SABLE, fABLE is the fifth album from Wisconsin indie folk band, Bon Iver. Their primary songwriter and frontman, Justin Vernon is known for his multi-instrument capabilities and signature falsetto vocal delivery, and they’ve collaborated with artists like Kanye West, Travis Scott, Charli xcx, and Taylor Swift. This new record serves as a continuation of their 2024 EP, Sable, as the first disc is that EP, while the second disc is an additional 9 new tracks. With all that being said, here are my thoughts.

    We open off the record with the track, “Things Behind Things Behind Things.” The song is a really great illustration of the emotions and feelings that we get from being depressed and anxious. The lyrics are extremely well-written as they also touch on the emotional and psychological impacts of aging. “Speyside,” continues the acoustic-overall sound of the record, while “Awards Season,” is probably the track with strongest writing on Disc 1. The song primarily focuses on the dynamic of a relationship that is failing. The sound is bittersweet as the track goes through the phases of denial and finally acceptance. The saxophones incorporated in the track give it a very woodsy sound. “Short Story,” featuring Kacy Hill, is quite literally what the name of the song suggests, as lyrically and instrumentally, it’s a vivid intro to the second disc of the record. “Everything Is Peaceful Love,” has really great orchestral centered production, and an infectious chorus from Vernon. “Walk Home,” has a shuffling drum rhythm centered around airy synths as well as gentle piano and guitar chords, and the production on “Day One,” featuring Dijon and Flock of Dimes is absolutely gorgeous. It almost has this church gospel vibe to it with the chopped up vocal samples, choir hums, and pianos. Some other tracks I enjoyed were “From,” “There’s A Rhythmn,” and “If Only I Could Wait,” featuring Danielle Haim. “I’ll Be There,” and “Speyside,” are probably my least favorite tracks on the record, as I just don’t find them very interesting vocally or instrumentally. They’re not bad, as there are aspects about them that I like, but they just don’t really add much to the album.

  All in all, SABLE, fABLE is a solid album and a strong continuation to Bon Iver’s discography, but has a few weak spots that keep it from being better. I also think that Bon Iver is very much dedicated to sticking with their sound that made them mainstream to begin with, rather than experimenting with different and new ideas. I enjoyed the album thoroughly, but to put it simply it’s a great, but not spectacular record.

Overall Score: 8/10

Favorite Tracks: “THINGS BEHIND THINGS BEHIND THINGS,” “AWARDS SEASON,” “Everything Is Peaceful Love,” “Walk Home,” “Day One,” “There’s A Rhythmn,”

Least Favorite Tracks: “I’ll Be There,” “Speyside,”

Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wY0s8-mYQTE

Genres: Indie Folk/Art Pop/Pop Soul/Folktronica