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. 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!!!
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. ColinS
    Mar 2, 2007
    10
    Excellent Sophmore effort.
  5. Steve
    Mar 2, 2007
    0
    Why does this band get such high nods all the time. They are total crap.
  6. andresL
    Mar 20, 2007
    9
    They deliver in spite of the insane expectations.
  7. 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.
  8. TonyD
    Mar 2, 2007
    10
    Best band ever.
  9. KevinC
    Mar 2, 2007
    10
    Here's an idea: stop being so fixated on Funeral. This obsessive need to rank Neon Bible as "better" or "worse" is getting tiring. Neon Bible is an amazing record and fully stands on its own without the need for Funeral to prop it up. I realize we're only 3 months in, but so far there's simply no album this year that comes even close to the brilliance and power of Neon Bible.
  10. JacksonG
    Mar 2, 2007
    5
    How could you not be disappointed after Funeral? Decent, but I've heard much much better albums this year alone.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. dg
    Mar 2, 2007
    10
    How they didn't disappoint us after Funeral is beyond me...but this album picks up at just the right spot, with a different sound, but a great listen again. These guys are on fire.
  14. JayP
    Mar 23, 2007
    6
    I really love Funeral, but i've listened to this a couple of times and I just don't get excited. For the most part it's just got too many slow songs for me and the production was really boring and predicable - enough with the violins. The subject matter is just so cliche at this point as well. oooooh religion and war are bad....we get it. A few of the songs are pretty good. I really love Funeral, but i've listened to this a couple of times and I just don't get excited. For the most part it's just got too many slow songs for me and the production was really boring and predicable - enough with the violins. The subject matter is just so cliche at this point as well. oooooh religion and war are bad....we get it. A few of the songs are pretty good. The songs on Funeral were about something so under explored and pondered in spite of the fact that death and loss is something all of us are surrounded with.… Expand
  15. cf
    Mar 23, 2007
    2
    After 8 listenings and countless hours fitfully tossing in bed trying to shake the sense of guilt at hating this album, I am proud to be one of the (very few) detractors. While the sound booms, the lyrics are laughable high school poetry, complete with awkward rhyme schemes, obvious imagery, and a melodramatic sense of self-righteousness that would embarrass even a 15-year-old girl. The After 8 listenings and countless hours fitfully tossing in bed trying to shake the sense of guilt at hating this album, I am proud to be one of the (very few) detractors. While the sound booms, the lyrics are laughable high school poetry, complete with awkward rhyme schemes, obvious imagery, and a melodramatic sense of self-righteousness that would embarrass even a 15-year-old girl. The arrangements can be impressive, but they are impressive in the same sense that, to paraphrase Wayne Coyne of Flaming Lips, a crane is an impressive flyswatter. The whole stinking turd is coated in layer after layer of nougat and caramel, but underneath it's still s***. The songwriting here is remarkably dull, essentially a group of goth teens aping Echo & The Bunnymen covering Bruce Springsteen. At least two of the songs are re-recordings of old songs, and one of these old songs was covered by another band in a far superior form some two years ago. Unfortunately, in the effort to make 'universal' music, Arcade Fire have made a massive, plodding bore full of platitudes and overwrought pap.… Expand
  16. 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
  17. Marc
    Mar 2, 2007
    10
    Pure genius. Give it a few listens before you dismiss it as an 'ok' follow up to Funeral. I can't stop listening to it. 'Intervention' gives me chills. In my mind, this record stakes a claim for the Arcade fire as the 'best band on the planet' right now.
  18. MichaelS
    Mar 2, 2007
    6
    Looks like people are suffering from a Radiohead syndrome with Arcade Fire now, trying way hard to like whatever they make just because they are Arcade Fire. There are 4 strong tracks on the album, but none of them reach the heights of Funeral. The rest of the album ranges from mediocre to unlistenable to me because of its bizzare broadway-musical-like quality. Overall, an extremely Looks like people are suffering from a Radiohead syndrome with Arcade Fire now, trying way hard to like whatever they make just because they are Arcade Fire. There are 4 strong tracks on the album, but none of them reach the heights of Funeral. The rest of the album ranges from mediocre to unlistenable to me because of its bizzare broadway-musical-like quality. Overall, an extremely mediocre followup.… Expand
  19. MarkZ
    Mar 28, 2007
    2
    Boring and contrived... is there a pulse out there in Montreal? Two good tracks surrounding by garbage... this band gets more "they are so David Bowie cool" milage than any other I can remember. This is a limp comparison to Funeral......
  20. FelipeP
    Mar 2, 2007
    8
    Good record, but failed when the record is not make with the same reasons like Funeral, with the heart and soul and fatalities, sounds more artificial and some poor lyrics, but it's a awesome second album.
  21. KevinE
    Mar 3, 2007
    9
    I wasn't astounded by this album as quickly as I thought I'd be. It took me time to fall in love with the first album as well. But after multiple listens, and listening to hundreds of other songs these past two weeks, 5 or Neon Bible's songs have been constantly stuck in my head. This is a very powerful album, that you'll know its great at first, but realize its a I wasn't astounded by this album as quickly as I thought I'd be. It took me time to fall in love with the first album as well. But after multiple listens, and listening to hundreds of other songs these past two weeks, 5 or Neon Bible's songs have been constantly stuck in my head. This is a very powerful album, that you'll know its great at first, but realize its a masterpiece later. Album of the Year as of this moment… Expand
  22. Erics.
    Mar 31, 2007
    5
    Overrated.
  23. Chelseah
    Mar 3, 2007
    10
    I feel a stronger connection to this album than Funeral. Powerful album, talented artists.
  24. JohnQ.Pubilus
    Mar 3, 2007
    2
    The musical equivalent of WMDs in Iraq. We kept hearing all about them (i.e. the great songs supposedly on this record) but when looked for, nothing was found. Funeral was bloated and directionless, but at least energetic. This is just bloated.
  25. OliverC
    Mar 4, 2007
    10
    As a follow up for funeral it feels a little sad at first. But after a few listens it really does add a whole new great sound to the Arcade Fire's history. The only thing it could use is some more variation, but what it does focus on it does very well. Would love to see them live..
  26. Mr.Hankey
    Mar 4, 2007
    9
    It's a near-perfect attempt at gothic gospel rock. Deep, lyrically and musically, Neon Bible proves this band as being the most important band of the decade. "Funeral" was a brilliant album, Neon Bible sounds nothing like it but still has this essence of childlike innocence even if it is darker. They are back!
  27. KrisS
    Mar 4, 2007
    9
    By all means, I don't believe it is better than Funeral... However, I can't put the damn thing down! I can't stop playing it constantly whether at home or driving to work or even in my head.
  28. JoeD
    Mar 4, 2007
    10
    I wouldn't say it's better than Funeral, but I sure wouldn't say it's worse, either. Both are perfect in different ways, and I couldn't be happier with this album.
  29. matth
    Mar 4, 2007
    9
    another incredible record from the best indie band in the world.
  30. Craig
    Mar 4, 2007
    8
    one of those CD's that you warm up to more and more the more you listen to it.
  31. Azu
    Mar 4, 2007
    9
    just charming :)
  32. YannnisG.
    Mar 4, 2007
    9
    I have to admit that Funeral didn't really hook me ; i find this album quite better than their previous one...
  33. YannnisG.
    Mar 4, 2007
    9
    I have to admit that Funeral didn't really hook me ; i find this album quite better than their previous one...
  34. 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
  35. DeryW
    Mar 5, 2007
    8
    Disappointing on first listen but it slowly grows on you and now I am hooked.
  36. 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.
  37. 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.
  38. justinb
    Mar 5, 2007
    10
    nothing but greatness here
  39. adamh
    Mar 5, 2007
    3
    i still don't get this band. they seem like a bunch of pretentious rich kids to me. i think it would be healthier for teenagers today to buy the black lips and stay clear of this "emotional" jive.
  40. panose
    Mar 5, 2007
    9
    Canadian magic
  41. miguelk.
    Mar 5, 2007
    10
    Perfect follow-up to "Funeral." This album will last for a long time.
  42. Marcius
    Mar 5, 2007
    6
    Michael S. said it all.
  43. GabrielP
    Mar 5, 2007
    10
    Darker, and as great as Funeral.
  44. JonathanE
    Mar 5, 2007
    5
    This album is getting acclaim simply because it's the Arcade Fire. As a previous review said, they are suffering from Radiohead syndrome where everything they do is considered genius even if it isn't that great. This album is simply nowhere near as good as "Funeral" and a definite sophomore slump. The songs have a lack of hooks and aren't very memorable. They even resort to This album is getting acclaim simply because it's the Arcade Fire. As a previous review said, they are suffering from Radiohead syndrome where everything they do is considered genius even if it isn't that great. This album is simply nowhere near as good as "Funeral" and a definite sophomore slump. The songs have a lack of hooks and aren't very memorable. They even resort to re-recording one of their earlier songs "No Cars Go" seemingly only because it's catchy and they obviously couldn't come up with anything else.… Expand
  45. TannerC
    Mar 5, 2007
    9
    I love this record. There's not a song I can't listen to. The new version of No Cars Go is beyond anything I could have anticipated. Definitely a slow burner... you gotta give it some time to see how bright it is. I love the darker mood, and the outward approach to the lyrical content, completely opposite to Funeral's more introspective content. You guys gotta get some more I love this record. There's not a song I can't listen to. The new version of No Cars Go is beyond anything I could have anticipated. Definitely a slow burner... you gotta give it some time to see how bright it is. I love the darker mood, and the outward approach to the lyrical content, completely opposite to Funeral's more introspective content. You guys gotta get some more reviews up there... Pitchfork has theirs up now... there must be others.… Expand
  46. 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.
  47. ArielD
    Mar 6, 2007
    10
    an incredible, great album. better than funeral
  48. 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.
  49. EvanG
    Mar 6, 2007
    9
    A weird, fun, dark, gleefull romp that should be heard like it's name suggests.
  50. 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".
  51. 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
  52. 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.
  53. 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.
  54. 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.
  55. kingmik
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    briliant...even better then the first one...
  56. 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.
  57. 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
  58. scottc
    Mar 8, 2007
    9
    This is "big rock" done right. A powerful album.
  59. MikeB
    Mar 8, 2007
    10
    I think I actually like Neon Bible more than Funeral. . .and that's saying something.
  60. RubyW.
    Mar 8, 2007
    3
    So this is what the emperor wears--nothing at all! I liked the first album, but this one is almost unlistenable. Yes--the lyrics are cryptic. The music swells and swirls! Too bad the songs aren't good.
  61. KevinR
    Mar 8, 2007
    8
    A very strong follow up to Funeral, yet it just doesn't quite flow as well.
  62. 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
  63. 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
  64. DaveG
    Mar 9, 2007
    10
    This album is saving my sanity.
  65. AndreaP
    Mar 9, 2007
    7
    Funeral was better, this album has not great riff like Wake up or Rebellion
  66. HexumN
    Apr 15, 2007
    8
    This album is overrated, but it's still very good. It can be slow and serious, and it's powerful. Has some meaning. Very diverse songs. It's worth a listen.
  67. MG
    Apr 22, 2007
    10
    The best album of last 5 years. Moving, deep and beautiful.
  68. hooner
    Apr 25, 2007
    5
    Sounds like it was recorded in a shed! NOT the best band of all time, I wish you people would get some perspective and stop herelding evry new band the best ever.
  69. What'stheHype
    Apr 8, 2007
    3
    These guys are borderline emo. Ugh... one of the song reminded me of Meat Loaf. Someone recommended them to me. Waste of my money.
  70. pendepomo
    Apr 9, 2007
    9
    awsome, it actually blowed my mind, i thought the sound changing would be a bad thing, but they made it, in amother way, but they did great
  71. HalleyP
    May 2, 2007
    10
    There are 5 albums on this earth that I consider to be the only existing masterworks. Bob Dylan's "Blood on the Tracks", The Beatles "abby Road", Miles Davis " Kind of Blue", Van Morrison's "Astral Weeks", and.... THE ARCADE FIRE'S ***NEON BIBLE***
  72. BrianW
    May 24, 2007
    9
    This album's definitely a grower. It might not be as instantly genius as their debut, but it's still a stellar set of songs, with a lot of fantastic moments that other rock bands could never create. I don't really understand all the bitching about this one.
  73. Fel.
    May 26, 2007
    10
    Amazing album, one of the best records i have ever heard!
  74. JackC
    May 3, 2007
    10
    By God this is brilliant. Funeral was great (Power Out, anyone?) but lacked consistency. On here, just about every song is a complete winner. The new version of No Cars Go, Keep the Car Running, Antichrist Television Blues... so many reasons to love this album.
  75. Owen
    May 3, 2007
    7
    Loved Funeral. Album of the year certainly, and as Hot Press say, contender for album of the decade. Some great tracks here too, but it over-whelms me a bit, the title track is atrocious, and I can't swallow the trite anti-church lyric on Intervention. It will still get spun, but a little disappointing.
  76. MatthewC
    May 5, 2007
    0
    Boo
  77. AndrewP
    May 9, 2007
    7
    Intervention is great. Aside from that, there is good, and there is bad. Pitchfork got it right, the lyrics are very clunky and detract from the music (Black Mirror). I just don't understand the obsession with this release, as it is clearly inferior to Funeral.
  78. JordanK
    Jun 13, 2007
    5
    I appreciate what they're trying to do and what they stand for. But I can't stand their songwriting. The musical ideas are simple and repetitive; sometimes they're dressed up enough so that it doesn't matter how monotonous the chordal and melodic structure are (this was done really well in Funeral), but in this album, no arrangement, no matter how decorative, could I appreciate what they're trying to do and what they stand for. But I can't stand their songwriting. The musical ideas are simple and repetitive; sometimes they're dressed up enough so that it doesn't matter how monotonous the chordal and melodic structure are (this was done really well in Funeral), but in this album, no arrangement, no matter how decorative, could make these musical ideas work. It's just too repetitive. Maybe half the songs on the album could stand with a simpler arrangement. It's just too repetitive. The ornaments look pretty, but they're bringing down the branches of the tree. It's just too repetitive. It's just too repetitive.… Expand
  79. ArthurD.
    Jun 1, 2007
    7
    It takes a while to get and repeated listens definitely does help, but sadly it is not quite as good as their last album "Funeral". It has a couple of absolute classic songs that will stand the test of time "Black Wave/Bad Vibrations", "Keep the car Running", but I was kind of disappointed with the overall CD. Played live however, these songs really come alive.
  80. JoeS
    Jun 3, 2007
    8
    I think people are being very overcritical on this album, perhaps because of what Funeral brought to us all. I like it, it's got some good anthems, some good imagaination - just not as much as Funeral did. That doesn't mean its a total fuck up! If we were going to get another masterpiece then I'd start questioning the bands human nature...So all in all: its really good.
  81. JohnM
    Jul 18, 2007
    10
    This is nothing less than perfect and simply the best record out this year. It gushes with passion that will knock you sideways and leave you grasping for more- very rare in the rock world these days. I have not heard anything like it since the Blue Nile emerged.
  82. JayK
    Jul 20, 2007
    5
    Solid enough form the Canadians but not a patch on Funeral. Interventions is really good but what the hell is it about?Thought war,religion but try as I might it just doesn't make coherent sense.No cars go great but heard it before.Cant remember any of the other song. I recommend that people move on...they've had their 15 mins..give bands like menomna your undivided attentation Solid enough form the Canadians but not a patch on Funeral. Interventions is really good but what the hell is it about?Thought war,religion but try as I might it just doesn't make coherent sense.No cars go great but heard it before.Cant remember any of the other song. I recommend that people move on...they've had their 15 mins..give bands like menomna your undivided attentation and leave commerical sell-outs(Its not their fault I know just whats happens) to entertain the dumb masses!!… Expand
  83. JeffK.
    Aug 30, 2007
    3
    Major hype going on here. The first album was terrific, partly because it hewed to the personal. Here, Win Butler's written songs about the world outside of himself. The lyrics are, to be kind, trite. They lack the authenticity and specificity of the best numbers on Funeral. And the music? No melodic hooks, which is okay if you replace it with something really original (listen to TV Major hype going on here. The first album was terrific, partly because it hewed to the personal. Here, Win Butler's written songs about the world outside of himself. The lyrics are, to be kind, trite. They lack the authenticity and specificity of the best numbers on Funeral. And the music? No melodic hooks, which is okay if you replace it with something really original (listen to TV on the Radio), here watered down, diluted and disparate references abound. It's all so vague, so much "oh the world is dark" posturing, it's all so perfectly unearned. Pretentious to the core. The exception is 'No Cars Go' which predates the Funeral material. Major, major disappointment.… Expand
  84. andrea
    Sep 28, 2007
    10
    best of 2007 and even better than funeral. yes, that apparently is possible.
  85. JoA.
    Sep 8, 2007
    10
    Fantastic and fresh. Best of the year.
  86. AdolfG.
    Feb 22, 2008
    10
    Way better than funeral
  87. LeeteF.
    Apr 18, 2008
    8
    Well, this album is fine, but the producer fucked up for real. I HATE it when i have to try SO FUCKING HARD TO HEAR WHAT THE FUCK GOES ON WITH THE INSTRUMENTS!?!? Lyrics are fine, nice melodies and shit, but you can't just make instruments unhearable and.. indistinct (?).
  88. MichaelH.
    Aug 20, 2009
    9
    Absolutely beautiful and heart wrenching. The Arcade Fire manages to continue to get better with time, and Neon Bible is only the beginning I'm sure.
  89. BrianD.
    Nov 7, 2007
    5
    Take 3 steps forward. Then take 6 steps backwards and drop a deuce where you stand. That's what Arcade Fire did in releasing this album as the follow up to Funeral.
  90. fre
    Oct 19, 2007
    10
    Best album of 2007, a perfect collection.
  91. J.K.
    Dec 14, 2007
    7
    Straddling the line between mournful angst and pessimistic hope, Neon Bible will probably have something that can resonate with just about anyone. It doesn't really have anything original to say, either in content or execution, but the bluesy, poppy, and funeralistic mix on display here is easy to listen to and hard to resist for most of the album before it starts to feel overblown.
  92. anonymousy
    Oct 22, 2007
    5
    Not bad but not that great.
  93. AdamT
    Feb 14, 2007
    10
    In order to completely and thouroughly appreciate Neon Bible, one has to put Funeral aside; comparisons between the two will only deter each others quality, as both are completely separate works created by the band in extremely different situations, and with completely different visions. With that said, Neon Bible, although not an easy first, second, or third listen, pays off, enormously; In order to completely and thouroughly appreciate Neon Bible, one has to put Funeral aside; comparisons between the two will only deter each others quality, as both are completely separate works created by the band in extremely different situations, and with completely different visions. With that said, Neon Bible, although not an easy first, second, or third listen, pays off, enormously; "Keep the Car Running" one of two first singles (?), is completely phenomenal, it's Neon Bibles' "(Power Out) in a sense, but so much more. Songs like "Ocean of Noise," "(Antichrist Television Blues)," represent Arcade Fire heading in a new direction, observers of the sociopoliticalreligious events taking place in the now, and what they see, they don't like. New instruments are implemented by the many- a hurdy gurdy is carried by Regine, and the church organ the band dug up works stunningly well to emphasize the grandness of the concepts Win tackles- sounding more and more epic with each turning track, the album needs a break: "Windowsill" sighs beautifully; its' eventual juxtaposition of dance drums with Wins' over-the-top melancholic lyircs brings a balance amidst drama. All 11 tracks weave and coincide well; "No Cars Go," which I personally thought was Arcade Fires' brilliance gone-bad choice of reincluding the song in the new album, proves me wrong, on the contrary, "No Cars Go" shows confidence the original version never could have, and improves the power of a million AFs' debut best. Ultimately, whether sounding like Bruce Springsteen, or indulging in sonic experimentation, Arcade Fire have made what we have expected- an album worthy to suceed Funeral- not only that, it brings the band to a new direction, opening new doors, as we see them able to write songs about more than childhood fantasies. Neon Bible is already my pick for 07's best, and it may as well stand the test of time-it's brilliant.… Expand
  94. KyleN
    Feb 16, 2007
    10
    Truly a remarkable album that exceeded my expectations and will be there in the end for album of the year.
  95. MikeH
    Feb 16, 2007
    9
    Great album, not as fast, but still incredible.
  96. Walabiz
    Feb 17, 2007
    10
    The Arcade Fire, I'ill never stop loving you...
  97. MikeM
    Feb 18, 2007
    10
    Time will tell if AF's second LP is more timeless than Funeral, but what is for sure from listening to Neon Bible, is that this band is easily one of the best bands of the past 20 years.
  98. CarlosD
    Feb 21, 2007
    10
    Neon Bible reaffirms Arcade Fire's status as one of the most consistantly amazing bands of the last 20 years. Those expecting a Funeral clone will be disappointed though; Neon Bible takes a slower and darker approach.
  99. raelt
    Feb 20, 2007
    6
    Quite disapponting, but yet decent enough so that most critics will call it a masterpiece... I'll probably put it down in few days and go back to listening Funeral
  100. NeilP
    Feb 20, 2007
    10
    Beautiful
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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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