It’s the time of year when change seems to be an inevitable doom, present in everyone’s lives. The topic of change varies for each individual–one may like it for the possible opportunities, but the thought of new opportunities might terrify another. Although it’s unavoidable, there is always something that will not change–a lesson well learned.
Following their EP, “SABLE,” from last year, Bon Iver has dropped their fifth studio album named, “SABLE, fABLE.” The roots of this album come from their EP, which Justin Vernon, lead vocalist and guitarist, explicitly states is a rise from a long-gestating breakdown. “SABLE” features three songs, “THINGS BEHIND THINGS BEHIND THINGS,” “S P E Y S I D E,” and “AWARDS SEASONS.” Some of these songs on the EP and the album have been in the works for years, and with this album, Vernon wrote the songs to communicate his lesson for the need for patience and hard work even through the conflicting and draining points of life.
Out of thirteen songs, here are four out of this 41-minute album.
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“THINGS BEHIND THINGS BEHIND THINGS”
“I get caught looking in the mirror on the regular
And what I see there resembles some competitor
I see things behind things behind things
And there are rings within rings within rings”
This song is one of the first songs created on the tracklist; it was made years ago and first performed on a live stream for Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign in 2020. Back when Vernon first wrote this song, it was a time where he questioned his future as a professional musical artist and his anxiety that came with it.
In my opinion, this is the most beautiful track in the whole album. The instrumentals and lyrics are simple at face-level, but as the title suggests, there are layers under the song that show a raw, vulnerable side of Vernon. Though the song is mainly about Vernon’s emotional toll when it comes to touring and fame, it’s a love song to all those who experience the same level of anxiety. As a Sufjan Stevens fan, I was surprised to first hear the instrumentations of the songs fitting into the overall atmosphere of “Carrie and Laurie,” which is definitely not a complaint.
“Everything is Peaceful Love”
“I’m standing on top blinkin’
I’d tell you that I don’t know
But you’re favored now by fifty
And I’m right at home”
With a big contrast compared to the prior track, “Everything is Peaceful Love” plays out as the climax in the album that signifies the transformation for a new, tranquil era for Vernon’s life. The band starts to play a much more playful beat that you can’t help but bop your head along to.
The easy and fun atmosphere that the song creates represents the overall high of what being in love feels like. As he meets the “one,” his whole world is suddenly flipped upside down from fear to pure infatuation. Vernon writes the song to tell a message to the world, as he believes that “taking yourself less seriously could heal the world.” With this song, the album and his life shift to a better era and a more blissful time.
“If Only I Could Wait (ft. Danielle Haim)”
“If only you could wait
I ain’t up at your pace yet
I take the steps to stage
And they hit me with the rays now”
Once again, there is quite the dramatic foil between the songs, as the past song talked about happy futures with love shining light on his days, to days of uncertainty and fragility once the “honeymoon” phase has passed. Vernon writes of the falling events after the climax of love and how it seems impossible to keep the same passion between the two lovers.
With the duet between Vernon and Haim, the song only serves to be far more emotional than before. The two voices contrast each one another like night and day, but yet the voices match well to create the two perspectives and personalities of the lovers. It’s a battle between love and reality, with the heart saying that they still love each other, but the mind considering the option to let go of each other.
“There’s a Rhythmn”
“There are miles and miles of tape
You can watch it, it’s been saved
There’s a rhythm to reclaim
Get tall and walk away”
“There’s a Rhythmn” is one of the final songs of the album, symbolizing the final acceptance of change in life. At this point of time, Vernon has succumbed to the fact that change in his life is inevitable, and it’s impossible to live in his own definition of utopia. In this five minute song, Vernon looks to his past and his future, reflecting on how this feeling of uncertainty after significant times in his life is normal.
With this song as one of the last songs in their album, it’s definitely a great way to end. It is almost like this album was made to be replayed over and over again, with the beeping beginning, signifying the stirring of a new change in the mind, and with its quiet, silent end showing the adrenaline of the time all gone.
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Once again, as I’ve mentioned, change is inevitable. It’s not something someone could hide from out of fear or expect, but it’s not something to always be afraid of. The thought of change may be the most terrifying thing at the moment, but the outcomes are always unpredictable.
