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. WalterW
    Oct 23, 2004
    10
    Best album of the decade so far.... Or tied with The Moon and Antarctica - Modest Mouse, anyway.
  2. DavidN
    Feb 10, 2005
    10
    Arcade Fire's debut, Funeral, is automatically in the same category as The Stone Roses, Marquee Moon, and Is This It as one of the great debut albums in Rock history.
  3. cin
    Feb 24, 2005
    10
    Not since Turn on the Bright Lights have I been so obsessed with an album
  4. bobsaget
    Jan 8, 2006
    10
    Amazing. Just amazing. A band to look out for in the 00s.
  5. StevenH.
    Mar 8, 2008
    10
    Makes you want to be French.
  6. MarkB
    Oct 10, 2004
    10
    I saw Arcade Fire perform on stage in Guelph. I must say; their performance was great, when they played Wake Up, the entire floor started to move and groove with the rythym. The song just sounded amazing live. I experienced hearing loss for a day, but I didn't mind!
  7. SimonM
    Oct 10, 2004
    10
    Absolutely packed with some of the most uplifting, beautiful, life-affirming music I've heard. Not only is every track an asbolute gem but the album is greater than the sum its parts which, I think, is the sign of a truly great album. I have given it a 10 but I don't do this lightly, this is (unfortunately) as close to a perfect album as I'm ever likely to hear.
  8. BrendanPowers
    Sep 18, 2004
    10
    Best Album of the Year by far
  9. StevetheDude
    Sep 20, 2004
    10
    simply the best CD you can buy this year
  10. Danny
    Sep 20, 2004
    10
    I've had it about a week, and it's just about all that I've listened to. It's the type of album you force on your friends. And you can't really say anything except "good", and you don't have to.
  11. MarkL
    Oct 2, 2005
    10
    One of the best albums of the last decade.
  12. britth
    Jan 28, 2005
    10
    A friends suggested this album...my first intro to The Arcade Fire and i'm blown away. It's just stunning.
  13. AlexH
    Oct 7, 2005
    10
    This Cd is simply amazing beyond belief. There is at least one song on there to fit every mood.
  14. kristinr
    Feb 10, 2005
    10
    amazing!!!
  15. AlexandraB
    Feb 4, 2005
    10
    Tremendous album
  16. bobom
    Apr 4, 2005
    10
    The best Pop-Wave album of the decade.
  17. BobE
    Apr 9, 2005
    10
    This record is one of those infrequent masterpieces. A novel yet familiar sound, mixing atmosphere with thought provoking lyrics and accessibility. A gem.
  18. DannyD
    May 4, 2005
    10
    Wow!
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. 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.
  25. MHochwald
    Nov 2, 2004
    10
    I am keeping this album in my headphones and my headphones on my head just incase I have a near-death experience I can be pulled back to earth where Heaven truly exists thanks to the The Arcade Fire.
  26. AndrewB
    Oct 16, 2004
    10
    This really does top off the year. It's been on repeat for a while now. Just do yourself a favour and buy it. This is one of those times when the hype isn't unwarranted. I've heard that these guys are amazing live, although I haven't had the privilege of seeing them on stage.
  27. JasonD
    Nov 6, 2004
    10
    Incredible beyond belief. The Arcade Fire is a breath of fresh air that will take your breath away.
  28. AramisG
    Oct 4, 2004
    10
    So many of these new bands can't seem to manage putting out a totally good album. I can name the bands that have on one hand. The Arcade Fire would be my pinky then. They are a band that is totally open to everyone, without fashion constraints (and hopefully indie snob constraints too). Either Funeral or Antics (Interpol) is the best album of the year thus far. I like them both so I So many of these new bands can't seem to manage putting out a totally good album. I can name the bands that have on one hand. The Arcade Fire would be my pinky then. They are a band that is totally open to everyone, without fashion constraints (and hopefully indie snob constraints too). Either Funeral or Antics (Interpol) is the best album of the year thus far. I like them both so I will let someone else decide. Hopefully they sound this good in concert and continue to sound this good on their next album. I'll be there. … Expand
  29. Mbaids
    Oct 4, 2004
    10
    If you don't get it by buying or downloading it, I feel sorry for you. If you don't get it once you have it, I feel even worse. Outstanding.
  30. andrewr
    Oct 4, 2004
    10
    This record is going to endure. There's more here than a just a collection of amazing songs amazingly executed. You'd be hard pressed to find many other bands producing such mature lyrics at such an early stage. The art is phenomenal. Never a dull moment. Not just a great debut, but probably one of the best records of the past 5 years.
  31. MattC
    Jan 11, 2005
    10
    hands down the best album I've ever heard
  32. ChrisA
    Jan 16, 2005
    10
    An instant classic. At the top of my list for 2004.
  33. jgeilfuss
    Jan 21, 2005
    10
    this is the best album i've ever heard. they are even more incredible live.
  34. kellyb
    Jan 2, 2005
    10
    AWEsome
  35. ConorL
    Jan 2, 2005
    10
    There is no reason this album shouldn't be a 10 it is by far the best album of 2004 and possibly one of the greatest indie rock albums of all time and one of my favorite album of all time
  36. DavidC
    Jan 4, 2005
    10
    Probably one of the best albums I've ever purchased
  37. Karl
    Jan 4, 2005
    10
    Can't stop listening to it. Driving my girlfriend nuts!
  38. EricKH
    Feb 1, 2005
    10
    I have a big fat crush on Butler
  39. NikeshG
    Feb 5, 2005
    10
    Absolutely magnifiicent....uncut said the album would be reminiscent of a 19th century-style radiohead...which sounds about right.
  40. NeilT
    Mar 10, 2005
    10
    The best album I've heard in Indie Pop/Rock for years. I can't stop playing it.
  41. kristinr
    Mar 24, 2005
    10
    amazing!!!
  42. TomY
    Mar 6, 2005
    10
    An absolutely breathtaking and passionate debut.
  43. roussellem
    Apr 16, 2005
    10
    Absolutely the most beautiful thing I have heard in ages. It grow better with every listen. Makes me feel the power that really great music does have- the power to really make me- feel.
  44. Amanda
    Apr 23, 2005
    10
    Gorgeous
  45. CosmoM
    Apr 28, 2005
    10
    I - like many other listeners - upon first hearing this album, insisted I hadn't been so excited about a new band for ages. Without question one of the greatest debuts albums ever. Highly original. Combine the Talking Heads and early Bowie with Pixies, then throw in strings, piano and an accordion for good measure - and you merely scratch the surface. Been listening for a good 3 I - like many other listeners - upon first hearing this album, insisted I hadn't been so excited about a new band for ages. Without question one of the greatest debuts albums ever. Highly original. Combine the Talking Heads and early Bowie with Pixies, then throw in strings, piano and an accordion for good measure - and you merely scratch the surface. Been listening for a good 3 months now... still astonishing. Easily the best album of 2004 - a year filled with goood releases.… Expand
  46. RickyT
    May 12, 2005
    10
    what can i say absolutely heart stopping beautiful it brings tears to my eyes every time i listen to it
  47. GaryY
    May 20, 2005
    10
    Absolutely superb. It gets better with every play and combines passion and rawness with lush arrangements and immaculate songwriting. Every single song is great. Nothing better will be released this year. Fact. (UK)
  48. Tim
    Jun 10, 2005
    10
    Straight to the top of my pile without a doubt and now I'm trying as hard as possible to convert others to T.A.F. Get them over for a UK tour NOW
  49. IkeS
    Jul 12, 2005
    10
    Definetly the best album I've ever had the pleasure of listening to.
  50. ChadS
    Jul 4, 2005
    10
    The economy in which The Arcade Fire describes how it's not always a given that there's going to be a tomorrow in the chorus for "Rebellion(Lies)" is absolutely brilliant. The arrangement for this song is the best I've ever heard in the genre called indie rock. It also might be the best song about death ever recorded. The final go-around on the chorus is incredibly moving, The economy in which The Arcade Fire describes how it's not always a given that there's going to be a tomorrow in the chorus for "Rebellion(Lies)" is absolutely brilliant. The arrangement for this song is the best I've ever heard in the genre called indie rock. It also might be the best song about death ever recorded. The final go-around on the chorus is incredibly moving, and the musical backing suggests they're trying to bring the dead back to life by playing with passion and utter commitment to the whole notion of music as therapy. I think "Tunnels" is the other major track on this truly beautiful record. Superchunk was, and still, a great band, but the student has become the teacher. Merge Records rule!… Expand
  51. pedroa
    Aug 4, 2005
    10
    Arte; o poder da criação humana
  52. nicolasc
    Aug 7, 2005
    10
    Sound like a ton of bricks. A wall of emotion.
  53. OwenP
    Nov 30, 2006
    10
    My best album ever
  54. 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.
  55. AlanR
    Mar 28, 2006
    10
    Such a fresh sound, yet hints of the Taliking Heads in their glory!
  56. 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.
  57. JeffJ
    Jul 6, 2006
    10
    It's so emotional and brilliant. Funeral is one of the best albums I have ever heard.
  58. joshd
    Sep 5, 2006
    10
    Amazing album.
  59. PeteN
    Jan 2, 2007
    10
    Got this album a fair while back, still regular listening, and still as beautiful as ever.
  60. SeanV
    Mar 10, 2007
    10
    luv it, luv them
  61. MichaelC
    Mar 15, 2007
    10
    Deeper and more complex than anything released yet this decade, rivals OK Computer in some ways.
  62. 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.
  63. Joest
    Jun 3, 2007
    10
    Imaginative, emphatic, catchy and inspiring. And a debut? The best album of the year, hands down.
  64. 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.
  65. KarenO.
    Aug 10, 2007
    10
    Pure Class!! Will never go out of date a classic!
  66. RahulD
    Oct 7, 2008
    10
    Sensational. Amazing. Phenomenal. No words can simply describe this album. Rebellion (Lies) will sum up the entire record for you, but expect a lot more sounds. This is truly original and fresh.
  67. Onlineatron
    Oct 8, 2008
    10
    An amazing brilliant album that has you wanting to jump for joy, dance, sing and cry all at the same time!! Highlights included; Almost every track You need this album in your life.
  68. AidanK.
    Feb 29, 2008
    10
    This is just fantastic all the way through, more original than just about everyone.
  69. JamesM.
    Apr 4, 2008
    10
    One of the best albums of our generation.
  70. GarryK
    Sep 3, 2008
    10
    This album surpised me. I'm an avid elbow fan and was searching through the web for bands who "sounded like them." After long hours of searching, I came across arcade fire. One word - mesmerising!
  71. DavidY
    Jun 29, 2009
    10
    Simply the best Indie rock album of the decade, if not ever! Every song beautifully orchestrated, and the album provokes every emotion humanly possible!
  72. SimonM
    Oct 11, 2004
    10
    Absolutely packed with some of the most uplifting, beautiful, life-affirming music I've heard. Not only is every track an asbolute gem but the album is greater than the sum its parts which, I think, is the sign of a truly great album. I have given it a 10 but I don't do this lightly, this is (unfortunately) as close to a perfect album as I'm ever likely to hear.
  73. EloiP
    Nov 12, 2004
    10
    I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say this album, and this band, is reminiscent of the best of E.L.O. Good stuff...
  74. fadaadada
    Nov 20, 2004
    10
    it was amazing
  75. KyleB
    Nov 22, 2004
    10
    Oh. My. God. Best. Band. Ever.
  76. AndrewL
    Oct 17, 2004
    10
    I was an instant fan. I think this is the very best of the Canadian music I have heard so far this year....Maybe the best I've heard from a band this year, period, regardless of nationality. I'm just counting the days until this band explodes onto the national scene. They certainly deserve to be there, if they play their cards right. It's only been 24 hours since I heard I was an instant fan. I think this is the very best of the Canadian music I have heard so far this year....Maybe the best I've heard from a band this year, period, regardless of nationality. I'm just counting the days until this band explodes onto the national scene. They certainly deserve to be there, if they play their cards right. It's only been 24 hours since I heard this band for the first time, and I can't stop talking about them.… Expand
  77. JejeL
    Nov 8, 2004
    10
    The best album of the year!
  78. PoliceDiscoLights
    Dec 3, 2004
    10
    Hey, your old man should know, If you see a "shadow", something's there...
  79. maxv
    Oct 3, 2004
    10
    one of the best albums of the past few years. period.
  80. BrianJ
    Oct 7, 2004
    10
    Some people will no doubt be turned off by all the press and acclaim this album is getting. Forget about the hype that this album is getting, this is really a wonderful record. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up.
  81. TimD
    Sep 18, 2004
    10
    A fantastic album begining to end. Great for emo kids and pretentious indie folk alike. Plus if yr. a Kate Bush fan you'll be hard pressed to find a more apealing album this year. Ta Da! The Best Indie rock album The Wrens "Meadowlands."
  82. JonathanV
    Sep 19, 2004
    10
    Simply and completely wonderful. So explosive, gritty, enchanting and human. Its been sitting in my cd player on repeat for a couple days now.
  83. RyanM
    Sep 19, 2004
    10
    Much like Neutral Milk Hotel's "Aeroplane Over The Sea", this cd almost brought me to tears. I haven't heard anything quite like this for as long as I can remember. Take the vocals of "yours truely" Connor Oberst, orchestra feel of Godspeed Your Black Emperor, add a touch of the Polyphonic Spree and you have the ingredients of The Arcade Fire. This is the album of the year, Much like Neutral Milk Hotel's "Aeroplane Over The Sea", this cd almost brought me to tears. I haven't heard anything quite like this for as long as I can remember. Take the vocals of "yours truely" Connor Oberst, orchestra feel of Godspeed Your Black Emperor, add a touch of the Polyphonic Spree and you have the ingredients of The Arcade Fire. This is the album of the year, ahead of The Fiery Furnaces, Franz Ferdinand and !!!... it is that good.… Expand
  84. andy
    Sep 19, 2004
    10
    holy sh** this is good!
  85. Andy
    Sep 21, 2004
    10
    fantastic
  86. EdwardT
    Sep 20, 2004
    10
    its a ten hands down
  87. Greg
    Sep 22, 2004
    10
    Crown this the best of 2004
  88. LawrenceP
    Sep 26, 2004
    10
    The best LP of the year is also the most exciting.
  89. annaanna
    Jan 11, 2005
    10
    a record for a century
  90. FredH
    Nov 1, 2005
    10
    It's just about life, joy, sadness and hope.
  91. JM
    Jan 21, 2005
    10
    Wow, wow, wow! Saw this on so many 2004 top ten lists I had to check it out... Got it four days ago and haven't stopped listening yet... bot a bit addictive from the start and seems to be a big grower on top of that... Lots of twisted influences shine thru... I too hear bjork here, talking heads there, early opera Bowie here, spastic melodic pixies there, lots of Neutral Milk Hotel, Wow, wow, wow! Saw this on so many 2004 top ten lists I had to check it out... Got it four days ago and haven't stopped listening yet... bot a bit addictive from the start and seems to be a big grower on top of that... Lots of twisted influences shine thru... I too hear bjork here, talking heads there, early opera Bowie here, spastic melodic pixies there, lots of Neutral Milk Hotel, and good stuff everywhere... Now gotta get my wife sold so I can blast it at home and dance with my 3 year old... Get it!… Expand
  92. AnneL
    Jan 29, 2005
    10
    The first album of 2004 to grab me by the collar with the very first song and keep me listening through the whole CD. The lyrics drag me back again and again; it's a dream world--those tunnels.
  93. ke
    Jan 29, 2005
    10
    arcade fire yay!
  94. 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!
  95. StevenG
    Feb 15, 2005
    10
    Brilliant. uplifting. new. finally some "indie" music that doesn't have to prove anything. it's just good music that everyone can enjoy.
  96. DouglasP
    Feb 16, 2005
    10
    Gets better with every listening, and far more original than the other great albums of 2004.
  97. sonjan
    Feb 17, 2005
    10
    I love this band and can't hear enough from them.
  98. DrewG-Unit
    Feb 18, 2005
    10
    This is wicked, my brother made my listen to it and I enjoyed it like I enjoy waffles in the morning.
  99. z0ozz0o
    Feb 21, 2005
    10
    it's best
  100. NikB
    Feb 4, 2005
    10
    One of those albums thats simply covers every aspect of life. Some albums have alot to say... But this album pretty much said everything.
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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 »