The Suburbs
by Arcade Fire
  • Record Label: Merge
  • Release Date: Aug 3, 2010
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 792 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 732 out of 792
  2. Mixed: 28 out of 792
  3. Negative: 32 out of 792
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  1. FitJohn
    Aug 24, 2010
    3
    That's it? Funeral had 5 or 6 great songs, Neon Bible had maybe 3 good ones but mostly yawns. The Suburbs has no memorable song after the pretty good opener. At least 2 Canadian bands have produced better records this year: Broken Social Scene and the New Pornographers.
  2. JayTee
    Aug 31, 2010
    1
    Arcade Fire just might be the second most overrated and pretentious band around today (the top spot would have to go to Animal Collective). Every song on The Suburbs is bland and lacking in even the smallest amount of entertainment. Funeral had it's bareable moments, but their last two releases prove that music nowadays has been cheapened to lazy and boring melodies. It makes me shudder toArcade Fire just might be the second most overrated and pretentious band around today (the top spot would have to go to Animal Collective). Every song on The Suburbs is bland and lacking in even the smallest amount of entertainment. Funeral had it's bareable moments, but their last two releases prove that music nowadays has been cheapened to lazy and boring melodies. It makes me shudder to think great indie bands go unnoticed while the lame ones seem to thrive.… Expand
  3. fedelmason
    Feb 17, 2011
    2
    I just can't believe that this The Suburbs is the album of the year! This is SIMPLE CRAP! So long, so bored, i want my 64 minutes and 7 seconds of my life back!
  4. grosraton
    Apr 4, 2011
    0
    Not bad, if it wasn't of the sound quality. One of the most disappointing crap of all the music industry. Audiophiles, beware! Don't pay for it. You will not have more sound quality from the CD than from a 128kbps mp3. I'm serious, but conscious that only few people will notice what I'm talking about... especially those who recorded the album.
  5. Haldane
    Jan 20, 2023
    3
    Man, I wish I could get behind the hype of this album like I can for the later ones, but the only song I can come to like is the title track. Even that song requires a specific mood to be listened to, because it's not really conventionally emotional nor upbeat, it's kind of like watching a teenaged movie where you want to hide behind your skin because you feel both sad you're missing outMan, I wish I could get behind the hype of this album like I can for the later ones, but the only song I can come to like is the title track. Even that song requires a specific mood to be listened to, because it's not really conventionally emotional nor upbeat, it's kind of like watching a teenaged movie where you want to hide behind your skin because you feel both sad you're missing out on something but also that you're glad you're not an emotionally disruptive teenager therefore you have to miss out.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Best Album of 2010
8
#8 Most Discussed Album of 2010
15
#15 Most Shared Album of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 43 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 43
  3. Negative: 0 out of 43
  1. Expert Witness (MSN Music)
    Jan 5, 2011
    91
    With beats this straight and stolid, you'd better keep the anthems coming, and they do, almost.
    Read full review
  2. AllMusic
    80
    It's serious without being preachy, cynical without dissolving into apathy, and whimsical enough to keep both sentiments in line, and of all of their records, it may be the one that ages so well.
    Read full review
  3. Dusted Magazine
    90
    The Suburbs is a really good record, but it's clear that indie rock is not in Kansas anymore.
    Read full review
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