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. MarkL
    Oct 2, 2005
    10
    One of the best albums of the last decade.
  2. mhmusicnmovies
    Sep 8, 2010
    10
    Such a great album. The Neighborhood 1-4 are such an interesting and unique style of music and perfectly set the tone for such an extraordinary set of songs. Rebellion is so seemingly happy and catchy, and Wake Up makes you want to just run away into your own little happy place (yes, i thought this BEFORE seeing the Where the Wild Things Are trailer/film)... Its impossible not to smile.
  3. JoshE
    Jan 8, 2005
    8
    A rambling and reckless album... the beauty and pain burst restlessly from the seems. The songs barrel along like a freight train going to fast around a turn, ready to spill its contents out onto the hillside as it careens off of the tracks. Wow, a little dramatic, but Funeral is quite a ride. The dramtic highs are exilarating, lows are aching, and it's very difficult to let go. Pop A rambling and reckless album... the beauty and pain burst restlessly from the seems. The songs barrel along like a freight train going to fast around a turn, ready to spill its contents out onto the hillside as it careens off of the tracks. Wow, a little dramatic, but Funeral is quite a ride. The dramtic highs are exilarating, lows are aching, and it's very difficult to let go. Pop music can be a clunky, retarded beast, and in the hands of the music industry's chosen purveyors, it tends to be, but The Arcade Fire show how beautiful, intelligent, and truly emotional a simple song can be... And that's the hardest thing of all. This is an excellent album and definitely one of the best of 2004.… Expand
  4. MarkB
    Oct 10, 2004
    10
    I saw Arcade Fire perform on stage in Guelph. I must say; their performance was great, when they played Wake Up, the entire floor started to move and groove with the rythym. The song just sounded amazing live. I experienced hearing loss for a day, but I didn't mind!
  5. SimonM
    Oct 10, 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.
  6. rob
    Dec 9, 2004
    9
    Instantly familiar, yet undefinably original. I've been addicted to this album since halfway through my first listen. I wish I got to see them when they toured with the Unicorns--I hear both put on excellent live shows. The only reason I haven't given this album a 10 is that I have not owned it long enough to be sure its beauty won't fade.
  7. Tubie
    Nov 2, 2010
    10
    A masterpiece, of of the best albums of the 2000s, I love just about every single song and wish the magic this album has could be repeated again in their newer work but that is something impossible and I realize that now.
  8. 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.
  9. jpotz
    Nov 5, 2013
    9
    While slightly overrated, Arcade Fire's debut full-length is a modern classic, forming a sound that many indie bands are still trying to recreate. It's the kind of album that appeals to hipsters, old people, and mainstream radio all at once, a very rare accomplishment in rock music.
  10. WalterW
    Oct 23, 2004
    10
    Best album of the decade so far.... Or tied with The Moon and Antarctica - Modest Mouse, anyway.
  11. BrendanPowers
    Sep 18, 2004
    10
    Best Album of the Year by far
  12. BobE
    Apr 9, 2005
    10
    This record is one of those infrequent masterpieces. A novel yet familiar sound, mixing atmosphere with thought provoking lyrics and accessibility. A gem.
  13. SimonS
    Jan 18, 2006
    10
    THERE ISN"T ONE BAD SONG ON THIS ALBUM! Even if I love a band there are always songs that I dislike on an album. NOt this one somehow. The songs are also epic too. Best Album of 2004.
  14. MHochwald
    Nov 2, 2004
    10
    I am keeping this album in my headphones and my headphones on my head just incase I have a near-death experience I can be pulled back to earth where Heaven truly exists thanks to the The Arcade Fire.
  15. ConorL
    Jan 2, 2005
    10
    There is no reason this album shouldn't be a 10 it is by far the best album of 2004 and possibly one of the greatest indie rock albums of all time and one of my favorite album of all time
  16. KonstantinosC
    Apr 11, 2005
    10
    Art and power in an out-of-time and out-of-styles record ! Excellent !
  17. RandyD
    Mar 3, 2007
    10
    Best album of the decade
  18. LukeT
    Feb 17, 2007
    10
    shear beauty
  19. Lucasmg
    Aug 13, 2010
    10
    Best album of the decade, haven't heard an album as good as this one, since Is This It.
  20. Vampire25
    Nov 23, 2010
    10
    This is definitely hands down one of my favorite albums, and that goes for Neon Bible and The Suburbs. Every Arcade Fire that has ever come out has been a celebration in music culture. They are easily my favorite band and that's saying quite a bit. You can't go wrong with this album. The lyrics are magical and songs are compelling. All In All, You can can't go wrong with this album. AnThis is definitely hands down one of my favorite albums, and that goes for Neon Bible and The Suburbs. Every Arcade Fire that has ever come out has been a celebration in music culture. They are easily my favorite band and that's saying quite a bit. You can't go wrong with this album. The lyrics are magical and songs are compelling. All In All, You can can't go wrong with this album. An absolute must have.… Expand
  21. nc_jj
    Feb 1, 2011
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A debut of irrefutable power, arguably superior to "Is This It", "Funeral" marked the arrival of a great big band with major big talent[s]. It's bleak and eerie, but beautifully wondrous. A record, of whose confidence and wittiness may be at the height of debuts like Television's "Marquee Moon".… Expand
  22. arov59
    May 16, 2011
    10
    This is an astounding album, especially for a debut album... all the songs are amazingly written, with Mount Everest high points in songs such as Neighbourhood #1, Wake Up, Haiti, Rebellion and In The Backseat.
  23. 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.
  24. 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.
  25. 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
  26. 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.
  27. 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!!
  28. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
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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 »