User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 1057 Ratings

User score distribution:

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
  1. rcx
    Jan 23, 2008
    10
    Possibly the best indie rock album ever made, up there with the likes of pavement and wilco. the album is a masterpiece, every single bit of it is amazing.
  2. JosephS
    Jun 17, 2008
    10
    Sheer brilliance. I have no words.
  3. MarcL
    May 16, 2009
    10
    Absolutely brilliant. Words cannot do this masterpiece justice.
  4. Blackeye
    Nov 11, 2005
    10
    Like you winning the lottery every time you listen.
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. JohnS
    Dec 18, 2005
    10
    brilliant album and fantastic live band
  8. EricC.
    Nov 26, 2007
    10
    Heartbreaking and beautiful, some of the best written and composed songs I've ever heard. Comparisons to the Talking Heads and David Bowie are well deserved, though they have found their own sound, and embody a different generation. The four neighborhoods are flawless, Wake Up and Lies are unbelievable. The first time I've ever been unable to understand how anyone can dislike a Heartbreaking and beautiful, some of the best written and composed songs I've ever heard. Comparisons to the Talking Heads and David Bowie are well deserved, though they have found their own sound, and embody a different generation. The four neighborhoods are flawless, Wake Up and Lies are unbelievable. The first time I've ever been unable to understand how anyone can dislike a band. I won't attack these people, but I will say that I wish they could appreciate this album. For me, it was life changing, as insane as that sounds. Expand
  9. Aug 11, 2010
    10
    Funeral is such a perfectly crafted album. Anyone who considers themselves well listened has to have this album in their collection. It is easily one of the best albums of all time.
  10. Aug 25, 2010
    10
    Greatest album of the 00's. Beautiful, gorgeous amazing. If you don't like this album, you probably don't have a soul, just saying. Every song, every moment, grows and fills you with so much vehement. It's amazing.
  11. Aug 24, 2010
    10
    possibly the best band i've heard i a while. Funeral is their best album too. understand?
  12. Aug 13, 2010
    10
    Best album of the decade, haven't heard an album as good as this one, since Is This It.
  13. Sep 8, 2010
    10
    Such a great album. The Neighborhood 1-4 are such an interesting and unique style of music and perfectly set the tone for such an extraordinary set of songs. Rebellion is so seemingly happy and catchy, and Wake Up makes you want to just run away into your own little happy place (yes, i thought this BEFORE seeing the Where the Wild Things Are trailer/film)... Its impossible not to smile.
  14. Sep 20, 2010
    10
    The most powerful, creative, original and thought provoking albums out there and probably the best band in the world right now. Sometimes it's messy, sometimes it's clean but you cannot deny its sheer ability to completely submit you into a complete, chaotic bliss.
  15. Nov 2, 2010
    10
    A masterpiece, of of the best albums of the 2000s, I love just about every single song and wish the magic this album has could be repeated again in their newer work but that is something impossible and I realize that now.
  16. Oct 27, 2010
    10
    I would say that this is the best indie album ever, but in the meantime The Suburbs came out. So, Funeral is second best, but it is brilliant! Few words about singer: he is singing his music, no one could do it better that him...
  17. Nov 23, 2010
    10
    This is definitely hands down one of my favorite albums, and that goes for Neon Bible and The Suburbs. Every Arcade Fire that has ever come out has been a celebration in music culture. They are easily my favorite band and that's saying quite a bit. You can't go wrong with this album. The lyrics are magical and songs are compelling. All In All, You can can't go wrong with this album. AnThis is definitely hands down one of my favorite albums, and that goes for Neon Bible and The Suburbs. Every Arcade Fire that has ever come out has been a celebration in music culture. They are easily my favorite band and that's saying quite a bit. You can't go wrong with this album. The lyrics are magical and songs are compelling. All In All, You can can't go wrong with this album. An absolute must have. Expand
  18. Jan 11, 2011
    10
    timeless album, been listening to it for five years, people will still be discovering and loving this album as long as there is music in the world. You just don't hear stuff like this come around
  19. Jul 22, 2011
    10
    One of my favorite albums of all time. It's best known for doing some seriously heavy lifting in the emotional department, but great melodies and fun songs like "Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)" and "Rebellion (Lies)" keep it from collapsing under its own weight, which makes songs like "Wake Up" all the more powerful.
  20. Apr 28, 2011
    10
    I first heard the song "Wake up" when it was featured in the trailer for the film "Where the Wild Things Are." So I then researched the song and found out that the geniuses behind it were an indie rock band that go by the name of Arcade Fire. Naturally, I decided to find out more about them. Instantly, everyone was raving about their debut album "Funeral." I decided to buy it, without everI first heard the song "Wake up" when it was featured in the trailer for the film "Where the Wild Things Are." So I then researched the song and found out that the geniuses behind it were an indie rock band that go by the name of Arcade Fire. Naturally, I decided to find out more about them. Instantly, everyone was raving about their debut album "Funeral." I decided to buy it, without ever hearing any other songs than "Wake Up" When the first song came on, I had trouble getting use to their sound and his voice. This band was like none other I have heard before. As the album progressed, their sound became more familar and understandable. Each track brought something new to the table, yet complimented the others both lyrically and compositionally. By the time the last track "In the Backseat" came on, I knew the album was going to have an epic ending and it did not disappoint at all. Maybe the most emotional song on the album, Arcade Fire proved that they could go out with a bang, yet end in a whisper. And after owning this album for over a year, I am still giving it consistant play. I even now own it on vinyl! To sum up my review in a sentence: Arcade Fire have created the greatest masterpiece of ALL TIME. Expand
  21. May 16, 2011
    10
    This is an astounding album, especially for a debut album... all the songs are amazingly written, with Mount Everest high points in songs such as Neighbourhood #1, Wake Up, Haiti, Rebellion and In The Backseat.
  22. May 28, 2011
    10
    I was fortunate enough to have been in high school when this came out, that age where I thought everyone older than 30 was bad and every stupid decision I made was right. "Funeral" played right into my hands with regard to all the teenage rebel elements: running away from home (Tunnels, Laika),distrust of my parents (Wake Up, Rebellion (Lies)), anarchy (Power Out, Haiti), grief (In theI was fortunate enough to have been in high school when this came out, that age where I thought everyone older than 30 was bad and every stupid decision I made was right. "Funeral" played right into my hands with regard to all the teenage rebel elements: running away from home (Tunnels, Laika),distrust of my parents (Wake Up, Rebellion (Lies)), anarchy (Power Out, Haiti), grief (In the Backseat), etc. But in addition to the message itself is the music. The glorious, unfathomably brilliant music that still makes my jaw drop seven years later. Every single moment on "Funeral" hovers in the Twilight Zone between hopelessness and euphoria. The way Win and Regine sing, and the band's ridiculous talent, create that blurred line. And as much as I like "Neon Bible" and "The Suburbs," I still long for the time when Arcade Fire would drain me emotionally. Expand
  23. May 25, 2011
    10
    Hands down, the best post-millennial indie album to date. They have an uncanny ability to oversaturate their music with emotion, allowing little pockets of raw emotion to sit deliciously on the listeners tongue as the listener drinks their metaphorical concoction.
  24. j30
    Nov 8, 2011
    10
    A great record with songs that are unforgettable and emotionally moving. They kind of paved the way for indie bands being recognized on a worldwide level.
  25. Jun 23, 2012
    10
    One of the greatest albums I've ever listened to.It contains many great songs such as "Rebellion(Lies),Neighborhood 1,2,3, Haiti, and my favourite "Wake up".It is a must-listen for everyone.
  26. Aug 6, 2011
    10
    This isn't a perfect album, but it's damn good. If I'm not gonna give it a ten, it's only because I've never liked Rebellion. Still though, this album has so much passion, so much good music. If I was a more emotional person I'm sure this would be among the albums that make me cry. Alas, I'm a wolf, but even a beast can appreciate the orchestration, the composition, the use of dynamics,This isn't a perfect album, but it's damn good. If I'm not gonna give it a ten, it's only because I've never liked Rebellion. Still though, this album has so much passion, so much good music. If I was a more emotional person I'm sure this would be among the albums that make me cry. Alas, I'm a wolf, but even a beast can appreciate the orchestration, the composition, the use of dynamics, the lyrics. I love this album and I'm gonna give it a 10 anyway even though I'd rather give it a 9.5. Expand
  27. Oct 27, 2011
    10
    One of the best albums of the 2000s. There are no bad songs on this album. Possibly one of the best debut albums released. Really not much to say, just too good.
  28. 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.
  29. Jan 14, 2012
    10
    Easily one of the best debut albums of all time, and a personal favorite of mine.

    Arcade Fire are not the most technically gifted musicians. Nor are they great singers. But the emotion in their music, their passion, the gorgeous melodies and their wall-of-sound, larger-than-life sound makes them one of the best and most impressive acts in music today and, in my humble opinion, of all
    Easily one of the best debut albums of all time, and a personal favorite of mine.

    Arcade Fire are not the most technically gifted musicians. Nor are they great singers. But the emotion in their music, their passion, the gorgeous melodies and their wall-of-sound, larger-than-life sound makes them one of the best and most impressive acts in music today and, in my humble opinion, of all time.

    Long live this incredible band!
    Expand
  30. 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
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 33
  2. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Marred by indie-rock clichés and occasional over-effort, it remains frustrating.