Funeral
by Arcade Fire
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 1057 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 969 out of 1057
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 1057
  3. Negative: 63 out of 1057

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  1. JRSnell
    Nov 22, 2011
    10
    this album is stunning. by inventing a new indie genre, arcade fire produced one of the best albums of all time, and each song is a classic. the thematics of hostility, friendship and family are amazing executed throughout this piece of music. this is a crucial listen for any fan of indie music and those would search for realistic meaning in songs.
  2. spadenx
    Nov 29, 2011
    9
    While the album is nearly perfectly. The vocal quality does suffer on a few tracks and makes the lyrics of the song nearly non-understandable. However the album is just so good that you can over look this, Its simply a master piece.
  3. LosWochos
    Dec 14, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is my favorite album of the last decade, without any doubt! A true masterpiece! There isn´t much music out there that makes you wanna cry while listening.… Expand
  4. Juliakay337
    Mar 19, 2012
    10
    This album is amazing. Every time I listen, I get something new from it. The lyrics, the music, the vocals all go together perfectly to form something truly beautiful.
  5. mathmike
    Jul 9, 2012
    10
    I would give any of Arcade Fire's albums 10's in a heartbeat. Yes, some people say they aren't the best singers but that doesn't matter. Being a good singer isn't always what matters. They just put so much heart into their songs and every song is distinct and catchy. Win's (yes the main singer's name is Win) voice is powerful and the melodies are so intricate.
  6. moonman1994
    Jan 21, 2013
    10
    Simply a fantastic album. It is lyrically and musically deep. It also sports a wide variety of sounds. That's all that has to be said. I would highly recommend this album.
  7. axelkoch
    Feb 15, 2014
    10
    Arcade Fire didn’t redefine indie music with their 2004 debut Funeral, but immediately rose up to be one of the most talented acts in the scene due to this multifaceted debut improving with every listen. The seven-member-band from Canada masterfully compounds congenial riffs, interesting sound experiments, poetic verses, and sing-along choruses in the album’s ten tracks and not once failsArcade Fire didn’t redefine indie music with their 2004 debut Funeral, but immediately rose up to be one of the most talented acts in the scene due to this multifaceted debut improving with every listen. The seven-member-band from Canada masterfully compounds congenial riffs, interesting sound experiments, poetic verses, and sing-along choruses in the album’s ten tracks and not once fails to make a song stick in your head. It’s mostly dark subjects and sad stories the lyrics deal with, yet they still achieve to induce an uplifting sentiment in the listener – most notably in “Crown of Love”, a song about unrequited love that raises hopes by shifting into an upbeat finale I’d love to hop around to on one of Arcade Fire’s concerts. This is, amongst other things, playing a part in Funeral’s uniqueness and makes it one of the greatest releases of the 21st century, although I actually wouldn’t name any single track of the album on such a list. It is the collective product that is absolutely outstanding, combining dulcet campfire tunes, anthems, symphonies, and raw social criticism into a phenomenal whole.… Expand
  8. ocstud75
    Aug 1, 2012
    10
    I still listen to this at least once a week. Top to bottom, it really is damn close to a perfect album. Neighborhood #2 (Laïka) has always been my favorite track.
  9. dokwa
    Oct 30, 2012
    10
    Arcade Fire's debut album is a splendid album. There are really not much bands that fuses elements of rock, pop and classical/baroque music but they did a splendid job nonetheless. Its somber and melodic songs are pleasing to the ears. The lyrics about youth, death, and society join the moody tones so well. Win and Regine may not be much of a singer but they and their band stillArcade Fire's debut album is a splendid album. There are really not much bands that fuses elements of rock, pop and classical/baroque music but they did a splendid job nonetheless. Its somber and melodic songs are pleasing to the ears. The lyrics about youth, death, and society join the moody tones so well. Win and Regine may not be much of a singer but they and their band still released this beautiful album. Although, I find some of the songs being too dramatic, it is not enough to stop me from giving this album a 10/10.… Expand
  10. HSPLazerz
    Jan 22, 2015
    10
    The very best album I have ever listened to. Period. The emotions, the heart of this music, it's like nothing I've ever listened to. If you don't own it already, you better buy it now. Like, now, right right now. Like, right this very second.
  11. Prideguy94
    Dec 25, 2012
    10
    By far (and hands down) the greatest Indie Rock album currently out there. Such diversity is poured into a fine, magnificent masterpiece like this to show the world that you truly don't have to be born to write and sing music, but learn along the way to pick up these great strenghs in the music world.
  12. sharedsorrows
    Jan 17, 2013
    10
    Even in its darkest moments, Funeral exudes an empowering positivity to sharedsorrows.com. Slow-burning ballad "Crown of Love" is an expression of lovesick guilt that perpetually crescendos until the track unexpectedly explodes into a dance section, still soaked in the melodrama of weeping strings; the song's psychological despair gives way to a purely physical catharsis. The anthemicEven in its darkest moments, Funeral exudes an empowering positivity to sharedsorrows.com. Slow-burning ballad "Crown of Love" is an expression of lovesick guilt that perpetually crescendos until the track unexpectedly explodes into a dance section, still soaked in the melodrama of weeping strings; the song's psychological despair gives way to a purely physical catharsis. The anthemic momentum of "Rebellion (Lies)" counterbalances Butler's plaintive appeal for survival at death's door, and there is liberation in his admittance of life's inevitable transience. "In the Backseat" explores a common phenomenon-- a love of backseat window-gazing, inextricably linked to an intense fear of driving-- that ultimately suggests a conclusive optimism through ongoing self-examination. "I've been learning to drive my whole life," Chassagne sings, as the album's acoustic majesty finally recedes and relinquishes.… Expand
  13. jatv1994
    Apr 13, 2013
    8
    Although this genre its not my cup of tea; i must admit IT IS a masterpiece, and im sure if i liked more this type of music; id be my favorite album ever; 10 songs, 10 perfect melodies.
  14. revoltmedia
    Jun 25, 2013
    10
    Quite possibly the best album of the decade. The themes and lyrics are unparalleled and equate to one of the most affecting, and life-affirming debut records of all time. 9.8
  15. TimothyTuatara
    Aug 16, 2013
    8
    A very solid album that unfortunately is very overcelebrated. It has a lot of lovely moments but it just pales in comparison to other similar albums (The Glow Pt 2, ITAOTS)
  16. t_metzz
    Sep 5, 2013
    10
    By far the best album of 2004 and arguably one of the best albums ever record. From the raw emotion of a young Win Butler to the talent of many multi-instrumental artists, this album is flawless. The perfect coming of age album.
  17. Andremax
    Aug 20, 2018
    9
    Punk's energy and post-punk's sophistication at the same time which exhale beauty. Beautiful, intense and charming
  18. SteveBackMeta
    Nov 14, 2013
    9
    A modern masterpiece and one of the crowning achievements of indie rock and baroque pop. "Neighbourhood #1 (Tunnels)" is a heartbreaking tale of separation played to a soundtrack of sensitive piano and chiming guitars. "Power Out" is an invigorating tale, "Wake Up" is a rousing stadium anthem on childhood, "Haiti" blends in Regine's foreign heritage with the English language perfectly, andA modern masterpiece and one of the crowning achievements of indie rock and baroque pop. "Neighbourhood #1 (Tunnels)" is a heartbreaking tale of separation played to a soundtrack of sensitive piano and chiming guitars. "Power Out" is an invigorating tale, "Wake Up" is a rousing stadium anthem on childhood, "Haiti" blends in Regine's foreign heritage with the English language perfectly, and "Rebellion (Lies)" is probably one of the singles of the decade. A must-own.… Expand
  19. augdawgg
    Nov 1, 2013
    10
    Arcade Fire. This album. Where does a reviewer begin when trying to review such an amazing album. Funeral. This album is perfection. Perfection is Micheal Phelps, the evolutionary process of humans, Micheal Jackson, Tiger Woods, the honey crisp apple. The funeral is perfection. From start to finish it the songs play out like a book with 10 chapters. The raw unrefined sound is present,Arcade Fire. This album. Where does a reviewer begin when trying to review such an amazing album. Funeral. This album is perfection. Perfection is Micheal Phelps, the evolutionary process of humans, Micheal Jackson, Tiger Woods, the honey crisp apple. The funeral is perfection. From start to finish it the songs play out like a book with 10 chapters. The raw unrefined sound is present, accompanied by the raw emotion. This album is intense. The opening track, tunnels, is full of despair. Every track on this record has this feeling, this sense of contradiction, this bittersweet, lost but found, alone but at home, nostalgic feeling. A feeling felt at a funeral. I really want to empathize the nostalgic feeling because somehow this whole album has made me nostalgic. I can't explain this nostalgia maybe it's for those suburbs days, maybe its for anything I've felt. I am lost for words. Hidden in every track is this intense inner beauty which really sets it apart from all of Arcade Fire's other albums. In each song, when you dig and find those contradictions, as you listen you realize that each song is beautiful, and you find the album incredibly uplifting. My last point is that if you are still unconvinced about this album listen to Crown of Love and Wake Up. Those two songs will make you a fan no matter what.… Expand
  20. jotaeseche
    Jul 23, 2014
    10
    A truly masterpiece that shows beauty, style, passion and suffering better than any single other indie piece of work. A tremendously fantastic journey I would never like to get off of.
  21. MrWhiteBrBa
    May 9, 2014
    10
    As beautiful as this album is it thrives on its recurrent themes of a lost souls as it matches its title. It's stand out tracks are hard to identify Neighborhood #3 (Power Out), Rebellion, and Wake Up are anthems to indie tracks for days to remember. Funeral embarks on this wonderful story filled with sounds and silence.
  22. RamonGuerrero
    May 1, 2014
    10
    Arcade Fire has delivered us a perfect, relaxing masterpiece, that is unlike anything you will ever experience, with unforgettable, emotionally touching songs.
  23. Tombenelli
    Apr 9, 2014
    9
    Damn! What a great album. This really made a breakout in the music scene. After ''Funeral'' had come out, nothing was the same. All the album is built in order to reach ''Rebellion (lies)'', the masterpiece, THE song. Goosebumps. These are Arcade Fire. Great great album.
  24. Dartboard
    Mar 11, 2015
    10
    Lush, unique, beautiful, and has immediate replay value. One of the best albums of the 2000's, hands down. An absolute must-have for those who enjoy indie rock/alternative. It's a journey that can't be taken away.
  25. cjgalvin5
    Jul 22, 2015
    10
    This is my favorite album ever. After probably over hundreds of listens, I still don't get tired of it. Everything is perfectly placed. It amazes me that a group of humans actually made something so perfect. It's so emotional and moving, I can't help but have goosebumps every time I listen to it. Neighborhoods #1 sparkling pianos and coda are so nostalgic, it's unreal. Wake Up is so goddamThis is my favorite album ever. After probably over hundreds of listens, I still don't get tired of it. Everything is perfectly placed. It amazes me that a group of humans actually made something so perfect. It's so emotional and moving, I can't help but have goosebumps every time I listen to it. Neighborhoods #1 sparkling pianos and coda are so nostalgic, it's unreal. Wake Up is so goddam true and epic. Nothing more anthemic than the chorus in that one. Win Butler's screams on Neighborhoods #3 are just awesome and so poignant. Regine's howls to it out In the Backseat is the most emotional and bone-tingling thing in all of music. I can't even begin to describe the emotion off of that. The guitar race at the end Une Sans Lumiere is one of the most perfectly placed moments. Rebellion (Lies) is so refreshing and true.This album has ruined listening to other albums for me. I just keep comparing them to Funeral and nothing even comes close and I believe nothing ever will. Every song is so perfect and they balance each other out so well. This album shines with a golden beauty.… Expand
  26. Syott
    Jan 9, 2015
    7
    Arcade Fire siempre me pareció un grupo un tanto interesante, y cuando me di el tiempo de oír Funeral, ahí es cuando me di cuenta del porqué. En este álbum oirás canciones con trasfondos no muy comunes, tanto lírica como de forma melódica, destacando canciones como Haiti, Crown of Love, Rebellion (Lies).
  27. harrisonjr98
    Aug 16, 2015
    10
    Putting aside modern cliches in favor of inventing them, Arcade Fire join contemporaries such as the Strokes in defining the future of modern music. 9.5/10
  28. ShakiraKurosawa
    Sep 4, 2016
    10
    Love at first sight. I usually judge books by their title and albums by their cover. Since I first look at this I knew it would be great. And so it is and now I keep listening at it. I'm really involved in Crown of love but I honestly say that every single track is very enjoyable althought melancholic.
  29. CamdenRendell
    Jan 29, 2018
    10
    Arcade Fire's best. One of the greatest albums of the new millennium thus far.
  30. mellonhead
    Feb 5, 2018
    8
    This is a debut most bands should be proud of. Its songs are mostly good. It influenced most modern indie groups (unfortunately) and will stand as one of the best albums of the decade. Unfortunately, they're just a bit too annoying to love on this album
    GRADE: B+
    Favorite Songs: Neighborhood #1-4, Crown of Love, Rebellion (Lies) - ehh, it's a stretch, In The Backseat Least Favorite    This is a debut most bands should be proud of. Its songs are mostly good. It influenced most modern indie groups (unfortunately) and will stand as one of the best albums of the decade. Unfortunately, they're just a bit too annoying to love on this album
    GRADE: B+
    Favorite Songs: Neighborhood #1-4, Crown of Love, Rebellion (Lies) - ehh, it's a stretch, In The Backseat
    Least Favorite Songs: Une annee sans lumiere    … Expand
  31. Clint_Eastwood1
    Nov 20, 2017
    10
    Безусловно удачный дебют канадской рок-группы.Энергетика и ритм всегда были и остаются главным плюсом Arcade Fire,что и отличает их от других инди-рок артистов.
  32. DCMusicFan
    Oct 3, 2018
    10
    To be honest, it's hard for me to give any descriptors on how compelling and brilliant this LP is. Many are better than I am in describing this, though. And are there a lot of people that thing this LP is pure heaven. Which is true.
  33. All_ButTrU4
    Jun 7, 2022
    8
    Overrated for all the right reasons . Instant icon. A great album that suffers from keeping a few songs that shouldn't be included and disrupting their own momentum in sequencing.
  34. Fnn
    Jun 5, 2020
    10
    Perfection. All the songs are amazing. win butlers vocal performance is just stunning, and the opening track is one of the best songs ever written.
  35. RedGreyBlue
    Aug 20, 2021
    10
    Arcade Fire should run a candy store with this album. I feel spoiled listening to this. Fantastic debut album.
  36. Fuerstenberg
    Apr 12, 2022
    8
    Arcade Fire’s debut studio album "Funeral" – 8 out of 10.

    My favorites:
    "Rebellion (Lies)"
    "Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)"
    "Haiti"
    "Wake Up"

    ~ Fürstenberg
    April 12, 2022
  37. mw04
    May 13, 2022
    10
    So good. Individually the songs are excellent and it flows as an album.
    Tunnels and Laika set the scene perfectly.
    Une Année Sans Lumiere and 7 Kettles a great bit of respite either side of the brilliant Power Out (the name is very contradictory to the energy!) Crown of Love and Wake Up both good they both have side mood shifts. And the transition between Haiti and Rebellion!!!!    So good. Individually the songs are excellent and it flows as an album.
    Tunnels and Laika set the scene perfectly.
    Une Année Sans Lumiere and 7 Kettles a great bit of respite either side of the brilliant Power Out (the name is very contradictory to the energy!)
    Crown of Love and Wake Up both good they both have side mood shifts.
    And the transition between Haiti and Rebellion!!!! Rebellion the best song on the album and In The Backseat a fitting ending.    … Expand
  38. zmiy
    Jun 18, 2023
    8
    Не то чтобы этот альбом прямо ГРЕЙТЕСТ!!! Альбом не плохой, я б даже сказал хороший. Он достаточно легко слушается, но есть в нем и огрооомный минус. По факту альбом строится вокруг 4х треков, и это даже не скрывается (они называются одинаково, нейборхудами). Все остальные треки будто были накиданы для заполнения времени, чтобы альбом можно было назвать полноформатником. Некоторые из этихНе то чтобы этот альбом прямо ГРЕЙТЕСТ!!! Альбом не плохой, я б даже сказал хороший. Он достаточно легко слушается, но есть в нем и огрооомный минус. По факту альбом строится вокруг 4х треков, и это даже не скрывается (они называются одинаково, нейборхудами). Все остальные треки будто были накиданы для заполнения времени, чтобы альбом можно было назвать полноформатником. Некоторые из этих треков неплохие, но например шестой (crown of love) звучит как будто пьяный бомж у падика решил рассказать душераздирающюю историю о его сложной лайв. Седьмой трек тоже нудень с каким то закосам под филасофею. Из за двух откровенно слабых треков подряд я думал скипнуть альбом, хотя на нейборхудах я такой: "хм а крута". Последние два трека исправляют нудный муд, но осадочек остается.
    В принципе, можно оставить только нейборхуды и получится охуенное еп.
    Звучит альбом, как что-то между Боуи и Блек Кейс. Если кратко, то начало крутое(1-5), середина ...(6-7), конец(8-10) исправляется, но до первой части не дотягивает.
    Альбом в медиатеку добавил, ставлю лайк 8/10
    Лучший треки: Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels), Neighborhood #2 (Laïka)
    Худшие: Crown of Love, Wake Up    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best Album of 2004
1
#1 Most Discussed Album of 2004
3
#3 Most Shared Album of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. Almost Cool
    83
    If I were to have just heard the first half of the disc, I probably would have proclaimed it the best of the year as well.
    Read full review
  2. Pitchfork
    97
    So long as we're unable or unwilling to fully recognize the healing aspect of embracing honest emotion in popular music, we will always approach the sincerity of an album like Funeral from a clinical distance. Still, that it's so easy to embrace this album's operatic proclamation of love and redemption speaks to the scope of The Arcade Fire's vision.
    Read full review
  3. Dusted Magazine
    60
    Marred by indie-rock clichés and occasional over-effort, it remains frustrating.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »