Bon Iver (Justin Vernon) became famous after releasing “For Emma, Forever Ago” in 2007, an acoustic album recorded in the woods of Wisconsin while battling mononucleosis. Many of his songs are about getting over his ex-girlfriend, and as a result come across as sad but beautiful. While I love his sound, I almost exclusively listen to Bon Iver when I’m feeling low.
Here’s the controversy – listening to this beautiful music while sad almost glorifies being unhappy. It allows us to relish those rough times instead of pushing them aside. Is this a reason to hate Bon Iver?
For those who haven’t listened, here’s the music video to “Calgary” off his second album.
i am 100% pro sad music for sad times – for me it sometimes turns the act of being sad into an aesthetic experience. so then there’s a respite from feeling bad. and most of my favorite books are incredible downers.
(but i’m anti bon iver, which is weird because i am usually not put off by falsettos).