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. AzureP
    May 26, 2006
    10
    i love this album sooooo much.
  2. AndrewS
    May 30, 2006
    10
    "Funeral" is to a work of vibrant art as most pop albums are a study in one "color" or two.
  3. Jack
    Jul 12, 2006
    10
    Album of the year
  4. ZacF
    Jul 18, 2006
    10
    beautiful....
  5. Danilio
    Jul 9, 2006
    9
    A classic album, I rarely give 10/10 but I was extremley tempted with this. With repeated listens you discover more layers and therefore gets better with every listem. This album will last and last, hopefully someone will listen to this album in 15-20 years time and get the same emotional effect I did.
  6. Capu
    Sep 13, 2006
    10
    beautiful, chilling, haunting, but amazing... album of the year... and so much more.... and tunnels is one of the greatest pieces of music ever written...
  7. KazO.
    Oct 19, 2007
    10
    Wud have given it 100 out of ten if possible, genuis!!
  8. StevenC
    Jan 21, 2007
    10
    One of the best albums of all-time
  9. DavidF.
    Dec 5, 2007
    10
    The only negative thing I could say about this album is that all my favorite songs on it sound fairly similar. Probably one of my 20 favorite albums. I was on the fence about whether it was a "9" or "10." It's not Zen Arcade, I can't rate that record.
  10. mickc
    Feb 23, 2007
    10
    one of the most beautiful works i've bought
  11. MattK
    Feb 5, 2007
    10
    Simply an amazing debut album!
  12. ChrisJ
    Mar 9, 2007
    10
    I must have listened to Funeral 100 times when I first bought it, shortly after it came out. The Arcade Fire's new album, while good, mostly just made me want to go back and listen to the first one, which I did. I am even more amazed now by the originality and musicality of these songs. There's so much energy--rhythmic, harmonic, vocal, and lyrical. Neighborhood #2 and Wake Up I must have listened to Funeral 100 times when I first bought it, shortly after it came out. The Arcade Fire's new album, while good, mostly just made me want to go back and listen to the first one, which I did. I am even more amazed now by the originality and musicality of these songs. There's so much energy--rhythmic, harmonic, vocal, and lyrical. Neighborhood #2 and Wake Up have to be two of the best songs of the decade.… Expand
  13. PabloG.
    Jul 10, 2007
    6
    The music is OK, but from the first second to the last second I though "Oh my God... this is what Bon Jovi would sound like if he was an indie rock artist." Over-produced would an understatement. Also it doesn't help that I dislike the singer's voice. But I understand why people like this. Power Out is an alright song.
  14. jayk
    Jul 20, 2007
    9
    Immense work,Neon bible does not compare in any way shape or form..
  15. ThibaultC
    Dec 15, 2008
    10
    Maybe the true mile stone of 00's indie pop, a instant shadow/light deeply original masterpiece. Melancoly and mourning merges with intense orchestral joie de vivre, all the drama of being human in a disc.
  16. 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.
  17. 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
  18. 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.
  19. MarkS
    Apr 26, 2008
    10
    Hugely original, beautiful, with just the right amount of edginess. Gets stronger with repeated listens.
  20. DR
    Apr 26, 2008
    10
    This album never gets old.
  21. CormacR
    May 16, 2008
    10
    Album of the decade.
  22. chrisw
    Jul 10, 2008
    10
    Funeral is easily the best album of the last 10 years.
  23. TiagoA.
    Oct 4, 2009
    10
    This album is incredible, one of those best album of this decade.
  24. 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.
  25. frankiep
    Nov 17, 2004
    10
    finesse, captivating, unsettling, rewarding, settling, wonderful.
  26. hernanc
    Nov 18, 2004
    9
    Es un CD , sencillamente SUBLIME , gracias Mario por habermelo hecho conocer ...
  27. 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 :)
  28. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
  31. 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
  32. IS
    Dec 30, 2004
    10
    My vote for album of the year.
  33. 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.
  34. 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.
  35. 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.
  36. 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.
  37. ThadeusS
    Sep 22, 2004
    10
    You will simply not find a more emotional current release out there.
  38. BillH
    Sep 24, 2004
    10
    Good god. It's just overwhelming.
  39. ebokw
    Sep 27, 2004
    10
    cements 2004 as one of the best music years since the late 80s/early 90s
  40. JayN
    Sep 27, 2004
    10
    Real emo
  41. 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!
  42. RayC
    Sep 28, 2004
    7
    yeah ok
  43. 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!
  44. 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!!
  45. 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
  46. 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
  47. Everton
    Oct 15, 2005
    10
    The most beautiful album of the year. A great and stylish way of being sad.
  48. RickS
    Jan 16, 2005
    9
    A bit like Talking Heads, but with feeling.
  49. 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.
  50. 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.
  51. EricV
    Jan 18, 2005
    10
    Just....beautiful
  52. PeterM
    Jan 18, 2005
    10
    This Album is one of greatest things in music since the Pixies
  53. SKlein
    Dec 12, 2005
    10
    Incredible, fantastic, perfect!
  54. kitty
    Dec 21, 2005
    10
    Emoational, beautiful sensational!
  55. SeamusM
    Dec 29, 2005
    10
    Absolutely deadly.A brilliant Mesiterwerk!A masterpeice!A tour de force! A musical hurricane!!
  56. [Anonymous]
    Jan 23, 2005
    10
    incredible
  57. Rick
    Dec 8, 2005
    9
    This is an album you'll like whether you like it or not
  58. 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.
  59. BenR.
    Feb 26, 2005
    10
    A great CD... it's just high quality stuff. Original, interesting, and well thought-out. The Arcade Fire rawk. ;-)
  60. 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'.
  61. AdamE
    Mar 12, 2005
    10
    AMAZING! OMFG!
  62. 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!
  63. evil
    Mar 22, 2005
    10
    Brilliant, best cd of last year. And there were some great cds last year too.
  64. TimM
    Apr 13, 2005
    10
    OMFG ORGASM!
  65. 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.
  66. 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
  67. JessH
    May 21, 2005
    10
    Coachella was awsum.... They are upbeat and still care about the people who really listen to them
  68. 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
  69. 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!
  70. 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.
  71. KarlaM
    Jul 13, 2005
    10
    Doesn't sound like anything out there today. Amazing!
  72. 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.
  73. 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.
  74. PaulT
    Oct 21, 2006
    10
    Simply amazing, no way to doubt it.
  75. 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.
  76. 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
  77. JaimeZ
    May 23, 2006
    10
    An instant classic. Superb, wonderful, shadowy, ironical and sometimes sad. The winter feels in every song.
  78. LukeBD
    Jul 13, 2006
    9
    Quite frankly one of the best albums ever!
  79. JeffF
    Aug 13, 2006
    10
    Spectacular album.
  80. 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.
  81. Amanda
    Jan 21, 2007
    9
    Gorgeous
  82. 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.
  83. LucasK
    Feb 17, 2007
    10
    This album is so beautiful and amazing that it fucks w/ your mind.
  84. 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.
  85. 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.
  86. Mike
    Jun 24, 2007
    10
    An amazing album! Perfect 10!!!!
  87. 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
  88. 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.
  89. JosephS
    Jun 17, 2008
    10
    Sheer brilliance. I have no words.
  90. MarcL
    May 16, 2009
    10
    Absolutely brilliant. Words cannot do this masterpiece justice.
  91. Blackeye
    Nov 11, 2005
    10
    Like you winning the lottery every time you listen.
  92. 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
  93. 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
  94. JohnS
    Dec 18, 2005
    10
    brilliant album and fantastic live band
  95. 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
  96. 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
  97. 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.
  98. 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.
  99. Chonquist
    Aug 24, 2010
    10
    possibly the best band i've heard i a while. Funeral is their best album too. understand?
  100. mpshea28
    Sep 5, 2010
    6
    Some decent stuff here, unlike the other two discs (Neon Bible is especially bad). I really wanted to like them, but I can't help but think they are the most overrated band out there right now. Nothing really knocks my socks off, except for a few choice numbers off this particular record.
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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.
    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 »