Bon Iver releases a benchmark in music with “SABLE, FABLE”

Album Cover // Jagjaguwar

By: Jordan Sarver-Bontrager

Media Writer

Few artists have made music that’s moved me like Bon Iver’s has. I talked about their single “SPEYSIDE” in October, not expecting a full album, just an EP. To my pleasant surprise, they released “SABLE, fABLE” on April 11. Before I review it, I’d like to talk a little (a lot) about Bon Iver.

Bon Iver is a folk band created by frontman Justin Vernon in 2006. It started out as a solo project and has gained members over the years. Their first album, “For Emma, Forever Ago,” is possibly my favorite album of all time. It was written and recorded after Vernon’s old band in North Carolina broke up and he was struggling with a breakup, mononucleosis and a gambling addiction. Vernon decided to pack it all up and moved to a cabin in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

“For Emma” explores heartbreak and loneliness in a way no other album has, or ever could. The pain of a breakup and the isolation that follows is present on each of the nine tracks, including the somber, angry standout “Skinny Love.” 

There’s the gorgeous “Blindsided,” about Vernon exploring Eau Claire in the midst of this defeat. The final standout is the most beautiful song I’ve heard in my entire life, “Re: Stacks,” a song about emerging from grief renewed, accepting that what you lost will always be a part of you but understanding that life will go on for the better. Listen to this album. It’s an incredible experience, especially during the colder months.

Bon Iver then released a great self-titled album, followed by “22 A Million,” a staggering change of pace that saw Vernon dabble in art pop and electronica that Bon Iver meshed into their modern sound. 

2019’s “I,I” is Bon Iver’s weakest album but still a strong entry in the discography. Vernon self-released “Hazeltons” in 2023, which was made up of songs he recorded in 2006. It’s a cool project, but the standout is “Song for a Lover – Of Long Ago” which is the most heartbreaking song I’ve ever heard. “I have buried you in every place I’ve been/You keep ending up in my shaking hands” is forever burned into my soul as one of the most crushing lyrics ever.

Now it’s 2025, and Justin Vernon is older and seemingly much happier, releasing a fresh project. “SABLE, fABLE” is Bon Iver’s fifth album, and it’s incredible. It emphasizes Vernon’s reflection on his past, his regrets and everything that’s led him to this point. 

The album opens with the reflective “THINGS BEHIND THINGS BEHIND THINGS,” with his signature layered vocals. He is singing in his lower register, which is different from most of his work, but it’s still a great song. Then there’s “SPEYSIDE,” which I reviewed as a single and still think is great.

We move to the healing “AWARDS SEASON,” which starts with mostly vocals and some droning instruments, then erupts into a beautiful jazz number before quickly calming down to Justin’s voice. The song seamlessly crossfades into “Short Story,” which paints a blissful musical picture. Justin uses his falsetto with synths and acoustic guitars blending in the background to create this gorgeous-yet-brief track.

“Short Story” inducts the listener into the “Fable” side of the album. Everything before this point was off the “Sable” EP from October. Whereas the sound on “Sable” was more folky, “Fable” transitions into more soulful, R&B instrumentation, and it’s fantastic. The themes also change. “Sable” has a lot of pain, but “Fable” seems to be about finding love and peace in the pain of life.

“Everything Is Peaceful Love” is about falling in love and hoping that love can last. The melody and instrumentals perfectly recreate the feeling of falling in love. Everything is clear, everything burns brighter. Absolutely fantastic track. “Walk Home” is another gorgeous song that has a lot of R&B and soul influence. “Day One” has a rich blend of electronic music and soul. The track features Dijon and Flock of Dimes.

The themes of love and healing continue on “From”. Next, “I’ll Be There” may be the weakest addition to the record, but it’s still good. “If Only I Could Wait” is a beautiful song that features the amazing Danielle Haim of HAIM. The saxophone in this song is so tasteful, which is a perfect description of the entire song, especially the gorgeous ending.

The album gleefully glides to its conclusion with “There’s a Rhythm,” a song both beautiful and bittersweet, rivaled only by “Re: Stacks.” This is a truly special song. It seems to be the cheerier, more reassuring version of “Re: Stacks.” The themes are identical. “There’s a Rhythm” seems to be about accepting that life is pain, and that finding a “rhythm” is to find peace. It isn’t necessarily a breakup song – more like a, “I really like you, but maybe this isn’t the right time” song. 

The song is perfect in every way, from the country- and folk-influenced instrumentals to the steel pedal. The album then truly concludes on “Au Revoir”, a peaceful, quiet exit to a spectacular album.

Overall, I found this to be the happiest Bon Iver album. The themes of love and happiness contrast the themes of isolation and heartbreak found throughout their previous discography, even if the album ends on a somewhat somber note. The music paints a layered emotional tapestry of reflection, love and peace. To me, this stands out as one of Justin Vernon’s greatest projects. I am feeling a 9 or a 10 on this album.