WE
by Arcade Fire
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: May 6, 2022
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 29
  3. Negative: 1 out of 29
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. No Ripcord
    May 26, 2022
    60
    There’s lots to love but WE can’t match the power of the band’s first four records. Still, Arcade Fire’s returned rejuvenated after time in a cynical wilderness, ready to sing and dance against apathy. This album is worth it for that fact alone.
  2. Record Collector
    May 23, 2022
    60
    If Everything Now’s readings of media-age malaise leant towards the grindingly obvious, WE is a partial improvement, give or take singer Win Butler’s occasional clunking takes on modern-life exhaustion.
  3. Glide Magazine
    May 9, 2022
    60
    As a whole, WE is a fairly good album and would be better received if it wasn’t an Arcade Fire album.
  5. The Guardian
    May 5, 2022
    60
    If We isn’t a return to the standards Arcade Fire reached on their debut album Funeral or 2010’s The Suburbs, it’s an improvement on its predecessor, and quite possibly enough to avert a slow slide down the festival bills.
  6. Rolling Stone
    May 3, 2022
    60
    All of these gestures are deeply in earnest, and some of them even feel earned. But it’s hard not to hear We as the sound of a band hopefully setting things back in order, with better adventures to come.
  7. Sputnikmusic
    May 11, 2022
    52
    This may well be the group’s most sonically diverse outing yet, for good and for ill; even on the many occasions it isn’t convincing, it often manages enough novelty to entertain nonetheless, and Nigel Godrich's impeccable production job certainly makes the whole affair easy on the ears.
  8. PopMatters
    May 9, 2022
    50
    Somehow, Arcade Fire have created an album that’s one half an exciting return to form and the other a continuation of their worst impulses.
  9. The New York Times
    May 5, 2022
    50
    Despite its occasional moments of brilliance, “We” too often finds Arcade Fire stuck in a digital maze of its own design, ignoring the fact that it’s always sounded more at home off the grid.
  10. The Skinny
    May 3, 2022
    40
    It’s a record filled with trite sentiments and well-trodden musical ideas (or in some cases, badly-trodden).

Awards & Rankings

34
#34 Most Discussed Album of 2022

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 99 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 82 out of 99
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 99
  3. Negative: 5 out of 99
  1. CharlieL
    May 6, 2022
    10
    This is among their best works. Thoughtful, even dark, lyrics with well constructed music. Very theatrical in a sense. I am sure will dislikeThis is among their best works. Thoughtful, even dark, lyrics with well constructed music. Very theatrical in a sense. I am sure will dislike that theatricality but I enjoyed it.… Full Review »
  2. RamblingDavey
    May 6, 2022
    8
    This was essentially the album I was hoping for from Arcade Fire. It has the poignant lows, but there’s enough uplift and spirit to keep youThis was essentially the album I was hoping for from Arcade Fire. It has the poignant lows, but there’s enough uplift and spirit to keep you smiling grooving. The opening and closing tracks are wonderful, but for me it’s “Unconditional(Lookout Kid)” that really shines here. Infectious vocal hook, and just builds so nicely and then finishes impeccably, with some well placed vocal inflections. A solid 8 record, that may go to a 9 after repeated listens.… Full Review »
  3. jasonelman5
    May 6, 2022
    10
    An album that will surely be many peoples favourite arcade fire album. Belongs on the top shelf with the likes of funeral, neon bible, suburbsAn album that will surely be many peoples favourite arcade fire album. Belongs on the top shelf with the likes of funeral, neon bible, suburbs and reflektor. Arcade Fire albums are funny in that their rankings change depending on how you’re feeling and what’s going on in your life. I’m certain WE will join that equation.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »