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. GeoffB
    Feb 17, 2006
    10
    The album that drew me in to indie music. The only album that plays in myhead threwout the day like a soundtrack of my life. It is and will forever be my favorite album.
  2. AlanR
    Mar 28, 2006
    10
    Such a fresh sound, yet hints of the Taliking Heads in their glory!
  3. JimH
    May 13, 2006
    9
    Rich. More proof of Canada's amazing talent pool.
  4. AlvinT
    Jul 3, 2006
    10
    Best Album of 2004. No question. (2005 was Picaresque). I would kill my best friend just for a solid release date on their follow-up to Funeral.
  5. JeffJ
    Jul 6, 2006
    10
    It's so emotional and brilliant. Funeral is one of the best albums I have ever heard.
  6. joshd
    Sep 5, 2006
    10
    Amazing album.
  7. TimT.
    Oct 13, 2007
    9
    Simply filled with amazingly addictive, albeit unorthodox, hooks. Only a few tracks fall a little short, but even the songs that aren't incredible still have little somethings that make them fun. A great album in general, even if Win's voice is a little banshee-ish at times.
  8. PeteN
    Jan 2, 2007
    10
    Got this album a fair while back, still regular listening, and still as beautiful as ever.
  9. MarkD
    Feb 6, 2007
    9
    The first album/band since Radioheads OK Computer to really make me sit up and say "wow". Ther's a sublety and originality that the over hyped likes of The Artic Monkeys and awful Kaiser Chiefs can only dream of; Just listen to "In the back Seat" with its dips and climaxes and complex arrangement. Not every song is great and it may take you a few listens but no other band around at The first album/band since Radioheads OK Computer to really make me sit up and say "wow". Ther's a sublety and originality that the over hyped likes of The Artic Monkeys and awful Kaiser Chiefs can only dream of; Just listen to "In the back Seat" with its dips and climaxes and complex arrangement. Not every song is great and it may take you a few listens but no other band around at the moment combines great melody with artestry and raw emotion like "The Fire".… Expand
  10. SeanV
    Mar 10, 2007
    10
    luv it, luv them
  11. MichaelC
    Mar 15, 2007
    10
    Deeper and more complex than anything released yet this decade, rivals OK Computer in some ways.
  12. VincentH
    Mar 20, 2007
    10
    A masterpiece...pure and simple. I would definitely argue that Arcade Fire are the most powerful and brilliant indie pop band since Neutral Milk Hotel. The lyrics, the melodies, the varied and precise instrumentation, the messiness, the honesty, the emotion...Arcade Fire makes the kind of music that can make you weep if you let it, and you should.
  13. Joest
    Jun 3, 2007
    10
    Imaginative, emphatic, catchy and inspiring. And a debut? The best album of the year, hands down.
  14. NabihaH.
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    Simply beautiful. This is one of the few albums where every song is worth listening to multiple times. Incredible...this is easily one of my favorite albums.
  15. KarenO.
    Aug 10, 2007
    10
    Pure Class!! Will never go out of date a classic!
  16. Oligami
    Sep 1, 2007
    9
    It has that kind of music you've been waiting all your life to hear.
  17. RahulD
    Oct 7, 2008
    10
    Sensational. Amazing. Phenomenal. No words can simply describe this album. Rebellion (Lies) will sum up the entire record for you, but expect a lot more sounds. This is truly original and fresh.
  18. Onlineatron
    Oct 8, 2008
    10
    An amazing brilliant album that has you wanting to jump for joy, dance, sing and cry all at the same time!! Highlights included; Almost every track You need this album in your life.
  19. AidanK.
    Feb 29, 2008
    10
    This is just fantastic all the way through, more original than just about everyone.
  20. JamesM.
    Apr 4, 2008
    10
    One of the best albums of our generation.
  21. GarryK
    Sep 3, 2008
    10
    This album surpised me. I'm an avid elbow fan and was searching through the web for bands who "sounded like them." After long hours of searching, I came across arcade fire. One word - mesmerising!
  22. DavidY
    Jun 29, 2009
    10
    Simply the best Indie rock album of the decade, if not ever! Every song beautifully orchestrated, and the album provokes every emotion humanly possible!
  23. noamamam
    Nov 10, 2004
    9
    sincere poignant and resonating
  24. SimonM
    Oct 11, 2004
    10
    Absolutely packed with some of the most uplifting, beautiful, life-affirming music I've heard. Not only is every track an asbolute gem but the album is greater than the sum its parts which, I think, is the sign of a truly great album. I have given it a 10 but I don't do this lightly, this is (unfortunately) as close to a perfect album as I'm ever likely to hear.
  25. EloiP
    Nov 12, 2004
    10
    I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say this album, and this band, is reminiscent of the best of E.L.O. Good stuff...
  26. fadaadada
    Nov 20, 2004
    10
    it was amazing
  27. KyleB
    Nov 22, 2004
    10
    Oh. My. God. Best. Band. Ever.
  28. AndrewL
    Oct 17, 2004
    10
    I was an instant fan. I think this is the very best of the Canadian music I have heard so far this year....Maybe the best I've heard from a band this year, period, regardless of nationality. I'm just counting the days until this band explodes onto the national scene. They certainly deserve to be there, if they play their cards right. It's only been 24 hours since I heard I was an instant fan. I think this is the very best of the Canadian music I have heard so far this year....Maybe the best I've heard from a band this year, period, regardless of nationality. I'm just counting the days until this band explodes onto the national scene. They certainly deserve to be there, if they play their cards right. It's only been 24 hours since I heard this band for the first time, and I can't stop talking about them.… Expand
  29. JejeL
    Nov 8, 2004
    10
    The best album of the year!
  30. Pol
    Oct 19, 2004
    7
    it is important to understand that music should not be judged on the intention, but on the results. the arcade fire aim for all things massive in scope, lyrically and musically. having a band of ten plus members of course ensures that the music will be "big." unfortunately the band undercut themselves with completely played out "dance" beats and a certain lack of originality that tends to it is important to understand that music should not be judged on the intention, but on the results. the arcade fire aim for all things massive in scope, lyrically and musically. having a band of ten plus members of course ensures that the music will be "big." unfortunately the band undercut themselves with completely played out "dance" beats and a certain lack of originality that tends to make them sound like modest mouse with 15 members. some very good songs in the mix but not the miracle it has been hailed as.… Expand
  31. chrism
    Dec 24, 2004
    9
    I haven't been this mesmerized and moved by an album since Interpol's "turn on the bright lights." Give this album a couple of listens before you make up your mind. It manages to be movingly poignant and celeberatory at the same time.
  32. ma
    Dec 24, 2004
    6
    everybody calm down. thems some catchy tunes to be sure, but it doesnt exactly reinvent the wheel.
  33. PoliceDiscoLights
    Dec 3, 2004
    10
    Hey, your old man should know, If you see a "shadow", something's there...
  34. micahg
    Oct 27, 2004
    6
    I recommend everyone buy their six song EP which is fantastic, brilliant, amazing. The songs are so great they overcome poor production, quite a feat. I think this accounts for my low opinion of the CD. It is a huge disappointment. The magic and energy of the EP is gone. I guess for most people this album is their introduction to the band, but for me it is their disappointing sophomore I recommend everyone buy their six song EP which is fantastic, brilliant, amazing. The songs are so great they overcome poor production, quite a feat. I think this accounts for my low opinion of the CD. It is a huge disappointment. The magic and energy of the EP is gone. I guess for most people this album is their introduction to the band, but for me it is their disappointing sophomore release. I like the first song a lot but I think the rest is quite weak and frankly a few songs are unlistenable. If I had only heard this album I would think this was just another hype band but they also have a great live show. But this album is unlikely to break with large audiences with this album.… Expand
  35. maxv
    Oct 3, 2004
    10
    one of the best albums of the past few years. period.
  36. BrianJ
    Oct 7, 2004
    10
    Some people will no doubt be turned off by all the press and acclaim this album is getting. Forget about the hype that this album is getting, this is really a wonderful record. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up.
  37. DCohen
    Sep 17, 2004
    9
    Brilliant. Fucking brilliant
  38. TerrenceO
    Sep 18, 2004
    9
    easily makes the top 5 of the year so far...
  39. TimD
    Sep 18, 2004
    10
    A fantastic album begining to end. Great for emo kids and pretentious indie folk alike. Plus if yr. a Kate Bush fan you'll be hard pressed to find a more apealing album this year. Ta Da! The Best Indie rock album The Wrens "Meadowlands."
  40. JonathanV
    Sep 19, 2004
    10
    Simply and completely wonderful. So explosive, gritty, enchanting and human. Its been sitting in my cd player on repeat for a couple days now.
  41. RyanM
    Sep 19, 2004
    10
    Much like Neutral Milk Hotel's "Aeroplane Over The Sea", this cd almost brought me to tears. I haven't heard anything quite like this for as long as I can remember. Take the vocals of "yours truely" Connor Oberst, orchestra feel of Godspeed Your Black Emperor, add a touch of the Polyphonic Spree and you have the ingredients of The Arcade Fire. This is the album of the year, Much like Neutral Milk Hotel's "Aeroplane Over The Sea", this cd almost brought me to tears. I haven't heard anything quite like this for as long as I can remember. Take the vocals of "yours truely" Connor Oberst, orchestra feel of Godspeed Your Black Emperor, add a touch of the Polyphonic Spree and you have the ingredients of The Arcade Fire. This is the album of the year, ahead of The Fiery Furnaces, Franz Ferdinand and !!!... it is that good.… Expand
  42. andy
    Sep 19, 2004
    10
    holy sh** this is good!
  43. Andy
    Sep 21, 2004
    10
    fantastic
  44. EdwardT
    Sep 20, 2004
    10
    its a ten hands down
  45. Greg
    Sep 22, 2004
    10
    Crown this the best of 2004
  46. du&sku
    Sep 24, 2004
    8
    Very, very good; it doesn't quite have the revolutionary feeling of Interpol's Turn on the Bright Lights, and isn't as subtly affecting as Broken Social Scene's You Forget It In People. However, musically it lends a quiet soul to the formula that hasn't really been heard before, which certainly sets them apart from the rest of the groups out there. Lyrically, it Very, very good; it doesn't quite have the revolutionary feeling of Interpol's Turn on the Bright Lights, and isn't as subtly affecting as Broken Social Scene's You Forget It In People. However, musically it lends a quiet soul to the formula that hasn't really been heard before, which certainly sets them apart from the rest of the groups out there. Lyrically, it tends to get awfully silly, with too many eyelid, vampire, and dying in the snow metaphors, though that isn't really a weakness. The bigger problem is that it hasn't been quite a grower; its first listen was far and away the best. Still, though, it makes the perfect christmas present of a record.… Expand
  47. LawrenceP
    Sep 26, 2004
    10
    The best LP of the year is also the most exciting.
  48. annaanna
    Jan 11, 2005
    10
    a record for a century
  49. FredH
    Nov 1, 2005
    10
    It's just about life, joy, sadness and hope.
  50. BenS
    Nov 21, 2005
    8
    Rarely are albums so thrilling, original and intense, love it
  51. AliC
    Oct 19, 2005
    9
    What a record. An extraordinary album about death and grief that is paradoxically uplifting and never for a moment indulgent. This is music of rare power, and an album that grows and grows and grows. Genius is not dead.
  52. JM
    Jan 21, 2005
    10
    Wow, wow, wow! Saw this on so many 2004 top ten lists I had to check it out... Got it four days ago and haven't stopped listening yet... bot a bit addictive from the start and seems to be a big grower on top of that... Lots of twisted influences shine thru... I too hear bjork here, talking heads there, early opera Bowie here, spastic melodic pixies there, lots of Neutral Milk Hotel, Wow, wow, wow! Saw this on so many 2004 top ten lists I had to check it out... Got it four days ago and haven't stopped listening yet... bot a bit addictive from the start and seems to be a big grower on top of that... Lots of twisted influences shine thru... I too hear bjork here, talking heads there, early opera Bowie here, spastic melodic pixies there, lots of Neutral Milk Hotel, and good stuff everywhere... Now gotta get my wife sold so I can blast it at home and dance with my 3 year old... Get it!… Expand
  53. IvarE
    Jan 20, 2005
    9
    FInally something original is coming out of the indie scene without electronics in it. First time I heard this record, I was amazed. It kicks off with the brilliant songs neighborhood #1 and #2 which are the best tracks I've heard in a while. I love them. I love everyone of the up tempo songs, even though the sad and beautiful crown of love takes over the happy wave of superb FInally something original is coming out of the indie scene without electronics in it. First time I heard this record, I was amazed. It kicks off with the brilliant songs neighborhood #1 and #2 which are the best tracks I've heard in a while. I love them. I love everyone of the up tempo songs, even though the sad and beautiful crown of love takes over the happy wave of superb songwriting. there are some downfalls, but those also come around after some listenings. Can't wait for more material from this band.… Expand
  54. RudigerS
    Jan 22, 2005
    6
    Half is totally great. Half is totally boring. And I think you all know this.
  55. AnneL
    Jan 29, 2005
    10
    The first album of 2004 to grab me by the collar with the very first song and keep me listening through the whole CD. The lyrics drag me back again and again; it's a dream world--those tunnels.
  56. ke
    Jan 29, 2005
    10
    arcade fire yay!
  57. wakeup
    Oct 31, 2005
    10
    This simply an amazing band. This album is great and their first album ( yes the one before funeral) is also a jem. Don't miss them!
  58. EffE
    Oct 6, 2005
    9
    My favorite album in a while. I think Funeral is one of the best first album ever. A couple of songs are just ok (hence the 9), but most of them are amazing. Buy it ! And get their self-titled demo, there are good songs on it too.
  59. StevenG
    Feb 15, 2005
    10
    Brilliant. uplifting. new. finally some "indie" music that doesn't have to prove anything. it's just good music that everyone can enjoy.
  60. DouglasP
    Feb 16, 2005
    10
    Gets better with every listening, and far more original than the other great albums of 2004.
  61. DennisD
    Feb 16, 2005
    9
    awesome cd... would give it a 9.5 if I could... I guess we'll just have to adjust.
  62. sonjan
    Feb 17, 2005
    10
    I love this band and can't hear enough from them.
  63. DrewG-Unit
    Feb 18, 2005
    10
    This is wicked, my brother made my listen to it and I enjoyed it like I enjoy waffles in the morning.
  64. z0ozz0o
    Feb 21, 2005
    10
    it's best
  65. NikB
    Feb 4, 2005
    10
    One of those albums thats simply covers every aspect of life. Some albums have alot to say... But this album pretty much said everything.
  66. sarahd
    Feb 8, 2005
    10
    best record i've heard in a while
  67. TagomagoT.
    Mar 13, 2005
    10
    Beautiful and exhilirating. This is a stunning album.
  68. PascalV
    Mar 14, 2005
    10
    Their intense emotion is not much seen nowdays, sadly enough...
  69. JonE
    Mar 17, 2005
    8
    v good
  70. LeMolusque
    Mar 19, 2005
    10
    I don't konw how to put this one out of my cd player. I tried the Open button, i also put my stereo and the record in flames, but Win Butler's voice sounds in my head over and over : "and if the storm..."
  71. JoshO
    Mar 25, 2005
    10
    The best album ever. I love the combination as "va deemee" stated. The accordion and orchestra collaborate perfectly. Butler's lyrics are mesmerizing and every song they have. This is my favorite band now.
  72. PaulMcK
    Mar 25, 2005
    9
    Great stuff, a Wonderful mixture of styles & instruments, emotions & lyrics.
  73. MagnusV
    Mar 28, 2005
    9
    An excellent CD. Great catchy lyrics, vocals, and insturmentals. Good depth. A tad pretentious though, and Regine Chassagne's voice is irritating. Look for Neighbourhood #1 (Tunnels), #3 (Powerout), #4 (7 Kettles), Crown of Love, and Rebellion (Lies).
  74. ag
    Mar 28, 2005
    10
    Probably the best of all the new albums this year so far, an outstanding achievement.
  75. LaikaH
    Mar 29, 2005
    10
    I DONT KNOW HOW I LIVED WITH OUT THIS ALBUM!! This is the best album, and quite possibly the best band, I have ever heard. The serious foot-stomping tune of Power Out(Nbr #3) is mesmerizing and Rebellion is an amazing song
  76. DanC
    Apr 14, 2005
    10
    Simply one of the greatest of all time. Not to mention that it is their debut. But the album fails in comparison to their powerful carthatic shows that will you speechless. Simply put this album is meant to change your fucking life. And it will.
  77. robertd
    Apr 20, 2005
    10
    This is the best album i have heard in a long time, possibly ever. I don't ever remember being this excited about a new band. It hit me the first time i listened to it, the music is so beautiful and emotional, i can't believe they are this good on their debut album!
  78. TheMan
    May 27, 2005
    10
    What can I say? Breathtaking! Rebellion (Lies) is one of the best songs I've heard in ages!
  79. MattP
    Jun 27, 2005
    10
    had me holding back tears when I first listened to it. The only album that can stand besides 'SMiLE' as album of the decade.
  80. MikeF
    Jun 28, 2005
    10
    Amazing stuff. Nearly all of the songs are great.
  81. bigboi
    Jul 23, 2005
    10
    One of the best albums ever. tunnels-10/10 laika-10/10 une anne sans lummiere-8/10 powerout-9/10 kettles-8.5/10 crown of love-10/10 wake up-8.5/10 haiti-8/10 rebellion-10/10 the backseat-8/10 overall-9/10 ~SO awesome. get it now
  82. Mark
    Jul 27, 2005
    10
    Unreal. And if you think the album is good, see them live. Believe me, you haven't heard these songs until you've heard them live.
  83. jacok
    Jul 29, 2005
    9
    Different, strange, nice
  84. kellyb
    Aug 1, 2005
    10
    AWEsome
  85. SylvainT
    Aug 9, 2005
    10
    Absolutely "magnifique"! Even my mom likes it.
  86. BenD
    Sep 2, 2005
    10
    Hmm, Funeral has been getting a lot of good reviews. Perhaps a few too many good reviews...Nah, who am I kidding? Funeral is awesome. Buy it.
  87. MatthewH
    Sep 22, 2005
    10
    A truly rich, impressive album
  88. MusicMaven
    Sep 27, 2005
    10
    I've waited to comment on this for a while. Just let it sink in over the last year or so. And I've come to the conclusion that this is a true classic that will stand the test of time. The fist-pumping anthems and slow-burning ballads both have a naked emotional intensity. The lush music, with its brilliantly timed tempo shifts and unexpected codas, never seems to get old. If you I've waited to comment on this for a while. Just let it sink in over the last year or so. And I've come to the conclusion that this is a true classic that will stand the test of time. The fist-pumping anthems and slow-burning ballads both have a naked emotional intensity. The lush music, with its brilliantly timed tempo shifts and unexpected codas, never seems to get old. If you are a music fan, you owe it to yourself to check it out!… Expand
  89. AnnaJ
    Sep 7, 2005
    10
    The music is as wonderful as the inspired conceptual lyrics. The Arcade Fire blow my brains but carefully put it back together afterwards. And then it's like they were never there to start with.
  90. DanielS
    Jan 2, 2006
    8
    Quite a find. Their approach may at first seem overly emotional, but it's delivered with unique song structures and unmistakeable honesty. There are some real gems: It make take repeated listens for a , but for me, it just gets better and better.
  91. Stefanos
    Oct 2, 2006
    10
    A masterpiece, that's for sure. A little weird and very hard to compare to something because they sound unlike anything I've heard so far. This album just has a warm, radiant glow about it, as silly as that may sound. Give it a try, you'll love it.
  92. JoshuaF
    Dec 3, 2006
    10
    Simply put: amazing. The third time through, I was hanging on every note, anticipating the climaxes in the songs, and even rewinding to hear them again.
  93. omaro
    Dec 9, 2006
    10
    This Album is the musical equivalent to Fireworks , it's that good, scratch that Monumental.
  94. venusinfurs
    Jan 30, 2006
    10
    gorgeous...take a deep breath before listen to...
  95. HeitorV
    Jan 3, 2006
    10
    This album is the best one released in 2005
  96. danp
    Feb 13, 2006
    10
    one of the best albums ever made
  97. MarkF
    Feb 16, 2006
    7
    It may be a 9+ for many, and I'm not saying they're wrong, but for me it's a 7 (quite enjoyable). Lyrically very rich and worth following the printed sheet, and musically, some nice arrangements. But here's my problem. It goes like this: 1-2-3-4, 1-2-3-4 (chord change) 1-2-3-4,1-2-3-4 (chord change). Are they ashamed of their vocals? Every time the pace drops they It may be a 9+ for many, and I'm not saying they're wrong, but for me it's a 7 (quite enjoyable). Lyrically very rich and worth following the printed sheet, and musically, some nice arrangements. But here's my problem. It goes like this: 1-2-3-4, 1-2-3-4 (chord change) 1-2-3-4,1-2-3-4 (chord change). Are they ashamed of their vocals? Every time the pace drops they bring in a string quartet to cover up the voices.… Expand
  98. Kev
    Feb 17, 2006
    10
    Tiny Mix Tapes says:"One of the best albums of the year, hands down." I say: "One of the best album ever, hands down."
  99. TomC
    Mar 27, 2006
    10
    this is a breath takingly great album, i have fallen in love with rebellion/lies, the harmonies, the piano, everything about it! fantastic
  100. williamo
    Mar 9, 2006
    10
    essential, classic, masterpiece, white album....
Page:

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.
    Read full review
  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
See all critic reviews »