• Record Label: Merge
  • Release Date: Mar 6, 2007
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 918 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 28 out of 918

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  1. DylanS
    May 28, 2007
    10
    It's no Funeral, but Neon Bible is a stand alone masterpiece in it's own right. Perfect in every way, it may just take a few listens, because of how differently the Arcade Fire are trying to sonically get their message across (at least compared to Funeral). There's not one poor quality track on the entire CD, even the "duds" are better than a lot of key tracks on other It's no Funeral, but Neon Bible is a stand alone masterpiece in it's own right. Perfect in every way, it may just take a few listens, because of how differently the Arcade Fire are trying to sonically get their message across (at least compared to Funeral). There's not one poor quality track on the entire CD, even the "duds" are better than a lot of key tracks on other discs released this year. Get this Album. Expand
  2. JonT
    May 9, 2007
    10
    Matthew C are you a music critic or just a musician? Your review is inspirational. You have clearly done your research on this album. Its rare to see a review that speaks directly to the heart, but your review is the best I have ever seen. Your review has inspired me to become a journalist and I know that I can succeed if I develop one tenth of the literary and critical analysis skills Matthew C are you a music critic or just a musician? Your review is inspirational. You have clearly done your research on this album. Its rare to see a review that speaks directly to the heart, but your review is the best I have ever seen. Your review has inspired me to become a journalist and I know that I can succeed if I develop one tenth of the literary and critical analysis skills you posess. Hats off to you. There is one thing I disagree with in the opening paragraph of your review though. "Boo" is a bit harsh. Otherwise brilliant stuff. Expand
  3. WilliamL.
    Jul 16, 2007
    10
    What can be further stated concerning the exceptional brilliance behind Arcade Fire
  4. ScottW.
    Aug 19, 2007
    8
    It hits the spot right on. Great albume and shows that this band has lots going for it.
  5. DanielC.
    Aug 26, 2007
    9
    Highly recommended.
  6. rubenn.
    Aug 4, 2007
    10
    excelent
  7. luke
    Sep 25, 2007
    7
    enjoyable. half of the songs are too springsteen for my taste, but the remainder makes up for it. I can also hear some roger waters and pulp sound strangely enough. This album could be on my top five by the end of the year.
  8. AlexP
    Jan 12, 2008
    10
    I'm really surprised about some of the reviews here. They only compare it to Funeral, which although was the better album, Neon Bible comes only just short of it. With their grand compositions coming through full throttle, the Arcade Fire led by Win Butler shines. "Intervention" is as dramatic and powerful a song as anything you'll hear this year, while my favorite song "Keep I'm really surprised about some of the reviews here. They only compare it to Funeral, which although was the better album, Neon Bible comes only just short of it. With their grand compositions coming through full throttle, the Arcade Fire led by Win Butler shines. "Intervention" is as dramatic and powerful a song as anything you'll hear this year, while my favorite song "Keep The Car Running" blends an almost folky sound with the early work of their idol, Bruce. 2nd best album of 2007 (Only after MIA's Kala) Expand
  9. WesleyM.
    Jan 20, 2008
    10
    Amazing follow-up.
  10. AidanK
    Feb 16, 2008
    10
    I rarely give albums 10/10 but this one is truely worth it, the songs are all big, ambitious and loud, absolutely amazing
  11. HC
    Feb 20, 2008
    10
    It is so unexpected, so willing to connect with you, so unbelievably gorgeous, that you're blown away.
  12. SethA.
    Jun 22, 2008
    9
    This album has some of the best lyrics ever written. What passionate poetry, at its best!
  13. ShyA
    Jul 19, 2009
    9
    But FUNERAL is better....but this is great album with some great songs:intervention,no cars go,windowsill.
  14. SteveM
    Feb 13, 2007
    10
    It's not as quick to get going and suck you in as Funeral was, but as a whole, it's just as good, if not better. By combining some amazing new ideas with their old familier techniques, the Arcade Fire have created a masterpiece. It would be a huge understatement to simply say that they "avoided the sophomore slump". Too many great tracks to name here, but Intervention, My Body It's not as quick to get going and suck you in as Funeral was, but as a whole, it's just as good, if not better. By combining some amazing new ideas with their old familier techniques, the Arcade Fire have created a masterpiece. It would be a huge understatement to simply say that they "avoided the sophomore slump". Too many great tracks to name here, but Intervention, My Body is a Cage, and Windowsill rank among my favorites. Expand
  15. CaitlinS
    Feb 17, 2007
    10
    I love the arcade fire!
  16. DanC
    Feb 23, 2007
    10
    A powerful statement on the state of the world surrounding by the hum of an organ. Not Funeral 2.0 by any means and thats a good thing. An inventive band that time will show as the first great band of the 00's.
  17. Danny
    Feb 26, 2007
    10
    At first, I was a bit worried about how different the album sounds from Funeral, but after 15 or so listens, I have made a strong connection to each of the 11 tracks. Once again, Arcade Fire gets the job done!
  18. GeorgeH
    Feb 27, 2007
    7
    It's good, but nowhere near Funeral.
  19. TylerF
    Feb 27, 2007
    8
    Not nearly as good as Funeral. But still a strong album. Favorite tracks are 'Keep the Car Running', 'Intervention' and the revamped version of old EP favorite 'No Cars Go'.
  20. Erin
    Mar 11, 2007
    10
    There's no need to compare this album to Funeral, and its great anyways.
  21. MattT
    Mar 11, 2007
    10
    Neon Bible is changing my life.
  22. daveg
    Mar 12, 2007
    8
    pretty good, but no funeral
  23. TroyM
    Mar 12, 2007
    10
    Why would you want it to be like "Funeral"? This real music performed on real instruments, which is infinitely more interesting than the 'manufactured' music that is cluttering our world today.
  24. DickB
    Mar 14, 2007
    8
    If Neon Bible hadn't been preceded by Funeral, it's hard to tell where the album would fall in terms of popularity and critical success. It's an incredible and intense album, but since it's also a "follow up" and "much anticipated" album, the stakes are higher and the masses are quick to rain down "it's good, yes. But "Funeral"..." If Neon Bible had been the first If Neon Bible hadn't been preceded by Funeral, it's hard to tell where the album would fall in terms of popularity and critical success. It's an incredible and intense album, but since it's also a "follow up" and "much anticipated" album, the stakes are higher and the masses are quick to rain down "it's good, yes. But "Funeral"..." If Neon Bible had been the first to arrive, and Funeral had followed after, what would people say then? Expand
  25. ByronTheBulb
    Mar 18, 2007
    9
    I don't quite understand why so many listeners are slagging this album. It's more ambitious than Funeral, with a more diverse, expansive sound. There's no one track that stands out as a hit single, but there are lots of amazing songs that grow on you if you give them a chance. My only complaint is that I could have done without the remake of "No Cars Go" from their first I don't quite understand why so many listeners are slagging this album. It's more ambitious than Funeral, with a more diverse, expansive sound. There's no one track that stands out as a hit single, but there are lots of amazing songs that grow on you if you give them a chance. My only complaint is that I could have done without the remake of "No Cars Go" from their first EP; it's not really an improvement on the original. Expand
  26. JonathanH
    Mar 18, 2007
    9
    Avoids the mid-album doldrum that inhabited Funeral's otherwise spectacular album. One of the few times where a band leaves its "little room" for bigger production values, without losing any of the original magic. I tend to frown on too much social commentary, but what commentary is present on the album is not overblown (though it occasionally approaches it). Musically, its wonderful Avoids the mid-album doldrum that inhabited Funeral's otherwise spectacular album. One of the few times where a band leaves its "little room" for bigger production values, without losing any of the original magic. I tend to frown on too much social commentary, but what commentary is present on the album is not overblown (though it occasionally approaches it). Musically, its wonderful (always one of the bands stronger points). While trying not to replicate Funeral, they don't do a 180 either. Well paced, and song placement was pitch-perfect (though Win may not always be). Best cuts (besides the exhultant "Intervention" and the revisitation of "No Cars Go") are the sensational "My Body is a Cage" and "Antichrist Television Blues." Bravo! Expand
  27. michaelb
    Mar 22, 2007
    10
    It gets better with each listen. Just like the first one, really. No one I think thought every song on Funeral was fantastic the first few times they heard it. Likewise. There are a few songs that really do stand out immediately though. Black Mirror, Ocean of Noise, Antichrist Television Blues, Intervention (which I remember from their last tour) and the my current fave My Body is a Cage. It gets better with each listen. Just like the first one, really. No one I think thought every song on Funeral was fantastic the first few times they heard it. Likewise. There are a few songs that really do stand out immediately though. Black Mirror, Ocean of Noise, Antichrist Television Blues, Intervention (which I remember from their last tour) and the my current fave My Body is a Cage. That was on the first few listens, but the other songs now are establishing themselves in my mental jukebox too. Expand
  28. RodneyG
    Mar 26, 2007
    10
    This is the best 2nd album that I've ever heard from any band. Instantly likeable, dare I say this may be close to my favorite of all time: NMH: Aeroplane? :/ hmm. damn.
  29. DMarsh
    Mar 29, 2007
    10
    I listened to Funeral at least 200 times and saw them live many times... and Neon Bible more than met my ridiculously high expectations. However, it doesn't really flow like an album should and I doubt that the live performances of this second batch of songs will match the energy of Wake Up and company.
  30. AdanT
    Mar 31, 2007
    10
    A lush wall of sound of an album; a recording that may as well sit with the best of the decade.
  31. ValdisP
    Apr 12, 2007
    10
    A fantastic CD and the best album of 2007 so far
  32. PondC
    Apr 17, 2007
    10
    The unpredictable moods and styles, lots of music instruments and vocal style are well differentiated them from other indy bands.
  33. thythi
    Apr 25, 2007
    10
    Hypnotic melodies, wall of sound, the perfect soundtrack for springtime...
  34. BenK
    May 11, 2007
    10
    Best album of 2007 so far. It's the effing sex. Are we allowed to say fuck on here? Well anyhoo, it's amazing. I love the epic sound to all of their songs.
  35. JayW
    May 14, 2007
    10
    Honestly, I think this is the best album released this year. Pretty freaking awesome. I just really like it in every way. Catchy, yet experimental tunes.
  36. BrianH.
    Jun 19, 2007
    10
    The disc is aging like a good wine. Not only does this band deserve the hype, it should be a requirement for any music fan to see them live once in thier life. Amazing LP.
  37. ClaireJ.
    Jun 23, 2007
    10
    This album rewards the music fan who is interested in originality and a big art-rock sound. It just keeps growing on me -- I listened to it twice before bumping it up to a rating of 8, then it was up to a 9, and every time I've listened since, I find more musicality and a deeper groove to these unusual tracks.
  38. Mike
    Jun 24, 2007
    10
    Read the reviews and hype about this ablum. So I bought it..... And WOW!!! I have never heard anything more emotional in my life before! Every song is so well thought out, Perfect 10!!! I am now an Arcade Fire FAN!!
  39. RG
    Jul 26, 2007
    7
    Funeral is one of my fav records of the recent years and a lot of hype surrounded this and it kinda delivers and kinda doesnt. the first album i thought was very well balanced around a centerpiece, whereas this is sonically going for one sound. certain misteps creep through mainly in the production but the songs are still solid. the first 4 trax are perfectly aligned and build on each Funeral is one of my fav records of the recent years and a lot of hype surrounded this and it kinda delivers and kinda doesnt. the first album i thought was very well balanced around a centerpiece, whereas this is sonically going for one sound. certain misteps creep through mainly in the production but the songs are still solid. the first 4 trax are perfectly aligned and build on each other and then comes 'black wave/bad vibrations', which does not build on whats already been heard. the next songs go everywhere and even the themes get a little repetitive. 'no cars go' is a great song between some really not so good tracks and the finisher kinda sums up the album with a haunting sound making me wish some other songs were this grand. Expand
  40. StefanieL
    Dec 2, 2008
    10
    Probably one of the best albums ever. A huge variation of different Instruments, including a organ, make their music powerful and captivating. Moreover with "My Body is a cage" they wrote one of the most powerful and most beautiful songs ever.
  41. FogulS
    Jan 31, 2008
    10
    you had me worried, so worried that things would burst, but they didn't.
  42. ColinB.
    Feb 18, 2008
    10
    Phenomenal. Every song is a delicate masterpiece---they would fail with most other bands, but Butler's dark, anguished vocals along with a pitch-perfect instrumental balance make them memorable. "Keep the Car Running" may be the track of the century. It's the song equivalent of vanilla ice cream...so simple, yet so refreshingly rewarding. "Windowsill," "Intervention," and "No Phenomenal. Every song is a delicate masterpiece---they would fail with most other bands, but Butler's dark, anguished vocals along with a pitch-perfect instrumental balance make them memorable. "Keep the Car Running" may be the track of the century. It's the song equivalent of vanilla ice cream...so simple, yet so refreshingly rewarding. "Windowsill," "Intervention," and "No Cars Go" are also standouts, but they are still just the highlights of a mighty, mighty album--better than "Funeral" and every other album of 2007! Expand
  43. TaniaC.
    Sep 24, 2008
    8
    I think it very good, with lovely tunes and songs that stick to your head for days
  44. Francesco
    Dec 22, 2007
    9
    I think in some ways it's even better than Funeral. And that's a lot to say.
  45. Sep 24, 2010
    9
    Because Funeral was just a complete and utter masterpiece, there is no way Arcade Fire can top their debut. It is said true here as it is not up to snuff with Funeral. Instead, they give a completely different sophomore effort. Instead of having a collection of atmospheric, haunting and heart felt songs from Funeral, they give a straightforward effort with a mixture of songs from theBecause Funeral was just a complete and utter masterpiece, there is no way Arcade Fire can top their debut. It is said true here as it is not up to snuff with Funeral. Instead, they give a completely different sophomore effort. Instead of having a collection of atmospheric, haunting and heart felt songs from Funeral, they give a straightforward effort with a mixture of songs from the jangly pop jives, the dark but grandiose and to the absolute energetic. It is a definite listen and an easy one at that as it is Arcade Fire's easily listen able but also a darker, more frontal experience. Expand
  46. Nov 2, 2010
    10
    Every single song in this album is amazing, everything is done perfectly. I still cannot decide which one I like more but this album defined a period of my life, I can't even imagine how many times I've listened to it.
  47. Sep 2, 2012
    9
    Yes I'm writing this review in 2012, but now I've revisited this album after not giving it a fair chance the first time. I'm pleased to say that there is not a weak song on here. The other thing I like about it is the sense of cohesion and unity of mood that pervades. It really is a fun and engaging listen, and I daresay is my favorite AF album.
  48. Nov 14, 2011
    9
    I think its hated on far too much because of how anti-religious this album is. Its not anti-religious in a bad way, Its merely saying that religion (while widely accepted) causes a lot more problems then what it is worth and that one day we will have to choose to keep it or abandond it. I loved this album and imo its the best album Arcade Fire put out.
  49. Nov 23, 2010
    10
    Neon Bible is a joyous listen. Every song is absolutely magnificent. It was a great big step in the right direction from their first masterpiece Funeral. It's dark, perfectly written, compellingly instrumental and a beautiful voice from Win Butler. This album was my favorite album at one point. I could never stop listening to it. All In All, Neon Bible has some of my favorite songs of allNeon Bible is a joyous listen. Every song is absolutely magnificent. It was a great big step in the right direction from their first masterpiece Funeral. It's dark, perfectly written, compellingly instrumental and a beautiful voice from Win Butler. This album was my favorite album at one point. I could never stop listening to it. All In All, Neon Bible has some of my favorite songs of all time on it and its a fantastic album. Expand
  50. Apr 21, 2011
    7
    Following on from a fantastic debut record is always tough work but The Arcade Fire have passed the test with Neon Bible. At times it might lack the emotion and passion that was felt on Funeral, as the band has traded that sound for a heavier indie rock sound that utilises the distorted guitar much more than on Funeral. It also sounds a little overdone at times, such as on Black Wave BadFollowing on from a fantastic debut record is always tough work but The Arcade Fire have passed the test with Neon Bible. At times it might lack the emotion and passion that was felt on Funeral, as the band has traded that sound for a heavier indie rock sound that utilises the distorted guitar much more than on Funeral. It also sounds a little overdone at times, such as on Black Wave Bad Vibrations, which is a dark and overcrowded piece of music. However on tracks such as No Cars Go and Keep The Car Running there's an incredible amount of spirit and vibe that can only have you praising The Arcade Fire. It might not be the equivalent of Funeral, but overall it's a solid indie rock follow up.
    Best tracks: Keep The Car Running, The Well And The Lighthouse, No Cars Go
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  51. Jun 8, 2013
    10
    Listen to it alone in the dark at night.
    My four personal favorite tracks: Keep the Car Running; Black Wave Bad Vibrations; Windowsill; No Cars Go.
    Enough said.
  52. May 16, 2011
    9
    My least favourite Arcade Fire album, though still pretty outstanding... I love Black Mirror and My Body Is A Cage, though the only song that brings the score of this album down is Keep The Car Running
  53. May 12, 2011
    9
    i enjoyed listening to this album. it was great. i still got to listen to funeral. but i really do like this one a lot. it had some great songs on this record
  54. Oct 19, 2011
    8
    It was always going to be impossible to follow up Funeral. Expectations on this album were probably a bit too high. It's actually quite a good album but where Funeral was fresh and vibrant, Neon Bible sounds a bit stale and jaded before it even gets going. Apparently the record was written while the band were still touring Funeral - which comes across on the record. The fact that one ofIt was always going to be impossible to follow up Funeral. Expectations on this album were probably a bit too high. It's actually quite a good album but where Funeral was fresh and vibrant, Neon Bible sounds a bit stale and jaded before it even gets going. Apparently the record was written while the band were still touring Funeral - which comes across on the record. The fact that one of the strongest tracks on it, No Cars Go, was hanging around for years illustrates this point. Still, if you take Funeral out of the equation (yes that's my 4th time mentioning it) and take this album on its own merits, it's well worth getting into and has some gems on it. The songwriting at times is a little bit pompous which takes away from the songs and the production is also a bit ott. Expand
  55. Nov 29, 2011
    10
    Easily their best work. I think people hate it so much because the entire album is pretty much saying "F" religion. While the band's sound is different, Its different in a good way. I loved this album.
  56. Mar 2, 2012
    9
    I think that Funeral is the best Arcade Fire's album, but Neon Bible is my favorite. It's no pretentious but ambitious. The band made a very good album.
  57. Mar 19, 2012
    10
    The album is different from Funeral, darker than Funeral, but I do not believe weaker than Funeral. The songs are still powerful, still excellent. It isn't just a bunch of songs lumped together, as is so common - this is a real album, with a certain theme binding its tracks together.
  58. Feb 23, 2014
    9
    Arcade Fire’s sophomore release has a shaky beginning and a mid-album crisis, but is altogether a confirmation of the immense talent the Canadian band has shown on their debut and an establishment of them in the indie scene. Neon Bible isn’t the same as Funeral though: Win Butler, Régine Chassagne, and co. have got bleaker, but also clearer with their social criticism. As the album’s titleArcade Fire’s sophomore release has a shaky beginning and a mid-album crisis, but is altogether a confirmation of the immense talent the Canadian band has shown on their debut and an establishment of them in the indie scene. Neon Bible isn’t the same as Funeral though: Win Butler, Régine Chassagne, and co. have got bleaker, but also clearer with their social criticism. As the album’s title indicates, the eleven tracks primarily serve as condemnations of television and religion, whether it’s through the perspective of Joe Simpson, exploiting his children for his own purposes (“(Antichrist Television Blues)”), or a man addressing his father (“Windowsill”). The result is highly intelligent and interesting music and shows a lot of new aspects of Arcade Fire, some of them better than anything they’ve ever shown before. I don’t mind about not entirely enjoying every single song, as Neon Bible is a musical progression that prophesies a great future for the band – whatever future that might be. Expand
  59. Jul 15, 2014
    9
    A fantastic album that encompasses such grand themes and lyricism that far outdo the competition today. An absolute masterpiece; lyrically, musically, thematically, and although vocally it isn't outstanding, that's almost the point... like the themes in their songs; nothing is perfect.
  60. Jul 23, 2014
    10
    A soft and charming hug to the soul, illuminated with steady, eccentric and harmonic sounds and lyrics that ensemble joy, solitude and desperation. Honest as few, perfect as even less.
  61. Dec 6, 2020
    8
    A very good album by any standard, yet a tad less inspired than their excellent debut album (at least in this reviewer's humble opinion). And the version of "No Cars Go" - while still utterly brilliant - isn't quite as charming as the version on their debut EP.

    A generally slower-paced and more "ballad"-ish proposition on the whole, so don't come expecting as energetic an album as
    A very good album by any standard, yet a tad less inspired than their excellent debut album (at least in this reviewer's humble opinion). And the version of "No Cars Go" - while still utterly brilliant - isn't quite as charming as the version on their debut EP.

    A generally slower-paced and more "ballad"-ish proposition on the whole, so don't come expecting as energetic an album as "Funeral". Each to their own, but I frankly favour the more "upbeat" side of this band's output, though many may of course feel quite the opposite.
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  62. May 9, 2014
    8
    A good sophomore effect by the spectacular indie rock band Arcade Fire. As vibrant as the sound goes this is the more centered album they have. It goes through Black Mirror an ambitious track that scales the lyrics with power but then you listen to intervention and you completely change your thoughts about the album. As soon as your done listening to the album the beautiful last minuteA good sophomore effect by the spectacular indie rock band Arcade Fire. As vibrant as the sound goes this is the more centered album they have. It goes through Black Mirror an ambitious track that scales the lyrics with power but then you listen to intervention and you completely change your thoughts about the album. As soon as your done listening to the album the beautiful last minute tracks No Cars Go and My Body is a Cage that stands out strongly till the end, great album to listen to. Expand
  63. Apr 19, 2014
    10
    A masterpiece. Maybe the lyrics of Will sometimes falls to the cold-hard ground, but the grandiosity of the sound and the orchestra itself picks it up. If you are a true listener of music, go ahead. If you don't really like the society you live in now, go ahead. If you're an atheist, or a Catholic who knows of the lies of priests, go ahead. You'll never regret it.
  64. Sep 30, 2015
    10
    This is an album that displays everything wrong with today's society with a magnifying glass, yet manages to make the whole concept sound so beautiful and mesmerizing. All the bad effects of television, media, and religion are put on spotlight in this amazing record, accompanied by poetic songwriting and emotionally resonant musical production and vocals. This is not a mere album, but anThis is an album that displays everything wrong with today's society with a magnifying glass, yet manages to make the whole concept sound so beautiful and mesmerizing. All the bad effects of television, media, and religion are put on spotlight in this amazing record, accompanied by poetic songwriting and emotionally resonant musical production and vocals. This is not a mere album, but an odyssey to stand the test of time.

    Absolutely worth a purchase if you've any love for the art of music.
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  65. May 6, 2022
    7
    An anthemic explosion that can sometimes detonate too soon . The follow up to the career making "Funeral " is exactly what it needed to be. Essentially a protest record "neon bible is an open hearted optimistic critiquing the decrepit world around them. It's a fun though unmistakably dark journey that will leave you thinking way after the last notes of "my body is a cage".
    Favorites: my
    An anthemic explosion that can sometimes detonate too soon . The follow up to the career making "Funeral " is exactly what it needed to be. Essentially a protest record "neon bible is an open hearted optimistic critiquing the decrepit world around them. It's a fun though unmistakably dark journey that will leave you thinking way after the last notes of "my body is a cage".
    Favorites: my body is a cage, keep the car running,intervention
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  66. May 13, 2022
    8
    Intervention is unbelievably good
    The other songs are pretty good as well!
  67. Oct 9, 2022
    10
    Neon Bible is Arcade Fire's best album to date. That's saying a lot, considering the rest of their discography. This Grammy-nominated alt-rock album explores themes of how people misuse religion. For example televangelists, who seem to exploit the Bible for their own benefits.
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 46 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 46
  2. Negative: 0 out of 46
  1. So, Funeral was by no means a fluke. The Arcade Fire are unquestionably the real deal. And to prove it they’ve now thrown in another contender for ‘best record of the decade’.
  2. The Canadian septet are the greatest art rock group since Talking Heads stopped making sense.
  3. Alternative Press
    80
    While devotees of Funeral... will surely enjoy Neon Bible, the album does have a decidedly different feel than its predecessor--mainly, there seems to be less of an emphasis on choruses. [Apr 2007, p.182]