Funeral
by Arcade Fire
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 1057 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 969 out of 1057
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 1057
  3. Negative: 63 out of 1057

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  1. Steve
    Feb 17, 2008
    10
    Definitely one of my favorite albums of all time. I had never really heard music until I listened to this album.
  2. EvanG.
    Feb 19, 2008
    10
    Not only does every song on Funeral give your heart a massage for every emotion (When you're pissed off, listen to "Neighborhood # 3 (Power Out) and scream along as Win Bulter belts out rhyme about human kind and the end of civilization over rapid jazz chords and dancing glackenspeil, and when you're feeling relentlessly happy, try any of "Wake Up", three of the best sounding Not only does every song on Funeral give your heart a massage for every emotion (When you're pissed off, listen to "Neighborhood # 3 (Power Out) and scream along as Win Bulter belts out rhyme about human kind and the end of civilization over rapid jazz chords and dancing glackenspeil, and when you're feeling relentlessly happy, try any of "Wake Up", three of the best sounding chords ever put together for five whole minutes, "Haiti", a Bjork-meets-Springsteen romp, or "Rebelion (Lies)"), But on top of all that, the band's mastery of their instruments, their contagious energy, and their brilliant songcraft. Could this be the greatest album ever made? Yes. Yes it could.… Expand
  3. HC
    Feb 20, 2008
    10
    I won't pretend it doesn't take a certain amount of intelligence and commitment to appreciate it, but boy does it pay off.
  4. MarkS
    Apr 26, 2008
    10
    Hugely original, beautiful, with just the right amount of edginess. Gets stronger with repeated listens.
  5. DR
    Apr 26, 2008
    10
    This album never gets old.
  6. CormacR
    May 16, 2008
    10
    Album of the decade.
  7. chrisw
    Jul 10, 2008
    10
    Funeral is easily the best album of the last 10 years.
  8. TiagoA.
    Oct 4, 2009
    10
    This album is incredible, one of those best album of this decade.
  9. MikeH
    Jul 18, 2009
    10
    The best album of the 00's by far. And stacks up with one of the best of all time. Singer win needs to get a better voice though.
  10. frankiep
    Nov 17, 2004
    10
    finesse, captivating, unsettling, rewarding, settling, wonderful.
  11. hernanc
    Nov 18, 2004
    9
    Es un CD , sencillamente SUBLIME , gracias Mario por habermelo hecho conocer ...
  12. TjasaM
    Nov 18, 2004
    10
    Best album of the year, hands down! Strikingly beautiful, emotional and electrifying. I haven't been impressed so much by a new band for a long time. You just have to love them :)
  13. JimmyD
    Nov 3, 2004
    10
    Best album of the year, no question. Extremely inspirational and emotional. Total success. No other 2004 album can match up.
  14. MaxK
    Nov 8, 2004
    10
    Anyone that says this album is less than brilliant must be trying not to like it based on the hype. Best album of the year.
  15. StoP
    Oct 21, 2004
    10
    The Arcade Fire have an eclectic sound that is familiar yet fresh. Funeral is exactly what it's supposed to be, 10 tracks of pure entertainment! Hit after hit after hit.
  16. dan
    Dec 17, 2004
    10
    shame on you and the 10 generations that will follow your line if you don't BUY and OWN this cd i think i'm serious
  17. IS
    Dec 30, 2004
    10
    My vote for album of the year.
  18. jeffm
    Dec 9, 2004
    10
    this album achieves such fantastic emotional peaks, it makes me do the same. horn, strings, keyboards, fat guitar riffs, they're all hugely important on this album.
  19. SeanK
    Sep 17, 2004
    9
    I highly recommend this album. It's like a mix between Broken Social Scene and the Talking Heads. Extemely powerful songs that are highly listenable.
  20. DevinB
    Sep 17, 2004
    10
    Stunningly diverse, passionate, and well-formed debut album. This was released less than a week ago, and has already won its place as my favorite album of the year thus far.
  21. damonm
    Sep 22, 2004
    10
    I haven't had my ass kicked this hard by an album on initial listen for a long time. This thing sings with rawness, purity and sincerity that is actually pretty damn moving to hear. Not to mention the uncliched, unrestrained emotion that graces every song. Each track is beautiful.. there are no duds at all. This is an album to love from beginning to end. My favourite of the year so far.
  22. ThadeusS
    Sep 22, 2004
    10
    You will simply not find a more emotional current release out there.
  23. BillH
    Sep 24, 2004
    10
    Good god. It's just overwhelming.
  24. ebokw
    Sep 27, 2004
    10
    cements 2004 as one of the best music years since the late 80s/early 90s
  25. JayN
    Sep 27, 2004
    10
    Real emo
  26. JeremyB
    Sep 27, 2004
    9
    Win & Régine knocked one out of the park with this magnum opus. For a relatively new band, it is both commendable & heartening to see such a high level of songwriting ability. Broad as a continent, this disc has enough hits to choke a Billboard Chart, if there is any justice in the music business... The only downside is that now we have to wait impatiently for the sophomore release!
  27. RayC
    Sep 28, 2004
    7
    yeah ok
  28. ElizabethP
    Oct 11, 2005
    10
    Terrific cd. This is the best band in the world and I can't wait for their next album. FiINALLY, a band that lives up to the hype!
  29. rorymc
    Nov 12, 2005
    10
    this is why i love music so much...this album is like a drug, each play makes you more of an arcarde fire addict...superb!!
  30. digitalfreefall-
    Nov 18, 2005
    10
    Arcade Fire, my faith had been lost in the artists of my generation. You have awoken part of my soul that had for an age seemed lost, i am forevert in your gratitude. Love DigitalFreeFall
  31. KrisB
    Nov 24, 2005
    10
    When I first heard The Arcade Fire, it was on MTV. My first impression of the band was that they were just some generic indie sensation of the week. After reading the reviews on Metacritic, I decided to give it a listen. (Imagine: Pitchfork actually liking something. That's basically what did it for me.) The first time I listened to the entire album, I recognized the artistic talent When I first heard The Arcade Fire, it was on MTV. My first impression of the band was that they were just some generic indie sensation of the week. After reading the reviews on Metacritic, I decided to give it a listen. (Imagine: Pitchfork actually liking something. That's basically what did it for me.) The first time I listened to the entire album, I recognized the artistic talent of the band. However, (and this is the funny part) I felt nothing when i heard it. The second time I listened to it I came to a conclusion: I was emotionally dead when it came to non-instrumental(ie. Godspeed) music that I had actually developed a talent for recognizing good music while keeping my emotions a safe distance away. I'm sure this was either a product of listening to too much music or letting myself settle into a comfortable little rut. I am incredibly grateful to The Arcade Fire for awakening a part of me that I had forgotten about; the same part of me that first stirred when I heard OK Computer.… Expand
  32. Everton
    Oct 15, 2005
    10
    The most beautiful album of the year. A great and stylish way of being sad.
  33. RickS
    Jan 16, 2005
    9
    A bit like Talking Heads, but with feeling.
  34. Dan
    Jan 17, 2005
    10
    Easily my favorite album of 2004, maybe the best I've ever heard. I can't stop listening. Every song has been my favorite at one time or another, and many have given me goosebumps...music has never done that to me before. Just an amazing album.
  35. DavidS
    Jan 17, 2005
    10
    As fantastic as is this record, the Arcade Fire's live performance is absolutely blistering. If you only go to one more live show for the rest of your life, make it the Arcade Fire.
  36. EricV
    Jan 18, 2005
    10
    Just....beautiful
  37. PeterM
    Jan 18, 2005
    10
    This Album is one of greatest things in music since the Pixies
  38. SKlein
    Dec 12, 2005
    10
    Incredible, fantastic, perfect!
  39. kitty
    Dec 21, 2005
    10
    Emoational, beautiful sensational!
  40. SeamusM
    Dec 29, 2005
    10
    Absolutely deadly.A brilliant Mesiterwerk!A masterpeice!A tour de force! A musical hurricane!!
  41. [Anonymous]
    Jan 23, 2005
    10
    incredible
  42. Rick
    Dec 8, 2005
    9
    This is an album you'll like whether you like it or not
  43. HelenW
    Feb 11, 2005
    9
    I haven't heard the whole album yet, but what I've heard I love. The sound, to me, is evocative of Native American influences: ancient, mournful, euphoric and yet anguished at the same time. And very here and now.
  44. BenR.
    Feb 26, 2005
    10
    A great CD... it's just high quality stuff. Original, interesting, and well thought-out. The Arcade Fire rawk. ;-)
  45. JonG.
    Feb 28, 2005
    9
    This album is really quite strong throughout musically and in terms of lyrics (I'm not making any concessions on lyrics. It's all good). This coming from a 'gusher' who has had more than enough experience with 'beauty' and 'originality'.
  46. AdamE
    Mar 12, 2005
    10
    AMAZING! OMFG!
  47. vadeemee
    Mar 21, 2005
    9
    The sparkling combination of a rocking rhythm section, repeating guitars-riffs, folky accordeon+xylophone and oriental sounding violon and the intrigueing singing. This debut album gave me goose-pickles, which is very rare with me (for instance, i had it with boy-u2). It might be a one-day-fly, but still with the joy of the best one-night-stand i've ever had!
  48. evil
    Mar 22, 2005
    10
    Brilliant, best cd of last year. And there were some great cds last year too.
  49. TimM
    Apr 13, 2005
    10
    OMFG ORGASM!
  50. MarD
    Apr 16, 2005
    9
    Le doy un 9 porque estoy segura de que todo se puede mejorar. En cualquier caso es un conjunto de canciones magnéticas. Mágica ensoñación vocal y soñora... Perdonad que haya escrito en español; mi inglés es terrible.
  51. KevinK
    Apr 18, 2005
    10
    "Funeral" is one of the few albums that actually deserves a "10". Consider early 80's "The Cure", modified by better "lo-fi" production, more dynamic musical score, and an unbelievable raw energy, and you'll get an idea of what this album is like. This album is solid from top to bottom. There is nothing revolutionary about this album; it's simply one of the best "indie "Funeral" is one of the few albums that actually deserves a "10". Consider early 80's "The Cure", modified by better "lo-fi" production, more dynamic musical score, and an unbelievable raw energy, and you'll get an idea of what this album is like. This album is solid from top to bottom. There is nothing revolutionary about this album; it's simply one of the best "indie rock" albums you'll ever hear. This album is only surpassed by their live shows.… Expand
  52. JessH
    May 21, 2005
    10
    Coachella was awsum.... They are upbeat and still care about the people who really listen to them
  53. nicolas
    May 27, 2005
    10
    Amazing!! both raw(guitars) and subtil(xylo, piano, violin ...) almost all songs are really good, love the crescendos and the final melodies of some (lies, crow melody) which would be the album's main melody of a lot of others bands, sure they have plenty of songs still in their bags
  54. MyriamS
    Jun 15, 2005
    10
    I get giddy when I hear new music I love. And that doesn't happen too often. The Arcade Fire is going to burn through the rocking world!
  55. Isaac
    Jun 18, 2005
    10
    on a journey through the sleepy village of mediocrity it moves unnoticed, not a sound. Arcade Fire awaken only the well listed ears. truly the thinkers music. truly magnificent.
  56. KarlaM
    Jul 13, 2005
    10
    Doesn't sound like anything out there today. Amazing!
  57. paulj
    Jul 29, 2005
    10
    Incredibly melodic and haunting record. It brings the return of real emo without the desperately shallow lyrics of Dashboard and the ridicuous whining of other emo indie bands.
  58. CarlosF
    Sep 22, 2005
    9
    Astounding music and words that bring you the feeling of knowing more and explore -with open heart and mind- the hidden beautiful of being alive.
  59. PaulT
    Oct 21, 2006
    10
    Simply amazing, no way to doubt it.
  60. aftonc
    Jan 22, 2006
    10
    Funeral has become a subtle addiction. The shear imensity of this album begs the listener to return again and again.
  61. PhilipS
    Mar 22, 2006
    10
    A magical, mysterious, wonderful, beautiful, elegant album. Lyrically superb and if you understand the context to the album then you realise how wonderful this album is. Flawless
  62. JaimeZ
    May 23, 2006
    10
    An instant classic. Superb, wonderful, shadowy, ironical and sometimes sad. The winter feels in every song.
  63. LukeBD
    Jul 13, 2006
    9
    Quite frankly one of the best albums ever!
  64. JeffF
    Aug 13, 2006
    10
    Spectacular album.
  65. ZachP
    Aug 29, 2006
    8
    On firdst listen, I was floored. However, on furthur listens, it gets less and less exciting. But the truth is is that they are a very exciting band to watch.
  66. Amanda
    Jan 21, 2007
    9
    Gorgeous
  67. carlosd
    Dec 26, 2007
    8
    Yes, this CD has a lot of great moments, but there are some duds too. And why have so few people noticed how old and unoriginal the chord progressions are? If you want to check out Canada's best indie (whatever that means now) bands, try the Weakerthans and the New Pornographers.
  68. LucasK
    Feb 17, 2007
    10
    This album is so beautiful and amazing that it fucks w/ your mind.
  69. EthanH
    Apr 19, 2007
    9
    Those guitars make a wonderful spider web that catch you while you are happily waiting for the big dramatic voiced spider to devour you and make a mind numbing and gorgeous journey inside the beast's stomach.
  70. alexanderh
    Apr 27, 2007
    10
    Operatic, thrilling, beautiful, haunting, best album in many years; pumps heart into the blood; Like nothing you have heard before.
  71. Mike
    Jun 24, 2007
    10
    An amazing album! Perfect 10!!!!
  72. StevenS
    Jul 15, 2007
    10
    Pablo, I'm not sure if you're intelligent enough to realize this, but that wasn't overproduction - it was the MEMBERS of the BAND the ARCADE FIRE who were playing those stringed instruments that are so rarely emphasized in music like this. A lot of people don't like Win Butlers voice because they can't grasp the fact that he's always constraining himself from Pablo, I'm not sure if you're intelligent enough to realize this, but that wasn't overproduction - it was the MEMBERS of the BAND the ARCADE FIRE who were playing those stringed instruments that are so rarely emphasized in music like this. A lot of people don't like Win Butlers voice because they can't grasp the fact that he's always constraining himself from being completely overwhelmed by emotion. As for the Bon Jovi statement, that you can even think that is pretty laughable as Bon Jovi is one of the most mainstream rock artists of all time and constantly falling into endles and repetitive cliches. Now, it's time for my review. To put it simply, I strongly feel that this album may just be the in the VERY small group of albums ranking as the absolute best of the 2000's. The album also is so strikingly emotional that it puts bands who label themselves as "emo," to absolute shame. The back story of the album makes some of the lyrics (as well as the instrumentation) even more powerful. I'm looking forward to what they do after Neon Bible.… Expand
  73. rcx
    Jan 23, 2008
    10
    Possibly the best indie rock album ever made, up there with the likes of pavement and wilco. the album is a masterpiece, every single bit of it is amazing.
  74. JosephS
    Jun 17, 2008
    10
    Sheer brilliance. I have no words.
  75. MarcL
    May 16, 2009
    10
    Absolutely brilliant. Words cannot do this masterpiece justice.
  76. Blackeye
    Nov 11, 2005
    10
    Like you winning the lottery every time you listen.
  77. MattD
    Nov 21, 2005
    10
    It is really stunning just how good this album is - right up there with 'boy in da corner' and 'agætis byrjun' for heralding the next best thing in music, and scrapping away for album of the century. Really
  78. TaylorE
    Nov 22, 2005
    10
    Best CD possibly ever. I got this CD in December, 3 months after it came out. I've been completely hooked on them ever since. They're now my favourite band. As I right this I'm listening to No Cars Go on their EP. I've been to there concert with Wolf Parade and Bell Orchestre. One of the best times of my life. This CD is simply amazing. Go out and buy it right at this Best CD possibly ever. I got this CD in December, 3 months after it came out. I've been completely hooked on them ever since. They're now my favourite band. As I right this I'm listening to No Cars Go on their EP. I've been to there concert with Wolf Parade and Bell Orchestre. One of the best times of my life. This CD is simply amazing. Go out and buy it right at this moment, now. Go, I say!… Expand
  79. JohnS
    Dec 18, 2005
    10
    brilliant album and fantastic live band
  80. TedH
    Dec 27, 2006
    9
    an excellent album each song leads into the next however some of it is repetative, the songs are very similar but very good
  81. EricC.
    Nov 26, 2007
    10
    Heartbreaking and beautiful, some of the best written and composed songs I've ever heard. Comparisons to the Talking Heads and David Bowie are well deserved, though they have found their own sound, and embody a different generation. The four neighborhoods are flawless, Wake Up and Lies are unbelievable. The first time I've ever been unable to understand how anyone can dislike a Heartbreaking and beautiful, some of the best written and composed songs I've ever heard. Comparisons to the Talking Heads and David Bowie are well deserved, though they have found their own sound, and embody a different generation. The four neighborhoods are flawless, Wake Up and Lies are unbelievable. The first time I've ever been unable to understand how anyone can dislike a band. I won't attack these people, but I will say that I wish they could appreciate this album. For me, it was life changing, as insane as that sounds.… Expand
  82. Cahtuh
    Aug 11, 2010
    10
    Funeral is such a perfectly crafted album. Anyone who considers themselves well listened has to have this album in their collection. It is easily one of the best albums of all time.
  83. Eoipa
    Aug 25, 2010
    10
    Greatest album of the 00's. Beautiful, gorgeous amazing. If you don't like this album, you probably don't have a soul, just saying. Every song, every moment, grows and fills you with so much vehement. It's amazing.
  84. Chonquist
    Aug 24, 2010
    10
    possibly the best band i've heard i a while. Funeral is their best album too. understand?
  85. muzziklover
    Sep 20, 2010
    10
    The most powerful, creative, original and thought provoking albums out there and probably the best band in the world right now. Sometimes it's messy, sometimes it's clean but you cannot deny its sheer ability to completely submit you into a complete, chaotic bliss.
  86. chrisfree
    Sep 14, 2010
    9
    It has been a while since I have heard a record that is truly different. The music in the background is magical at times, and the unique sounds of the singer is sometimes awesome as he is obviously not what everyone calls idol material, but at times it can actually get annoying as you are trying to correct the notes he is trying to reach, but good on the whole. This changing sounds andIt has been a while since I have heard a record that is truly different. The music in the background is magical at times, and the unique sounds of the singer is sometimes awesome as he is obviously not what everyone calls idol material, but at times it can actually get annoying as you are trying to correct the notes he is trying to reach, but good on the whole. This changing sounds and speeds keeps you guessing, and keeps you listening to the album. The lyrics are deep and in these times of shallow lyrics spit out by some artist is great, as you can identify with it. In finishing I do not expect everyone to like this music, its not for the masses but it is great if you are in that niche market. Rather listen to it first then buy it. My favourites are power out, haiti, wake up and laika. Enjoy!… Expand
  87. jeanjean
    Oct 13, 2010
    9
    marvelous. marvelous and sad feelings, near of the nostalgia. Feelings... well that's it, that's what make a song a good song, a good album one and why i loved it even tough it make me a little sad and i can't listen to it non-stop.
    a 10 on 10
  88. asylumspadez
    Nov 14, 2011
    9
    Will end up being one of the best albums you have ever heard. Its rare when a band comes out with an original sound and it completely blows your mind, Arcade Fire does that with Funeral. The only bad part about this album is that the vocal quality isnt always the best on some tracks - Other then that its a masterpiece.
  89. TomD
    Oct 27, 2010
    10
    I would say that this is the best indie album ever, but in the meantime The Suburbs came out. So, Funeral is second best, but it is brilliant! Few words about singer: he is singing his music, no one could do it better that him...
  90. james787
    Jan 11, 2011
    10
    timeless album, been listening to it for five years, people will still be discovering and loving this album as long as there is music in the world. You just don't hear stuff like this come around
  91. mAXX_
    Apr 21, 2011
    9
    The debut record from The Arcade Fire is a roller coaster ride of emotion, meaning and depth. Heartily written lyrics combined with beautiful melodies and wondrous vocals makes an awesome blend of power, spirit and feel. Despite the title of the album, death, grief and sadness do not solely make up Funeral and tracks such as Wake Up make you feel like you've got wings. It's raw from theThe debut record from The Arcade Fire is a roller coaster ride of emotion, meaning and depth. Heartily written lyrics combined with beautiful melodies and wondrous vocals makes an awesome blend of power, spirit and feel. Despite the title of the album, death, grief and sadness do not solely make up Funeral and tracks such as Wake Up make you feel like you've got wings. It's raw from the hearts of The Arcade Fire and it would strike a blow close to home in many, many listeners. Best tracks: Neighbourhood 3 (Power Out), Wake Up, Rebellion (Lies)… Expand
  92. finulanu
    Jul 22, 2011
    10
    One of my favorite albums of all time. It's best known for doing some seriously heavy lifting in the emotional department, but great melodies and fun songs like "Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)" and "Rebellion (Lies)" keep it from collapsing under its own weight, which makes songs like "Wake Up" all the more powerful.
  93. le_one
    Jun 8, 2013
    9
    It's somehow magical and has great lyrics. It's got a little bit overrated. Because, although it features lots of qualities, it's not entirely entertaining. It may get boring sometimes. That's the difference between "Funeral" and '"Neon Bible". The follow-up is more diverse and provocative. It's stronger. More powerful. "The Suburbs", most of the times, doesn't suffer of this boredomIt's somehow magical and has great lyrics. It's got a little bit overrated. Because, although it features lots of qualities, it's not entirely entertaining. It may get boring sometimes. That's the difference between "Funeral" and '"Neon Bible". The follow-up is more diverse and provocative. It's stronger. More powerful. "The Suburbs", most of the times, doesn't suffer of this boredom because it's got an interesting "story" to make us travel. But hey, "Funeral" is a great way album too. Really: great.

    Picks: "Rebellion (Lies)"; "Wake Up"; "Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)"; "In the Backseat".    … Expand
  94. JJ-Jumper
    Apr 28, 2011
    10
    I first heard the song "Wake up" when it was featured in the trailer for the film "Where the Wild Things Are." So I then researched the song and found out that the geniuses behind it were an indie rock band that go by the name of Arcade Fire. Naturally, I decided to find out more about them. Instantly, everyone was raving about their debut album "Funeral." I decided to buy it, without everI first heard the song "Wake up" when it was featured in the trailer for the film "Where the Wild Things Are." So I then researched the song and found out that the geniuses behind it were an indie rock band that go by the name of Arcade Fire. Naturally, I decided to find out more about them. Instantly, everyone was raving about their debut album "Funeral." I decided to buy it, without ever hearing any other songs than "Wake Up" When the first song came on, I had trouble getting use to their sound and his voice. This band was like none other I have heard before. As the album progressed, their sound became more familar and understandable. Each track brought something new to the table, yet complimented the others both lyrically and compositionally. By the time the last track "In the Backseat" came on, I knew the album was going to have an epic ending and it did not disappoint at all. Maybe the most emotional song on the album, Arcade Fire proved that they could go out with a bang, yet end in a whisper. And after owning this album for over a year, I am still giving it consistant play. I even now own it on vinyl! To sum up my review in a sentence: Arcade Fire have created the greatest masterpiece of ALL TIME.… Expand
  95. drlowdon
    Nov 16, 2013
    8
    Funeral is probably not my favourite Arcade Fire album, that honour would go to The Suburbs, but it is hauntingly brilliant nonetheless and a great introduction to one of the best bands around.
  96. lovemusic
    Jul 4, 2011
    8
    it was good. this album isn't a personal favorite of mine. but i love their 2 other albums better. but this album is still very good. i liked it. the end of the album gives you their best songs.
  97. RoverJones
    May 28, 2011
    10
    I was fortunate enough to have been in high school when this came out, that age where I thought everyone older than 30 was bad and every stupid decision I made was right. "Funeral" played right into my hands with regard to all the teenage rebel elements: running away from home (Tunnels, Laika),distrust of my parents (Wake Up, Rebellion (Lies)), anarchy (Power Out, Haiti), grief (In theI was fortunate enough to have been in high school when this came out, that age where I thought everyone older than 30 was bad and every stupid decision I made was right. "Funeral" played right into my hands with regard to all the teenage rebel elements: running away from home (Tunnels, Laika),distrust of my parents (Wake Up, Rebellion (Lies)), anarchy (Power Out, Haiti), grief (In the Backseat), etc. But in addition to the message itself is the music. The glorious, unfathomably brilliant music that still makes my jaw drop seven years later. Every single moment on "Funeral" hovers in the Twilight Zone between hopelessness and euphoria. The way Win and Regine sing, and the band's ridiculous talent, create that blurred line. And as much as I like "Neon Bible" and "The Suburbs," I still long for the time when Arcade Fire would drain me emotionally.… Expand
  98. blackwolf07
    Aug 6, 2011
    10
    This isn't a perfect album, but it's damn good. If I'm not gonna give it a ten, it's only because I've never liked Rebellion. Still though, this album has so much passion, so much good music. If I was a more emotional person I'm sure this would be among the albums that make me cry. Alas, I'm a wolf, but even a beast can appreciate the orchestration, the composition, the use of dynamics,This isn't a perfect album, but it's damn good. If I'm not gonna give it a ten, it's only because I've never liked Rebellion. Still though, this album has so much passion, so much good music. If I was a more emotional person I'm sure this would be among the albums that make me cry. Alas, I'm a wolf, but even a beast can appreciate the orchestration, the composition, the use of dynamics, the lyrics. I love this album and I'm gonna give it a 10 anyway even though I'd rather give it a 9.5.… Expand
  99. Pep_D
    Oct 27, 2011
    10
    One of the best albums of the 2000s. There are no bad songs on this album. Possibly one of the best debut albums released. Really not much to say, just too good.
  100. Ricko
    Oct 19, 2017
    9
    This has to be classed as one of the greatest albums of all time. For a debut album, it has unbelievable scope and depth not to mention maturity. While it has the freshness and urgency of a debut, the different layers of instruments going on, the production and general song writing are of a band who sound like they are completely comfortable with each other. Love this album and it's oneThis has to be classed as one of the greatest albums of all time. For a debut album, it has unbelievable scope and depth not to mention maturity. While it has the freshness and urgency of a debut, the different layers of instruments going on, the production and general song writing are of a band who sound like they are completely comfortable with each other. Love this album and it's one that everyone should listen to at some point in their lives. Too many highlights to mention.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best Album of 2004
1
#1 Most Discussed Album of 2004
3
#3 Most Shared Album of 2004

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. Almost Cool
    83
    If I were to have just heard the first half of the disc, I probably would have proclaimed it the best of the year as well.
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  2. Pitchfork
    97
    So long as we're unable or unwilling to fully recognize the healing aspect of embracing honest emotion in popular music, we will always approach the sincerity of an album like Funeral from a clinical distance. Still, that it's so easy to embrace this album's operatic proclamation of love and redemption speaks to the scope of The Arcade Fire's vision.
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  3. Dusted Magazine
    60
    Marred by indie-rock clichés and occasional over-effort, it remains frustrating.
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