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. PaulC
    Mar 3, 2007
    10
    This album is phenomenal. I'd almost go so far as to say its better than Funeral. Almost.
  2. tiffanyb
    Apr 2, 2007
    10
    i love this band and there music
  3. 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
  4. SI
    Apr 2, 2007
    10
    'Intervention' is a theatrical god send. The entire record is blasphemously grand.
  5. PeterL
    Mar 1, 2007
    10
    Better? Worst? Simply different and as good as.
  6. Mårten
    Mar 2, 2007
    10
    If this is not a 10, I dont know what it! Its not Funeral, its better.
  7. Forreal
    Mar 2, 2007
    10
    Woah! ALbum of the year???
  8. TomN
    Mar 2, 2007
    10
    I loved Arcade Fire's Funeral album and their EP. But, if I had rated Neon Bible two weeks ago on my first listen I would have only rated it an 8. However, I have found myself listening to this album almost exclusively since then and would now rate it an easy perfect 10. It takes a little while to sink in but this album is ultimately one of my favorite albums of all time.
  9. SamC
    Mar 2, 2007
    10
    So Great!! Have fun singing along to all the great tracks!!!
  10. Chris
    Mar 2, 2007
    10
    Killer album, grows on you like funeral. However, it also takes the band in a slightly different direction, the lyrics are much more rooted in politics and whats happening in the world right now. I'd agree with others who've posted, this pretty much solidifies Arcade Fire as one of the first truly great bands of the decade, and the best Canadian Indie band ever.
  11. dingusg
    Mar 30, 2007
    10
    the reason why older NA indie bands are unrecognized is that they can't compete w/TAF. wah wah. if you've ever seen a live show, you know what i'm talkin about.
  12. ChuckS
    Mar 4, 2007
    10
    even though it's cool to slag off the arcade fire now, i just can't do it! this album is great!
  13. SinderV
    Mar 4, 2007
    10
    One of the best albums of the 2000's. Whatever its excesses may be, they are easily justified.
  14. Kelly
    Mar 5, 2007
    10
    If anything this album is under-hyped.
  15. JohnK
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    It took a couple listens but I am hooked. I think it is just as good as Funeral.
  16. ErinK
    Apr 10, 2007
    10
    This may be a little premature but... I think we have the best rock album of the year. I just can't imagine anything else being better. Not only do I think we'll still be talking about this album as being one of the very best of 2008 come December, it may also be one of the best sophomore albums I've heard in years.
  17. DJMiknoche
    Apr 16, 2007
    10
    This is a wonderful disc. Made me fall in love with rock music all over again. Just like when I first heard Patti Smith's "Horses" or Television's "Marquee Moon", or the Stones' "Exile..." or Neil Young's "After the Gold Rush". Arcade Fire's music makes me come apart in a blissful way! A disc for the ages...
  18. Scott
    Aug 22, 2007
    10
    If you don't think this album is perfect then take every piece of music you have and burn it because you obviously don't like music. Here's a better suggestion though, so you don't have to burn all your good music. Take this album and listen to ONLY it for a straight week. If you don't get it, you never will. Black Wave has to be the best NEW song I've heard If you don't think this album is perfect then take every piece of music you have and burn it because you obviously don't like music. Here's a better suggestion though, so you don't have to burn all your good music. Take this album and listen to ONLY it for a straight week. If you don't get it, you never will. Black Wave has to be the best NEW song I've heard in 10 years. This album reminds me of a soundtrack to a much darker Jim Henson Productions movie and that makes it old and new to me. Over-hyped? Only if you were that newbie Indie kid that latched on and now they are getting too big for your Indie ears. Well, guess what, memorable, great music of this level is only generated every decade or so and it's bound to break out of its indie roots. And to those older folks that quibble over which song of Bob Dylan's was the best, don't over-analyze this album. Funeral was perfect and Neon Bible is too. I am almost expecting their third release to be just as quality, if not perfect as well. WOOT. Buy this album.… Expand
  19. NeonB.
    Feb 8, 2008
    10
    Masterpiece, one of the best in decade and in my opinion even better than Funeral. I enjoy every single piece of it.
  20. TiagoA.
    Oct 4, 2009
    10
    Another great album from this wonderful band.
  21. Alex
    Feb 16, 2007
    10
    Fantastic Sophmore!
  22. Michael
    Feb 18, 2007
    10
    Inventive. Refreshing. Complex. Pure genuis! "Neon Bible" solidifies Arcade Fire's prominence into modern, uncomercialized music.
  23. 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
  24. JonF
    Mar 11, 2007
    10
    YAY! Thank god these people were put on Earth. Music is this and only what this should be.
  25. lalo
    Mar 10, 2007
    10
    Brilliant. Intense!
  26. 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).
  27. AllenM
    Mar 1, 2007
    10
    A whole new direction seperate from Funeral. I love this album.
  28. SeanV
    Mar 10, 2007
    10
    Everything I wanted, and more. Keep the Arcade Fire Running.
  29. RR
    Mar 14, 2007
    10
    Pure Magic.
  30. 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
  31. 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
  32. ColinS
    Mar 2, 2007
    10
    Excellent Sophmore effort.
  33. 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.
  34. TonyD
    Mar 2, 2007
    10
    Best band ever.
  35. 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.
  36. 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.
  37. 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.
  38. 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.
  39. 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.
  40. Chelseah
    Mar 3, 2007
    10
    I feel a stronger connection to this album than Funeral. Powerful album, talented artists.
  41. 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..
  42. 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.
  43. 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.
  44. 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.
  45. justinb
    Mar 5, 2007
    10
    nothing but greatness here
  46. miguelk.
    Mar 5, 2007
    10
    Perfect follow-up to "Funeral." This album will last for a long time.
  47. GabrielP
    Mar 5, 2007
    10
    Darker, and as great as Funeral.
  48. 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.
  49. ArielD
    Mar 6, 2007
    10
    an incredible, great album. better than funeral
  50. 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.
  51. 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.
  52. kingmik
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    briliant...even better then the first one...
  53. 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.
  54. MikeB
    Mar 8, 2007
    10
    I think I actually like Neon Bible more than Funeral. . .and that's saying something.
  55. 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
  56. DaveG
    Mar 9, 2007
    10
    This album is saving my sanity.
  57. MG
    Apr 22, 2007
    10
    The best album of last 5 years. Moving, deep and beautiful.
  58. 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***
  59. Fel.
    May 26, 2007
    10
    Amazing album, one of the best records i have ever heard!
  60. 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.
  61. 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.
  62. andrea
    Sep 28, 2007
    10
    best of 2007 and even better than funeral. yes, that apparently is possible.
  63. JoA.
    Sep 8, 2007
    10
    Fantastic and fresh. Best of the year.
  64. AdolfG.
    Feb 22, 2008
    10
    Way better than funeral
  65. fre
    Oct 19, 2007
    10
    Best album of 2007, a perfect collection.
  66. 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.… Collapse
  67. 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.
  68. Walabiz
    Feb 17, 2007
    10
    The Arcade Fire, I'ill never stop loving you...
  69. 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.
  70. 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.
  71. NeilP
    Feb 20, 2007
    10
    Beautiful
  72. wander
    Feb 23, 2007
    10
    so great and beautiful like funeral welcome to the radiohead´s room, arcade!
  73. MichaelF
    Feb 7, 2007
    10
    Incredible!
  74. dojd
    Mar 11, 2007
    10
    adad
  75. 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.
  76. 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
  77. 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.
  78. MihaiV
    Mar 2, 2007
    10
    Easily album of the year so far. They've done it again. This is music for the ages.
  79. MattM
    Mar 2, 2007
    10
    Brilliant follow-up perfectly captures the anxiety of our times.
  80. FredH
    Mar 2, 2007
    10
    I can't be bored of this album...best of 2007 so far. Good second album... great lyric...great song wow!!! Watch out they're coming again !!!
  81. DubyaU
    Mar 2, 2007
    10
    Beautiful and on par with Funeral. To everyone who says this band is undeserving of such praise should probably go get their ears checked.
  82. 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
  83. rubenn.
    Mar 24, 2007
    10
    excelent
  84. rays
    Mar 24, 2007
    10
    spellbinding!!
  85. 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!!
  86. 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!
  87. LaurenceP
    Mar 29, 2007
    10
    Just great! the more I listen to it the better it gets!!!
  88. Jordan
    Mar 3, 2007
    10
    headline: Win Butler channels Roy Orbison-Wins hearts, minds.
  89. AndyP
    Mar 5, 2007
    10
    This is not a funeral so keep your comparisons apart from an album that truly stands on its own.
  90. 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
  91. 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
  92. 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.
  93. 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.
  94. 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.
  95. 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.
  96. KeithV
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    Give this one a chance. It's a keeper.
  97. 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!
  98. M.C.
    Mar 8, 2007
    10
    Tal como o Funeral o Neon Bible é claramente GENIAL!!!
  99. CapuP
    Apr 1, 2007
    10
    what at first sounded like a disappointment (in comparison to funeral) has turned out to be a scintillating ride of an album. definitely requires more than one listen to really get into, but once you're caught up in the manic energy you'll never get out. Antichrist Television Blues is the best song since Neighbourhood #1 (Tunnels), and Arcade Fire are the best band since Radiohead.
  100. Teresa
    Apr 10, 2007
    10
    It's no Funeral, but a fantastic album nonetheless. Win Butler wins again.
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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 »