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. 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......
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. Erics.
    Mar 31, 2007
    5
    Overrated.
  5. Chelseah
    Mar 3, 2007
    10
    I feel a stronger connection to this album than Funeral. Powerful album, talented artists.
  6. 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.
  7. 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..
  8. 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!
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. matth
    Mar 4, 2007
    9
    another incredible record from the best indie band in the world.
  12. Craig
    Mar 4, 2007
    8
    one of those CD's that you warm up to more and more the more you listen to it.
  13. Azu
    Mar 4, 2007
    9
    just charming :)
  14. 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...
  15. 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...
  16. 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
  17. DeryW
    Mar 5, 2007
    8
    Disappointing on first listen but it slowly grows on you and now I am hooked.
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. justinb
    Mar 5, 2007
    10
    nothing but greatness here
  21. 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.
  22. panose
    Mar 5, 2007
    9
    Canadian magic
  23. miguelk.
    Mar 5, 2007
    10
    Perfect follow-up to "Funeral." This album will last for a long time.
  24. Marcius
    Mar 5, 2007
    6
    Michael S. said it all.
  25. GabrielP
    Mar 5, 2007
    10
    Darker, and as great as Funeral.
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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.
  29. ArielD
    Mar 6, 2007
    10
    an incredible, great album. better than funeral
  30. 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.
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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]
See all critic reviews »