessness with lines like, “Man, I’m so sorry / I got the best of me / I really damn been on such a violent spree.” “S P E Y S I D E” is the most emotional on both sides of the album as Vernon understands that he can not undo the hurt that he has caused.
“AWARDS SEASON” is the final song off of “SABLE,” which foreshadows “fABLE” subtly. The song shows that there is another emotion that begins to break through the sadness: hope. The lyrics explain how even though change is often frightening and difficult, it can also be a beautiful thing that is beneficial in the end.
“fABLE” is considered an “outstretched hand” by Vernon, exploring the possibilities of healing and seeking love. “Short Story,” the first track of the album’s second part, opens up “fABLE” with an incredibly graceful rhythm, immediately inviting the listener in. The standout songs off of “fABLE” include “There’s A Rhythm”, “Walk Home,” and “Everything Is Peaceful Love.” These songs carry the theme of healing and moving on; Vernon no longer needs to hide from his past as he’s closed that chapter of his life to focus on the present.
“Au Revoir” is the album closer for “SABLE, fABLE.” Similar to Bon Iver’s previous album closers, “Au Revoir” carries the meaning of closure and finding peace within life as Vernon realizes that despair is normal, but to not dwell in it.
“SABLE, fABLE explores a shift in life from Vernon’s perspective. The album feels like the end of an era enjoyed by millions of listeners. Although some critics may believe this is not Bon Iver’s best work, the album is beautifully put together with feelings of sadness and regret while also being comforting and bittersweet. The album is an easy listen, and not a miss for anyone who is a fan of indie folk or alternative music.
