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. TimT.
    Oct 13, 2007
    9
    Simply filled with amazingly addictive, albeit unorthodox, hooks. Only a few tracks fall a little short, but even the songs that aren't incredible still have little somethings that make them fun. A great album in general, even if Win's voice is a little banshee-ish at times.
  2. Oligami
    Sep 1, 2007
    9
    It has that kind of music you've been waiting all your life to hear.
  3. KarenO.
    Aug 10, 2007
    10
    Pure Class!! Will never go out of date a classic!
  4. jayk
    Jul 20, 2007
    9
    Immense work,Neon bible does not compare in any way shape or form..
  5. StevenS
    Jul 15, 2007
    10
    Pablo, I'm not sure if you're intelligent enough to realize this, but that wasn't overproduction - it was the MEMBERS of the BAND the ARCADE FIRE who were playing those stringed instruments that are so rarely emphasized in music like this. A lot of people don't like Win Butlers voice because they can't grasp the fact that he's always constraining himself from Pablo, I'm not sure if you're intelligent enough to realize this, but that wasn't overproduction - it was the MEMBERS of the BAND the ARCADE FIRE who were playing those stringed instruments that are so rarely emphasized in music like this. A lot of people don't like Win Butlers voice because they can't grasp the fact that he's always constraining himself from being completely overwhelmed by emotion. As for the Bon Jovi statement, that you can even think that is pretty laughable as Bon Jovi is one of the most mainstream rock artists of all time and constantly falling into endles and repetitive cliches. Now, it's time for my review. To put it simply, I strongly feel that this album may just be the in the VERY small group of albums ranking as the absolute best of the 2000's. The album also is so strikingly emotional that it puts bands who label themselves as "emo," to absolute shame. The back story of the album makes some of the lyrics (as well as the instrumentation) even more powerful. I'm looking forward to what they do after Neon Bible.… Expand
  6. NabihaH.
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    Simply beautiful. This is one of the few albums where every song is worth listening to multiple times. Incredible...this is easily one of my favorite albums.
  7. Mike
    Jun 24, 2007
    10
    An amazing album! Perfect 10!!!!
  8. Joest
    Jun 3, 2007
    10
    Imaginative, emphatic, catchy and inspiring. And a debut? The best album of the year, hands down.
  9. Michael
    May 20, 2007
    10
    First, I hated it. Unlistenable. Then I realised all the nuances and violins and guitars and that majestic little solo burried in the third neighborhood and those last few lines from Régine. What an album.
  10. alexanderh
    Apr 27, 2007
    10
    Operatic, thrilling, beautiful, haunting, best album in many years; pumps heart into the blood; Like nothing you have heard before.
  11. EthanH
    Apr 19, 2007
    9
    Those guitars make a wonderful spider web that catch you while you are happily waiting for the big dramatic voiced spider to devour you and make a mind numbing and gorgeous journey inside the beast's stomach.
  12. VincentH
    Mar 20, 2007
    10
    A masterpiece...pure and simple. I would definitely argue that Arcade Fire are the most powerful and brilliant indie pop band since Neutral Milk Hotel. The lyrics, the melodies, the varied and precise instrumentation, the messiness, the honesty, the emotion...Arcade Fire makes the kind of music that can make you weep if you let it, and you should.
  13. MichaelC
    Mar 15, 2007
    10
    Deeper and more complex than anything released yet this decade, rivals OK Computer in some ways.
  14. SeanV
    Mar 10, 2007
    10
    luv it, luv them
  15. ChrisJ
    Mar 9, 2007
    10
    I must have listened to Funeral 100 times when I first bought it, shortly after it came out. The Arcade Fire's new album, while good, mostly just made me want to go back and listen to the first one, which I did. I am even more amazed now by the originality and musicality of these songs. There's so much energy--rhythmic, harmonic, vocal, and lyrical. Neighborhood #2 and Wake Up I must have listened to Funeral 100 times when I first bought it, shortly after it came out. The Arcade Fire's new album, while good, mostly just made me want to go back and listen to the first one, which I did. I am even more amazed now by the originality and musicality of these songs. There's so much energy--rhythmic, harmonic, vocal, and lyrical. Neighborhood #2 and Wake Up have to be two of the best songs of the decade.… Expand
  16. RandyD
    Mar 3, 2007
    10
    Best album of the decade
  17. MattA
    Mar 2, 2007
    10
    Arrrggghhh! So good. So powerful. Each song is complex, and beautiful. You just have to listen to it do understand.
  18. mickc
    Feb 23, 2007
    10
    one of the most beautiful works i've bought
  19. LucasK
    Feb 17, 2007
    10
    This album is so beautiful and amazing that it fucks w/ your mind.
  20. LukeT
    Feb 17, 2007
    10
    shear beauty
  21. MarkD
    Feb 6, 2007
    9
    The first album/band since Radioheads OK Computer to really make me sit up and say "wow". Ther's a sublety and originality that the over hyped likes of The Artic Monkeys and awful Kaiser Chiefs can only dream of; Just listen to "In the back Seat" with its dips and climaxes and complex arrangement. Not every song is great and it may take you a few listens but no other band around at The first album/band since Radioheads OK Computer to really make me sit up and say "wow". Ther's a sublety and originality that the over hyped likes of The Artic Monkeys and awful Kaiser Chiefs can only dream of; Just listen to "In the back Seat" with its dips and climaxes and complex arrangement. Not every song is great and it may take you a few listens but no other band around at the moment combines great melody with artestry and raw emotion like "The Fire".… Expand
  22. MattK
    Feb 5, 2007
    10
    Simply an amazing debut album!
  23. Amanda
    Jan 21, 2007
    9
    Gorgeous
  24. StevenC
    Jan 21, 2007
    10
    One of the best albums of all-time
  25. PeteN
    Jan 2, 2007
    10
    Got this album a fair while back, still regular listening, and still as beautiful as ever.
  26. TedH
    Dec 27, 2006
    9
    an excellent album each song leads into the next however some of it is repetative, the songs are very similar but very good
  27. omaro
    Dec 9, 2006
    10
    This Album is the musical equivalent to Fireworks , it's that good, scratch that Monumental.
  28. JoshuaF
    Dec 3, 2006
    10
    Simply put: amazing. The third time through, I was hanging on every note, anticipating the climaxes in the songs, and even rewinding to hear them again.
  29. OwenP
    Nov 30, 2006
    10
    My best album ever
  30. PaulT
    Oct 21, 2006
    10
    Simply amazing, no way to doubt it.
  31. Stefanos
    Oct 2, 2006
    10
    A masterpiece, that's for sure. A little weird and very hard to compare to something because they sound unlike anything I've heard so far. This album just has a warm, radiant glow about it, as silly as that may sound. Give it a try, you'll love it.
  32. Capu
    Sep 13, 2006
    10
    beautiful, chilling, haunting, but amazing... album of the year... and so much more.... and tunnels is one of the greatest pieces of music ever written...
  33. joshd
    Sep 5, 2006
    10
    Amazing album.
  34. ZachP
    Aug 29, 2006
    8
    On firdst listen, I was floored. However, on furthur listens, it gets less and less exciting. But the truth is is that they are a very exciting band to watch.
  35. JeffF
    Aug 13, 2006
    10
    Spectacular album.
  36. ZacF
    Jul 18, 2006
    10
    beautiful....
  37. LukeBD
    Jul 13, 2006
    9
    Quite frankly one of the best albums ever!
  38. Jack
    Jul 12, 2006
    10
    Album of the year
  39. Danilio
    Jul 9, 2006
    9
    A classic album, I rarely give 10/10 but I was extremley tempted with this. With repeated listens you discover more layers and therefore gets better with every listem. This album will last and last, hopefully someone will listen to this album in 15-20 years time and get the same emotional effect I did.
  40. JeffJ
    Jul 6, 2006
    10
    It's so emotional and brilliant. Funeral is one of the best albums I have ever heard.
  41. AlvinT
    Jul 3, 2006
    10
    Best Album of 2004. No question. (2005 was Picaresque). I would kill my best friend just for a solid release date on their follow-up to Funeral.
  42. AndrewS
    May 30, 2006
    10
    "Funeral" is to a work of vibrant art as most pop albums are a study in one "color" or two.
  43. AzureP
    May 26, 2006
    10
    i love this album sooooo much.
  44. JaimeZ
    May 23, 2006
    10
    An instant classic. Superb, wonderful, shadowy, ironical and sometimes sad. The winter feels in every song.
  45. JimH
    May 13, 2006
    9
    Rich. More proof of Canada's amazing talent pool.
  46. AlanR
    Mar 28, 2006
    10
    Such a fresh sound, yet hints of the Taliking Heads in their glory!
  47. TomC
    Mar 27, 2006
    10
    this is a breath takingly great album, i have fallen in love with rebellion/lies, the harmonies, the piano, everything about it! fantastic
  48. PhilipS
    Mar 22, 2006
    10
    A magical, mysterious, wonderful, beautiful, elegant album. Lyrically superb and if you understand the context to the album then you realise how wonderful this album is. Flawless
  49. williamo
    Mar 9, 2006
    10
    essential, classic, masterpiece, white album....
  50. GeoffB
    Feb 17, 2006
    10
    The album that drew me in to indie music. The only album that plays in myhead threwout the day like a soundtrack of my life. It is and will forever be my favorite album.
  51. Kev
    Feb 17, 2006
    10
    Tiny Mix Tapes says:"One of the best albums of the year, hands down." I say: "One of the best album ever, hands down."
  52. MarkF
    Feb 16, 2006
    7
    It may be a 9+ for many, and I'm not saying they're wrong, but for me it's a 7 (quite enjoyable). Lyrically very rich and worth following the printed sheet, and musically, some nice arrangements. But here's my problem. It goes like this: 1-2-3-4, 1-2-3-4 (chord change) 1-2-3-4,1-2-3-4 (chord change). Are they ashamed of their vocals? Every time the pace drops they It may be a 9+ for many, and I'm not saying they're wrong, but for me it's a 7 (quite enjoyable). Lyrically very rich and worth following the printed sheet, and musically, some nice arrangements. But here's my problem. It goes like this: 1-2-3-4, 1-2-3-4 (chord change) 1-2-3-4,1-2-3-4 (chord change). Are they ashamed of their vocals? Every time the pace drops they bring in a string quartet to cover up the voices.… Expand
  53. danp
    Feb 13, 2006
    10
    one of the best albums ever made
  54. venusinfurs
    Jan 30, 2006
    10
    gorgeous...take a deep breath before listen to...
  55. aftonc
    Jan 22, 2006
    10
    Funeral has become a subtle addiction. The shear imensity of this album begs the listener to return again and again.
  56. SimonS
    Jan 18, 2006
    10
    THERE ISN"T ONE BAD SONG ON THIS ALBUM! Even if I love a band there are always songs that I dislike on an album. NOt this one somehow. The songs are also epic too. Best Album of 2004.
  57. henryt
    Jan 9, 2006
    9
    There is a sense of urgency and freshness that the rest of indie rock just can't manufacture, Makes Coldplay and U2 sound uttery irrelevant and bloated. Best album I've heard in 10 years.
  58. Andrew
    Jan 9, 2006
    10
    This album finds beauty in a time of grief, the most amazing album i have heard this year. Each song is perfectly crafted to depict a different emotion, 10. 10. 10
  59. bobsaget
    Jan 8, 2006
    10
    Amazing. Just amazing. A band to look out for in the 00s.
  60. HeitorV
    Jan 3, 2006
    10
    This album is the best one released in 2005
  61. Rob
    Jan 3, 2006
    10
    A masterpiece that will be amongst the albums of the decade, let alone the year. Thrillingly original, this really does reaffirm your faith in music.
  62. DanielS
    Jan 2, 2006
    8
    Quite a find. Their approach may at first seem overly emotional, but it's delivered with unique song structures and unmistakeable honesty. There are some real gems: It make take repeated listens for a , but for me, it just gets better and better.
  63. SeamusM
    Dec 29, 2005
    10
    Absolutely deadly.A brilliant Mesiterwerk!A masterpeice!A tour de force! A musical hurricane!!
  64. kitty
    Dec 21, 2005
    10
    Emoational, beautiful sensational!
  65. JohnS
    Dec 18, 2005
    10
    brilliant album and fantastic live band
  66. SKlein
    Dec 12, 2005
    10
    Incredible, fantastic, perfect!
  67. Rick
    Dec 8, 2005
    9
    This is an album you'll like whether you like it or not
  68. KrisB
    Nov 24, 2005
    10
    When I first heard The Arcade Fire, it was on MTV. My first impression of the band was that they were just some generic indie sensation of the week. After reading the reviews on Metacritic, I decided to give it a listen. (Imagine: Pitchfork actually liking something. That's basically what did it for me.) The first time I listened to the entire album, I recognized the artistic talent When I first heard The Arcade Fire, it was on MTV. My first impression of the band was that they were just some generic indie sensation of the week. After reading the reviews on Metacritic, I decided to give it a listen. (Imagine: Pitchfork actually liking something. That's basically what did it for me.) The first time I listened to the entire album, I recognized the artistic talent of the band. However, (and this is the funny part) I felt nothing when i heard it. The second time I listened to it I came to a conclusion: I was emotionally dead when it came to non-instrumental(ie. Godspeed) music that I had actually developed a talent for recognizing good music while keeping my emotions a safe distance away. I'm sure this was either a product of listening to too much music or letting myself settle into a comfortable little rut. I am incredibly grateful to The Arcade Fire for awakening a part of me that I had forgotten about; the same part of me that first stirred when I heard OK Computer.… Expand
  69. TaylorE
    Nov 22, 2005
    10
    Best CD possibly ever. I got this CD in December, 3 months after it came out. I've been completely hooked on them ever since. They're now my favourite band. As I right this I'm listening to No Cars Go on their EP. I've been to there concert with Wolf Parade and Bell Orchestre. One of the best times of my life. This CD is simply amazing. Go out and buy it right at this Best CD possibly ever. I got this CD in December, 3 months after it came out. I've been completely hooked on them ever since. They're now my favourite band. As I right this I'm listening to No Cars Go on their EP. I've been to there concert with Wolf Parade and Bell Orchestre. One of the best times of my life. This CD is simply amazing. Go out and buy it right at this moment, now. Go, I say!… Expand
  70. MattD
    Nov 21, 2005
    10
    It is really stunning just how good this album is - right up there with 'boy in da corner' and 'agætis byrjun' for heralding the next best thing in music, and scrapping away for album of the century. Really
  71. BenS
    Nov 21, 2005
    8
    Rarely are albums so thrilling, original and intense, love it
  72. digitalfreefall-
    Nov 18, 2005
    10
    Arcade Fire, my faith had been lost in the artists of my generation. You have awoken part of my soul that had for an age seemed lost, i am forevert in your gratitude. Love DigitalFreeFall
  73. rorymc
    Nov 12, 2005
    10
    this is why i love music so much...this album is like a drug, each play makes you more of an arcarde fire addict...superb!!
  74. Blackeye
    Nov 11, 2005
    10
    Like you winning the lottery every time you listen.
  75. FredH
    Nov 1, 2005
    10
    It's just about life, joy, sadness and hope.
  76. wakeup
    Oct 31, 2005
    10
    This simply an amazing band. This album is great and their first album ( yes the one before funeral) is also a jem. Don't miss them!
  77. AliC
    Oct 19, 2005
    9
    What a record. An extraordinary album about death and grief that is paradoxically uplifting and never for a moment indulgent. This is music of rare power, and an album that grows and grows and grows. Genius is not dead.
  78. Everton
    Oct 15, 2005
    10
    The most beautiful album of the year. A great and stylish way of being sad.
  79. ElizabethP
    Oct 11, 2005
    10
    Terrific cd. This is the best band in the world and I can't wait for their next album. FiINALLY, a band that lives up to the hype!
  80. AlexH
    Oct 7, 2005
    10
    This Cd is simply amazing beyond belief. There is at least one song on there to fit every mood.
  81. EffE
    Oct 6, 2005
    9
    My favorite album in a while. I think Funeral is one of the best first album ever. A couple of songs are just ok (hence the 9), but most of them are amazing. Buy it ! And get their self-titled demo, there are good songs on it too.
  82. MarkL
    Oct 2, 2005
    10
    One of the best albums of the last decade.
  83. MusicMaven
    Sep 27, 2005
    10
    I've waited to comment on this for a while. Just let it sink in over the last year or so. And I've come to the conclusion that this is a true classic that will stand the test of time. The fist-pumping anthems and slow-burning ballads both have a naked emotional intensity. The lush music, with its brilliantly timed tempo shifts and unexpected codas, never seems to get old. If you I've waited to comment on this for a while. Just let it sink in over the last year or so. And I've come to the conclusion that this is a true classic that will stand the test of time. The fist-pumping anthems and slow-burning ballads both have a naked emotional intensity. The lush music, with its brilliantly timed tempo shifts and unexpected codas, never seems to get old. If you are a music fan, you owe it to yourself to check it out!… Expand
  84. CarlosF
    Sep 22, 2005
    9
    Astounding music and words that bring you the feeling of knowing more and explore -with open heart and mind- the hidden beautiful of being alive.
  85. MatthewH
    Sep 22, 2005
    10
    A truly rich, impressive album
  86. Spnogeee
    Sep 7, 2005
    9
    Sick album!!! Every track is hot!!! and as a whole, the album is a complete package. These guys can actually play...unlike most crap bands...holla at ya boi!
  87. AnnaJ
    Sep 7, 2005
    10
    The music is as wonderful as the inspired conceptual lyrics. The Arcade Fire blow my brains but carefully put it back together afterwards. And then it's like they were never there to start with.
  88. NathanK
    Sep 7, 2005
    9
    What an amazing record. Funeral is glued in my CD player! I cant stop listening to it. Gripping songs take you on a journey with great melodies and wonderful drum rifts. BRILLIANT!
  89. kristinr
    Sep 6, 2005
    9
    amazing!!!
  90. BenD
    Sep 2, 2005
    10
    Hmm, Funeral has been getting a lot of good reviews. Perhaps a few too many good reviews...Nah, who am I kidding? Funeral is awesome. Buy it.
  91. SylvainT
    Aug 9, 2005
    10
    Absolutely "magnifique"! Even my mom likes it.
  92. nicolasc
    Aug 7, 2005
    10
    Sound like a ton of bricks. A wall of emotion.
  93. AdamT
    Aug 4, 2005
    10
    From beginning to end, this is an album of engrossing emotion, nearly all the songs are brilliantly orchestrated, if not simply amazing. The lyrics at first may seem too dramatic, but end up creating a sense of awe in it's deep anthems.To me this is the best debut album made, if not the best in recent years.
  94. pedroa
    Aug 4, 2005
    10
    Arte; o poder da criação humana
  95. kellyb
    Aug 1, 2005
    10
    AWEsome
  96. paulj
    Jul 29, 2005
    10
    Incredibly melodic and haunting record. It brings the return of real emo without the desperately shallow lyrics of Dashboard and the ridicuous whining of other emo indie bands.
  97. jacok
    Jul 29, 2005
    9
    Different, strange, nice
  98. Mark
    Jul 27, 2005
    10
    Unreal. And if you think the album is good, see them live. Believe me, you haven't heard these songs until you've heard them live.
  99. bigboi
    Jul 23, 2005
    10
    One of the best albums ever. tunnels-10/10 laika-10/10 une anne sans lummiere-8/10 powerout-9/10 kettles-8.5/10 crown of love-10/10 wake up-8.5/10 haiti-8/10 rebellion-10/10 the backseat-8/10 overall-9/10 ~SO awesome. get it now
  100. KarlaM
    Jul 13, 2005
    10
    Doesn't sound like anything out there today. Amazing!
Page:

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 »