• 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. 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
  2. Francesco
    Dec 22, 2007
    9
    I think in some ways it's even better than Funeral. And that's a lot to say.
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. j30
    Nov 8, 2011
    9
    Not as good as it's predecessor, but still relevant in their songwriting and progression as a band. I like how they get down with their darker side, where Funeral seems lighter with a bit more of a pop feel.
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. Dec 30, 2017
    9
    This one has mostly good to great songs from start to finish. It is a little less annoying than the first and is an all around great album, but still not a masterpiece. They aren't geniuses and the tracklisting and flow holds it back somewhat, but it's still a worthwhile listen. One of their best and gets better after the first listen. That is, unless you listen to it religiously like mostThis one has mostly good to great songs from start to finish. It is a little less annoying than the first and is an all around great album, but still not a masterpiece. They aren't geniuses and the tracklisting and flow holds it back somewhat, but it's still a worthwhile listen. One of their best and gets better after the first listen. That is, unless you listen to it religiously like most Arcade Fire fans do.
    GRADE: A-
    FAVORITES: Black Mirror, Keep the Car Running, Neon Bible, Intervention, The Well and the Lighthouse, (Antichrist Television Blues), Windowsill, My Body is a Cage
    LEAST FAVORITES: Ocean of Noise? No Cars Go
    Expand
  13. 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.
  14. t0nyS
    Mar 2, 2007
    8
    imo, not as good as funeral, but then again, funeral took awhile for me to like it. At first listen i enjoyed it alot, hopefully as the listens build up it follows suite, much like funeral. I give it an 8, check it out!
  15. MichaelD
    Mar 4, 2007
    8
    Two of the biggest mistakes seen in most sophmore albums are that they sound exactly the same and/or lack the musical talent that was seen in its predecessor. The Arcade Fire has created something that equals, or even improves, on their previous musical effort. Not only that, they have taken a new direction altogether... and they pulled it off.
  16. rey
    Mar 5, 2007
    8
    I feel bad for the arcade fire because they set the bar so freakin high with "Funeral" that it is really hard, for me at least, to listen to "Neon Bible" "objectively". i don't think that this album will get the respect it deserves it. nevertheless, it is a worthy follow-up. songs like "ocean of noise"", "no cars go", and "keep the car running" are top-notch.
  17. NaveenP
    Mar 7, 2007
    8
    As strong, if not stronger than Funeral
  18. 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
  19. Mensch
    Feb 28, 2007
    8
    Funeral is an album for the ages, and gets my vote for best album of the decade, so far. I'm still listening to it at least 2 times a week after 2+ years. Neon Bible is a very good, approaching great, album. But it suffers somewhat in comparison to Funeral -- as do 99% of all albums. The album seems designed for a wider audience, which diminishes Arcade Fire's strength. For Funeral is an album for the ages, and gets my vote for best album of the decade, so far. I'm still listening to it at least 2 times a week after 2+ years. Neon Bible is a very good, approaching great, album. But it suffers somewhat in comparison to Funeral -- as do 99% of all albums. The album seems designed for a wider audience, which diminishes Arcade Fire's strength. For example, there is no "Laika" on this album -- a song that with its out-of-tune choruses is initially almost painful to listen to, but with patience reveals its depth and beauty. Expand
  20. 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.
  21. 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!
  22. 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.
  23. Craig
    Mar 4, 2007
    8
    one of those CD's that you warm up to more and more the more you listen to it.
  24. DeryW
    Mar 5, 2007
    8
    Disappointing on first listen but it slowly grows on you and now I am hooked.
  25. 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.
  26. 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
  27. KevinR
    Mar 8, 2007
    8
    A very strong follow up to Funeral, yet it just doesn't quite flow as well.
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
  31. 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 (?).
  32. 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.
  33. 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.
  34. 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.
  35. ErikR
    Mar 31, 2007
    8
    Very good album with a handful of gems. Much more of a roving straight ahead feel than Funeral. Gives me the feeling of sticking my head out the window of a car going 40. This album seems to have a little less space between the the notes and vocals then funeral. This is not a bad thing but probably prevented me from giving it a 10. My mind tends to naturaly like space beetween notes. The Very good album with a handful of gems. Much more of a roving straight ahead feel than Funeral. Gives me the feeling of sticking my head out the window of a car going 40. This album seems to have a little less space between the the notes and vocals then funeral. This is not a bad thing but probably prevented me from giving it a 10. My mind tends to naturaly like space beetween notes. The production is a little muddy but I think this adds to the overall depressed but getting better feel of the album. My favorites are The Well And The Lighthouse, Keep The Car Running, and My Body Is a Cage. Overall a stunningly good album that should propell the band forward to new soundscapes. Expand
  36. 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.
  37. 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.
  38. Oligami
    May 20, 2007
    8
    Certainly not better than Funeral (how could it?), but it has its moments.
  39. ScottW.
    Aug 19, 2007
    8
    It hits the spot right on. Great albume and shows that this band has lots going for it.
  40. 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'.
  41. daveg
    Mar 12, 2007
    8
    pretty good, but no funeral
  42. 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
  43. TaniaC.
    Sep 24, 2008
    8
    I think it very good, with lovely tunes and songs that stick to your head for days
  44. 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
  45. 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.
    Expand
  46. 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
  47. May 13, 2022
    8
    Intervention is unbelievably good
    The other songs are pretty good as well!
  48. 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.
  49. 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?
  50. 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
  51. 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.
  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. AndreaP
    Mar 9, 2007
    7
    Funeral was better, this album has not great riff like Wake up or Rebellion
  54. 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.
  55. 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.
  56. 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.
  57. 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.
  58. 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
  59. MorganG
    Mar 16, 2007
    7
    BEWARE of the sophomore curse! A sadly, uninspiring CD. Arcade FIre, you can do better this!
  60. LeoF
    Mar 3, 2007
    7
    at first i was astonished. but then i listened to it more and more and more... and now I think it's just good.
  61. BrianC
    Apr 18, 2007
    7
    Four listens in, I can't get into it. I'm not a fan of crystal-clear radio pop, but I just can't get into the production. I think The Arcade Fire had the element of surprise when they released the shockingly mournful "Funeral". For me, the songwriting and thematic elements don't quite match up, and sometimes fall flat. This album has some high moments, and some lows. I Four listens in, I can't get into it. I'm not a fan of crystal-clear radio pop, but I just can't get into the production. I think The Arcade Fire had the element of surprise when they released the shockingly mournful "Funeral". For me, the songwriting and thematic elements don't quite match up, and sometimes fall flat. This album has some high moments, and some lows. I can see the appeal, but this album is actually far less accessible than "Funeral" and just can't get on board. Rating: 7.3/10.0 Expand
  62. JustinS
    Apr 27, 2007
    7
    A pretty good sophmore effort. Most of the tracks are pretty good, but there's nothing that really stands out like on their from album like "Lies" or "Neighborhood #1". "Intervention" is really the only track that capture the magic from "Funeral".
  63. 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.
  64. GeorgeH
    Feb 27, 2007
    7
    It's good, but nowhere near Funeral.
  65. 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
  66. 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
    Expand
  67. 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
    Expand
  68. MarcG
    Mar 5, 2007
    6
    such a disappointment...
  69. JimD
    Mar 6, 2007
    6
    What is someone looking for the deffinative online review of Neon Bible to do? Some praise the Arcade Fire
  70. MattD.
    Mar 7, 2007
    6
    I just didn't get Funeral like others did, and still don't see what the big deal about Neon Bible is. Yes, the songs are given a little more room, but there's still a cinematic quality that works against them. It's like they try too hard to be hip and give the critics what they want. Concentrate more on developing the songs.
  71. DavidF.
    Dec 5, 2007
    6
    If this record came out before Funeral people would not have thought nearly as highly of it. For me, it lacks the energy it's predecessor has. The album is okay, but nothing special.
  72. ChemaP
    Mar 1, 2007
    6
    Only an OK album, specially when compared with such a masterpiece as Funeral. It seems a bit overproduced, with too many instruments cramped into every song (from mariachi trumpets to a church organ), as if the storm of sound will serve to disguise the lack of inspiration. At its best (Intervention, No Cars Go), it doesn't even comes close to the explosion of joy and emotion that was Only an OK album, specially when compared with such a masterpiece as Funeral. It seems a bit overproduced, with too many instruments cramped into every song (from mariachi trumpets to a church organ), as if the storm of sound will serve to disguise the lack of inspiration. At its best (Intervention, No Cars Go), it doesn't even comes close to the explosion of joy and emotion that was Funeral. At its worst (Black Wave/Bad Vibrations, Ocean Of Noise), it sounds like a couple of bad covers of Pink Floyd, or a christmas carol album sung by Paul Young (never a good thing to be compared to). Expand
  73. DerekH
    Mar 14, 2007
    6
    This is an album of moments, events, and heterotopic spaces. Unfortunately, the band's approach is hindered in some tracks by static forms; and in others by movement/s which lose their relation to time and form. A great album--if it were by any band other than Arcade Fire.
  74. 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
  75. 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
  76. Marcius
    Mar 5, 2007
    6
    Michael S. said it all.
  77. 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
  78. JosephA
    Mar 26, 2007
    6
    This is a really good album, but the production is piss poor. Everything is covered by everything else leaving little room for any of the instrumentation to shine. The lyrics are great and the arrangements and songwriting as well. But unfortunately, its all very cramped and mono for such colorful instrumentation. A shame really.
  79. TrentN
    Mar 28, 2007
    6
    Its a good album but i dont belive the band well ever put out anything as good a Funeral. The prduction on this album is really poor compared to the last one.
  80. RichardP
    Mar 3, 2007
    6
    Some great songs. Some really not great songs. But let's avoid hyperboles like "best band ever". That just shows how few bands you've listened to.
  81. RobbieC
    Mar 8, 2007
    6
    I feel luke warm about this album. Perhaps my expectations were too high. I may have to spend more time with it, but so far, I think Neon Bible is over-rated and over-hyped. Funeral was rich in places that don't exist on this album. The best track on here is No Cars Go... and that's disappointing... that track was already great on their eponymous debut!
  82. MikeA
    May 29, 2007
    6
    I just don't understand the hype over this band. This disc, like their debut is interesting, but not deserving of the accolades it seems to be getting.
  83. AndrewC.
    Jun 5, 2007
    6
    This album is overrated. It's better than Funeral, but it's not that special. I particularly enjoy two tracks off the album - "Where no cars go" which is a rip off of Prefab Sprout's King Of Rock n' Roll, and Antichrist Television Blues, which is a great tribute to Bruce Springsteen.
  84. BobBob
    Feb 24, 2008
    6
    I don't get this albums high praise. The song Neon Bible just seems slow and unmoving. I like the no Cars Go song, but what else. For new stuff this year give me Of Montreal or LCD.
  85. RichK.
    Apr 11, 2008
    6
    The album, I felt was so overrated. There are so many other albums that exceeded to be considered as the best album of the year.
  86. KlausV
    May 27, 2008
    6
    The intro Black Mirror and title track are the only bright spots on this album, the rest is forgettable blackness.
  87. JimH
    Dec 28, 2007
    6
    Disappointingly mundane follow-up that makes me think that I overestimated its predecessor. This has some good songs toward the end but this seems like a band that's already losing momentum.
  88. T.Speaker
    Feb 15, 2007
    6
    It's really too bad that "Neon Bible" is going to garner critical acclaim simply because it's from the Arcade Fire. This is a decent album, but some tracks are far too repetitious (My Body is a Cage), and others don't take their potent melodies anywhere (Keep the Car Running). Thankfully, songs like "Intervention" and "Black Waves/Bad Vibrations" save the record from mediocrity.
  89. dana
    Mar 23, 2007
    6
    Lumpen. These guys seem to be the most acclaimed band going at the moment which is a great shame to older North American indie bands who have blazed trails for 15/20 years to go virtually unrecognized and have these guys take the plaudits. Indie music died in 2004, the niche is being exploited. Thing is,the music isn't so bad but like Coldplay it's horribly average and been done Lumpen. These guys seem to be the most acclaimed band going at the moment which is a great shame to older North American indie bands who have blazed trails for 15/20 years to go virtually unrecognized and have these guys take the plaudits. Indie music died in 2004, the niche is being exploited. Thing is,the music isn't so bad but like Coldplay it's horribly average and been done better before. Don't believe the hype. Expand
  90. HollisG.
    Aug 16, 2007
    6
    Good album, but I feel like Arcade Fire expanded on and explored all the things about them that I didn't really dig, rather than move in a more daring, explosive direction. I wanted to love this album, I really did. But I suppose the final test is that I really just don't listen to it that much.
  91. Jan 21, 2013
    6
    I consider myself an Arcade Fire fan but Neon Bible just lacks the amount of variety present on Funeral and The Suburbs. Neon Bible does have impressive orchestration especially in the new rendition of No Cars Go. But overall this album is lacking in songs that pop out and lacks the amazing variety that their other two albums have.
  92. Aug 16, 2013
    6
    Arcade Fire, trying to outshine Funeral, have created a melodramatic, overdone work. It has some good songs but just doesn't have the heart of Funeral.
  93. danw
    Oct 1, 2007
    5
    This album has to rate as one of the biggest disappointments I've experienced. Funeral had an effortless mystery and splendour that was completely exhilarating but Neon Bible makes me feel like I've been fooled. It's trite and overcooked - a hollow shell in comparison. It probably isn't a terrible album - it's just that it's not a patch on Funeral and This album has to rate as one of the biggest disappointments I've experienced. Funeral had an effortless mystery and splendour that was completely exhilarating but Neon Bible makes me feel like I've been fooled. It's trite and overcooked - a hollow shell in comparison. It probably isn't a terrible album - it's just that it's not a patch on Funeral and I've really tried to give it a chance. Expand
  94. madsl
    Mar 12, 2007
    5
    somehow the magic is gone even though its hard to pinpoint exactly what makes this a less fulfilling experience than its famed predecessor. Well maybe the songs just aren't strong enough...only No Cars Go and Keep the Car Running truly stand out, while the title track and My Body is a Cage are downright tedious. The lyrics are really tepid teenage angst musings and reek of somehow the magic is gone even though its hard to pinpoint exactly what makes this a less fulfilling experience than its famed predecessor. Well maybe the songs just aren't strong enough...only No Cars Go and Keep the Car Running truly stand out, while the title track and My Body is a Cage are downright tedious. The lyrics are really tepid teenage angst musings and reek of ill-conceived self-importance. The word, bloated, springs to mind... Expand
  95. PatS.
    Mar 4, 2007
    5
    Their lyrics are clumsy and obvious. More ambiguity needed, pronto.
  96. wolfbag
    Apr 2, 2007
    5
    Am I allowed to say this? Well...here goes...I thnik this is a pretty weak album compared to Funeral. It sounds like Arcade Fire doing Arcade Fire covers, i.e. a bit formulaic and overly dramatic, plus there's a lot of cringeworthy lyrics. The only surprising bit is the Springsteen impression, but if I wanted that I would have bought one of his own albums. There, I said it.
  97. 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.
  98. Erics.
    Mar 31, 2007
    5
    Overrated.
  99. 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
  100. 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.
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]