Neon Bible
by Arcade Fire
  • Record Label: Merge
  • Release Date: Mar 6, 2007
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 918 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 819 out of 918
  2. Mixed: 71 out of 918
  3. Negative: 28 out of 918

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  1. 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.
  2. LaurenceP
    Mar 29, 2007
    10
    Just great! the more I listen to it the better it gets!!!
  3. QwanT
    Mar 28, 2007
    10
    I think that the average user rating of 9 out of 10 speaks for itself. Some people just cannot open their minds to forget Funeral and embrace this equally mesmerising work of art. Most, however, agree with me. Already one of the best albums of the decade!
  4. JamsieJ
    Mar 28, 2007
    8
    I am a HUGE fan and ABSOLUTELY adore FUNERAL - it's my fav record. Neon Bible is very good too but not as thrilling as Funeral. It's like they're playing to a bigger audience with the anthemic nature of some of the songs. No Cars Go is still brilliant and i really like Intervention, Black Mirror, The Well and The Lighthouse plus the doom-laden feel to My Body is a Cage.
  5. 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.
  6. TonyS
    Mar 25, 2007
    10
    This is a brilliant album wothy of ten out of ten any day, but the thing is, it has actually made me appreciate funeral even more. These guys are the best live band in the universe too!!
  7. rays
    Mar 24, 2007
    10
    spellbinding!!
  8. rubenn.
    Mar 24, 2007
    10
    excelent
  9. davew
    Mar 24, 2007
    9
    fantastic live set in brixton
  10. WallyZ
    Mar 23, 2007
    10
    Read the Playlouder review if you want a good laugh. To describe any song on this album as "bloody rubbish" is unbelievable! I cannot understand it. Like those who gave Kid A a bad review when that first came out, these reviewers will be made to eat their words. This is one of the greatest albums ever made. No exageration. Every track is brilliant. The passion Win Butler puts into his Read the Playlouder review if you want a good laugh. To describe any song on this album as "bloody rubbish" is unbelievable! I cannot understand it. Like those who gave Kid A a bad review when that first came out, these reviewers will be made to eat their words. This is one of the greatest albums ever made. No exageration. Every track is brilliant. The passion Win Butler puts into his songs is immense. If you picked out any one of these songs, it would be better than any song in the top 10 singles chart. I could not be happier with this follow up to the greatest album of all time, Funeral.… Expand
  11. EliasK.
    Mar 23, 2007
    9
    Doomsday never sounded so good.
  12. 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
  13. JG
    Mar 22, 2007
    10
    Simply the best. Arcade Fire has the power to evoke emotion out of their listeners like no other band out there. Can't get enough of this album.
  14. SamH
    Mar 22, 2007
    10
    A generation-defining release of tension from post-modern pressures. A couple of weaker songs ("Intervention" and "Black Wave") are a little too melodramatic for me, but this is some of the most genuinely emotional alternative rock of the decade.
  15. KidA
    Mar 20, 2007
    10
    After I listened through this album the first time I let out a massive sigh of relief. My beloved Arcade Fire had made an album that maintained the immensely high standard of Funeral. If you loved Funeral, you will love this.
  16. andresL
    Mar 20, 2007
    9
    They deliver in spite of the insane expectations.
  17. ZeroS
    Mar 20, 2007
    9
    despite that i never found myself listening to "funeral" that often, i saw the majesty in it's sound. however, i believe this sophmore album is bordering on classic. it is their "room on fire" a gentle exansion of their existing sound, modern and perfect in it's way, but still not likely to please everyone who loved thier debut. anthemic and driving, in a way that will win over despite that i never found myself listening to "funeral" that often, i saw the majesty in it's sound. however, i believe this sophmore album is bordering on classic. it is their "room on fire" a gentle exansion of their existing sound, modern and perfect in it's way, but still not likely to please everyone who loved thier debut. anthemic and driving, in a way that will win over even more u2 fans, yet a little subversive (i.e. the title track self-referencial nature) and deeply nuanced enough for the trad indie set. the presence of one or two clunkers, and a few points where i feel they would have benefited from my luscious baritone vocals on back-up, keep this one from recieving a 10 from me. worth the purchase.… Expand
  18. KevinJ
    Mar 19, 2007
    10
    The more I listen to this album, the more it resonates with me--to the point where now it's as important a cultural companion as my favorite novels. Some reviews call the lyrics stilted or pretentious in parts, so maybe I'm stilted and pretentious, but I've been hearing Neon Bible lyrics echo through my head more and more as I take stock of how we live. Perhaps the greatest The more I listen to this album, the more it resonates with me--to the point where now it's as important a cultural companion as my favorite novels. Some reviews call the lyrics stilted or pretentious in parts, so maybe I'm stilted and pretentious, but I've been hearing Neon Bible lyrics echo through my head more and more as I take stock of how we live. Perhaps the greatest praise? I think I prefer it to Funeral!… Expand
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. SteveD
    Mar 18, 2007
    9
    I will not enter the "funeral vs neon bible" argument for now as I feel that it is going to make for great conversation and debate 10-12 years from now. Probably in the same way that we now review definitely maybe and morning glory against each other or assess the bends against o.k computer. All I will say based on my first 8 or so listens is that the quality of musicianship on show here I will not enter the "funeral vs neon bible" argument for now as I feel that it is going to make for great conversation and debate 10-12 years from now. Probably in the same way that we now review definitely maybe and morning glory against each other or assess the bends against o.k computer. All I will say based on my first 8 or so listens is that the quality of musicianship on show here is of an astoundingly high level. The world-wide critical acclaim is justified and even this early in their career their place in history amongst rock music's elite seems assured.… Expand
  22. karlravage
    Mar 17, 2007
    9
    Most powerful disc since PearlJam vs.Oh, and Rollingstone and NOW have a bunch of fags writing for them. Your skinny freaking legs in tight jeans are making your brain bleed!!!
  23. Andy
    Mar 17, 2007
    8
    Neon Bible doesn't hold gems like Crown of Love and Rebellion (Lies), but overall; it has many more great tracks. Slightly darker, almost goth, but it is one hell of an album.
  24. MorganG
    Mar 16, 2007
    7
    BEWARE of the sophomore curse! A sadly, uninspiring CD. Arcade FIre, you can do better this!
  25. EthanS
    Mar 16, 2007
    10
    Wow. Just wow. Neon Bible has that certain something that all truly great albums somehow manage. More than being an easy favorite for Album of the year, Neon Bible may very well go down as Album of the Decade.
  26. 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
  27. MichaelC
    Mar 14, 2007
    10
    I don't own Funeral, so I can't really rate their "new" sound. But man, this cd is amazing. So emotional you almost want to go in to mourning for all the trajedies sung about. Every song is beautifully written and composed. Easily one of the best groups to come out of the recent burst of canadian bands. This is what music should be. Turn off the radio, which only seems capable I don't own Funeral, so I can't really rate their "new" sound. But man, this cd is amazing. So emotional you almost want to go in to mourning for all the trajedies sung about. Every song is beautifully written and composed. Easily one of the best groups to come out of the recent burst of canadian bands. This is what music should be. Turn off the radio, which only seems capable of spewing out trash from Hinder and Nickleback, and dish out ten bucks for this. If you don't like it, you don't like rock or art (which music should be).… Expand
  28. RR
    Mar 14, 2007
    10
    Pure Magic.
  29. LukeR
    Mar 13, 2007
    8
    I listened to this album expecting another "Funeral", and it didn't do that, so the first listen was dissapointing. Subsequent listens really dawn on you the fact that this is not at all a bad thing, a really enjoyable album.
  30. ElizabethP
    Mar 13, 2007
    7
    Definitely musically/instrumentally good as "Funeral". The lyrics are better but that's about it. There are only 2 really solid songs on the album "Black MIrror" and "My Body is a Cage". I impatiently waited 3 years for the followup to "Funeral" and boy am I disappointed. The GREAT band from Montreal have gotten too comfortable with their critically acclaimed status and have settled Definitely musically/instrumentally good as "Funeral". The lyrics are better but that's about it. There are only 2 really solid songs on the album "Black MIrror" and "My Body is a Cage". I impatiently waited 3 years for the followup to "Funeral" and boy am I disappointed. The GREAT band from Montreal have gotten too comfortable with their critically acclaimed status and have settled for mediocrity. But I still listen to "Funeral" to remind myself what an epic band the Arcade Fire used to be.… Expand
  31. BillP
    Mar 13, 2007
    8
    Anyone who has always been a fan of Springsteen's voice but couldn't bare his horrendous lyrics and show-bouty James Brown rip off act should like this album. No lyrics about dancing and waving a flag around here just great lines and fine musicianship. Glad he finally decided to stop imitating Byrne!
  32. 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.
  33. jaym
    Mar 12, 2007
    10
    great, really good. give it a 10 (only because funeral gets a 10.5). Alot of the time I hate when cds get slowed right down with softer tracks, but theres a few on this one and they sync great with the album.
  34. daveg
    Mar 12, 2007
    8
    pretty good, but no funeral
  35. DecepticonPom
    Mar 12, 2007
    8
    Wow - I think this has provoked the most polarised user comments of any album on Metacritic! Personally, not nearly as good as the flawless Funeral, but still gut wrenchingly honest and melancholly. A wonderful experience.
  36. MattT
    Mar 11, 2007
    10
    Neon Bible is changing my life.
  37. Erin
    Mar 11, 2007
    10
    There's no need to compare this album to Funeral, and its great anyways.
  38. dojd
    Mar 11, 2007
    10
    adad
  39. KellyWalrus
    Mar 11, 2007
    10
    Although the songs on Neon Bible are on par with the songs on Funeral, I have to admit that Funeral is the overall better album. Also, as Kris B stated, the special edition is quite lame and is not worth the extra $12 (Canadian).
  40. JonF
    Mar 11, 2007
    10
    YAY! Thank god these people were put on Earth. Music is this and only what this should be.
  41. JonasF
    Mar 11, 2007
    10
    Funeral was a mind blowing spectacle with uplifting, beautiful songs fueled by death.The Arcade Fire' sophomore, Neon Bible, is a brilliant and compelling follow up that morphs the beauty of Funeral into a barrage of emotional cannon fire. Church themes fire through the album which seems fitting seeing that Funeral had relatives of the band dieing. You have to shed a tear somewhere Funeral was a mind blowing spectacle with uplifting, beautiful songs fueled by death.The Arcade Fire' sophomore, Neon Bible, is a brilliant and compelling follow up that morphs the beauty of Funeral into a barrage of emotional cannon fire. Church themes fire through the album which seems fitting seeing that Funeral had relatives of the band dieing. You have to shed a tear somewhere near the end of this masterwork, it couldn't be any more haunting without killing your enthusiasm cold.If any album could be a wake up call to the #%@& music poisoning the world now its this life saver.… Expand
  42. SeanV
    Mar 10, 2007
    10
    Everything I wanted, and more. Keep the Arcade Fire Running.
  43. lalo
    Mar 10, 2007
    10
    Brilliant. Intense!
  44. markb
    Mar 10, 2007
    7
    I agree with one of the reviews that said this was much more "goth." It sounds a lot like Echo and the Bunnymen, but Echo and the Bunnymen's Ocean Songs is better. Good stuff, but more derivative than Funeral.
  45. PrestonT
    Mar 10, 2007
    8
    Obviously it would be next to impossible to expect this album to live up to Funeral, so I won't even go there. It is a very strong album emotionally and has several moments when they use their crescendos to perfection. However, a couple of the songs are duds, and that really has an effect on the overall cohesiveness. All in all, it's made me even more excited for their next release.
  46. JustinA
    Mar 10, 2007
    9
    There are certainly a number of missteps here - namely the clunky lyrics on "Black Mirror", the sterile "Neon Bible" and "My Body is a Cage" - but when The Arcade Fire stick to what they do best - play earnest, emotional art rock including all the instruments under the sun - they are as damn good they ever were on Funeral.
  47. Philipped
    Mar 10, 2007
    10
    I have to say I was fearing the worst when I listened it first, but when you give it few listens (like many said), you realize the Masterpiece it is. My Body Is A Cage, No Cars Go, Ocean of Noise and Intervention are my favorite so far. I think only The National can beat them for Album of the Year
  48. CrabsodyInBlue
    Mar 10, 2007
    7
    Some people in this forum select 10 or 9 rating very easily. It's a very good album but it is not masterpiece. Which should be the rating for albums as The dark side of the moon, Highway to Hell, Ok Computer etc. etc then? 1000? 2000?
  49. JA
    Mar 10, 2007
    9
    The music is magnificent, feels like an expansion of their debut sound, a lot darker, richer, and with much improved production. However, the lyrics are pretty bad in some songs. Some of the rhymes make me cringe, my least favorite existing in the title track. An improvement in some ways, a detraction in others. Still one of the greater releases so far this year.
  50. TaylorA.
    Mar 9, 2007
    8
    First, I'd like to say that after the brilliance of both their self titled EP and especially Funeral (which is definitely one of my favourite albums of all time), I was hesitant in expecting too much from the album when it was announced to be released, as means of not getting my hopes up. And as so being the case, I was not at all disappointed. In fact, if I did have my hopes up, I First, I'd like to say that after the brilliance of both their self titled EP and especially Funeral (which is definitely one of my favourite albums of all time), I was hesitant in expecting too much from the album when it was announced to be released, as means of not getting my hopes up. And as so being the case, I was not at all disappointed. In fact, if I did have my hopes up, I don't think I would've been too disappointed, either. I don't think anyone who knows this band was expecting this to one-up Funeral, anyways. In Neon Bible, it is clear that Win Butler and fellow band members have matured quite a bit. The lyrics of this album are much more real. They have seemingly progressively lost their innocence, which is one of the focal points of their Self Titled, and still quite noticeably existent in Funeral. With Neon Bible, almost the only remnants of their innocent, surrealist beginnings are audible, though, mostly in Keep The Car Running, and not even in the (arguably) revamped No Cars Go, originally from their Self Titled EP. The album is much more put together than Funeral.. Much more contrived and solid. I am sorry for the excessive comparing to Funeral, I was going to try and stay away from that... Anyhow, The Arcade Fire do not disappoint in this solid album. So far, my favourite album of 2007 (or at least my favourite that was actually released in 2007.)… Expand
  51. JeremyS
    Mar 9, 2007
    10
    This is my first time hearing AF, never heard Funeral, so in my unbiased opinion, judging by this album alone, I'd say that this band will most definitely have a spot in my music collection. Not an album for everybody....not the kind of music that you can get into just whenever....you certainly have to be in one of those moods, as it tends to be heavy-hearted, but definitely adds a This is my first time hearing AF, never heard Funeral, so in my unbiased opinion, judging by this album alone, I'd say that this band will most definitely have a spot in my music collection. Not an album for everybody....not the kind of music that you can get into just whenever....you certainly have to be in one of those moods, as it tends to be heavy-hearted, but definitely adds a different color to the pallet and helps patch that hard-to-fill void when selecting music for the production of that ongoing soundtrack in each of our lives.… Expand
  52. Kelly'1'
    Mar 9, 2007
    10
    I finally understand the term 'art-rock'; and that term is not pretentious here. The most cohesive album since OK Computer
  53. AndreaP
    Mar 9, 2007
    7
    Funeral was better, this album has not great riff like Wake up or Rebellion
  54. DaveG
    Mar 9, 2007
    10
    This album is saving my sanity.
  55. GuyH
    Mar 9, 2007
    8
    The great success with 'Neon Bible' is that it sounds cohesive and is a far more satisfying listen from start to end than 'Funeral'. The negative side is that some songs only make sense as part of the album and don't really hold their own as individual tracks. The opening and closing songs are particularly average - strange when you consider that Tunnels and The great success with 'Neon Bible' is that it sounds cohesive and is a far more satisfying listen from start to end than 'Funeral'. The negative side is that some songs only make sense as part of the album and don't really hold their own as individual tracks. The opening and closing songs are particularly average - strange when you consider that Tunnels and Backseat were probably the two strongest tracks on 'Funeral'! Intervention and Windowsill are possibly the strongest songs but I have a soft spot for Black Wave and the title track. Overall I think they have done well with this release and I can't see too many fans being disappointed.… Expand
  56. MikeP
    Mar 9, 2007
    9
    Not as great as Funeral, but still up there. The scope of the music and lyrics has expanded, and thankfully, on the whole, the songs havent been lost under the need to make a 'new' sound. The one let down for me is that one of the best tracks - No Cars Go - is a revamped version of a 3 year old song from their original EP, and i prefer the old mix!
  57. PerspicaciousCritic
    Mar 9, 2007
    7
    I don't know why some bands, like Doves, who have a very similar, epic and emotive sound as Arcade Fire (and who, to me, surpass Arcade Fire) doesn't get the overzealous, universal hype, like Arcade Fire. Fate can be fickle, sometimes.
  58. MikeB
    Mar 8, 2007
    10
    I think I actually like Neon Bible more than Funeral. . .and that's saying something.
  59. scottc
    Mar 8, 2007
    9
    This is "big rock" done right. A powerful album.
  60. [Anonymous]
    Mar 8, 2007
    9
    I personally like this album as much or more than I like Funeral. It's still an Arcade Fire album, but there are some songs that seem different. (the title track, which is one of my favorites) This album will almost definitely make my Best of 2007 list.
  61. M.C.
    Mar 8, 2007
    10
    Tal como o Funeral o Neon Bible é claramente GENIAL!!!
  62. JasonS
    Mar 8, 2007
    9
    Another top notch outing!
  63. KevinR
    Mar 8, 2007
    8
    A very strong follow up to Funeral, yet it just doesn't quite flow as well.
  64. EricO.
    Mar 7, 2007
    9
    The problem with attempting to follow up a perfect record is that the artist will inevitably fail in such an enterprise. "Funeral" can safely be considered one fo the best discs of the decade, a feat which Arcade Fire achieved their first time out. "Neon Bible", while not reaching the emotional depths of its predecessor, is about as good a sophomore effort as possible given The problem with attempting to follow up a perfect record is that the artist will inevitably fail in such an enterprise. "Funeral" can safely be considered one fo the best discs of the decade, a feat which Arcade Fire achieved their first time out. "Neon Bible", while not reaching the emotional depths of its predecessor, is about as good a sophomore effort as possible given "Funeral"'s genius. Once more, there's an "everything but the kitchen sink" mentality which lends each track a propulsive momentum. The only flaw to this approach is in the organ; its lower registers add a distorted sludge to some of the songs, and this murkiness threatens to drag down the clarity of other instrumentation. However, this is a small quibble for an otherwise brilliant piece of work from an amazing and talent band.… Expand
  65. AmandaS
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    No Funeral, but what is? Im just glad to hear more from them. A few of the songs are complete Gems. Can't wait to see them live in a few months!
  66. LukeT
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    The first play was alright, but like most of the reviews say, it does take a couple spins because it is so rich and powerful to fully absorb in one go. It truely is beautiful.
  67. KeithV
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    Give this one a chance. It's a keeper.
  68. AramisG
    Mar 7, 2007
    8
    Really good second album! Takes a few listens to sink in. Not as catchy as Funeral, but whatever bands can't always make every album as good as their "best". Love the Bruce Springstien-esque songs. One thing that is a little lazy is putting No Cars Go on this album. The new version isn't that different. I would have preffered to just have another new song.
  69. TomY
    Mar 7, 2007
    8
    Let's face it. This album was never going to live up to the hype. Nonetheless, the album is quite polished and beautiful. Intervention delivers some of the passion we heard on Funeral with a church-like organ backdrop. I didn't like that they re-recorded no cars go. It really isn't much different than the original.
  70. DDB
    Mar 7, 2007
    9
    The Arcade Fire possess impossible talent. Simply the best band around. Like Funeral, this one has you feeling like you are hearing something fresh and unique, something you've never heard before. And yet, you can hear influences from Bowie, Springsteen and the Pixies on this album. Relentless comparisons to their first effort are inevitable. But this stands on its own, is probably The Arcade Fire possess impossible talent. Simply the best band around. Like Funeral, this one has you feeling like you are hearing something fresh and unique, something you've never heard before. And yet, you can hear influences from Bowie, Springsteen and the Pixies on this album. Relentless comparisons to their first effort are inevitable. But this stands on its own, is probably more accessible and has some fantastic tracks. "Building Downtown", "Black Mirror" and "My Body is a Cage" top the list for me.… Expand
  71. JoeA
    Mar 7, 2007
    9
    If there was ever an album that needed a second/third/fourth listen, it is this one. I bought this, listened to it once through on the drive home and grimaced. It sounded weak musically (choruses? a decent melody?) and the lyrics way too bombastic to take seriously. I forced a second listen however and was stricken. The music that seemed to lack any sort of indelible cadence began to If there was ever an album that needed a second/third/fourth listen, it is this one. I bought this, listened to it once through on the drive home and grimaced. It sounded weak musically (choruses? a decent melody?) and the lyrics way too bombastic to take seriously. I forced a second listen however and was stricken. The music that seemed to lack any sort of indelible cadence began to entrap me. The lyrics are blunt and vivid -- nothing like the frustratingly opaque music that pervades the "indie" genre. These stories can affect you. I agree with the reviewer that mentioned the "Radiohead syndrome", but for different reasons. Because the Arcade Fire are the Arcade Fire, reviewers and fans are giving this album a fair chance to reveal itself, which is exactly what it needs. And because it can't be avoided: No, I don't think it's as good as Funeral. But that's pretty high to shoot for.… Expand
  72. TimB
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    I had high expectations for this album after Funeral, and they delivered. It is exceptional and I want to listen to it over and over again and dissect every song.
  73. NaveenP
    Mar 7, 2007
    8
    As strong, if not stronger than Funeral
  74. Dave
    Mar 7, 2007
    7
    I've listened to this a few times now, and i have to say I think it is a bit overrated. There are some very good songs here, but none that come close to the greatness of "Wake Up" or "Crown of Love". I'm just amazed at the number of people calling this a masterpiece, it's far from it at least imo.
  75. SimonO
    Mar 7, 2007
    7
    i like it. however there arent enough stand out tracks for me. its very much an album album, like pitchfork said u can only really access it from one point and thats the opening track and then it takes u on a dense, moody, glorious journey from there on in
  76. JohnK
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    It took a couple listens but I am hooked. I think it is just as good as Funeral.
  77. ToddW
    Mar 7, 2007
    8
    You've almost got to feel sorry for The Arcade Fire, if you can summon empathy for one of the hottest bands on the planet. I mean, how do you top one of the best debut albums in rock history? Simple, you rarely do. The hype and anticipation appear to have been just too suffocating to allow Neon Bible to breathe freely on its own. It's a fine album, but after Funeral it almost You've almost got to feel sorry for The Arcade Fire, if you can summon empathy for one of the hottest bands on the planet. I mean, how do you top one of the best debut albums in rock history? Simple, you rarely do. The hype and anticipation appear to have been just too suffocating to allow Neon Bible to breathe freely on its own. It's a fine album, but after Funeral it almost seems like it should be the subject of a burial Mass. It's a dark album, with little of that effervescent glow and matchless joy that marked much of its predecessor. Recorded in churches, the sounds on Neon Bible are deep and resonating. Would that the songs were in league with the recording. While decent, Win Butler's offerings are just not that memorable. The players also get in each other's way on some of the songs, as if everyone is trying too hard to make that memorable musical statement in their allotted time. More is not necessarily better, as Funeral ably proved. Still, it will stand as that competent child to the genius older sibling, and in a shadow is not a bad place to be.… Expand
  78. mathk
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    heartbreakingly dark. not as good as funeral but still amazing. listen to it a couple times and it'll haunt you. no cars go and keep the car running give me goosebumps they're so good. doubt i'll hear anything nearly as good as this all year.
  79. ChrisG
    Mar 7, 2007
    9
    Absolutely brilliant. Those who diss or don't get it are either not listening closely enough or don't enjoy the band for what it is.
  80. kingmik
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    briliant...even better then the first one...
  81. MattA
    Mar 6, 2007
    10
    Another Amazing album. This is a CD that you have to listen to LOUD AS HELL to appreciate. I simply love it. The band stays true to its own unique form while showing a new perspective to a darker side of the same band. Beautiful.
  82. AFFan
    Mar 6, 2007
    10
    amazing, essential, breathtaking. Funeral had the edge in lyrics, Neon Bible in sheer musical power and beauty. I need to listen to Neon Bible until the songs are as integrated into my life as Funeral's are, and then i'll be able to address the question of which I enjoy better. I have a feeling Neon Bible will take the crown, but not by much. The Arcade Fire are amazing.
  83. EvanG
    Mar 6, 2007
    9
    A weird, fun, dark, gleefull romp that should be heard like it's name suggests.
  84. ArielD
    Mar 6, 2007
    10
    an incredible, great album. better than funeral
  85. SeanP.
    Mar 6, 2007
    10
    Quite honestly, as good as Funeral, for different reasons. In other words, it's pretty %#$@ great. The best of 2007 so far, and i've heard the new Peter Bjorn and Field Music and Of Montreal and Shins.
  86. DaveJ
    Mar 6, 2007
    9
    As good as Funeral. Canada is home to the most underrated band in the world (AF) & the most overrated (NIckelback - the win a Juno every year for crap).
  87. ManuelV
    Mar 6, 2007
    10
    Its a great album, so powerful.. personally I like it better than funeral, its more mature I guess and have more details (if that is possible). I want more of it!! And I think the same, it take you some time to growing on you.. but onces it does you would not want to stop listening to it. Great work from a great band.
  88. JohnB
    Mar 6, 2007
    10
    I don't hesitate to consider Neon Bible one of the most significant contributions to music in many years. If this album doesn't hit you emotionally you are one cold and bitter person.
  89. DiegoL
    Mar 6, 2007
    10
    Arcade Fire shoots a friendly agony enveloped in magnificent church organs, dramatic chorus, glorious violins, and cathartic atmospheres in cryptic lyrics, giving us the same intensity and waved emotion, from a different perspective, and moving away of Funeral's masterpiece
  90. RussellM
    Mar 6, 2007
    9
    This is an awesome, era-defining record. Bruce touched on the 9/11 bit on 'Rising', but Arcade Fire have wrapped up the whole post 9/11 thing with a storming album. Best of the best is "Intervention".
  91. justinb
    Mar 5, 2007
    10
    nothing but greatness here
  92. SirukuN
    Mar 5, 2007
    10
    I was skeptical at first since the opening track "Black Mirror" is not as splendidly inviting as "Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)." But once "Keep the Car Running" starts and ends, the rest of the album runs as smoothly as the second track's title. I'm hooked on it. It plays constantly in my head, my car, and my computer. As a whole, they've crafted their OK Computer: an album I was skeptical at first since the opening track "Black Mirror" is not as splendidly inviting as "Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)." But once "Keep the Car Running" starts and ends, the rest of the album runs as smoothly as the second track's title. I'm hooked on it. It plays constantly in my head, my car, and my computer. As a whole, they've crafted their OK Computer: an album that should be recognized as something greater than its individual songs.… Expand
  93. Kelly
    Mar 5, 2007
    10
    If anything this album is under-hyped.
  94. HannahK
    Mar 5, 2007
    10
    At a first listen Neon Bible didn't grab me like Funeral, but by the second or third play it had sucked me in.
  95. JesusBacon
    Mar 5, 2007
    8
    I wasn't expecting it to live up to the hype, and it didn't, but it's still a pretty damn good album.
  96. DeryW
    Mar 5, 2007
    8
    Disappointing on first listen but it slowly grows on you and now I am hooked.
  97. Seeds13
    Mar 5, 2007
    9
    The production of this album makes it much better than 'funeral'. They were able to put together a full sound that feels like it was glued together with epoxy. This helps capture their sincerity, and I feel it puts them on the emotional level of Pedro the Lion. This is a good album to calm the rage about free-world politics. It's worth a listen if you want bad things to The production of this album makes it much better than 'funeral'. They were able to put together a full sound that feels like it was glued together with epoxy. This helps capture their sincerity, and I feel it puts them on the emotional level of Pedro the Lion. This is a good album to calm the rage about free-world politics. It's worth a listen if you want bad things to happen to figures like Cheney, Blair. But, it's fulfilling either way.… Expand
  98. AndyP
    Mar 5, 2007
    10
    This is not a funeral so keep your comparisons apart from an album that truly stands on its own.
  99. DK
    Mar 5, 2007
    9
    On first listen, I thought this was about a 5 out of 10. Boy am I glad I didn't give up. It takes a few listens, but the songs begin to reveal themselves and before you know it you'll be proclaiming this better than "Funeral." "Keep the Car Running", "Intervention", "Ocean of Noise", "Antichrist Television Blues", "No Cars Go" and "My Body is a Cage" are all standout tracks. On first listen, I thought this was about a 5 out of 10. Boy am I glad I didn't give up. It takes a few listens, but the songs begin to reveal themselves and before you know it you'll be proclaiming this better than "Funeral." "Keep the Car Running", "Intervention", "Ocean of Noise", "Antichrist Television Blues", "No Cars Go" and "My Body is a Cage" are all standout tracks. I'm a huge Modest Mouse fan but "Neon Bible" blows the Mouse's new offering "WWDBTSES" out of the water.… Expand
  100. TaylorJ
    Mar 5, 2007
    10
    Definitely on par and actually a little more consistent than Funeral. Ocean of Noise, No Cars Go, Keep The Car Running are the standouts for me.
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best Album of 2007
2
#2 Most Discussed Album of 2007
11
#11 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 46 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 46
  3. Negative: 0 out of 46
  1. Hot Press
    95
    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’.
    Read full review
  2. Observer Music Monthly
    100
    The Canadian septet are the greatest art rock group since Talking Heads stopped making sense.
    Read full review
  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]
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