Reviews (page 11 of 14)
Not a bad background listen, although nothing too exciting happened. Pretty melodic and consistent.
3.5★. Wears its heart on its sleeves but I’m admittedly partial to it in this case.
Oké
meh
I'd heard of Arcade Fire, but never listened to an album of theirs before Well, this is a *nice* album. It's not outstanding in my view, rather inoffensive, and well put together. Average.
idk i tuned out highlights: neighborhood #1 (tunnels), wake up (sep 11 2024)
Quintessential indie, which means they’re popular, which means they’re not actually indie, which means… something?
Kuuntelin tällästä musiikkia 16-17v ja tästä tulee tosi outo tunne. Tunnen sen (epätoivosen?) toivon tunteen mikä mulla oli sillon ja miltä elämä tuntu. Toisaalta en pääse siihen käsiks, koska tässä vaiheessa oon saavuttanut lähes kaikki asiat mitkä sillon tuntu tavottelemisen arvosilta. Epätoivonen toivon tunne tuli siitä, et ajattelin et mitä jos en saa niitä asioita. Mut oon saanut ne ja oon turvassa, joten näiden tunteiden fuusio on mielenkiintonen. Loppulevyn aikana gradua paiskittiin kasaan huolella, joten en kuunnellut liikaa mut toimi keskittymismusana tosi hyvin.
This was a tricky one. I want to award this album 5 stars, because there is a single track on it that I would LOVE to add to my team '5 star challenge' playlist. Sadly, this would not be in the spirit of the challenge. The rest of the album is OK - 2.5 stars, rounded up to three. Do yourself a favour and watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6c9Ejfu-iU
Arcade Fire is op zich best vermakelijk. Licht melancholische artsy-fartsy festivalmuziek, het past wat dat betreft prima bij eind augustus, de periode van Lowlands. Ik denk niet dat ik ze daar ooit live heb gezien. Als ze al stonden op een editie waar ik naar toe ben geweest, dan was er waarschijnlijk een andere, voor mij interessantere band tegelijkertijd geprogrammeerd. Ik heb er verder weinig meer over te melden dan dat ik al deed over het album dat we eerder kregen, Neon Bible, wat volgens mij wel beter was. Of allicht bekender qua nummers. Ik kende hiervan de openingstrack en Rebellion, die worden af en toe nog gedraaid op de alternatieve radiostations. Degelijke muziek, niks mis mee. Neon Bible gaf ik een 4, laat ik deze dan een sterretje minder geven. Want 2x een 4 vind ik toch wel iets teveel van het goede.
- sehr entspannt und irgendwie einfach stimmig - gefällt mir einen Ticken besser noch als Neon Bible - aber auch hier ist kein Track besonders herausgestochen - als Gesamtwerk aber toll
Somewhere between catchy and annoying 3.5
Pretty good ngl
I've heard this sound before, just under another band's name. Not bad, but not appealing either.
I still don't like their most recognizable style, but some of their more unusual songs are pretty good.
A few of the songs I really enjoyed: Rebellion, Wake up, Crown of love. A few were solid. The rest I didn’t really enjoy at all. It’s a strong 3. But a 3
Mid-aughts indie rock crossed with 80s U2-esque bombast and Talking Heads white-boy funk. Not a fan of both singers' at times yelpy and atonal vocals. On "Wake Up" Highlights: "Neighborhood #2 (Laika)" (sometimes there's beauty in cacophony), "Wake Up" (crunchy guitar riff gives it some bite), "Rebellion (Lies)" (chiming guitar, nice strings, driving rhythm)
Added 3 songs to a playlist from the other album we got (The Suburbs) vs. only 1 on this album...but I end up feeling about the same overall.
I think this is better than the album we got a few days ago (Suburbs) but it still suffers from my personal grievances with the singing and lyrical content. The reverb on the singers voice that makes it sound like its inside a sheet metal structure and the sometimes inane and "so stretched as a metaphor it comes back to the literal interpretation" lyrics continue to bother me. I did enjoy the "neighborhood" suite, particularly #3 ("Power Out"). I liked the almost electronically consistent drum beat and the rhythm section in general. Given that's half the album, we're already doing better than last time. I think the appeal of Arcade Fire is this expansive, almost post-rock, epic sound, but mixed with that mid-late 2000's mustache and suspender instrumentation of unmastered pianos, fiddles (they would never be referred to as violins) and the occasional banjo. They do have it if you've never heard a band that does it really well do it before, and that's completely fine. I'm sure when I say 90's bands were doing brand new stuff people the age of my father would say "well these other old bands you've never heard of were doing it 20 years before that". After two albums I think I understand what's going on with them. I still don't particularly care for it but I get it.
i fw with chamber pop so im already excited. big music genre descriptor has me worried that this is gonna start sounding like imagine dragon or some other bs arena pop-rock anthem band/songs/album - first two tracks had crazy sound selection, felt like it was really pushing the boundries of indie rock; unlike anything i've ever heard very good songs -track 3 is what i expecting from this record. not nearly as experimental but still cool regardless -track 4 fs feels like a continuation of the dense and experimental sounds from first two "neighborhood tracks". i can definitley hear where the big music genre desprictor came from on rym, and surprisingly im not hating it as much as I though I was. its not super corny and overproduced. actually id argue its overproduced in a good way if that makes any sense cool shit - i liked track 5 i just wasn't paying attention tbh - track 6: i like this one, not as experimental but still very enjoyable - track 7: the arena chant at the beginning has me worried, this might the albums first miss. yeah i don't really like how triumphant this track is trying to be. the lyriscm isn't strong enough to justify this significantly less interesting production on this track. this is what i was worrying that this album would sound like. oh no stomp and holler, stop please god no, ik for a fact this album already did ts, but that transition was not subtle at alll - track 8: production sounds a bit washed out in weird, definitley intentionally. i like the song, but it still kind of feels like a poor attempt at making something perhaps a bit psychedelic of sorts idk why i writing like this - track 9: idk about this one, its just a bit off to me idk - track 10: intro vocals remind me of bjork a bit for "millennial stomp and holler", i didn't hate this as much as i thought i would. the experimentation on the first few track is cool and for sure interesting to listen to, but it sounds very overproduced. The songs without the crazy dense production struggle to be as engaging as the as for mentioned first few track. Still very enjoyable but flawed
It was probably really special at the time
Eh bastante normal, Perfecto para mindless listening. Es el segundo de Arcade Fire que me ha salido y no he resaltado mucho de la banda. Algunos grandes hits si
We're sorry. Crossing U2 with Neutral Milk Hotel with a soupcon of the cast of Les Mis seemed like a good idea at the time but then it all got out of hand.
okayish, kind of edgelordy
Arcade Fire's debut, Funeral, is a sprawling indie rock masterpiece that wears its influences proudly on its sleeve. While it can be a bit overlong at times, the album's emotional core and sonic grandeur are undeniable. Tracks like "Rebellion (Lies)" and "Wake Up" are anthems for the disaffected youth, while "Everything Now" offers a glimmer of hope. Funeral is a must-listen for fans of indie rock, but its extended playtime and occasional dips in energy might deter casual listeners. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Kind of a mood bad. Reminded me a lot of the new Artic Monkey's style
6/10 This was OK but I have super mixed opinions on it Good music and melodies, nice use of traditional instruments like violin and accordion. Musical motifs pop up. Like the female vocals. Didn’t like the main male vocals - too intense. In fact the whole album is too intense, it’s like they feel every track has to be big and anthemic, making the big finishes feel forced and false. Too many songs have a tempo change, they seem to be writing these songs to imagined crowd reactions The whole thing has the energy of “that guy” in a group who keeps pushing that this will be the “best night ever” instead of letting things happen organically - making it definitely not the best night ever. Best: Rebellion (Lies)
I had the completely wrong impression of who Arcade Fire are as a band. I went into this expecting something like Alkaline Trio or Blink 182, but this is drastically more poppy. It probably meant my personal bias resulted in feeling a little let down, so perhaps I would have enjoyed this more with more appropriate expectations. However, there have been other similar moments like this where bands have surprised me in a positive way, so maybe I shouldn’t be too hard on myself. I found this to be fine. Good or bad are too strong of words. This is fine.
Fine. A bit overrated. 3.5
It has its moments 3.5
OK. Didn't finish it.
never heard this album and listened to it on a 100 mi bike ride 3 times lol. It's indicative of rock in the early 2000's and for a first album this is quite something. Experimental, edgy, refreshing almost but at the same time not put together. It lacks flow at times and some of the tracks are lack luster at best. It's worth the listen but not 'great' if that makes sense.
Definitely see the influence on indie rock here and it’s not bad, it’s just kinda bland.
Muy lindo
I still don't know if I like them or not
It's alright
It's not a bad album by any means, but it felt a bit like a blur to me. Unfortunately, I've had the same issue with many rock albums from that decade. I guess similarly to 90s grunge I just struggle to connect with that genre; it all tends to sound similar to me. 3 stars
I own this one as well. Decent album
On one hand, the album has elements that are truly enjoyable and original. However, this is counterbalanced by a radio-friendly, polished production that often feels over-saturated. Personally, I struggle to connect with bands like this. They label themselves “Indie,” yet they were nominated for a Grammy in 2005 and dominated the charts. They took the authentic sounds of genuine indie bands, polished, and overproduced them until there was no texture, color, or unique character left. In many ways, bands like this have contributed to the dilution of what indie rock originally stood for.
Nice but nothing revolutionary imo
Crown of love is the song that i liked most pf this album
Nothing special
Just solid indie rock. Too bad the lead singer is a shit bag.
One good song...Not for me. Not at all.
Neat
Nice but not my genre.
Not a funeral
For me this album is nothing special. It's trying to be original, which I appreciate, but it still somehow sounds basic. I can't explain why but it is just very middle of the road.
something doesn't fully click for me, maybe the vocals or mixing. I don't dislike it at all, I just wish I liked it a lot more.
rebellion, tunnels, power out & haiti highlights okay overall, easy listen
In some cultures a funeral is a celebration. In Arcade Fire world it is a MOR LP.
Good start to the album, but after the 4-5 first songs the songs start to blend into each other and become more and more boring.
Fairly generic indie pop for me. Didn’t get too much out of it but it was relatively pleasant the whole way through.
I’ve always had a bias against them as they seemed like Spin Magazine Indie hipster darlings but I enjoyed it well enough.
Not their best, but still amazing. I wish I could give 3.5.
Great start from the band. A few shaky songs but it's great to see their experimental roots.
was kind of cool
Fun.
6/10
Was only familiar with "Wake Up" prior to listening. I've always dug this era of indie rock, but perhaps I've only been exposed to the tip of the iceberg, or the more "poppier" acts. This album seems to alternate between high-energy and low-energy which I wasn't totally expecting (although I guess with an album title like "Funeral", one should expect some melancholic vibes). I guess what I'm trying to say is that I didn't really warm up to the "overall" experience, while some of the separate "parts" were well-orchestrated.
People have told me, knowing my musical tastes, that I would like Arcade Fire. So I have at various times listened to them including this album. Whilst liking their music it never completely grabbed me so I largely dismissed them and never, until recently when I bought Neon Bible cheap from a charity shop, bought any of their stuff. Listening again to this album in full there are many good songs and my appreciation of Arcade Fire has improved. I would buy this album if I came across it cheap and certainly give any new releases a listen. 3/5 13/5/24
Like the last album from this band, it is okay but not a great album. I just don’t understand the stories or points they are trying to tell through their songs.
Preferred "The Suburbs" over this. Not sure what whoever that mixed this was thinking but his voice was absolutely buried under the instruments, could not tell a darn thing he was saying. Musically it was nice but seriously I could not tell you a single word that he said and that kinda annoyed me. Also I felt like Win's voice sounded better in "The Suburbs" than it did in this but it wasn't an awful album just very meh.
this is the 2nd album by Arcade Fire on the list-i enjoyed it marginally more than the 1st. the music is great & interesting. really enjoy the use of different instruments, but just do not care for the vocals. will I seek it out to listen to ever again-nah.
Fine. 3
Just never been too into them. I usually like 2 or 3 songs per album of theirs and this is the same way. Just ok as a whole.
Decent. Didn't really grab me - all a little samey maybe. I think it's the vocals that bother me.
Really enjoy the use of orchestral instruments
Solid album
It’s fine. I like their next couple of albums more.
First, Let me say that I’m surprised that this album is 20 years old. I feel like I only heard of Arcade Fire 10 years ago, maybe. Saw them on SNL. They bleed over into that Indie folk scene with bands like Mumford & Sons; Who, by the way, I did actually enjoy… For about five minutes. Only so many songs can have people shouting “Hey” from the back of a cave before I get very bored with it. Arcade Fire is edge easier than that, but it did leave me with some of the same feelings. I could see enjoying this more on a day when I was contemplating life or sad about this or that. Most days, this isn’t my thing.
My 2nd. Arcade Fire album on this list. I still don't get the hype. There's not really anything wrong with the music, but it's just not all that interesting either. Fine as background music.
Ich kannte weder Band noch Album: Viel Sound - Viel Interessantes fürs Ohr - Gute Ansätze - die mich aber schlussendlich nicht mitnehmen. Schade.
Good album with some great songs
Glimpses of something better to come. A sound first album.
Enjoyed this.
This was a pretty good album, I enjoyed it Top tracks: Wake Up, Rebellion (Lies)
There is no doubt that this album is really good and a landmark, but it has just never clicked with me fully. I prefer Arcade Fire's next two albums over this.
Indie pop not my thing they sound like bi-polar hippies on an acid trip. A fast song and a slow one full of hate the other full of love. Too much emotions going everywhere without any order just a few good songs I liked as singles but the album doesnt do it for me. Not a bad album just not my liking
Don't know how I loved this album before. Honestly, it ain't all that.
6/10 Wake Up is fantastic, and Arcade Fire is talented. However, even though I enjoyed these songs well enough, I don't feel anything special about them. 4-5-2024
I honestly do not get the mass appraise for Funeral, by Arcade Fire. Yes, I have to give it to the production, which all together is sound and unique for most tracks. But the vocals could have been done much better on many of the tracks. I feel if there was better vocal layering, my thoughts on this album would be far more positive. That being said, highlights include Une aneé sans lumière, Haiti, and Wake Up. In Wake Up, I see the Arcade Fire thats vocals I wanted throughout the album. All in all, Funeral is an alright album. Best Song: Wake Up Worst song: Une aneé sans lumière
Surprisingly ok. Not great, not awful just ok.
Surprisingly good. Half the tracks were meh to me but the other half had a little merit. Not enough to put it up there but enough for me to not turn it off if it was on.
Pretty decent. There aren't any bad songs on it, but most of the songs just aren't something I'd listen to otherwise. light 7/10
Ok album but not for me
The songs are consistently good but there isn't anything that really stands out to me. I can see where people would be fans but I don't think I'll be looking for concert tickets anytime soon.
not a fan of arcade fire.
Pretty good listen. Though I have a hard time putting it above 3 just because there wasn't a lot replayability for my tastes. 3/5
There’s an ebb and flow to this album. It’s also hard to detach it from what came after. Wake Up is still their best song.
Odd voice, instrumentation is really solid. Haiti is a nice and chill song. Alright album but I don't think I'll listen to it much again, not my cup of tea.
Pretty cool!
Actually didn’t hate this album. The music videos are weird though.
good mix of twee and sleaze... weird bjork ending -- not cohesive? idk
Very 2000s, in a good way
Totally underwhelmed by this album. I was totally expecting to love this album and it just didn’t resonate with me. It was kind of boring. There are other songs by them that I was more impressed by.
Alright with the album, but not anything special.
I liked Arcade Fire. Saw them at Jazz fest Energetic with some chunky guitars.
moody ass album. Highlights: Crown of Love In The Backseat
Ei huono muttei kyllä oo mun lempparibändi. Kaipaan jotenkin jotain isompaa! 3/5
Every song sounds the same, like all the most annoying early '00s indie-pop laying ground for what would become rote radio-fare in a few years. Big, chorus-like songs, with some dude shouting about boring shit. Some of the musicality is interesting, but the vocals are annoying. Aren't there like, fifteen people in this band? Why didn't the other people revolt against the irritating singer? Sometimes a chick sings for a bit but she sounds like she's singing through one end of those yogurt cups connected by string from across a field. 3/5. Don't get the hype. Band seems highly punchable.
Rebellion (Lies) bangs so hard.
Boring
I like a lot of this album, but not all.
--
Ja wel mooi chill om naar te luisteren tijdens het leren maar zou het niet perse nog een keer aan zetten
Not as good as I hoped. I bet it could grow on me, as I like the newer stuff you hear on the radio, but not grabbing me by the lapels on first listen.
I feel like I should know Arcade Fire a lot more than I do, but the nice part of that confusion is that I'm pretty sure this is my first listen to an entire Arcade Fire album. I enjoyed it, but didn't fall in love with them or their sound, and wonder whether this is their best album to include (without bothering to follow through on whether there are multiple Arcade Fire selections or to figure out which of their albums is considered their all-time best)? I'm impressed at the band's longevity so far, though not so impressed by recent (and likely justified) "sexual misconduct" allegations that sound a lot like Ryan Adams (but without as much fallout so far). Overall, a strangely forgettable album, especially for one that won a Grammy and has been ranked as the 2nd best album of the 2000s....
Though I got this album over a year ago, apparently I forgot to rate it. Well, it's pretty good--I'd listen on the radio: dramatic, sort of fuzzy rock, but nothing is too memorable other than their clear passion for their sound.
An ok album
It has cool songs on it, but at the same time I don't feel that has something that makes it special of other albums of their style. A personal thing Is that I really like the cover, it's nice.
Nicht geil, aber auch nicht scheisse.
Have heard before. Doesn't hold up as well as I expected.
Entertaining lo-fi indie-rock with some nice flourishes. The track Neighbourhood #3 (Power Out) really reminded me of New Order for some reason.
Pleasant to listen. Not spectacular, but a great debut.
Easy listening, fun presentation. Favourite track: Crown of Love.
Never was a big fan. I think the blogotheque show ruined it for me. Guy seemed like an ass
Good
New to this band. I like it but nothing standout or that would make me want to check out the rest of their albums.
like indie rock opera vibes, at least first two songs; will see how it progresses. 1st song has the good piano in it. Second song has a lot of energy. Lyrical melodies remind me of modern The National. End of track 3 a an energetic vibey drive. The music isn't really bad by any means. Not necessarily my tastes. Wouldn't really listen again honestly. 3/5
Not my favorite of theirs but I like it
I'd heard of Arcade Fire because they've performed 5 times on SNL, and after reading the wikipedia article for the album I had high hopes. At first all the songs have the same blaring instrumental with some guy shouting in the background. But after multiple listens I did enjoy a lot of the tracks. Edit -- I don't see myself listening to anything on this again, listening to it for a week straight kind of drained me.
6/10 - It was pretty good. Nothing stood out a great deal but nothing was terrible. I liked a few songs.
solid album i liked haiti a lot but over that it never went that high again... 3.0/5.0
i don't remember what i thought of this one. Reminded me of my dad to
Very, very interesting. Never heard of them before. Wish there was a 3.5 rating.
It’s growing on me and I’m glad I listened to it. I probably won’t listen again but I’m glad I gave it a shot. Worth it.
I like Arcade Fire. 3 albums on this list is a bit much.
I really like 4 songs on this album (Neighborhood 1 & 3, Wake Up, and Rebellion). The rest is boring and points to the boring direction they went in after.
Pretty decent album but a tad too mellow for me at times. Still all around something decent to listen to.
Wake up is super catchy but I feel like every other song is a lesser version of the song. His voice is cool.
Found it pretty pedestrian
Meh
fun
It's OK, but not really something I'll listen to often
died for a bit but im back now hi (im gonna stop rating individually im lazy) like: tunnels, the french one i think i have to be in a very specific mood to enjoy this and its not my current one fs
it felt so dreamlike at times but i found it hard to focus while listening but it was good. i really liked crown of love and in the backseat
The first descriptor that came to mind for this record is theatrical rock. Elements of folk throughout, but it also reminds me of a circus at times with its vibrant and wacky sounds. Enjoyable listen still.
It's aight. A few exciting songs, although I didn't listen to the album very closely in terms of lyrics. I feel like I would have liked this album more a few years ago, but unfortunately some songs are overplayed now. Crown of Love and Rebellion are still great tracks
It's ok. Nothing really stands out for me. Bit too many droning sounds.
Not bad.
I really enjoyed this ethereal, moody album!
Solid sound, enjoyable
Arcade Fire is one of those bands that I would put on a 'chill party background music' playlist. Their stuff is fine, but it's nothing exciting. It doesn't make me feel anything. It's just kind of... there. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Bonus star because this album does include one of my favorite Arcade Fire songs, if it's possible to have one -- 'Wake Up'. I like the intro.
Liked every song. Good listening
Sounds like David Burns
Not too bad. I like it.
Good listen. Fav tracks - Neighborhood #1, Crown of Love
Not a bad listen, enjoyed track 3 "une Annie sans lumiere". Good background music but not mindblowing
It's alright, just not my style.
honestly, this started off a lot worse than it ended. I at first was annoyed by the album because I immediately thought I’d be bored or annoyed which at the first few songs I was, and it wasn’t until Crown of Love where it picked up and I really enjoyed it. Unfortunately it was half and half for me so they average out, but if the whole album was more like the second half it would be very good.
First time I listened to this one, I prefer the suburbs.
Solid album, nothing noteworthy. A couple goodsongs, very good flow. 7
7.5 This album has some songs that are still popular today and are catchy. The album flows very well from one song to the other.
NA
Not enthusiastic about this album
Acceptable but unfortunately modern and overexposed. Hearing this music and style just makes me think of commercialization and product placement.
This was fine, but I don't get it. Nothing made me want to relisten 3/5
This was a good album, just not particularly memorable. “Neighborhood #1-4” and “In The Backseat” would have made a really solid EP that I probably would have rated 5 stars. But it felt like the rest of album seemed like filler. Not bad, but nothing else stood out.
Von den 1001 Alben. Ich mochte mal ein Album von denen, aber insgesamt sind sie mir ein bisschen zu viel. Also das geht auf jeden Fall klar. Es nervt auch gar nicht. Ich höre aber natürlich auch nicht so richtig bewusst zu. Och joah also keine Ahnung. Bin immerhin schon fast halb durch.
Listened
A couple bangers, a couple odd balls, overall a fairly funky album.
Very spheric, for sure nothing to listen to every day.
I'm not sure I've ever listened to this record from start to finish (though I recognize just about every song on it). A gem of an indie rock album that is chockablock with awesome tracks. I don't think it's quite a 4 star for me, but I'm giving it that because 3.75 is not an option.
I need to give this a closer listen. I know arcade fire are really well regarded, and I like them, but I usually think they’re just…fine?
A few decent songs, but overall I didn’t love it.
Osittain hyvää, osittain aika rasittavaa. Laulajan ääni meinasi rasautella ajoittain. Haiti paras kappale ja Rebellion ok sen jälkeen. Vika kappale oli kanssa ok. Tulee vähän MGMT mieleen. Semmoista tavallaan rockia, mut sit pienellä en tiedä millä käänteellä.
I really like this singer's voice, however this album was a little lackluster after the first couple of songs.
Està bé però no m'ha encantat. Molt en la línia del que esperava
This was fine.
This was OK. I am rarely in the mood for melancholy hipster rock.
Nice album couple songs saved. Instrumentals on last songs were my fav 3.8
Tanis liked it
Pretty good. Would have liked it more at the time I think.
I loved this album. Nearly 20 years ago! Something has changed. Is it me? Or everything around me? It just doesn’t feel the same any more. It used to sound big, and warm. Full of soul and joy. Today it feels hollow, a bit forced … the word I keep coming back to is irritating. I know all the tracks really well, but I just have a constant desire to skip them. Did I oversaturate in its pomp?
meh
That was a pleasant listen. Can’t say anything leapt out but it was consistent and palatable.
Eh it's decent, some cool ideas but nothing really stood out.
Moderne indierock, det fungerer meget godt
I feel like I've heard their music before, very unique sound. Not bad, reminds me of the Sex on Fire song type sound. Not sure if I'd listen to the album again
Wel een grappig rock albumpie, verrassend leuk Sjoerd gaat dit sws4 geven.
Wel oke! Begon wat stroef maar verderop zaten wel betere nummers
Not my cuppa but some nice tracks
I enjoyed this. It was a very retro feel. Yes it is lofi from the early 2000s, but it felt nostalgic
Summary: An all-over-the-place rock album with some hard-hitting walls of sound throughout. Sonically, it's pretty great to lose yourself in, if you can tune out the harsh vocals. Spectacular creativity, especially for its time, but that creativity only amounted to a medium amount of good. It's not really my style. Musically, close to a 4/5, but my enjoyment was a bit lower. Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels): Intense, self-assured modern rock. Thick drum-based textures underlay a passionate (and slightly crazed) delivery of some interesting lyrics that hint at a mortality theme. This'll be the only time I check the lyrics. Neighborhood #2 (Laika): Some fantastic breakdowns throughout, but the repetitive harmonies and lead vocals can get a little grating. Still a banger and really sonically enjoyable as a wall of sound. Une Année Sans Lumiere: Using French lyrics is a Beatles gag that I don't normally let bands get away with (especially after Billy Joel's subpar "C'etait Toi" on the otherwise stellar Glass Houses album). This song doesn't get away with it either, until around 2:50, when the previous feel is abandoned for a much more energetic one. And it kinda slaps. Neighborhood #3 (Power Out): Such an unusual sound here: frenetic vocals, a wildly indecisive shouting melody, brash drumming, and glockenspiels. It's not really my thing, but I have to give it credit for sounding incredibly unique for its time. The rising guitars at 3:00 are pretty cool. Neighborhood #4 (Kettles): A lower-energy track, and a welcome break from the previous songs' colossal textures. The wobbly strings (the "kettles") in the back are a little distracting, but at 1:55 we get a huge improvement and the song sounds much better after that point. The vocals are quite strong. The acoustic guitar and strings work well together. Crown Of Love: An emotional song that feels, instrumentally, like the sequel to Kettles. Nice backing vocals at 1:35 which would've been even better if they were harmonised (with several vocalists). Same comment for 2:45. The chorus/post-chorus part at 3:00 is really strong. What the heck happened at 3:40. I love it. I-iv chord changes are the best, and the strings do them justice. Wake Up: A riff that would be stronger if it had more than one unique note in it. Still, a strong, memorable intro. The singing in the verse is stretched out awkwardly, and the vocal inflections don't help here (he's out of tune and it sounds like he's just been crying). I can't help but like the song, though. Must be the bias of seeing 140 million streams and subconsciously believing that it has to be good. The sound wall beginning at 3:20 is pretty sick. At 3:50 we have an unnecessary tempo and textural change that adds little to the song, at least until the singing starts again. They start to hit their sonic stride again, but then the song kind of disappears without warning. A weak ending. Haiti: The vocalist is great here. I wish she was a little more forward in the mix so that I can distinguish the lyrics from the floaty, magical instrumental. A little repetitive after the halfway point. Fantastic transition to the next track. Rebellion (Lies): 20 seconds in and I already really like it. The kick drums are aural dopamine. Harmonically, pretty simplistic, but the chord progressions in the second half of the song are wildly popular among musicians for a good reason. Great use of muted strings, and a brilliantly thick texture that doesn't go overboard. My favourite track. In The Backseat: The piano(? harp?) arpeggios are great with the backing guitar and strings, and the vocalist really shines here too. Until 1:15, it sounds like a completely different band playing (the electric guitar brings it back). Lengthy instrumental with a soft, harp-based ending.
An album with a few good singles, rather than a good album in my view
Classique! Pense pas je l'ai écouté une fois du début a la fin. Très bon, moins fou que les Suburbs. J'ai de la misère à accorder un 4.
Not that hreat
Pop-rock sin estridencias. No es un grupo que me aporte nada significativamente. Se puede escuchar, simplemente
I think I've heard a couple of these before, but not the whole album--lets see how it goes. (Yup, I know neighbourhood#2 and wake up) First impression: feels like sticking an arm out the car window on a bright, cold day. Other thoughts: I'm sure the lyrics are probably meaningful, but I can't understand most of what the lead singers words in the first couple songs. The album has a quiet, methodical vibe. A slow deliberate pace to most of the songs, with understated instrumentals and plaintive vocals. Feels wistful. Overall it wasn't bad, but not the right vibe for me today
An easy to listen to early indie album. Great background music for writing this MMPI-2 interpretation 👍
Väga 2000-ndate indie. Käib küll, aga 2004. aastal meeldis mulle kindlasti rohkem.
Nice to hear Wake Up and Rebellion again (forgot about the latter). Neighborhood #3 was a fun find. Liked it overall.
One new liked song
Liked
6/10 for me. loved few songs. it seemed a little too loud and rocky for me, but good album in general.
Mellow, easy to listen to while working.
I like Arcade Fire just fine, but this album is just okay to me. 3.5
Haven't really listened to this album since I was 14, but it reminds me of how I casually went to their concert with my dad and his friend after school one day (spur of the moment) in 8th grade and his friend gave me his backstage pass so I met them, got a signed setlist (which I have since lost to time), and saw Emma Stone from afar. I still carry that guilt to this day
meh
Couple of really good songs, but mostly meh
has a lot going on at once, but not too interesting for me
Decent album Lots of interesting musical ideas that cover a lot of genres. Haiti was really cool.
Indie rock feel. Was ok. Like listening to something new.
This was listened to in the recovery from New Orleans. Mellow in the way it needed to be. But I worry I’m not cool enough to get arcade fire. Which I think is even less cool to say now than it would have been 20 years ago to say.
Good album. But I enjoyed The Suburbs a lot more.
I know it's supposed to be good and all, but I never seem to enjoy their material, except for The Suburbs that sounds a lot like a watered down version of QotSA.
The songs are good, but I can't stand the flat singing. Would have been an extra star with a different singer. Favorite song: neigborhood #2.
Some bangers, some overly melancholy blandness
First entry by everyone’s favorite 300 person indie band with a thematic album about something I’m sure. It’s a 00’s indie listen
There’s a push and pull to this album that goes from profound to pretentious. Depends on whether or not you’re into the style. In my opinion, though, at it’s peak, it still fails to capture my interest. The whole album feels unfocused and directionless. There are great concepts here and the songs are fun so I know there’s a lot of potential going forward, but the execution on this project leaves something to be desired. 3/5
Not bad. Quirky, especially the vocals. It's different, but I don't really see what all the fuss was about.
Some great tracks and I enjoy their alt rock style
Aside from their mega hit Wake Up, the rest was ok. Not something I'd actively want to listen to.
Meh. Not really a fan of them. I didn't hate it, but it's a defintite "one and done" for me.
This is a much acclaimed album and there are one or two numbers I quite like. But I don't generally see what all the fuss is about. It's okay. I'll leave it at that.
Ok album. I don't know if it was a reverb or chorus effect on the vocals, but it was distracting and made everything seem muffled a bit. 3/5
this folk-ish artsy indie rock is/used to be one of the most overhyped albums in the indie culture, now it's somewhat trendy to hate on this. When one listens to this album and actually doesn't fall asleep midway, he himself can hear why it's considered to be overhyped as shit. It's middle of the pack indie, nothing extraordinary or nothing you'd want to claim as your favourite album
Liked a few of them, but wasn't a huge fan of the rest. Vocals were a little bit whiney for my tastes, but I can appreciate why this album is well-regarded.
How do I put this properly? Arcade Fire is a good band. This is probably their best album. The collection of songs at the end are fantastic together. But I don’t like Arcade Fire that much. I appreciate them and I recommend them to others, but I don’t want to listen to them on my own for any reason. Technically good, but my ears process their music as nothing more than sound that is arranged in an intelligent way. Maybe a 4, but I just don’t see how.
The album was fine. Perfectly pleasant. There was a time when there was quite a hike around this group and I just never got it.
Good album but not as big a fan as I used to be in my teens
A greater guitar-driven effort from Arcade Fire I overlooked in favor of their progressively synthier discography that followed. There’s no denying the genuine emotion here, but something felt unsatisfying - my best guess would be how homogeneous the instrumentation and mostly upbeat melodies feel throughout the entire LP, never really throwing any curveballs or even mildly deviating from expectations once the first track is done. This was a decent listen, but just never shifted into a gear that demanded my attention.
Meh. Whole album is similar sounding and there's no real progressive story. A bit pretentious and folksy without the charm behind it.
Pretty good album. Unique sound, has a genuine, honest feel to it. 3/5
Pop rock, kinda Indy feeling
But overrated to be honest
Big at the time, pretty Middle of The Road nowadays
It was okay
Indie elevator music.
couple of very good sons, others are mid and very similar
easy listening/chill
It came out at a time when I was too busy with kids etc to pay attention to music. Parts flickered with recognition - was OK
very solid album
This is the third Arcade Fire album that I have gotten on this list and I can confidently state that I am not a fan. Their work just isn’t my preferred kind of music. Although I think I liked this album the best of the three. Not for me but I can understand why others enjoy them.
Not for me, but a good album never the less, i found it interesting to hear that the genre can also be desrcribes as "baroque pop" great description 3/5
This is the second album I've reviewed by Arcade Fire in this generator. The first one was The Suburbs. Of the two, this one is my favorite. Arcade Fire are a Canadian indie rock band from Quebec. Overall, not a bad album. I'm not a huge fan of indie music, so I wouldn't rush out to buy this, but I didn't immediately want to shut it off either. A fairly average album. Favourite songs: Rebellion (Lies), Wake Up, Neighborhood #3 (Power Out), Une Annee Sans Lumiere Least favourite songs: In the Backseat, Crown of Love 3/5
Grew on me over the course of a day. Swelling orchestrals, a raucous energy. I can only imagine how much better it would be in context of it’s time. Will continue listening to this one I think. Cannot wait to explore the lyrical content.
Expected better, nothing fabulous
64 albums in and this is my second Arcade Fire one. So that doubles my historical Arcade Fire listening experience. I didn't get what the hype was about on the previous one and I'm afraid this one's the same. I'm sure that if you're a fan this is sublime or something. I'm obviously not a fan. It's not horrible, but I won't listen to the album again out of choice.
This is a band I find that I'll never fully appreciate. The music doesn't engage me and I do not enjoy the singing at all. There might be good lyrics in this album, but it's hard for me to focus on it when I can't enjoy the rest.
reminds me of a bad modest mouse song.
Fresh and new, it was interesting.
Reminded me to listen to more arcade fire, but I prefer the suburbs as an album
This was hypnotic and easy to listen to! It had a very intimate feel to it. Either way, "Funeral" is an apt name for this album; it feels very burdened and sad. While I definitely feel like this album spawned something within the indie movement, and certainly pushed Arcade Fire into stardom, I only averagely enjoyed this.
Nice record, but nothing special, for what I'm concerned.
les chansons que j'ai aimées sont les moins écoutées je crois que je suis pas le bon public
Nice album, nice sound. Some songs were a bit boring
What a great album... that's utterly ruined by mopey, whiney, emo vocals. Win Butler needs to pull himself out of his own butthole, grow a spine, and act like he actually wants to be here making music. I wanted to fail this so hard because of these vocals but the music is just SO good. I have to give it multiple stars for the musicianship alone. I want a no-vocals version of this album. I'd listen to it on repeat. All day long. But add in these vocals and the gag-inducing, self-indulgent lyrics and I'm out. I couldn't wait for it to be done.
Tunnels: I see this as another song about love, definitely not an oversaturated topic. Whiney voice, definitely a song for indiehead teenagers. Other than that, it sounds fine. Laika: God I hate that voice. Sounds like an indiehead's wet dream. You can tell this song's main audience were college kids. UASL: Better voice. A song about losing someone close to them, much better. Power Out: Maybe I'm just getting used to it, but I don't dislike the voice. Another song about losing someone. Kettles: A song about an inactive society/government. Better voice Crown of Love: Another love song. Fine voice, oversaturated topic Wake Up: About the loss of innocence. Kinda annoying voice. Good subject matter. Haiti: A tribute to Haiti. Fine. Lies: A metaphor for how we choose to "sleep" and cover our eyes to the atrocities in the world. Best song in this album to me. In the Backseat: About how their youth was taken so they were "in the driver's seat" way too soon when they would have rather waited. 2nd best song to me 2.8/5
It’s a type of music that I would like, but somehow don’t. Spacey and airy vocals, interesting music styling and choices. It’s like and Indy-folk. There are a few songs I enjoy, but ultimately forgettable.
its fine didnt listen to it too heavily but also didnt feel the need to
Pretty good. The album's songs include a range of tempos and melodies; vocals are fair, and the arrangements are tasteful.
A couple good songs but I think this band could take any song and make it boring. Concerts must be a snooze fest
I think its insane they wrote the soundtrack for her which has Song on the Beach and I LOVE THAT SONNG. Anyway these are some nice indie vibes, they reminds me of the Perks of Being a wallflower and they make me think of weddings with mason jars and twine lol. I think they were the blue print for this style of white people music. also like the lighter version of joy division. Also I feel some Black Country New Road kind of vibe to some of the songs. I bet they were inspired by Arcade Fire, or its kinda folky.
10 tracks at 48 minutes for an album that sounds like one song. This album is probably only here for 'Wake Up', a phenomenal song that does a lot of heavy lifting to keep this album good. 3/5.
It’s ok. Rebellion (Lies) is great. It’s a 2.5 that I’ll round up because it really like that one song.
I know I'm supposed to hate Arcade Fire now because the singer is a bad person, but I've never listened to an Arcade Album song before, so I don't know how that works. I guess I will dislike the man for being a bad person and see what the music is like. Phew, moral quandary navigated! Not sure about his voice. It's actually not that bad. Solid, I like the 'Neighborhood' pieces. 3 / 5.
Solid.
I interesting. Liked some tracks more than others.
Good album!! This is great to have in while working or doing something else. Nothing really stood out to me in a good or bad way. 3.5/5 stars
Amazing guitar sound, and I think all the orchestral arrangements were done in a good way to add something to the album without overdoing anything. My big hang-up here is the same with so many indie rock acts of the 21st century - why is the lead singer's voice so ... whiny. The "Neighborhood" saga is my least favorite grouping of tracks, the standouts here were Une Annee Sans Lumiere, Wake Up, Rebellion, and In the Backseat. I can easily see why this made the mark it did in 2004 and is considered a top album of the decade.
Enjoyed this album. Need to give it another listen though.
Good album, would listen again but not one that I would rave about
don't hate it. don't like it. boring. like a messier lumineers. I appreciate the occasional gritty singing and angst. But something about it just... didn't feel right. It all felt blended through the mess yet still not cohesive.
It's fine
Okay
I've listened to this album since it first came out, but now it doesn't feel as strong as it once did. 3.5/5
The good parts were good, while the not so good parts we’re a big miss. Definitely can see how the big melodic pieces leads to their next album.
It’s okay, prefer other indie albums during this era. Mostly upbeat and somewhat repetitive
3 stars
Goes into the waily end of the rock-folk-indie-alternative spectrum which does grate on a me a little. This album definitely sounds like the mid 2000's and it does produce some bangers.
Extra for that song from the Where the Wild Things Are trailer which was better than the actual movie.
Ágætis plata. Ekki þeirra besta.
There are some lovely melodies at play here, and the lyrics are clever. But the whole album comes off as somewhat cold and remote.
OK,
indie rock at its indie rockiest. 3/5
God bless the Millennials.
Goed album. Voor mijn gevoel veel verschillende stijlen en erg origineel. Wel een album wat je vaker moet luisteren om het te gaan waarderen. Hij wordt zeker opgeslagen en krijgt nog een kans.
Prima, beetje op een zeurende stem heeft de zanger.
Mostly energetic but fairly samey, didn't connect except for a few songs Favourite track - Wake up.
Wanted to love it so badly. The production is simply too much for me and it crowds the very well written lyrics
It was fine. Nothing groundbreaking
Tunnels ok, reszta meh
Never bothered with them before better than expectwd
I didn't enjoy this but I can see why some people do
Wow - this was disappointing. I really like later Arcade Fire and honestly didn't realize I don't like the songs on this album.
I personally like Arcade Fire, and I think they have a great sound, but going through this entire album, I have to admit that the themes don't feel super established in a lot of tracks, and the vocals do leave a bit to be desired.
They were obviously inspired by Neutral Milk Hotel. But this music doesn't have the same intensity; it feels a bit watered down, and its enormous influence on 2000s indie music is somewhat of a tragedy. Still, there are some great moments, most notably "In the Backseat."
Pretty good
Really disappointing apart from two excellent singles
não muito empolgante
Pretty good indie rock sound.
pleasant enough. 3.
easy listening, not bad modest mouse vibes.
Tuneful, a bit plinky plonky and earnest. Indie.
Good
Not really my thinggg
doesn't do much to me, gave it a couple of spins over the years. Wake Up is awesome, though.
Pretty chill.