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. 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.
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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...
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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.
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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.
  16. 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
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. 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
  26. 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.
  27. 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.
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  30. 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
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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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