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. ClassyClimber
    May 25, 2011
    10
    Hands down, the best post-millennial indie album to date. They have an uncanny ability to oversaturate their music with emotion, allowing little pockets of raw emotion to sit deliciously on the listeners tongue as the listener drinks their metaphorical concoction.
  2. j30
    Nov 8, 2011
    10
    A great record with songs that are unforgettable and emotionally moving. They kind of paved the way for indie bands being recognized on a worldwide level.
  3. vishavjitsingh
    Jun 23, 2012
    10
    One of the greatest albums I've ever listened to.It contains many great songs such as "Rebellion(Lies),Neighborhood 1,2,3, Haiti, and my favourite "Wake up".It is a must-listen for everyone.
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. 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
  7. JRSnell
    Nov 22, 2011
    10
    this album is stunning. by inventing a new indie genre, arcade fire produced one of the best albums of all time, and each song is a classic. the thematics of hostility, friendship and family are amazing executed throughout this piece of music. this is a crucial listen for any fan of indie music and those would search for realistic meaning in songs.
  8. Otm_Shank
    Jan 14, 2012
    10
    Easily one of the best debut albums of all time, and a personal favorite of mine.

    Arcade Fire are not the most technically gifted musicians. Nor are they great singers. But the emotion in their music, their passion, the gorgeous melodies and their wall-of-sound, larger-than-life sound makes them one of the best and most impressive acts in music today and, in my humble opinion, of all    Easily one of the best debut albums of all time, and a personal favorite of mine.

    Arcade Fire are not the most technically gifted musicians. Nor are they great singers. But the emotion in their music, their passion, the gorgeous melodies and their wall-of-sound, larger-than-life sound makes them one of the best and most impressive acts in music today and, in my humble opinion, of all time.

    Long live this incredible band!    … Expand
  9. spadenx
    Nov 29, 2011
    9
    While the album is nearly perfectly. The vocal quality does suffer on a few tracks and makes the lyrics of the song nearly non-understandable. However the album is just so good that you can over look this, Its simply a master piece.
  10. LosWochos
    Dec 14, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is my favorite album of the last decade, without any doubt! A true masterpiece! There isn´t much music out there that makes you wanna cry while listening.… Expand
  11. imthenoob
    Dec 25, 2021
    10
    Funeral in a unique and touching album that is perfection from start to finish. This has been a constant part of my playlist from the moment I first listened to it over a decade ago.
  12. Juliakay337
    Mar 19, 2012
    10
    This album is amazing. Every time I listen, I get something new from it. The lyrics, the music, the vocals all go together perfectly to form something truly beautiful.
  13. SilverMan
    Jun 10, 2012
    10
    Terrific album!!! When I first listen to this (I was 11 years old), I've never listen to something like this. Indie rock first knock on my door: and it was great!!! Beautiful songs, funny but amazing lyrics (I always sing when I listen to the songs) . And who said Win Butler is not a great singer? He fits perfectly in the songs. Who you were expecting to sing? Franky? Tony? C'mon!!
  14. mathmike
    Jul 9, 2012
    10
    I would give any of Arcade Fire's albums 10's in a heartbeat. Yes, some people say they aren't the best singers but that doesn't matter. Being a good singer isn't always what matters. They just put so much heart into their songs and every song is distinct and catchy. Win's (yes the main singer's name is Win) voice is powerful and the melodies are so intricate.
  15. moonman1994
    Jan 21, 2013
    10
    Simply a fantastic album. It is lyrically and musically deep. It also sports a wide variety of sounds. That's all that has to be said. I would highly recommend this album.
  16. axelkoch
    Feb 15, 2014
    10
    Arcade Fire didn’t redefine indie music with their 2004 debut Funeral, but immediately rose up to be one of the most talented acts in the scene due to this multifaceted debut improving with every listen. The seven-member-band from Canada masterfully compounds congenial riffs, interesting sound experiments, poetic verses, and sing-along choruses in the album’s ten tracks and not once failsArcade Fire didn’t redefine indie music with their 2004 debut Funeral, but immediately rose up to be one of the most talented acts in the scene due to this multifaceted debut improving with every listen. The seven-member-band from Canada masterfully compounds congenial riffs, interesting sound experiments, poetic verses, and sing-along choruses in the album’s ten tracks and not once fails to make a song stick in your head. It’s mostly dark subjects and sad stories the lyrics deal with, yet they still achieve to induce an uplifting sentiment in the listener – most notably in “Crown of Love”, a song about unrequited love that raises hopes by shifting into an upbeat finale I’d love to hop around to on one of Arcade Fire’s concerts. This is, amongst other things, playing a part in Funeral’s uniqueness and makes it one of the greatest releases of the 21st century, although I actually wouldn’t name any single track of the album on such a list. It is the collective product that is absolutely outstanding, combining dulcet campfire tunes, anthems, symphonies, and raw social criticism into a phenomenal whole.… Expand
  17. ocstud75
    Aug 1, 2012
    10
    I still listen to this at least once a week. Top to bottom, it really is damn close to a perfect album. Neighborhood #2 (Laïka) has always been my favorite track.
  18. WarriorFight
    Sep 27, 2012
    10
    This is probably one of the best albums of the last decade. Arcade Fire is definitely my favorite band, and trust me, you won't regret listening to their incredible debut, which is one of the best I've ever listened to. It is truly the modern day Sgt. Peppers, at least in my opinion.
  19. dokwa
    Oct 30, 2012
    10
    Arcade Fire's debut album is a splendid album. There are really not much bands that fuses elements of rock, pop and classical/baroque music but they did a splendid job nonetheless. Its somber and melodic songs are pleasing to the ears. The lyrics about youth, death, and society join the moody tones so well. Win and Regine may not be much of a singer but they and their band stillArcade Fire's debut album is a splendid album. There are really not much bands that fuses elements of rock, pop and classical/baroque music but they did a splendid job nonetheless. Its somber and melodic songs are pleasing to the ears. The lyrics about youth, death, and society join the moody tones so well. Win and Regine may not be much of a singer but they and their band still released this beautiful album. Although, I find some of the songs being too dramatic, it is not enough to stop me from giving this album a 10/10.… Expand
  20. HSPLazerz
    Jan 22, 2015
    10
    The very best album I have ever listened to. Period. The emotions, the heart of this music, it's like nothing I've ever listened to. If you don't own it already, you better buy it now. Like, now, right right now. Like, right this very second.
  21. Prideguy94
    Dec 25, 2012
    10
    By far (and hands down) the greatest Indie Rock album currently out there. Such diversity is poured into a fine, magnificent masterpiece like this to show the world that you truly don't have to be born to write and sing music, but learn along the way to pick up these great strenghs in the music world.
  22. sharedsorrows
    Jan 17, 2013
    10
    Even in its darkest moments, Funeral exudes an empowering positivity to sharedsorrows.com. Slow-burning ballad "Crown of Love" is an expression of lovesick guilt that perpetually crescendos until the track unexpectedly explodes into a dance section, still soaked in the melodrama of weeping strings; the song's psychological despair gives way to a purely physical catharsis. The anthemicEven in its darkest moments, Funeral exudes an empowering positivity to sharedsorrows.com. Slow-burning ballad "Crown of Love" is an expression of lovesick guilt that perpetually crescendos until the track unexpectedly explodes into a dance section, still soaked in the melodrama of weeping strings; the song's psychological despair gives way to a purely physical catharsis. The anthemic momentum of "Rebellion (Lies)" counterbalances Butler's plaintive appeal for survival at death's door, and there is liberation in his admittance of life's inevitable transience. "In the Backseat" explores a common phenomenon-- a love of backseat window-gazing, inextricably linked to an intense fear of driving-- that ultimately suggests a conclusive optimism through ongoing self-examination. "I've been learning to drive my whole life," Chassagne sings, as the album's acoustic majesty finally recedes and relinquishes.… Expand
  23. jatv1994
    Apr 13, 2013
    8
    Although this genre its not my cup of tea; i must admit IT IS a masterpiece, and im sure if i liked more this type of music; id be my favorite album ever; 10 songs, 10 perfect melodies.
  24. brockcheese
    Feb 4, 2015
    9
    This is one of the greatest albums of all time. It explores childhood, love, death, and the crisis in Haiti. The 7 part band at times sounds more like an orchestra than a rock band.
  25. revoltmedia
    Jun 25, 2013
    10
    Quite possibly the best album of the decade. The themes and lyrics are unparalleled and equate to one of the most affecting, and life-affirming debut records of all time. 9.8
  26. TimothyTuatara
    Aug 16, 2013
    8
    A very solid album that unfortunately is very overcelebrated. It has a lot of lovely moments but it just pales in comparison to other similar albums (The Glow Pt 2, ITAOTS)
  27. flynn4red
    Aug 24, 2013
    9
    A stunning record, a brave new sound, with rich lyrical imagery and a hefty punch of an impact. The only downside is the occasional point where Butler's vocals get a little to anguished.
  28. t_metzz
    Sep 5, 2013
    10
    By far the best album of 2004 and arguably one of the best albums ever record. From the raw emotion of a young Win Butler to the talent of many multi-instrumental artists, this album is flawless. The perfect coming of age album.
  29. Andremax
    Aug 20, 2018
    9
    Punk's energy and post-punk's sophistication at the same time which exhale beauty. Beautiful, intense and charming
  30. SteveBackMeta
    Nov 14, 2013
    9
    A modern masterpiece and one of the crowning achievements of indie rock and baroque pop. "Neighbourhood #1 (Tunnels)" is a heartbreaking tale of separation played to a soundtrack of sensitive piano and chiming guitars. "Power Out" is an invigorating tale, "Wake Up" is a rousing stadium anthem on childhood, "Haiti" blends in Regine's foreign heritage with the English language perfectly, andA modern masterpiece and one of the crowning achievements of indie rock and baroque pop. "Neighbourhood #1 (Tunnels)" is a heartbreaking tale of separation played to a soundtrack of sensitive piano and chiming guitars. "Power Out" is an invigorating tale, "Wake Up" is a rousing stadium anthem on childhood, "Haiti" blends in Regine's foreign heritage with the English language perfectly, and "Rebellion (Lies)" is probably one of the singles of the decade. A must-own.… 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

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
  3. Dusted Magazine
    60
    Marred by indie-rock clichés and occasional over-effort, it remains frustrating.
    Read full review
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