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. davew
    Mar 24, 2007
    9
    fantastic live set in brixton
  2. rubenn.
    Mar 24, 2007
    10
    excelent
  3. rays
    Mar 24, 2007
    10
    spellbinding!!
  4. 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!!
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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!
  8. 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.
  9. LaurenceP
    Mar 29, 2007
    10
    Just great! the more I listen to it the better it gets!!!
  10. 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.
  11. robertb
    Mar 3, 2007
    9
    Whilst it has taken a while with certain tracks "keep the car running" hit me immediatly as a monumental tune of rebellion proportions - well worth the wait what would you suggest we all be listening to steve?
  12. Jordan
    Mar 3, 2007
    10
    headline: Win Butler channels Roy Orbison-Wins hearts, minds.
  13. RobJ.
    Mar 3, 2007
    5
    This isn't a bad record, but it seems like they're channeling Bruce Springsteen on this one much more than the Talking Heads or the Pixies. Disappointing compared to Funeral.
  14. 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.
  15. jeffreyj
    Mar 3, 2007
    2
    Get over it. These guys and girls are the same boys and girls that got there butts kicked in high school. Losers!
  16. 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
  17. Mark
    Mar 4, 2007
    0
    Eww! This is a disgusting record from a talented band.
  18. DK
    Mar 5, 2007
    9
    On first listen, I thought this was about a 5 out of 10. Boy am I glad I didn't give up. It takes a few listens, but the songs begin to reveal themselves and before you know it you'll be proclaiming this better than "Funeral." "Keep the Car Running", "Intervention", "Ocean of Noise", "Antichrist Television Blues", "No Cars Go" and "My Body is a Cage" are all standout tracks. On first listen, I thought this was about a 5 out of 10. Boy am I glad I didn't give up. It takes a few listens, but the songs begin to reveal themselves and before you know it you'll be proclaiming this better than "Funeral." "Keep the Car Running", "Intervention", "Ocean of Noise", "Antichrist Television Blues", "No Cars Go" and "My Body is a Cage" are all standout tracks. I'm a huge Modest Mouse fan but "Neon Bible" blows the Mouse's new offering "WWDBTSES" out of the water.… Expand
  19. AndyP
    Mar 5, 2007
    10
    This is not a funeral so keep your comparisons apart from an album that truly stands on its own.
  20. 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.
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. DaveJ
    Mar 6, 2007
    9
    As good as Funeral. Canada is home to the most underrated band in the world (AF) & the most overrated (NIckelback - the win a Juno every year for crap).
  25. 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.
  26. JakeM
    Mar 6, 2007
    4
    Not even close to 'Funeral'. The production fits in well with the new 'Springstein/U2' feel of their music. Stadium rock. Listening to their albums side by side reveal how far they've plummeted into the music industry.
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. DDB
    Mar 7, 2007
    9
    The Arcade Fire possess impossible talent. Simply the best band around. Like Funeral, this one has you feeling like you are hearing something fresh and unique, something you've never heard before. And yet, you can hear influences from Bowie, Springsteen and the Pixies on this album. Relentless comparisons to their first effort are inevitable. But this stands on its own, is probably The Arcade Fire possess impossible talent. Simply the best band around. Like Funeral, this one has you feeling like you are hearing something fresh and unique, something you've never heard before. And yet, you can hear influences from Bowie, Springsteen and the Pixies on this album. Relentless comparisons to their first effort are inevitable. But this stands on its own, is probably more accessible and has some fantastic tracks. "Building Downtown", "Black Mirror" and "My Body is a Cage" top the list for me.… Expand
  30. 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.
  31. KeithV
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    Give this one a chance. It's a keeper.
  32. 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!
  33. EricO.
    Mar 7, 2007
    9
    The problem with attempting to follow up a perfect record is that the artist will inevitably fail in such an enterprise. "Funeral" can safely be considered one fo the best discs of the decade, a feat which Arcade Fire achieved their first time out. "Neon Bible", while not reaching the emotional depths of its predecessor, is about as good a sophomore effort as possible given The problem with attempting to follow up a perfect record is that the artist will inevitably fail in such an enterprise. "Funeral" can safely be considered one fo the best discs of the decade, a feat which Arcade Fire achieved their first time out. "Neon Bible", while not reaching the emotional depths of its predecessor, is about as good a sophomore effort as possible given "Funeral"'s genius. Once more, there's an "everything but the kitchen sink" mentality which lends each track a propulsive momentum. The only flaw to this approach is in the organ; its lower registers add a distorted sludge to some of the songs, and this murkiness threatens to drag down the clarity of other instrumentation. However, this is a small quibble for an otherwise brilliant piece of work from an amazing and talent band.… Expand
  34. JasonS
    Mar 8, 2007
    9
    Another top notch outing!
  35. M.C.
    Mar 8, 2007
    10
    Tal como o Funeral o Neon Bible é claramente GENIAL!!!
  36. [Anonymous]
    Mar 8, 2007
    9
    I personally like this album as much or more than I like Funeral. It's still an Arcade Fire album, but there are some songs that seem different. (the title track, which is one of my favorites) This album will almost definitely make my Best of 2007 list.
  37. 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!
  38. RickS
    Mar 9, 2007
    2
    I must be stupid, i must, thats all i hear when i say this band is awful. People who like this band let alone worship there albums seems to bash other well known bands, as to try and prove something. Is this art? Is this what I
  39. 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.
  40. LukeM
    Apr 1, 2007
    2
    I didn't love Funeral, but I could see why some would. This is just terrible. There's a constant wall of sound behind the vocals, but there are no songs! No melodies worth going back to, except for on old song No Cars Go. And honestly, they're not aping Springsteen; they're aping Pete Yorn aping Springsteen. Listen to the opening of Life On a Chain then the opening of I didn't love Funeral, but I could see why some would. This is just terrible. There's a constant wall of sound behind the vocals, but there are no songs! No melodies worth going back to, except for on old song No Cars Go. And honestly, they're not aping Springsteen; they're aping Pete Yorn aping Springsteen. Listen to the opening of Life On a Chain then the opening of Antichrist Television Blues. I like Pete, but I don't want Arcade Fire to sound like him! Basically, I've listened to the album about 7 times and nothing on it makes me want to listen again. Be objective and have a listen before you buy.… Expand
  41. Teresa
    Apr 10, 2007
    10
    It's no Funeral, but a fantastic album nonetheless. Win Butler wins again.
  42. markd
    Apr 14, 2007
    9
    As with Funeral this lacks consistancy throughout the whole album. Ther's 4 or 5 truly great songs, a couple of good songs and 3 or 4 forgettable ones. When they get it right, however, they are nothing short of staggeringly glorious. They write songs so powerful and passionate that you feel like you've been emotionaly punched in the gut and they do it with originality and As with Funeral this lacks consistancy throughout the whole album. Ther's 4 or 5 truly great songs, a couple of good songs and 3 or 4 forgettable ones. When they get it right, however, they are nothing short of staggeringly glorious. They write songs so powerful and passionate that you feel like you've been emotionaly punched in the gut and they do it with originality and subtlety. I honestly couldn't see any other band today writing "Intervention" or "No Cars Go". Who'd have thought a church organ could be so emotive, a new version of one of their old songs (No Cars Go) would be one of their their finest moments or that some songs would sound like Springstein? They are full of surprises and the fact that they don't fit into any genre and that they write everything including the orchestral bits makes them just about in a legue of their own. All they need to do now is write their very own OK Computer or Automatic for the People and they will truly be one of the greats!… Expand
  43. EddieQ
    Apr 19, 2007
    9
    Sounds like Springsteen filling in as a vocalist with Interpol or Clap Your Hands Say Yeah as backup- brilliant. I prefer this album over Funeral - more stripped down - less cacophony!
  44. MarkFoxy
    Apr 19, 2007
    10
    Great music best album. I just love The Arcade Fire. The sounds really comes alive. I love the loudness off the instruments and the music. I thought The Killers Sam's Town was good but i think i like The Arcade Fire better. 'Intervention' w the church organ playing and the loudness of sound. And i loved how they recorded the album in an old abandoned church. There promotion Great music best album. I just love The Arcade Fire. The sounds really comes alive. I love the loudness off the instruments and the music. I thought The Killers Sam's Town was good but i think i like The Arcade Fire better. 'Intervention' w the church organ playing and the loudness of sound. And i loved how they recorded the album in an old abandoned church. There promotion video is so special. It's like it's a showcase on a stage from the 1880s. Last thing is The Arcade Fire Neon Bible is UNIQUE. THE MUSIC IS UNIQUE. LOVE THEM… Expand
  45. EvanB
    Apr 22, 2007
    10
    BEST album of the year by far! Neon Bible has been in my car for over 1 month straight and is the only thing I have listened to! It will probably be there for another month or two! Only gets better with repeated listens!
  46. AlexC
    Apr 25, 2007
    10
    I think that AF have gone one step further than "Funeral" with this album. I have to say that I didn't expect it, but that's what I believe. Tracks 1,2 & 4 sound incredible and the rest are all great songs. I'd doubt whether I'll hear a more likeable album this year.
  47. MattG
    Apr 27, 2007
    10
    I am going to say that as far as I'm concerned Arcade Fire are the best band I have heard since I discovered REM in the mid 80's. Funeral was possibly my favourite album of all time, and when I first heard Neon Bible I liked it, but it was an 8/10 at best. Since then I have listened to it continuosly (almost every day) for over a month, and it has moved up to a 9, and now a I am going to say that as far as I'm concerned Arcade Fire are the best band I have heard since I discovered REM in the mid 80's. Funeral was possibly my favourite album of all time, and when I first heard Neon Bible I liked it, but it was an 8/10 at best. Since then I have listened to it continuosly (almost every day) for over a month, and it has moved up to a 9, and now a definite 10. This album just keeps getting better and better with every listen, and that is the true sign of a classic album. I'm even debating now whether I might actually end up putting it ahead of Funeral. Unbelievable! I feel sorry for those people who gave this album a couple of listens and wrote it off as a disappointment. Whack on some headphones, turn the volume up and let this cracker of an album reveal it's charms. It will be well worth your while.… Expand
  48. 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".
  49. RobJ
    Apr 4, 2007
    10
    A fantastic follow up to Funeral. The production quality has been improved upon the previous album. Up there with LCD Soundsystem's Sound of Silver as album of 2007.
  50. Shootsy
    May 17, 2007
    0
    universal acclaim? ahahahah...I mean c'mon. Music like this has died 25 years ago and the snake's been biting his tail since then. Crap music made by crappy musicians for even crappier listeners. Unbelievable.
  51. Oligami
    May 20, 2007
    8
    Certainly not better than Funeral (how could it?), but it has its moments.
  52. MattB
    May 28, 2007
    10
    If you can't understand why this album is amazing, give up on life and buy every boy-band album you can find.
  53. DylanS
    May 28, 2007
    10
    It's no Funeral, but Neon Bible is a stand alone masterpiece in it's own right. Perfect in every way, it may just take a few listens, because of how differently the Arcade Fire are trying to sonically get their message across (at least compared to Funeral). There's not one poor quality track on the entire CD, even the "duds" are better than a lot of key tracks on other It's no Funeral, but Neon Bible is a stand alone masterpiece in it's own right. Perfect in every way, it may just take a few listens, because of how differently the Arcade Fire are trying to sonically get their message across (at least compared to Funeral). There's not one poor quality track on the entire CD, even the "duds" are better than a lot of key tracks on other discs released this year. Get this Album.… Expand
  54. 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.
  55. JonT
    May 9, 2007
    10
    Matthew C are you a music critic or just a musician? Your review is inspirational. You have clearly done your research on this album. Its rare to see a review that speaks directly to the heart, but your review is the best I have ever seen. Your review has inspired me to become a journalist and I know that I can succeed if I develop one tenth of the literary and critical analysis skills Matthew C are you a music critic or just a musician? Your review is inspirational. You have clearly done your research on this album. Its rare to see a review that speaks directly to the heart, but your review is the best I have ever seen. Your review has inspired me to become a journalist and I know that I can succeed if I develop one tenth of the literary and critical analysis skills you posess. Hats off to you. There is one thing I disagree with in the opening paragraph of your review though. "Boo" is a bit harsh. Otherwise brilliant stuff.… Expand
  56. 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.
  57. DarkDaylight
    Jul 11, 2007
    0
    the most over rated band in years
  58. WilliamL.
    Jul 16, 2007
    10
    What can be further stated concerning the exceptional brilliance behind Arcade Fire
  59. Jeff
    Jul 5, 2007
    1
    I definitely don't understand all the hype. I listen to lots of music and have listened to this CD about a dozen times and all I can describe it as is boring. I wanted to like it. Based on everything I read I was excited to listen...but I think it's garbage.
  60. ScottW.
    Aug 19, 2007
    8
    It hits the spot right on. Great albume and shows that this band has lots going for it.
  61. DanielC.
    Aug 26, 2007
    9
    Highly recommended.
  62. rubenn.
    Aug 4, 2007
    10
    excelent
  63. MikeS.
    Sep 19, 2007
    0
    I loved their live show back in 2003 with The Unicorns. enjoyed a few songs on that ep. disappointed with Funeral. this one justs falls flat. even the remake for "no cars go" was pointless.
  64. 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.
  65. SteveO.
    Sep 25, 2007
    4
    I feel like I'm not in the cool club here. I bought this hoping for something earth shattering and found it only average - in fact from the first song I didn't like it. The comparison is less Talking Heads art rock and more Black 47 via Springsteen, but without the heart to back up the social commentary.
  66. AlexP
    Jan 12, 2008
    10
    I'm really surprised about some of the reviews here. They only compare it to Funeral, which although was the better album, Neon Bible comes only just short of it. With their grand compositions coming through full throttle, the Arcade Fire led by Win Butler shines. "Intervention" is as dramatic and powerful a song as anything you'll hear this year, while my favorite song "Keep I'm really surprised about some of the reviews here. They only compare it to Funeral, which although was the better album, Neon Bible comes only just short of it. With their grand compositions coming through full throttle, the Arcade Fire led by Win Butler shines. "Intervention" is as dramatic and powerful a song as anything you'll hear this year, while my favorite song "Keep The Car Running" blends an almost folky sound with the early work of their idol, Bruce. 2nd best album of 2007 (Only after MIA's Kala)… Expand
  67. WesleyM.
    Jan 20, 2008
    10
    Amazing follow-up.
  68. AidanK
    Feb 16, 2008
    10
    I rarely give albums 10/10 but this one is truely worth it, the songs are all big, ambitious and loud, absolutely amazing
  69. HC
    Feb 20, 2008
    10
    It is so unexpected, so willing to connect with you, so unbelievably gorgeous, that you're blown away.
  70. 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.
  71. 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.
  72. Stevio
    Apr 28, 2008
    4
    Completely over-rated. Some original sounds but clumsy adolescent lyrics which are embarrassing to listen to.
  73. 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.
  74. SethA.
    Jun 22, 2008
    9
    This album has some of the best lyrics ever written. What passionate poetry, at its best!
  75. ShyA
    Jul 19, 2009
    9
    But FUNERAL is better....but this is great album with some great songs:intervention,no cars go,windowsill.
  76. RJM.
    Nov 10, 2007
    4
    stupid stupid stupid. vacuous social commentary. even worse production. funeral had a few good moments; this has fewer.
  77. 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.
  78. SteveM
    Feb 13, 2007
    10
    It's not as quick to get going and suck you in as Funeral was, but as a whole, it's just as good, if not better. By combining some amazing new ideas with their old familier techniques, the Arcade Fire have created a masterpiece. It would be a huge understatement to simply say that they "avoided the sophomore slump". Too many great tracks to name here, but Intervention, My Body It's not as quick to get going and suck you in as Funeral was, but as a whole, it's just as good, if not better. By combining some amazing new ideas with their old familier techniques, the Arcade Fire have created a masterpiece. It would be a huge understatement to simply say that they "avoided the sophomore slump". Too many great tracks to name here, but Intervention, My Body is a Cage, and Windowsill rank among my favorites.… Expand
  79. 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.
  80. CaitlinS
    Feb 17, 2007
    10
    I love the arcade fire!
  81. DanC
    Feb 23, 2007
    10
    A powerful statement on the state of the world surrounding by the hum of an organ. Not Funeral 2.0 by any means and thats a good thing. An inventive band that time will show as the first great band of the 00's.
  82. Danny
    Feb 26, 2007
    10
    At first, I was a bit worried about how different the album sounds from Funeral, but after 15 or so listens, I have made a strong connection to each of the 11 tracks. Once again, Arcade Fire gets the job done!
  83. GeorgeH
    Feb 27, 2007
    7
    It's good, but nowhere near Funeral.
  84. 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'.
  85. Erin
    Mar 11, 2007
    10
    There's no need to compare this album to Funeral, and its great anyways.
  86. MattT
    Mar 11, 2007
    10
    Neon Bible is changing my life.
  87. daveg
    Mar 12, 2007
    8
    pretty good, but no funeral
  88. TroyM
    Mar 12, 2007
    10
    Why would you want it to be like "Funeral"? This real music performed on real instruments, which is infinitely more interesting than the 'manufactured' music that is cluttering our world today.
  89. 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
  90. ScottW
    Mar 16, 2007
    5
    What happened to the Arcade Fire? They've abandoned their signature sound from the EP and Funeral just to sound gloomy and depressed. This album is average except for the song "No Cars Go" which is originally on the EP. The melodies are bland and Regine's voice sounds shrill and discordant, unlike her eerie and beautiful singing on Funeral. I think people are pretending the What happened to the Arcade Fire? They've abandoned their signature sound from the EP and Funeral just to sound gloomy and depressed. This album is average except for the song "No Cars Go" which is originally on the EP. The melodies are bland and Regine's voice sounds shrill and discordant, unlike her eerie and beautiful singing on Funeral. I think people are pretending the album is better than it really is because they don't want to sacrifice their view of the Arcade Fire as THE great band of the century.… Expand
  91. ByronTheBulb
    Mar 18, 2007
    9
    I don't quite understand why so many listeners are slagging this album. It's more ambitious than Funeral, with a more diverse, expansive sound. There's no one track that stands out as a hit single, but there are lots of amazing songs that grow on you if you give them a chance. My only complaint is that I could have done without the remake of "No Cars Go" from their first I don't quite understand why so many listeners are slagging this album. It's more ambitious than Funeral, with a more diverse, expansive sound. There's no one track that stands out as a hit single, but there are lots of amazing songs that grow on you if you give them a chance. My only complaint is that I could have done without the remake of "No Cars Go" from their first EP; it's not really an improvement on the original.… Expand
  92. 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
  93. michaelb
    Mar 22, 2007
    10
    It gets better with each listen. Just like the first one, really. No one I think thought every song on Funeral was fantastic the first few times they heard it. Likewise. There are a few songs that really do stand out immediately though. Black Mirror, Ocean of Noise, Antichrist Television Blues, Intervention (which I remember from their last tour) and the my current fave My Body is a Cage. It gets better with each listen. Just like the first one, really. No one I think thought every song on Funeral was fantastic the first few times they heard it. Likewise. There are a few songs that really do stand out immediately though. Black Mirror, Ocean of Noise, Antichrist Television Blues, Intervention (which I remember from their last tour) and the my current fave My Body is a Cage. That was on the first few listens, but the other songs now are establishing themselves in my mental jukebox too.… Expand
  94. 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
  95. RodneyG
    Mar 26, 2007
    10
    This is the best 2nd album that I've ever heard from any band. Instantly likeable, dare I say this may be close to my favorite of all time: NMH: Aeroplane? :/ hmm. damn.
  96. DMarsh
    Mar 29, 2007
    10
    I listened to Funeral at least 200 times and saw them live many times... and Neon Bible more than met my ridiculously high expectations. However, it doesn't really flow like an album should and I doubt that the live performances of this second batch of songs will match the energy of Wake Up and company.
  97. AdanT
    Mar 31, 2007
    10
    A lush wall of sound of an album; a recording that may as well sit with the best of the decade.
  98. ValdisP
    Apr 12, 2007
    10
    A fantastic CD and the best album of 2007 so far
  99. PondC
    Apr 17, 2007
    10
    The unpredictable moods and styles, lots of music instruments and vocal style are well differentiated them from other indy bands.
  100. thythi
    Apr 25, 2007
    10
    Hypnotic melodies, wall of sound, the perfect soundtrack for springtime...
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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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