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From the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

Funeral

Arcade Fire

2004

Buy At Rough Trade
Funeral
Album Summary

Funeral is the debut studio album by Canadian indie rock band Arcade Fire, released on September 14, 2004 by Merge Records. Preliminary recordings for Funeral were made during the course of a week in August 2003 at the Hotel2Tango in Montreal, Quebec, and the recording was completed later that year all in an analogue recording format. The album produced five singles, with "Rebellion (Lies)" being the most successful, having peaked at #19 on the UK Singles Chart. The album was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2005 for Best Alternative Music Album. It received widespread critical acclaim and topped many year-end and decade-end lists. According to the website Metacritic, the album had the second most appearances on end-of-decade Top 10 lists, only behind Radiohead's Kid A. In the 2020 updated version of Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, it was ranked at number 500.

Wikipedia

Rating

3.59

Votes

16065

Genres

  • Rock
  • Pop
  • Indie

Reviews

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Aug 18 2021
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2

The kind of music your friend listens to because a girl he likes told him she liked it.

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Apr 17 2021
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5

On of the great records of this century, from the moment it breaks the silence with tunnels to the dramatic and soulful ending, this is a complete triumph.

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May 30 2023
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2

Indie pop that’s just experimental enough to make people think they’re smart because they listen to it. There’s a cohesive, expansive sound to the record, but the songs don’t really accomplish anything, go anywhere or have any bite to them; it’s just a lot of sound that ends up being not very memorable. Didn’t get the hype when it came out. Still don’t get it now, but this might be the record that spawned a thousand imitators trying to cash in on the “indie sound”, which ultimately ruined indie rock. In that regard, “Funeral” is a fitting title, indeed.

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Oct 13 2020
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1

I understand what is wrong with millennials now

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Mar 16 2021
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5

Funeral is the record that awakened me to Arcade Fire and drove the long stake of their art, sentiment, & depth into my heart forever. This album is 6 strong stars out of 5 and would easily rank in my top 20 albums of the last 20 years. There is no calling out any one song, as Funeral has not one weakness of any sort, but only lavishes us with the angst and love of youth that reminds me that no matter how far away from our childhoods that we are, we can dance, sing and celebrate life amidst the pain of living. HOW is this any band's first full length album? INCREDIBLE. **On Saturday I watched the St. Paddy's SNL episode from 2018 when AF performed from their latest album and was reminded once again how epic their live performances are. When the music venues are open once again and Arcade Fire is within driving distance, I will be there celebrating life and dancing with them.

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Feb 06 2021
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5

I think my incredibly high rating for this probably says a lot about how old I am and where I spent my formative years.

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May 02 2023
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2

This is some of the whitest music I’ve ever heard in my life. I guess some might call this “ambitious” but I think it’s just a bit over the top and not very compelling.

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Jan 22 2021
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5

The album that set the tone for Arcade Fire. The subject matter and lyrics reflect a disconnect with society. The white picket fence falling apart. The album plays with the idea of our surrounds reflected by a neighborhood. Heavy emotional subjects surrounded by big sound, organs, instruments. A full orchestra at times. The energy put forth by the band and deep connection makes it one of my favorites.

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Nov 28 2021
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1

Not sure if music from this period is bad or if I just didn't like it. But I did not enjoy this one bit; bland, pretentious, and needy. The early-00s equivalent of easy listening.

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Oct 03 2021
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5

Saved Prior: Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels), Neighborhood #2 (Laika), Neighborhood #3 (Power Out), Wake Up, Rebellion (Lies) Not Saved: 10. Neighborhood #4 (7 Kettles) Saved: 9. Une Annee Sans Lumiere 8. Crown of Love 7. In the Backseat 6. Neighborhood #2 (Laika) 5. Neighborhood #3 (Power Out) 4. Haiti 3. Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels) 2. Wake Up 1. Rebellion (Lies) Overall Notes: A very very difficult album to rank 1-10. I saw these guys in concert (would highly recommend) so I'm pretty familiar with their stuff, and each song on this album brings strong musical elements to the table. Album is super nostalgic yet at the same time forward looking. Great stuff. One thing I'll say is that it's crazy that Wake Up doesn't open up the album, and the tracklist flows a little weird to me. But what do I know? 4.75 rounded up because math.

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Dec 07 2021
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4

Quintessential "indie" rock right here, and there is a particular honest charm here that I really dig throughout most of it.

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Feb 18 2021
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1

It's...... alright. I didn't enjoy it, I just listened to it. It's good, but not really.

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Feb 13 2021
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5

I fucking love this album so much. So much so I need to swear to emphasize the deepness of my love for it. You've probably heard half the songs from BBC montages in the past but not even they could ruin this album. Every song fits perfectly and flows to the next perfectly. Yes they are all weird arty canadians but wow. I think this might have been the first proper indie album I ever truly loved. And there's nothing like your first love. 5/5

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Jan 15 2021
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5

Brilliant instrumentation and melodies are constant throughout, each song stands out for its originality. The album builds to Crown of Love and Wake Up euphoria, continuing through to Rebellion. And then before you know it the pace slows right down to a reflective finale with In The Backseat. One of the best, most sonically and lyrically unique debut albums you will ever listen to. Sounds just as fresh it would have done in 2004.

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Nov 16 2021
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5

This one. This one I want to hear performed live. I want the bass to tickle the soles of my feet and rattle my ribcage. I want to dance and sweat and mouth all the words. More than many, this album feels like one piece of work, rather than a collection of songs. I've never seen Arcade Fire. I'm making all of this up. Here is my daydream: This works best in my mind if I imagine a smallish venue --- max. capac. at most 500 people, an old theater with red velvet curtains and a proscenium stage. We've got reserved seats (we are too old for general admission) in the 6th row and a warm whiskey buzz going. The first three tracks bring us in gently, but each of these rises and falls in tempo and intensity, building to a boppy finish at the end of Une année sans lumière. And THEN, Neighborhood #3 hits like a ton of bricks and we are overwhelmed with sound and light and maybe we can't breathe. Good thing Neighborhood #4 is next so we can take a minute to recover, continuing into the beginning of Crown of Love which builds some more, shifting to a crooning ballad and again to a disco finish that leads into the steady groove of the anthemic Wake Up which itself shifts to a dance party reminiscent of The Jam or Iggy Pop. Rebellion really feels like a finale. We're all on our feet, jumping to the beat in unison. It's hot. We all need water. Almost done. We know. We are elated, high on the show. Applause, clapping, stomping. We want an encore! We hear In the Backseat start before lights come up. We close our eyes, all breathing the same air. Music builds for the last time. It is too much but we don't want it to end. Instruments gradually drop out one by one. No applause at the end of this one. We exit quietly, our ears ringing, a tear in our eyes, a gentle smile on our lips.

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Oct 06 2021
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4

Honestly, this was very close to being a sonic masterpiece for me, but there were moments that took me out of the listening experience here and there. I think I will definitely re-visit this one and can easily see it becoming one of my favorites. From the instruments to the lyricism to the overall atmosphere, I'm pretty much sold.

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Apr 27 2023
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2

I just can't bear his weak whiny voice. Would have given it one star but I know there is far worse on this list ...

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Nov 16 2021
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5

I haven't listened to this album in quite a while - so it was good to have this opportunity to revisit it. On this listen the similarities to the Electric Light Orchestra stood out. The way that many of their songs have distinct, contrasting "movements" and their use or orchestral instruments and the string arrangements at times had me thinking Arcade Fire is a sort of alternative music evolution of ELO. I love the song "Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)." The music and vocal performance transports me to the snow covered landscape of the song. "Neighborhood #2 (Laika)" with its shouty delivery and accordion tackles dysfunctional family dynamics and sacrificial lambs by referencing Laika, the first creature sent on a one-way trip into space. "So the neighbors can dance in the police disco lights." Incredible imagery and a great song. "Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)" is one of my favorite songs on the album. The xylophone is a fantastic addition to this song that starts with a power failure and goes to so many places from there… Crown of Love's" heartbreaking exploration of love and its impermanence shows the softer side of Arcade Fire, until it builds to a frenetic ending. So good. "Wake Up" is a masterpiece. 'We're just a million little gods causing rain storms turning every good thing to rust.' Wow. "Rebellion (Lies)" is a close contender for favorite song on the album. The key changes on "Every time you close your eyes" are so great. "In The Backseat" gives the lead vocals to Régine Chassagne and is a cool change to end the album on. I love the feelings evoked of just riding in the backseat... and at times her voice is very reminiscent of Björk to me - so compelling. I love this album. FUNERAL's strong underlying themes of family and community are explored with a desperation that is palpable. A fantastic debut from Arcade Fire that has more than earned its place on this list!

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Jul 12 2021
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5

Easily the most influential album of my childhood + teen years, one of my all-time favorites. No way to say how much this record means to me. Every note feels measured and intentional without losing any of the emotion behind it. And of course, I'm a sucker for a good theme. Wake Up, Tunnels, and Backseat send a chill down my spine a thousand listens later. I love you, Arcade Fire.

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Sep 30 2020
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5

Closer to a 4.5, but a 5 is deserved

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Dec 09 2020
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5

5*..... a bona fide classic album. They never bettered this unfortunately, but what a debut!!!

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Oct 29 2021
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4

I'm hard-pressed to think of this as anything other than my third-favorite Arcade Fire release. Realistically, it's probably their second-best. From both subjective and objective stances, it's an absolute icon of heart-on-sleeve indie. The quality jump from the EP is massive, and the rest of the oeuvre is built of many of the same ingredients. I find devastation, which as far as I can tell is the point, mostly at the beginning and end.

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Aug 17 2023
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3

It sounds like if Cage The Elephant forgot how to write catchy hooks, I enjoyed a few moments alright though. Probably won’t listen again any time soon.

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Mar 01 2024
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5

I was 19 when this album came out, and obviously it felt like the most important piece of music ever recorded, as things released when you are 19 tend to do. I really resent who I was at the time so I expected to hate this, but it brings me no pleasure to announce I am incorrect and misty-eyed while listening to it in my driveway. Five stars.

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Jan 18 2024
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5

My teenage angst. Introduction to adult themes and feelings before I had actually experienced them. Reminds me of being young and having hope for the future.

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Jul 18 2023
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5

I wanted to be cynical about this (probably due to his recent indiscretions) and say that on reflection they didn’t deserve the godlike indie reverence they received, but it’s just banger after banger.

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Jan 21 2022
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5

Possibly my favourite album. It's hard to describe how it makes me feel without sounding pretentious, so I might as well lean into it... For me, it's like an escape into some time and place that probably never existed (between the click of the light and the start of the dream, you might say). Rustic and intimate yet also epic and ethereal. There's an earnestness to the the lyrics that lends extra power and purpose to the oh-whoa-whoa singalong bits. They come across a bit like they're preaching the views of some cult, but one whose cause I can really get behind. Laika and Power Out bring a chaotic energy, like punk if punk was invented 200 years ago in Central Europe. Tunnels might be the most romantic song I've ever heard, in some strange way. And Rebellion is the best of the lot - that string/vocal melody in the outro is one of my all-time favourite bits of music. Also, I reckon In The Backseat is their underrated masterpiece. Love that portentous guitar chord at 2:25, and the way the track diminishes to just a whisper at the end sounds like being left alone with your thoughts after everyone leaves the party, or life continuing after someone has died. Which is what I believe the song, (and most of the album), is about: life, death, and the struggle to hold onto childhood innocence as you get older. Saw it performed live once but loads of people talked over it. Ah well, it's only music innit.

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Nov 23 2021
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5

Fantastic album. Top 10 all time for me. Such a great introduction for folks to indie. 5/5

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Nov 23 2021
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5

Masterpiece. Among the top 5 albums of the last 20 years. Some of the songs on here are in the all-time pantheon. I might argue Tunnels is my favorite opening track on any album, ever.

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Aug 27 2021
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5

The more I hear from Arcade Fire, the more I love them. I was only 8 when this album came out, so I never got to hear it fully. But WOW, this record is packed with so much emotion and catharsis. Touching the subjects of death and mortality are something that artists either do very plainly because they are too general, or very deeply because they've actually experienced or thought about it in a personal moment. This album is the latter, by almost all members of the band, and they really put their heart into being expressionists. The sounds can be overwhelming and anxiety ridden - but in a beautiful way that makes sense and reflects the stages of grief we all must someday face. Favorite Song: Une Annee Sans Lumiere Least Favorite Song: Neighborhood #4 (7 Kettles)

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Mar 04 2021
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5

A lot of love for this album. Seems to be the most highly rate AF album, though not my favourite as a whole. Rebellion and Wake Up were such influential songs for me and are still so relevant - love them just as much today. Bunch of crazily talented people.

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Dec 28 2023
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4

This is an album that I have listened to many times, but that I haven't listened to recently. I never really gave much thought to the lyrics of this album on previous listens, but it was really nice to go through this album with a more critical ear, and try to decipher what the lyrics mean. I thought the lyrics were an absolute homerun; I loved the themes of growing up, loss, and the evolution of familial relationships over time. This album is really beautiful as well; the arrangements are unique, and no one else in 2004 was putting out music that sounded like this (at least not that I can think of). Also, there are a few of songs on this album that are so great and massive that they stand alone on their own really well: "Neighborhood #3," "Wake Up," and "Rebellion (Lies)." Those three songs are easily the highlight of this album for me. For the longest time, "Wake Up" was my favorite track; I love its fantastic opening guitar riff, booming drums, and great synthesizer sounds that fill in the background. But eventually, "Rebellion (Lies)" took over as my favorite, and two things influenced that: 1) There was an episode of 6 Feet Under where Nate and Brenda are having an argument and this song plays in the background. As the argument escalates and intensifies, the song gets louder and more intense as well. It was just a perfect way to use it 2) Arcade Fire closed out ACL in 2011 with "Rebellion (Lies)," and the energy from that as the closing song was absolutely perfect, and it gave me a new appreciation for it. Going into this album today, I assumed it was going to be an easy five star review for me, but I don't think I love this album as much as I used to. Some of the songs are pretty boring and drag on for too long, and the production is pretty lacking as well. This is a self-produced debut album on an independent record label, and it sounds like it. The lyrics are hard to make out for most of the album, because the vocals are so drowned out by everything else, and that's a bummer, because the lyrics are great. However, this album is massive in terms of its influence. When this came out, FM radio still pretty much ruled the roost, and there was nothing like Arcade Fire being played to a wide radio audience back then (at least not that I can remember). But this album created a large fan base for Arcade Fire, showing that people were interested in this kooky band comprised of a gaggle of hipsters, and I think it helped indie rock reach a larger audience. Sometimes the critics and the masses align, and popular music scored a big win that this album was popular and also well reviewed.

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May 30 2022
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4

Arcade Fire are so overwrought that I feel just getting up in the morning and making breakfast involves a major production number for them. Fortunately for them the songs are generally good enough to live up to the treatment, at least on this album; I first heard this when it came out and did not expect much from it (wasn't a fan of the self-titled EP that preceded it), but it actually proved to be really solid. Still is.

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Dec 10 2021
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4

Mostly good songs that just roll through. When they work they're great. When they don't it just a bit indie meh

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Nov 22 2021
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4

Jättebra! Men jag blir så ledsen! Men det är så bra!

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Nov 16 2021
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4

Another album that took a while to grow on me, having not been familiar with it before. I didn’t grow fond of the lead vocal, though. It's a pet peeve when lyrics are unintelligible (said the crabby old person), and there's a quality of his voice that I struggle with. That said, it's because I started to like the rest of the music so much that his voice stood out so much to me. Maybe I'll get that, too, at some point. I enjoy this album more each time I listen. I like the very different musical sounds of each of the songs, and I can't really pick my favorites without listing most of them. I did have a special fondness for "In the Backseat" and the lyric "My family tree's losin' all its leaves" stabbed me a bit. It really did conjure up vivid emotion and imagery that goes with the album title.

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Aug 02 2024
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3

Of note: Rolling Stone’s most recent 500 Greatest Albums of All Time guide has this ranked as #500. I love the sentiment that “Funeral” is the least of the greatest albums of all time.

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Apr 14 2023
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3

Sounds like an indie album from the early 2000s. To be fair, this album probably popularized the sound. Big production, emotional vocals, varied instrumentation. There are some strong singles but the rest of the album feels a little same-y.

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Nov 25 2021
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3

Who or what is the funeral for? The youth? They do seem a mite hung-up about the world children are being born into. Or is it the death of the 'neighbourhood'--the slightly irritating conceit for four song titles? If it was me, I'd be lamenting the last three tracks, which are all 'slow builds'--the standard indie Polyfilla when a song isn't working. Despite the band's best efforts, thoe songs expire lamely anyway. Let's assume they never figured out what their concept was and remember that, until 'Haiti' comes around, it doesn't matter. Win's vocals are absurd, falling somewhere between Bono, David Thomas and Gerard Way (did you know such a place existed?) I guess that makes him part universalist, part edge-of-nervous breakdown, and part actual breakdown. The band walks its own tightrope between lavish orchestration and thin, scratchy guitars. Those components shouldn't work but mostly do because this gazillion-piece (who clearly had stadium aspirations from the start, so "indie" my butt) knows how to rinse every last drop from a key change. The one in the Kettle chorus epitomises their whole sound. And they can write in a way that's general enough to seem relevant to everyone but specific enough to stay weird ("They say a watched pot won't ever boil / You can't raise a baby on motor oil" is a favourite). They're best when they work themselves up into a tizz. The strings at the end of Crown of Love are so hyper they could have been made specially for a football highlights package. But when these guys are peaking not even a seven-goal thriller would match the melodrama. Shame they got scared of their shadow after The Suburbs.

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Aug 05 2024
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2

Middling aughts indie rock that didn’t interest me then and still doesn’t now.

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Mar 29 2024
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2

#174. I listened to this yesterday, and as I'm trying to think about it now, I realize I already don't really remember what it sounds like. Arcade fire is just that memorable I guess. I'm pretty sure I remember thinking the girl kinda sounds like Björk on the last song. Not sure if that's a positive or a negative, but that's what I got. 2/5: hipster folk

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Mar 14 2024
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2

There was one song I liked on this album and after listening to the entire album, I can’t remember it…

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Aug 11 2023
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2

I thought it was going to be better than what it was.

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Apr 10 2023
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2

If the people who invented and created recording equipment knew it was going to be (mis)used this way they would have never gone through with it. I hope they called it funeral to celebrate the end of their musical career because they realized they should have never even begun to try and make any music.

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Jul 27 2022
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2

Wanted to like it more than I actually did Way too meandering Rebellion (Lies), Wake Up, and Crown of Love are the good songs

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Feb 25 2021
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2

Had I been born 15 years later I might have been into these guys a lot more, although they give me definite Smashing Pumpkins vibes, and I was never keen on those guys. The vocalist has quite an annoying voice, which is directly responsible for me thinking the best song on the album by far is the final track that he doesn't sing.

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May 27 2023
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1

Please, this is not one of the finest albums of all time

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Aug 16 2022
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1

I don’t get them. I don’t get any of these “how many people can we fit on a stage? More? Give ‘em a drum” bands. If the songs were there I’d be down, but I’ve heard them for years, and listened now and found that literally none of it sticks in my mind. Gun to my head, I couldn’t name an Arcade Fire song to save my life. And I JUST listened to this album!

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Jan 19 2021
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1

This album didn't move the needle for me at all. 10 tracks of background misic.

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Dec 03 2024
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5

Easy 5 star album. One of arcade fires best.

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Nov 24 2024
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5

I was – and, it turns out, still am – the target demographic for this album. Hence: great, from start to finish.

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Nov 19 2024
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5

One of the greats. I could argue this is the best debut album from a Canadian act. The incredible magic trick it pulls right off the jump with Neighborhood #1 is how it starts slowly and by the climax it sounds like it’s going to fall apart any second. Sounds amazing live.

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Nov 14 2024
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5

aaaaah only heard 3 songs so far but i love this so much

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Nov 14 2024
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5

oh my god, this is such a rich album, so much feeeeeeeling

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Nov 12 2024
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5

5/5. Quintessential indie rock album. A new wave of indie was formed from this and many albums were inspired by this one. Was excited to see it here as it was a common listen for me already. The vocals and lyrics feel relatable despite some interesting wordplay. The instrumentation is nothing to write home about but it does it's job and provides a sound that is unique and accessible. And the French vocalist provides a change in vibe that creates an album that flows really well. I really gotta stop reading the other reviews because half of them are hating on different age groups or races because of this album existing. Weird to do, nobody saying things about other races or age groups are bad because certain albums released when they were growing up sucked. I think it's best to look at an album with a perspective based off your environment and experience and not judge other people based on art you don't like. Just me though. Also, this is David Bowie's favorite band. You really going to tell Bowie he's wrong? Best Song: Rebellion (Lies), Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels), Wake Up

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Nov 08 2024
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5

This album came out 20 years ago???? Damn, I'm getting old. This is one of my favorites, and one of the most influential indie rock albums of the century. They perfectly combine sounds, genres, instruments to create this unique sound that moves between sounding like a soundtrack, a folk album and a 80s pop record. It's all layered with this childlike / teenage nostalgic story in the background. It kind of creates this universe within the album that feels dystopian and present all at the same time. Personally, its my 4th favorite Arcade Fire record. But I still love it and revisit a few times a year. I'm grateful that I've had this piece of music in my life for the past 20 years.

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Nov 05 2024
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5

I'm biased as this album has a special place in my heart already. Even 20 years later I can remember the cold evening where I heard it for the first time, and I will forever associate it with the colder months.

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Oct 29 2024
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5

i love this album. not explaining myself on this, not taking any questions at this time, i just love this album so much

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Oct 22 2024
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5

In the year before writing and recording their debut album, several members of the band Arcade Fire had close family members die. The songs, and the recording process of Funeral was about their mourning process, and the band's understanding of mourning and mortality. The band's ambitious project met with universal critical acclaim, and propelled the band to international stardom. Despite the serious topic, these are beautiful, melodic songs. The band utilizes rich orchestrations - with a string section and atmospheric effects - to give their songs a grandiose feel. Strong roles by both guitars and keys give their songs rich textures, and Win Butler's earnest vocals match the tone of the band's songs and style. This is an incredible debut from a group that would become one of the world's biggest bands.

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Oct 21 2024
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5

This is one of those albums on this list that I can give 5* straight away. Listened to this countless times over the years and I never get tired of it. Fav tracks: Rebellion (Lies), Tunnels, Wake Up

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Oct 19 2024
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5

I have many memories of listening to this album. It came out my last year in high school, but I first listened to it late in college a few years later. At the time I had heard nothing like it, and I was amazed by it. It sounded so profound, so powerful, and Wake Up felt like the most important song I’d ever heard. With the benefit of 15 years or so passed (where’d the time go?), it is still a great record that I love dearly. Some things have altered my perception of it, both good and bad. Being a parent has changed how I perceive everything in life, and I now view Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels) through my kids’ eyes. While I’m not sure I still hold Wake Up in as high esteem as before, the line “we’re just a million little gods causing rain storms turning every good thing to rust” keeps ringing true to me. Then there’s the career of Arcade Fire. Once hailed as the most important band in the works, they’ve fallen off the earth from a quality standpoint. Their first three albums (Funeral, Neon Bible, The Suburbs) are genuine masterpieces, their 4th album (Reflektor) is okay, but then they released one of the worst albums I’ve ever heard (Everything Now). 2022’s We was anything but a return to form too. It’s like they’re a shell of themselves. It’s also hard to ignore the sexual misconduct allegations. All that said, Funeral is still a triumph. It’s an emotional powerhouse, and musically chock full of hooks. Neighborhood #1 is one of the best opening songs of all time; it reminds me of a sad version of Thunder Road, one for children who can’t yet break free from their hometown. Neighborhood #3 (Power Out) is powerful musically. Wake Up is still tremendous: one of the most amazing concert experiences of my life was seeing this live at a festival around 2010. There’s of course Rebellion (Lies), which may be the band’s quintessential song. In The Backseat has made me cry multiple times: thankfully my mother is still here, but I think about when she won’t be when I hear it. It’s a masterpiece and deserves the acclaim it’s received.

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Oct 18 2024
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5

From the first time I heard Wake Up I was hooked on Arcade Fire, I love this album everything about it is great.

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Oct 17 2024
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5

I realized yesterday that going track by track is gonna give me terrible fatigue so I'm just gonna give a rating and general thoughts from now on. Overall: 9/10 I first heard this album at the age of 13, when I saw the music video for "The Suburbs" on TV and wanted to check out their music. The Suburbs album hadn't come out yet so I downloaded this album to see what I was getting into and I couldn't believe just how good it was. I'd never heard this kind of indie rock before and I was blown away by the multiple instruments and I loved Win Butler's voice. Fast forwarding to my listen from today and it still sounds as fresh to me now as it did 14 years ago when I first heard it. Stellar stuff that I will always love. Fav Song: Neighborhood #3 (Power Out) Least Fav Song: Une Annee San Lumiere

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Oct 11 2024
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5

Often imitated, never surpassed. The favourite band of the kids who weren't cool but knew good music.

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Oct 10 2024
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5

An absolute classic that is being re-evaluated in the recent years given the overall controversies. No need to cloud your judgment, this was earnest and worthy of the praise it received.

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Oct 08 2024
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5

This album is flawless, I've listened to it for years and its still amazing. Wonderful musicianship and songwriting. It is both gentle and also hits hard in places. Diverse songs with epic arrangements. Yeah, love it.

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Oct 08 2024
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5

Not familiar with this band. At least I don't think. We'll see. HM not hating this! I actually really liked this album.

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Oct 02 2024
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5

Solid soundtrack for working on a rainy afternoon

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Oct 01 2024
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5

Another 20 year old album comes from the vault to remind me how old I am now... This was near perfection at the time, and frankly it still is, I could listen to this any day of the week and twice on Sundays. Everything is crafted so god dam well, from the plinky plonky piano opening of "Tunnels", to the hero's journey sound track of "Wake Up" to the haunting fragility in the ending tack "In The Backseat", it sparks nothing but emotion and memories.

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Oct 01 2024
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5

Listening is not enough i need to eat the album or something ahhhh Beautiful lyrics and the music is so unpredictable, like an accordion out of nowhere??? loved it My personal favorites, crown of love and in the backseat

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Oct 01 2024
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5

Ik verwachtte dit niet heel tof te gaan vinden, maar track 1 zette bij mij de deuren om m'n mening te veranderen wel open. De zanger doet me enorm denken aan Bowie. Een beetje dat klaaggeest-achtige wat ik altijd bespeur bij Bowie heeft hij ook wel, een bepaalde manier van vibrato in combinatie met een wat hogere stem en het niet perfect zingen. Het stoort me niet verder, het valt me gewoon op. Een beetje mix van Bowie, Los Campesinos en The Shins. Duidelijk dat indie-achtige uit de mid 2000s. Het zou ook allemaal prima passen bij de aftiteling van een een film als Garden State ofzo. Een goed album, dat minimaal net zo sterk eindigt als het begint. Stukje muzikale feelgood, al heb ik natuurlijk weer eens geen idee waarover precies gezongen wordt. Ik kan dit veel meer waarderen dan ik had verwacht en dat heeft bij mij altijd wel wat invloed op de score. Ik dacht lang aan 4 sterren, maar omdat het album zo fijn eindigt (met name track 7, 8 en 9) worden het er 5.

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Sep 30 2024
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5

Checks the timeless box for me. Feels connected to real life but more an imaginary world. They created the soundtrack to one of my favorite movies that only exists in my imagination. As a millennial I wonder if older generations are able to see and escape into this world. I wish everyone could.

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Sep 24 2024
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5

I can’t separate how I feel about this album now from how I felt about it 20 years ago when it was released. It seemed like a culmination of so much that had been bubbling up in indie music for years but that never caught on outside of that scene. At the same time, it felt like something completely new. I will likely always love this album because of how much it blew me away when it came out. It’s just dramatic enough. It’s just arty enough. It’s just complex enough. It is as much one cohesive piece of art - rather than just a collection of unrelated songs lumped together for no real reason - as any other album I can think of. I consider this easily one of the best albums of the last twenty years.

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Sep 21 2024
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5

I'm speechless. I really don't know what to say about this album but WOW I never really listened to Arcade Fire, I knew 1 song from 2010 and that's it. So my expectations weren't too high for this album. I was so wrong, every single song was so good! I also didn't realise that I knew Rebellion (Lies) - I've not heard it in years but wow what a song 5 ⭐️

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Sep 15 2024
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5

One of the best and most influential indie albums of the 21st century. Like, damn. There are so many goosebump moments throughout. 6/5

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Sep 13 2024
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5

Still an amazing debut after 20 years. Haunting, beautiful, anthemic, it reinvigorated and redefined the entire indie rock genre. Their winning streak would continue for at least the next two albums, but they never truly topped this one in my book.

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Sep 09 2024
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5

I adore this album. I have been listening to this record for around 15 years now, and I discovered it at a very formative point in my life and it's a very important album to me. As far as I'm concerned, this is Arcade Fire's magnum opus, and there are multiple songs on the record that can and will reduce me to tears. This is a beautiful, near-perfect record to me and one that I will continue to revisit until the day I die. Notable Tracks: - Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels) - Neighborhood #3 (Power Out) - Crown of Love - Wake Up - absolutely one of my favorite songs of all time - Haiti - Rebellion (Lies) - seamless transition from Haiti as well - In the Backseat 9.5/10

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Aug 27 2024
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5

well it was a little magical, otherworldly, and transformative

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Aug 26 2024
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5

I have loved this album for a very long time. It's a top 20 for me personally, I can't not give it a 5 star review. I like the variation of songs, I like the flow of the album. In my opinion it's their best work hands down.

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Aug 25 2024
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5

**Arcade Fire's *Funeral*: An In-Depth Review** *Funeral*, the debut album by Canadian indie rock band Arcade Fire, released in 2004, stands as one of the most critically acclaimed records of the 21st century. The album’s unique blend of introspective lyrics, dynamic musical arrangements, and rich thematic depth has made it a touchstone in modern indie music. This review delves into the album’s lyrical content, musical composition, production quality, overarching themes, and its influence on the music industry, while also weighing its strengths and weaknesses. ### **Lyrics** The lyrics of *Funeral* are perhaps its most compelling feature. The album's name derives from the personal losses experienced by band members during its creation, including the deaths of several close family members. These events inform the album’s themes of loss, grief, and the search for meaning in the face of mortality. Songs like "Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)" explore the desire to escape and rebuild in the wake of personal tragedy. The imagery of tunneling out from under a snow-covered town reflects the struggle to break free from the suffocating weight of grief. Similarly, "Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)" uses the metaphor of a power outage to explore feelings of disconnection and the chaotic energy that arises from internal and external turmoil. Win Butler’s lyrics often evoke a sense of yearning for innocence or a return to simpler times, as seen in "Wake Up." The line “Children, wake up, hold your mistake up, before they turn the summer into dust” speaks to the inevitability of growing up and losing the purity of childhood. "Crown of Love" is another standout, where the pain of unrequited love is juxtaposed with a regal, almost biblical image of a crown, highlighting the intensity of youthful emotions. While *Funeral* does not shy away from the darker aspects of life, it balances this with moments of hope and resilience. "Rebellion (Lies)" calls for defiance against the numbness of despair, with the chorus "Every time you close your eyes, lies, lies!" serving as a rallying cry against complacency. The album's closing track, "In the Backseat," sung by Régine Chassagne, encapsulates the album's exploration of loss and acceptance, with its repeated refrain, "I like the peace in the backseat, I don't have to drive, I don't have to speak." **Pros**: - Lyrical depth that tackles profound themes of loss, grief, and resilience. - Vivid, poetic imagery that complements the emotional tone of the music. - The balance between darkness and hope offers a full emotional spectrum. **Cons**: - The introspective and often melancholic lyrics might be heavy for some listeners. - Some of the metaphors may feel abstract or opaque, requiring multiple listens to fully appreciate. ### **Music** Musically, *Funeral* is a rich tapestry of sounds that draws from a wide array of influences, blending indie rock with baroque pop, post-punk, and even elements of folk. The album’s instrumentation is notably diverse, featuring not only the standard rock setup of guitars, bass, and drums but also strings, brass, and accordion, which add to the album's orchestral feel. The opening track, "Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)," sets the tone with its soaring melodies and dramatic crescendos. The use of piano and strings gives the song a grandiose quality, while the driving rhythm section adds a sense of urgency. This interplay between the delicate and the powerful is a hallmark of the album, creating a dynamic listening experience. "Neighborhood #2 (Laïka)" introduces a more frenetic energy with its Eastern European-inspired rhythms and the prominent use of accordion. The song’s relentless pace mirrors the tension in the lyrics, which tell the story of a runaway brother. "Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)" is one of the more aggressive tracks, with its punk-influenced guitar riffs and pounding drums creating a sense of chaos and frustration. "Une année sans lumière" and "Haiti" showcase the band’s ability to incorporate diverse musical styles. The former features a lush, dreamlike atmosphere, with French lyrics adding an air of mystique, while the latter infuses a Caribbean rhythm that reflects Régine Chassagne's Haitian heritage. These tracks add to the album's eclecticism, making it a vibrant and varied listening experience. The album reaches its emotional peak with "Wake Up," a stadium-sized anthem that has since become one of Arcade Fire's most iconic songs. The song’s choral opening and massive sound create a sense of communal catharsis, while its simple, repeated chord progression drives home the song’s themes of renewal and awakening. **Pros**: - The album’s diverse instrumentation creates a rich, textured sound. - Seamless blending of various musical styles, from rock to folk to orchestral elements. - Dynamic range of songs, from introspective ballads to anthemic rockers. **Cons**: - The eclectic mix of styles might feel disjointed to some listeners. - The grandiosity of the arrangements can occasionally overshadow the more intimate moments. ### **Production** The production of *Funeral* is a significant factor in its success. The album was recorded in a modest studio with limited resources, but this limitation became a strength, giving the album a raw, organic quality that suits its themes. The production, led by the band along with engineer Howard Bilerman, focuses on capturing the emotional intensity of the performances rather than achieving polished perfection. The decision to record many parts live, with the band playing together in the same room, contributes to the album's immediacy and energy. This approach is particularly evident in tracks like "Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)" and "Rebellion (Lies)," where the collective power of the band’s performance is palpable. The production enhances the sense of unity and communal experience that permeates the album. The mix of the album is another strong point, with the various instruments and vocals carefully balanced to create a cohesive sound. The use of reverb and echo adds a sense of space and depth to the recordings, making them feel larger than life. At the same time, the lo-fi elements, such as the occasional distortion or ambient noise, give the album a sense of authenticity and emotional rawness. However, the production is not without its flaws. At times, the dense arrangements can lead to a cluttered sound, where certain elements compete for attention rather than complementing each other. This is particularly noticeable in the more complex tracks like "Neighborhood #2 (Laïka)," where the frenetic energy of the performance can overwhelm the listener. Additionally, some listeners might find the overall sound of the album to be too rough or unpolished, especially in an era where high-definition production is often the norm. **Pros**: - Raw, organic production that captures the emotional intensity of the performances. - Effective use of live recording techniques to create a sense of immediacy and energy. - A well-balanced mix that highlights the rich instrumentation and vocal harmonies. **Cons**: - Dense arrangements can occasionally result in a cluttered sound. - The rough production style might not appeal to listeners accustomed to more polished records. ### **Themes** *Funeral* is thematically rich, exploring the complex emotions that arise in the face of loss, mortality, and the passage of time. The album's title reflects its preoccupation with death, not just in a literal sense, but as a metaphor for the end of innocence, the loss of loved ones, and the inevitable changes that come with growing up. One of the central themes of the album is the tension between despair and hope. While many of the songs deal with grief and loss, there is also a strong undercurrent of resilience and the desire for renewal. This is most evident in "Wake Up," which juxtaposes the pain of growing up with a call to embrace life and move forward. The concept of neighborhoods, which recurs throughout the album, serves as a metaphor for the different stages of life and the communities that shape our identities. The "Neighborhood" series of songs explores various facets of life, from the innocence of childhood in "Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)" to the disillusionment and anger of adolescence in "Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)." Family and relationships are also central themes on *Funeral*. The album delves into the complexities of familial bonds, as seen in "Neighborhood #2 (Laïka)" and "Crown of Love." The latter, in particular, explores the pain of unrequited love and the struggle to let go of the past. These themes resonate with the listener, as they touch on universal experiences of love, loss, and the search for meaning. **Pros**: - Thematically cohesive, with a strong focus on universal experiences of loss, grief, and renewal. - Thoughtful exploration of the tension between despair and hope. - Use of recurring motifs, such as neighborhoods and family, to create a unified narrative. **Cons**: - The heavy themes might be overwhelming for some listeners. - The metaphorical nature of the lyrics may be challenging to decipher on a casual listen. ### **Influence** *Funeral* has had a profound impact on the indie music scene and beyond. Its success helped to usher in a new era of indie rock, where emotional depth and orchestral arrangements became more prominent. The album's blend of raw emotion with sophisticated musicality set a new standard for what indie rock could achieve, influencing countless bands in the years that followed. Arcade Fire's rise to prominence with *Funeral* also paved the way for other indie bands to achieve mainstream success. The album demonstrated that there was a substantial audience for music that defied easy categorization and that drew from a wide array of influences. In this sense, *Funeral* helped to blur the lines between indie and mainstream, showing that ambitious, genre-defying music could resonate with a broad audience. The album ’s influence can be seen in the work of many artists who came after Arcade Fire, from bands like The National and Bon Iver to more mainstream acts like Coldplay. *Funeral*'s emphasis on emotional authenticity and its willingness to tackle difficult themes have become hallmarks of the indie genre. **Pros**: - Significant influence on the indie music scene and the broader music industry. - Pioneered a blend of emotional depth and orchestral arrangements in rock music. - Helped bridge the gap between indie and mainstream success. **Cons**: - The album’s influence may have led to the oversaturation of similar sounds and themes in indie music. - Some of its innovations have since become genre clichés, diluting their impact. ### **Conclusion** *Funeral* by Arcade Fire is an album of immense depth and power, marked by its poignant lyrics, rich musical arrangements, and thematic coherence. It stands as a landmark in modern indie music, influencing a generation of artists and listeners alike. While the album’s raw production and heavy themes might not appeal to everyone, its emotional intensity and innovative spirit make it a compelling and enduring work of art. **Overall Pros**: - Deeply emotional and thematically rich lyrics. - Diverse and dynamic musical arrangements. - Raw, organic production that enhances the album’s emotional impact. - Significant influence on the indie music scene and beyond. **Overall Cons**: - The album’s heaviness and complexity might not appeal to all listeners. - Occasional production flaws and dense arrangements can lead to a cluttered sound. - The metaphorical nature of the lyrics may be challenging to decipher without close attention. In summary, *Funeral* is a seminal album that deserves its place in the pantheon of great records. It is a testament to the power of music to capture the most profound aspects of the human experience, and it continues to resonate with listeners nearly two decades after its release.

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Aug 20 2024
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5

Det här är riktigt riktigt bra. Bombastiskt. Älskar arrangemangen. Finns i princip inte en dålig låt. Så här ska musik låta.

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Aug 16 2024
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5

I know I should knock this by 1 star because Win Butler did something wrong, but I've tried not to learn the details of that in hopes of not ruining this near perfect album for me.

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Aug 13 2024
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5

Very nice album, I've never listened anything from them and I'm really surprised

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Aug 10 2024
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5

I feel that I can’t give this album anything other than a five. Not only does it hold a special place in my heart as a foundation of the modern indie-rock genre, but it also holds together so amazingly well. The beautiful, layered instrumentals the band was built on are so pervasive throughout these tracks. They carry you carefully through the story being sewn while giving you a chance to admire the scenery. It’s amazing how Arcade Fire managed to craft such a rich atmosphere and populate it with so many differing tunes that all come together to form the ecosystem that is this record. Every track feels brand new and pleasant, yet part of a larger narrative. It also can’t go without mentioning the profound lyricism in many of these tracks. I don’t often pay attention to lyrics but when there’s something that catches my ear, it means a lot, and this record caught my ear many times. Arcade Fire really came out swinging with a distinct yet nostalgic sound that made the start of a terrific discography.

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Aug 09 2024
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5

Classic Canadian album. Love, loss, coming of age, everything is here.

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Aug 09 2024
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5

A very good album with multiple songs I've listened to and loved previously. My favorite of which is Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels).

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