All the songs considered: NPR

"Over the last eleven years, Bon Iver's identity has flourished and can only be defined by the faces of the ever-growing family that we are," said Justin Vernon.

Graham Tolbert & Crystal Quinn / Courtesy of the Artist

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Graham Tolbert & Crystal Quinn / Courtesy of the Artist

Bon Iver is back with his first new music recorded in three years. The group this morning launched two new songs with lyrical videos. The first, "Hey, Ma," is a sparkling memory of childhood and the love of a mother. "It's high time to call your mother," Justin Vernon sings after his family's family videos have disappeared. "I was completely drugged / I hoped that everything would not go in a minute / With the past you know."

The second title, "U (Man Like)", is a ballad inspired by the gospel and directed by the piano. Bruce Hornsby provides the piano tracks, with Jenn Wasner of Wye Oak, Moses Sumney and Elsa Jensen at the choirs. The track also features the Brooklyn Youth Choir with National's Bryce Desner.

"This project started with one person," says Justin Vernon in a press release announcing the songs. "But over the past eleven years, Bon Iver's identity has flourished and can only be defined by the faces of the ever-growing family that we are."

Bon Iver also announced a new tour today, with opening sets by Sharon Van Etten, Indigo Girls, Feist and Yo La Tengo.