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. pedroa
    Aug 4, 2005
    10
    Arte; o poder da criação humana
  2. kellyb
    Aug 1, 2005
    10
    AWEsome
  3. erikk
    Jul 31, 2005
    1
    saw them on conan and sounded good but straining vocals make almost unlistenable. seriously. as much hype as the rapture and twice as disappointing. save your indie money for spoon, stellastarr, bsp...
  4. 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.
  5. jacok
    Jul 29, 2005
    9
    Different, strange, nice
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. KarlaM
    Jul 13, 2005
    10
    Doesn't sound like anything out there today. Amazing!
  9. IkeS
    Jul 12, 2005
    10
    Definetly the best album I've ever had the pleasure of listening to.
  10. 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
  11. MikeF
    Jun 28, 2005
    10
    Amazing stuff. Nearly all of the songs are great.
  12. MattP
    Jun 27, 2005
    10
    had me holding back tears when I first listened to it. The only album that can stand besides 'SMiLE' as album of the decade.
  13. Isaac
    Jun 18, 2005
    10
    on a journey through the sleepy village of mediocrity it moves unnoticed, not a sound. Arcade Fire awaken only the well listed ears. truly the thinkers music. truly magnificent.
  14. MyriamS
    Jun 15, 2005
    10
    I get giddy when I hear new music I love. And that doesn't happen too often. The Arcade Fire is going to burn through the rocking world!
  15. BernieB
    Jun 14, 2005
    3
    I must really not get it, or perhaps this is just the bandwagon to jump on, but to me there is something seriously lacking with Funeral. Three maybe four decent tracks, but the rest I'd skip. Overall, not worth my time, not the album of the year, and certainly not the best Canadian indie-rock band. (Most of those records don't even get released stateside. I guess we Americans I must really not get it, or perhaps this is just the bandwagon to jump on, but to me there is something seriously lacking with Funeral. Three maybe four decent tracks, but the rest I'd skip. Overall, not worth my time, not the album of the year, and certainly not the best Canadian indie-rock band. (Most of those records don't even get released stateside. I guess we Americans have a jones for mediocrity?)… Expand
  16. 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
  17. matta
    May 27, 2005
    9
    Very torn with this album becuase the songs that work, which is most of them, are some of the best songs I have ever heard (Neighborhood #2, Crown of Love). Still, this is definetely one of the ten best releases of 2004 and more proof that canadian indie rock is catching up with american indie.
  18. TheMan
    May 27, 2005
    10
    What can I say? Breathtaking! Rebellion (Lies) is one of the best songs I've heard in ages!
  19. nicolas
    May 27, 2005
    10
    Amazing!! both raw(guitars) and subtil(xylo, piano, violin ...) almost all songs are really good, love the crescendos and the final melodies of some (lies, crow melody) which would be the album's main melody of a lot of others bands, sure they have plenty of songs still in their bags
  20. JessH
    May 21, 2005
    10
    Coachella was awsum.... They are upbeat and still care about the people who really listen to them
  21. 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)
  22. 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
  23. nico
    May 11, 2005
    9
    Very amazing songs except maybe the slowest ones. Both complex and emotional, hard to find a better album this year.
  24. DannyD
    May 4, 2005
    10
    Wow!
  25. 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
  26. Amanda
    Apr 23, 2005
    10
    Gorgeous
  27. robertd
    Apr 20, 2005
    10
    This is the best album i have heard in a long time, possibly ever. I don't ever remember being this excited about a new band. It hit me the first time i listened to it, the music is so beautiful and emotional, i can't believe they are this good on their debut album!
  28. KevinK
    Apr 18, 2005
    10
    "Funeral" is one of the few albums that actually deserves a "10". Consider early 80's "The Cure", modified by better "lo-fi" production, more dynamic musical score, and an unbelievable raw energy, and you'll get an idea of what this album is like. This album is solid from top to bottom. There is nothing revolutionary about this album; it's simply one of the best "indie "Funeral" is one of the few albums that actually deserves a "10". Consider early 80's "The Cure", modified by better "lo-fi" production, more dynamic musical score, and an unbelievable raw energy, and you'll get an idea of what this album is like. This album is solid from top to bottom. There is nothing revolutionary about this album; it's simply one of the best "indie rock" albums you'll ever hear. This album is only surpassed by their live shows.… Expand
  29. MarD
    Apr 16, 2005
    9
    Le doy un 9 porque estoy segura de que todo se puede mejorar. En cualquier caso es un conjunto de canciones magnéticas. Mágica ensoñación vocal y soñora... Perdonad que haya escrito en español; mi inglés es terrible.
  30. 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.
  31. DanC
    Apr 14, 2005
    10
    Simply one of the greatest of all time. Not to mention that it is their debut. But the album fails in comparison to their powerful carthatic shows that will you speechless. Simply put this album is meant to change your fucking life. And it will.
  32. TimM
    Apr 13, 2005
    10
    OMFG ORGASM!
  33. KonstantinosC
    Apr 11, 2005
    10
    Art and power in an out-of-time and out-of-styles record ! Excellent !
  34. 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.
  35. Marc-AndreB
    Apr 5, 2005
    9
    It's probably the best album i've heard this year...and we are in april!!! It's been a while that i've been shivering listening music. For a debut album, i have one word: SOLID! My disc player is having a rough time these days because of this CD... it's really addictive. Bravo!!!
  36. JohnM
    Apr 5, 2005
    9
    Only had itn three days but im already researching this band every whilst i sit here and do nothing at work. Pisses all over all these shite NME hyped bands such as Kaiser Chiefs, Franz Ferdinand and The Others (truly awful). Beautiful, engaging music. Overtaken Interpol as my favourite band.
  37. bobom
    Apr 4, 2005
    10
    The best Pop-Wave album of the decade.
  38. LaikaH
    Mar 29, 2005
    10
    I DONT KNOW HOW I LIVED WITH OUT THIS ALBUM!! This is the best album, and quite possibly the best band, I have ever heard. The serious foot-stomping tune of Power Out(Nbr #3) is mesmerizing and Rebellion is an amazing song
  39. MagnusV
    Mar 28, 2005
    9
    An excellent CD. Great catchy lyrics, vocals, and insturmentals. Good depth. A tad pretentious though, and Regine Chassagne's voice is irritating. Look for Neighbourhood #1 (Tunnels), #3 (Powerout), #4 (7 Kettles), Crown of Love, and Rebellion (Lies).
  40. ag
    Mar 28, 2005
    10
    Probably the best of all the new albums this year so far, an outstanding achievement.
  41. PaulMcK
    Mar 25, 2005
    9
    Great stuff, a Wonderful mixture of styles & instruments, emotions & lyrics.
  42. JoshO
    Mar 25, 2005
    10
    The best album ever. I love the combination as "va deemee" stated. The accordion and orchestra collaborate perfectly. Butler's lyrics are mesmerizing and every song they have. This is my favorite band now.
  43. kristinr
    Mar 24, 2005
    10
    amazing!!!
  44. evil
    Mar 22, 2005
    10
    Brilliant, best cd of last year. And there were some great cds last year too.
  45. vadeemee
    Mar 21, 2005
    9
    The sparkling combination of a rocking rhythm section, repeating guitars-riffs, folky accordeon+xylophone and oriental sounding violon and the intrigueing singing. This debut album gave me goose-pickles, which is very rare with me (for instance, i had it with boy-u2). It might be a one-day-fly, but still with the joy of the best one-night-stand i've ever had!
  46. LeMolusque
    Mar 19, 2005
    10
    I don't konw how to put this one out of my cd player. I tried the Open button, i also put my stereo and the record in flames, but Win Butler's voice sounds in my head over and over : "and if the storm..."
  47. JonE
    Mar 17, 2005
    8
    v good
  48. PascalV
    Mar 14, 2005
    10
    Their intense emotion is not much seen nowdays, sadly enough...
  49. TagomagoT.
    Mar 13, 2005
    10
    Beautiful and exhilirating. This is a stunning album.
  50. AdamE
    Mar 12, 2005
    10
    AMAZING! OMFG!
  51. NeilT
    Mar 10, 2005
    10
    The best album I've heard in Indie Pop/Rock for years. I can't stop playing it.
  52. TomY
    Mar 6, 2005
    10
    An absolutely breathtaking and passionate debut.
  53. JonG.
    Feb 28, 2005
    9
    This album is really quite strong throughout musically and in terms of lyrics (I'm not making any concessions on lyrics. It's all good). This coming from a 'gusher' who has had more than enough experience with 'beauty' and 'originality'.
  54. BenR.
    Feb 26, 2005
    10
    A great CD... it's just high quality stuff. Original, interesting, and well thought-out. The Arcade Fire rawk. ;-)
  55. jao
    Feb 26, 2005
    5
    Man, I really wanted to like this album, I really did. I heard so many good things about it that I just had to listen. And I have to admit, at first listen, I was impressed. I can seriously appreciate the music, it's authentic and upbeat which makes it something I want to hear more often these days. On the bad side, the lyrics do absolutley no justice to the musically powerful songs Man, I really wanted to like this album, I really did. I heard so many good things about it that I just had to listen. And I have to admit, at first listen, I was impressed. I can seriously appreciate the music, it's authentic and upbeat which makes it something I want to hear more often these days. On the bad side, the lyrics do absolutley no justice to the musically powerful songs on Funeral. Some of the lines made me embarrassed to even be listening to this. Add the fact that it sounds like the guy just got out of bed and recorded his voice in his bedroom and this record really doesn't hold up to some of the great albums being released lately. Come on people don't jump on the bandwagon because you've heard how great this band is. how can you enjoy an album with lines like : "Come on Alex, you can do it, come on Alex, theres nothin to it. If you want somethin, don't ask for nothin. If you want nothin, don't ask for somethin" So weak, how can people who seriously enjoy music let these guys get away with lines like that? I et more and more annoyed with every listen.… Expand
  56. cin
    Feb 24, 2005
    10
    Not since Turn on the Bright Lights have I been so obsessed with an album
  57. StephenW
    Feb 24, 2005
    7
    A beautiful and promising start, but then the album ambles mighty close to Bright Eyes territory. Some nice moments, but the gushing praise this album has received would suggest limited experience with 'beauty' and 'originality' on the part of the gushers.
  58. z0ozz0o
    Feb 21, 2005
    10
    it's best
  59. 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.
  60. sonjan
    Feb 17, 2005
    10
    I love this band and can't hear enough from them.
  61. DouglasP
    Feb 16, 2005
    10
    Gets better with every listening, and far more original than the other great albums of 2004.
  62. DennisD
    Feb 16, 2005
    9
    awesome cd... would give it a 9.5 if I could... I guess we'll just have to adjust.
  63. 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.
  64. HelenW
    Feb 11, 2005
    9
    I haven't heard the whole album yet, but what I've heard I love. The sound, to me, is evocative of Native American influences: ancient, mournful, euphoric and yet anguished at the same time. And very here and now.
  65. 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.
  66. kristinr
    Feb 10, 2005
    10
    amazing!!!
  67. sarahd
    Feb 8, 2005
    10
    best record i've heard in a while
  68. NikeshG
    Feb 5, 2005
    10
    Absolutely magnifiicent....uncut said the album would be reminiscent of a 19th century-style radiohead...which sounds about right.
  69. 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.
  70. AlexandraB
    Feb 4, 2005
    10
    Tremendous album
  71. RussA
    Feb 4, 2005
    4
    I have to say that I agree with all the professional reviewers and the others who have written in about this album and this band. I have heard a number of the songs on the internet and saw them live on Conan the other night. Everyone mentions how moving and profound their music is, and I agree, it is moving alright, in the same way taking a shit is moving...when its over, you feel better, I have to say that I agree with all the professional reviewers and the others who have written in about this album and this band. I have heard a number of the songs on the internet and saw them live on Conan the other night. Everyone mentions how moving and profound their music is, and I agree, it is moving alright, in the same way taking a shit is moving...when its over, you feel better, and there's a nasty smell in the air. Arcade Fire stinks!… Expand
  72. EricKH
    Feb 1, 2005
    10
    I have a big fat crush on Butler
  73. 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.
  74. ke
    Jan 29, 2005
    10
    arcade fire yay!
  75. 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.
  76. [Anonymous]
    Jan 23, 2005
    10
    incredible
  77. RudigerS
    Jan 22, 2005
    6
    Half is totally great. Half is totally boring. And I think you all know this.
  78. jgeilfuss
    Jan 21, 2005
    10
    this is the best album i've ever heard. they are even more incredible live.
  79. 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
  80. IvarE
    Jan 20, 2005
    9
    FInally something original is coming out of the indie scene without electronics in it. First time I heard this record, I was amazed. It kicks off with the brilliant songs neighborhood #1 and #2 which are the best tracks I've heard in a while. I love them. I love everyone of the up tempo songs, even though the sad and beautiful crown of love takes over the happy wave of superb FInally something original is coming out of the indie scene without electronics in it. First time I heard this record, I was amazed. It kicks off with the brilliant songs neighborhood #1 and #2 which are the best tracks I've heard in a while. I love them. I love everyone of the up tempo songs, even though the sad and beautiful crown of love takes over the happy wave of superb songwriting. there are some downfalls, but those also come around after some listenings. Can't wait for more material from this band.… Expand
  81. PeterM
    Jan 18, 2005
    10
    This Album is one of greatest things in music since the Pixies
  82. EricV
    Jan 18, 2005
    10
    Just....beautiful
  83. DavidS
    Jan 17, 2005
    10
    As fantastic as is this record, the Arcade Fire's live performance is absolutely blistering. If you only go to one more live show for the rest of your life, make it the Arcade Fire.
  84. Dan
    Jan 17, 2005
    10
    Easily my favorite album of 2004, maybe the best I've ever heard. I can't stop listening. Every song has been my favorite at one time or another, and many have given me goosebumps...music has never done that to me before. Just an amazing album.
  85. ChrisA
    Jan 16, 2005
    10
    An instant classic. At the top of my list for 2004.
  86. RickS
    Jan 16, 2005
    9
    A bit like Talking Heads, but with feeling.
  87. MattC
    Jan 11, 2005
    10
    hands down the best album I've ever heard
  88. annaanna
    Jan 11, 2005
    10
    a record for a century
  89. JoshE
    Jan 8, 2005
    8
    A rambling and reckless album... the beauty and pain burst restlessly from the seems. The songs barrel along like a freight train going to fast around a turn, ready to spill its contents out onto the hillside as it careens off of the tracks. Wow, a little dramatic, but Funeral is quite a ride. The dramtic highs are exilarating, lows are aching, and it's very difficult to let go. Pop A rambling and reckless album... the beauty and pain burst restlessly from the seems. The songs barrel along like a freight train going to fast around a turn, ready to spill its contents out onto the hillside as it careens off of the tracks. Wow, a little dramatic, but Funeral is quite a ride. The dramtic highs are exilarating, lows are aching, and it's very difficult to let go. Pop music can be a clunky, retarded beast, and in the hands of the music industry's chosen purveyors, it tends to be, but The Arcade Fire show how beautiful, intelligent, and truly emotional a simple song can be... And that's the hardest thing of all. This is an excellent album and definitely one of the best of 2004.… Expand
  90. DavidC
    Jan 4, 2005
    10
    Probably one of the best albums I've ever purchased
  91. Karl
    Jan 4, 2005
    10
    Can't stop listening to it. Driving my girlfriend nuts!
  92. 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
  93. kellyb
    Jan 2, 2005
    10
    AWEsome
  94. IS
    Dec 30, 2004
    10
    My vote for album of the year.
  95. chrism
    Dec 24, 2004
    9
    I haven't been this mesmerized and moved by an album since Interpol's "turn on the bright lights." Give this album a couple of listens before you make up your mind. It manages to be movingly poignant and celeberatory at the same time.
  96. ma
    Dec 24, 2004
    6
    everybody calm down. thems some catchy tunes to be sure, but it doesnt exactly reinvent the wheel.
  97. dan
    Dec 17, 2004
    10
    shame on you and the 10 generations that will follow your line if you don't BUY and OWN this cd i think i'm serious
  98. jeffm
    Dec 9, 2004
    10
    this album achieves such fantastic emotional peaks, it makes me do the same. horn, strings, keyboards, fat guitar riffs, they're all hugely important on this album.
  99. rob
    Dec 9, 2004
    9
    Instantly familiar, yet undefinably original. I've been addicted to this album since halfway through my first listen. I wish I got to see them when they toured with the Unicorns--I hear both put on excellent live shows. The only reason I haven't given this album a 10 is that I have not owned it long enough to be sure its beauty won't fade.
  100. PoliceDiscoLights
    Dec 3, 2004
    10
    Hey, your old man should know, If you see a "shadow", something's there...
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 »