Reviews (page 6 of 15)
A classic album full of top quality songs.
Nice discovery! So creative!
A lot of different styles/ instruments. Very pleasing for the ear!
Really suprised by this album! I really liked it!
Kevät
Interesting. A lot going on. Would need another 2-3 listens to start unpacking it. And I’m pretty sure I’m willing to do that (once I get through the current backlog).
Pretty good album. First album of what now has become a slightly annoying stadium rock band
An exciting interesting album without any particular standout songs/singles. An example of being interesting but accessible
Great first album If David Bowie and Talking Heads gave birth to a band
Did this come out as an answer to the horrible emo scene that was dominating the suburbs at the time? Possibly. It felt like a direct message to me, even if the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. It was an easy answer to, "Oh if you don't like My Chemical Romance then what do you like?" Though Sufjan was and always will be better.
great music, horrible vocals
It's chill, I like it.
This sounds so timeless
Beautiful as hell with a stellar final 3 song leg
Truly the 500th best album out of Rolling Stone's 500 Best Albums of All Time.
Immediately and unintentionally swam deep into the ol’ nostalgia well starting at Tunnels and it carried through all the way to the end. I struggled if I should even rate this one if I was so compromised. OTOH why else does anyone engage with art in the first place? This album is strong enough lyrically and to grab someone in 2025, or at least that’s how I can explain being bowled over emotionally. It does lack some depth and isn’t as expansive musically as their later material. That being said, no real skippers IMO. Set the standard for a lot of indie music that followed.
A classic. Reminds me of freshman year of college. Kind of forgot about a couple of the songs but it’s got some bangers. I think Suburbs is probably a more cohesive album lyrically? ‘Neighborhood #2’ always kinda makes me laugh for some reason, like who the hell is Alexander.
This is a solid album throughout, but man, "Rebellion (Lies)" DOES SOMETHING TO ME. Indie fugue state. Millennial madness. Every time I hear it, I'm like, "Is this my favorite song of all time???" I'm thumping and hooting and hollering. EVERY TIME YOU CLOSE YOUR EYEEEEEES!
I like Arcade Fire. They have a really good creative energy. Sometimes kind of messy and chaotic but in a good way with interesting instrumentation. They rock out some pretty powerful jams with a unique sound. They are a band I can listen to over and over and discover new things in their songs.
never asked
I remember this from when I was a teen. Perhaps overplayed, but love Wake Up for instance.
У Фаєрів видатний був стрік з перших чотирьох альбомів. Хоч навколо цього є загальний консенсус, що він кращий, мені він подобається найменше з чотирьох. Але це безаперечно дуже сильний дебют і важливий альбом для нульових
Шикарний альбом, який гарно постарішав. Suburbs люблю більше, але тут впевнені 4 зірочки від мене.
This is pretty good. It drags a bit, but the instrumentation is good.
Crazy good debut with poetic lyrics and a wall of sound that just sounds gorgeously epic. Wake Me and Rebellious are all time greats.
All Time Classic. Iconic 00s Rock-Hymns and the sweet smell of youth.
Fantastic album, even after all these years. Such a great introduction to Arcade Fire
Vibes: 3/5 Instruments: 2/5 Production: 4/5 Emotional Value: 4/5 Storytelling/Lyrics: 4/5 Stand Outs: Neighborhood #3, Rebellion (lies) Overall Rating: 3.8
Generally solid throughout.
It's ok, not really my thing.
Theatrical, bombastic, but astonishingly cohesive and accomplished for a debit.
5/1001 Some interesting sounds and creative oddball stuff on here. I can see how some would not like this. For me, this is one of the good ones.
Much more my alternative style. This is fun, but not a jam. Crown of Love has a good jam at the end of it.
Rating: 9/10 Amazing indie rock album with plenty of catchy riffs, melodies, and choruses.
Had some highlight songs but a lot of it sounded the same.
Ganske bra.
Amazing album about death and growing up. So much feeling here and ridiculous highs like wake up. Very high 4, just has always had a couple of skips for me.
I think it was pretty cool uhhhh........ I don't really have anything to say so uh... Yeah.
Oh, Canada. I often find mid-aughts records don’t age that well. This one stills feels very good. The music on this album fills a room in a way that is cozy and epic at the same time.
Thrashed this when it came out. Holds up well listening again over 20 years later
Still sounds great! Lots of nostalgia here. Easy 4
Well, this takes me back to my first marriage. This album got overplayed when we began dating. It wasn't what I was into, but I endured because she liked it. Eventually, it grew on me. Didn't think I would listen to this again. There's something different about this band. They aren't like a corporate cutout, but they aren't super "indie" either. Just good ole mature music for adults who don't like to blow their ears out ti heavy music. Kind of folky, but not folk music. Neighborhood 3 and Wake Up were always favorites. This album is a good 4 for me.
Trop bien aussi
Listened to this a lot as a teen, Haiti was on several mixes. Some dated sound choices, but the anthems are undeniable.
At their best with heavy hitters with the right amount of unexpected indie elements (power out, wake up). At their worst with whiny ballads that seem like playing indie band BINGO. they’re only missing a whiny pathetic trumpet player. Crown of Love is embarrassingly bad especially when it leads to a song as monumental as wake up. Still it’s arcade fire. When I think arena indie rock they are THE band.
Kinda surprised how much it still hit. This is an institution of time and place for me and maybe that’s why I don’t find the dance rock as cheesy as I might otherwise.
Quality Canadian indie.
Some of the best indie rock songs of the early 2000's with a couple of songs I'm not crazy about. 8/10
Loved it
Great Album
Cool, chilled beautiful.
Very fresh given its more than 20 yeas old
An all time fave of mine. Beautiful in places, raw in others, then a dance party breaks out in Crown of Love.
Riktigt bra!! Art-rock med både passion och nerv! Kommer att lyssna mer på, garanterat.
At times beautiful and europhic, it just lacks the consistency to make it a true classic.
Gostei do álbum, algumas músicas me fizeram viajar e me levaram pra outro lugar, adicionando para minha lista de favoritos.
Impressive debut indie rock record. Forgot how many additional instruments they utilize beyond just guitar, guitar, bass and drums. The orchestral instrumentation, especially fits in well. "Neighborhood #4 (Kettles)" one of the more heartfelt tracks. Standouts are "Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)" and the anthemic "Rebellion (Lies)".
Arcade Fire's debut album, "Funeral", is a big sounding record. It’s well produced, with rich layers of instrumentation that build to a series of powerful crescendos. The album is filled with dramatic shifts in tone, from quiet melancholy to explosive, anthemic rock. It’s consistently catchy, with interesting melodies. The album’s influences are, for me, clearly rooted in Indie Rock and Post-Punk. The opening track, "Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)," shares a similar sense of sweeping, romantic drama with the early work of The Killers. Meanwhile, the second track, "Neighborhood #2 (Laïka)," with its jittery rhythms, guitars, and slightly off-kilter energy, evokes the quirky Post-Punk of The Talking Heads. I found "Funeral" to be a very consistently high quality and enjoyable album. It just floated right over me in a very nice way. With a few more listens I could really get into it. Four stars. 1 "Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)" (4/5) 2 "Neighborhood #2 (Laïka)" (4/5) 3 "Une année sans lumière" (4/5) 4 "Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)" (4/5) 5 "Neighborhood #4 (7 Kettles)" (4/5) 6 "Crown of Love" (4/5) 7 "Wake Up" (4/5) 8 "Haiti" (4/5) 9 "Rebellion (Lies)" (4/5) 10 "In the Backseat" (4/5) Total - 40 Average - 4 109/1001
An album with a big reputation in the 2000's. Didn't listen to it at the time but actually really enjoyed it now.
Over the years, I've had many different reactions to this album, and Arcade Fire in general. Some of this more recently has been colored by their post-Suburbs output (not all of which I've heard, but what I have I have universally disliked) and learning that Win Butler may well be a sex pest. I'll ignore those last two things for these purposes. I *HATED* this album when it first blew up, largely because I was over it regarding bloated, pretentious indie stuff. A few years passed and I gave it another shot and went 100% in the other direction on this (as well as the next two albums, both of which are superior, IMO). I'm now largely positive on it, but not blown away by it as a whole. Their music remains excruciatingly melodramatic, sometimes to great effect ("In The Backseat") and sometimes cringingly so ("Crown of Love"). But they really were innovative and sounded different from everything else, in a way I now can't help but admire. That said, all three of their first albums are capital-G Great, but uneven. The "Neighborhood" suite is sometimes quite good, sometimes boring and overwrought. The dirge-y stuff can drag. But "Wake Up" and "Rebellion (Lies)" are both, for my money, among the very best rock songs of this century. That alone merits many plaudits.
Frábær plata good feeling.
Flott plata.
I really enjoyed listening through this album. I think I liked every song. I’ll say that it sounded like things I’ve heard before, but maybe it’s just ahead of its time? Also, the female vocalist reminded me a bit of Yoko Ono, which I swear is not an insult. Solid arrangements and great songs.
I've never been that into Arcade Fire but this is GOLD. Easily their best record. Favorite track: Wake Up 4.5/5
I’ve been aware of Arcade Fire for some time—my daughters are big fans and have seen them live a few times—but I hadn’t really sat down with their music until now. Listening to Funeral was a bit of a revelation. There’s a raw emotional energy running through the album that’s hard to ignore, and it’s matched by a kind of orchestral grandeur that never feels overblown. Neighbourhood #3 (Power Out) stood out immediately—urgent, driving, and full of tension. It’s got that perfect balance of chaos and control. Wake Up is anthemic in the best way, with its soaring chorus and communal feel; I can see why it’s a live favourite. And Rebellion (Lies) was hypnotic, defiant, and strangely uplifting. What surprised me most was how much Funeral appealed to my prog rock sensibilities. While it’s not prog in the traditional sense, there’s a clear ambition in the song structures, thematic cohesion, and layered instrumentation that echoes the spirit of progressive music. The emotional intensity and dramatic builds reminded me of what I love about bands who aim for something bigger than just a catchy tune. It’s theatrical without being pretentious, and emotionally resonant without being overwrought. I can see why it made such an impact—and why my daughters are so passionate about them.
From 2004-2014 the Arcade Fire had a pretty argument for being the best band in the world. Their passionate take on Orchestral Indie Pop was exhilarating. This is their best album. Clever, catchy and exciting, a great record that defined an era.
If we were allowed half votes this would be 3.5, but I’ve rounded up to 4 as it’s certainly not an average 3. It’s a good solid album.
Ah, the 2000’s indie rock staple. Of course this is a really good album, but I think with fresher ears than the last time I heard it I think I can say I like The Suburbs better. The first half of this is so good, but I think after Wake Up the rest don’t stick with me as much. Sucks that Arcade Fire fell off so far after the first three albums. Favorites are Neighborhood #1, #2, #3, and Wake Up.
Definition of 2000s indie. Beautiful strings and orchestration. More folksy than i thought it would be but still a good listen.
La douceur et le moelleux dans lequel on baignait en 2004. Connaître toutes les chansons comme un nuage.
I'd never heard anything by them, but I was surprised at how much I like this. Not a 5 yet, but maybe after more listening. Made me think of Biffy Clyro at times - variety and vibe
Very much an album of its moment. Maybe the pinnacle of the alt rock of the time, but still felt revolutionary when it came out. Still good today.
It sounded like exactly what I think of when I think of early 00’s indie rock.
This was my first time going back to this album since almost completely phasing out AF from my listening. Honestly, for me, there had been diminishing returns as far back as Reflektor (2013), which does still have some excellent material, but everything since has just continued to decline in quality. But I really did used to love this band for some years. Everyone goes nuts for this debut album, and while it was never my personal favorite AF release, I have a soft spot for some songs. Upon this relisten, I have to say I’ve gotten pretty bored with the singles (Neighborhood #1, Wake Up, Rebellion (Lies)) and In the Backseat, but I still have an affinity for basically the rest of the songs, particularly the other Neighborhoods. This album also enjoys the benefit of having massive influence over both the sound and the scene of indie rock, so that bumps the score up a little. I may not care for Arcade Fire anymore but this album is a gem. Must-listen #209.
3.9 it's good. But it's pretty overrated. First time I heard it, after seeing it on so many beat of lists, I thought yep, this will grow and grow, I can see why it eventually reaches that status for people. Extremely interesting on the first 5-10 listens. Power out the obvious highlight, phenomenal song. But several other great moments, the chorus with backing vocals of Laika, the dreaminess of Haiti, the end of the album in general is very strong. But one of the top albums in recent history? Nah. Strays slightly on the wrong side of pretentious art rock too much for that imo.
Arcade Fire’s Funeral is a sweeping debut full of emotional urgency, lush instrumentation, and cathartic choruses. Its blend of indie rock, baroque pop, and heartfelt lyricism creates a communal sense of both grief and celebration. While a few tracks stretch a bit long, the album’s raw passion and anthemic energy make it a powerful, enduring record that still feels vital.
Musikken var så pass bra at jeg spilte forbi albumet og et par sanger videre med artisten.
I know they've sort of fallen out of favour with a lot of the indie scene in the meantime. But this is still a great album, and a great reminder of what a great band they can be and what a creative force they represented when they entered the scene with this debut album.
Guy sounds like Conor Oberst.
Hmm it’s a good album. It didn’t grab me though. Unsure about 3 or 4.
jako dobro :) pjesma br. 6 zapela u glavi
Classic
Every indie boy's favourite album because Pitchfork told them so. It is great though. Along with Suburbs, my favourite of the 2000s indie rock efforts.
A great debut from a band I like, not love. Still lots of wonderful production choices, beautiful melodies and fun songs to sing along with. 4/5
Like Mark Mothersbaugh, lots of staccato. Pretty great overall. Check out the information on production.
Lots of great anthems on this one but, as a whole, the songwriting is not as good as on "Neon Bible" and "The Suburbs." Also, I was particularly annoyed by Win Butler's and the female vocalist Regine's voices on many of the songs. Never noticed before how weak much of the vocals are with this band. Still, this album holds up well and has some of their best songs like "Neighborhood 1,""Neighborhood 3," and "Rebellion (Lies)" and, though I've gotten tired of it, "Wake Up." How did this band lose its way so much over the years? I haven't even listened to their newest album because of indifference.
Two Arcade Fire albums in like four days, not complaining. There was a time when this was an easy five stars for me, but in Win Butler's words, now that I'm older my heart's colder. I still love a lot of tracks here, there isnt a bad song on Funeral. Neighborhood 1 and 3 are phenomenal, Haiti is beautiful, and Rebellion (Lies) is a contender for their best song in my book. But there is more throwaway, I dont really care for Laika, and Crown of Love and In the Backseat are just ok. Even Wake Up, it just isnt as impactful on the 1500th listen. I do still love this one, I've listened countless times, and it's a fantastic debut, but it misses the heights of Neon Bible and The Suburbs
3.5 that I’ll round up because of the positive spirit of the music. Possibly ethereal, but good fun to listen to.
Muy cool
Good Album, Knew the song Rebellion as it was played on the radio pretty heavily and probably the best song of the album as the rest was "generic" arcade fire sounding music (not a bad thing). Also added Crown of love, Wake up to my playlist however the album as a whole is not something I would seek out to listen to on its own, that being said 4/5 as it was enjoyable to listen to
Very good debut album, deep, intense, emotional. The instruments are almost symphonic, perfectly layered. ⭐️ Neighbourhood #1, Neighbourhood #3, In the Backseat 87/100
A great debut album. Well produced and played. A brilliant live band as well.
I've heard a few of their hits, but this was my first time listening to a full aficionados by Arcade Fire. Not bad at all. I could see myself checking out more offerings from this band. 4/5 #165
it's an interesting album, comforting
One of the key albums of my adolescence
This is really an alternative rock opera for people in suburbia who are unlikely to attend opera (or rock operas for that matter). Of course, I may be completely off base, but the important thing to realize is that the music and ideas are compelling enough to bring me back again and again to consider the deeper narrative driving this album. It is a wonderful surprise. I had listened to this album years ago, and it is a joy to listen to it afresh and be drawn in.
Why not call every song neighborhood??? This felt nostalgic.
Once again, Canada is coming in strong. The album was very fun-spirited. My biggest criticisms would have to be the vocals. The consonants are not annunciated very well, and the recording quality of the vocals is less than perfect (as expected for an album that is 20 years old without being remastered). Additionally, I don't speak French, so I wouldn't have understood some of the lyrics regardless. There seemed to be a story being told across multiple songs, but I'm not sure I picked up on it. With clearer vocals this would be easier. The guitar melodies were catchy, even if repetitive. It felt like a more refined Mumford & Sons album. Wake Up was definitely my favorite track on the album. It's also the only track I recognized hearing before. I think I heard it at a previous workplace on the playlist before I got a job where music isn't allowed. Not 100% sure on that though.
Very few bands in the last 25 years are an inspiration and create music as art. Arcade Fire is one of them.
Random thoughts: * this should right up my indie alley but this album always seemed elusive to me. I’ve never had the indie love I have for Radiohead or Sufjan. * Arcade Fire is an excellent band and they have always kept me engaged and I’ve like many of their songs but maybe just not this album as a whole. * there are several top notch songs on here: neighborhood #3 (power out), wake up, Haiti, and Rebellion (lies). * something about this album just can’t hold my imagination. * I just going to chalk it up to being too Canadian for me. Still a solid 2000s indie album
Another album I haven’t listened to in a long time, but liked a lot when it came out. I read some of the reviews and it’s funny how this is referred to as a millennial record. I’m a boomer, so in theory I’m not supposed to really enjoy this. But I do. I was listening with two millennials, my daughter and her girlfriend, and this was a first time for both with Arcade Fire. They were actually more critical of it than I was. So what do we all know about such things?
3.5
I had heard of Arcade Fire before today, but I don't think I had ever really heard any of their music. I didn't really expect to like it, honestly -- probably because I thought I knew what kind of music it was going to be (although I can't tell you clearly what type of music that was now) and I somehow didn't think I would like it. The first track on this album didn't wow me, but as the album went on, I was pleasantly surprised with the variety and quality of the music. I really found myself liking it and I even listened to it again when the album was done. Four stars.
Definitely one of the more iconic albums of the 2010s. I dont like this style of music but this album had some bangers. Last somg is the best one
Solid album.
3-4 någonstans
Heard it before and it still holds up. Silky smooth tracks.
In another life, I'd have been a big fan of Arcade Fire. The voice is much stronger than expected and thenoise is great. If slightly U2ish.
Great indie rock album
8/10
Fair enough
When this came out I was in my Oyster head/Melwood Cutlery phase so I don't have anything to draw from there. I am bothered less by the shrill lyrics than I maybe should be given my distaste for Jane's Addiction. I'm a sucker for key changes and there is a great one on Rebellion (Lies). I really liked a few of these songs and think this is a really good album, outstanding for a debut.
4 08.08.2025
I do not say this lightly but this album has very real Talking Heads vibes. Many of the songs start slow, then build to the point of a proper rock tune. Then have a little wild musician part. The songs are different enough that it isn’t immediately noticeable. “Wake Up” is the clear standout but several songs will stick in your head for a while.
utterly obsessed with the sound. unique but familiar at the same time! same feeling I get listening to riptide by vance joy or she’s a riot! bouncy, real and vibrant. 4.5/5
I spent college playing in in a grindcore band but started a girl that was the epitome of the Indie scene and this was one of her favorites so this became a really formative album in converting me into Indie music. Upon hearing the first notes I get this visceral nostalgia that makes me kind of nauseous but still can't stop loving this album.
37/1001 :: Arcade Fire - Funeral Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Fav Tracks: Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels), Crown of Love, Wake Up Love this album. It’s not perfect but IMO this is what a great indie album sounds like. Weird, crafted, passionate, dynamic, anthemic, etc… Been meaning to buy this on vinyl for a while now and just haven’t gotten around to it but I will. It’s hard not to listen to this album and feel something. The album loses a little bit of steam at the end but overall it’s a great record. I love this version of Arcade Fire.
tbh, I can relate to some negative comments, especially to 'millenial' one's, still, I am not milenial, but I heard some of those art-rock, art-pop songs in my young teens. I actually like it, it gives some nostalgia, but also dreamy feeling. it has it's own direction and uniqueness, also it is quite diverse in sounds
A good album and a sign of what was to come later in suburbs.
I absolutely adored this album and still do, but it's a reminder that I'm really frustrated and disappointed at the state of the band in recent years though, glad Win left to be fair. Highlights: Wake Up, Rebellion (Lies), Neighborhood #1
I don't know.... It's not my thing. It's a bit in between pop and alternative. The arrangements are very original and interesting, the music has enough variation and is interesting enough. But I miss the necessary sharpness for alternative rock, and at the same time I can't really stand the singing. Especially Régine Chassagne's singing in the closing track 'In the backseat', that's... No, I'll leave it at that. Quite an okay album that I didn't know, but not a standout album.
great
Arcade Fire is such a dumbass name. Funeral's been an incredibly hyped up album to me, being as important as it was to the indie scene will do that. Happy to say it lived up! It's quite a nice little chamber pop indie rock album. Such a pretty listen. Nice job white hipsters, you did well here. 95/100
I played this and Neon Bible to death when they came out. I'm not sure if it's over familiarity or if Arcade Fire were just not as good as I remembered them being but I didn't love this album on relistening. I was pretty sure that I'd give both this and Neon Bible 5's but I've given them both 4's. I still like them, and Wake Up and Rebellion are great tunes, but I just didn't like them enough to give full marks. Also, the new album, Pink Elephant, which I also listened to today, is absolute dog shit.
Haiti is by far the best of the album
One of the best debuts of the 2000s objectively Not my favourite but still great Shame they got worse later on
G/zg
Like waking through a suburban neighborhood in the fall or winter.
Lots of varied dynamics in this album. Impressed with the way they convey raw emotions so well. Favorite tracks: In the Backseat, Rebellion (Lies), Wake Up, and Neighborhood #4 (7 Kettles)
Nice debut with fresh indie sounds. Love the instrumentation. Really likr the run of neighborhood songs. Wake up is a nice tune. Some if the other tracks feel a little stale tho. Not 100% in with the singers voice. And yet i have to add one extra star for rebellion. What a banger song that has been a great compagnon for two decades now an still hits as hard as in the beginning of the 00s.
I really enjoyed this album while working in the depths of my garden. I'm surprised other in this group didn't enjoy it more.
Whereas the suburbs is coated in nostalgia for me this album is not. Its always been widely beloved by forum dickheads online and hipsters in public. In highschool I never got it. I also found it lacked the emotional weight that neighbourhoods had. That being said, I've grown to really appreciate this album. Every bad genre has its exception. Post Hardcore has Devil and God, Industrial Metal has Streetcleaner and overproduced 2010s indie rock has this. It feels like a beloved precursor to the far superior works of Car Seat Headrest but man does this thing swell and punch and leap. And if it managed to stick the landing it would be a phenomenal album. Unfortunately it doesn't and despite some genuinely masterpiece songs on the front of this thing, its only a great album. 8/10
Очень классный
4/7
buen disco, no se si reee piola pero esta bueno, bastante influencia del slacker rock en su produccion y sonido, no termine de chacar las letras, tendría q volver a esucharlo
A classic, and very overplayed album. I think their efforts with Neon Bible and Suburbs were a little more consistant, but Wake Up will always be a perfect song.
Satisfyingly formed album overall, some dull tracks but some that I really vibed to. This was also the soundtrack to my territory battle with a babu coot who wanted my chicken sandwich
This was my favourite thing in the world when it came out, it's still good but not as great as I thought it was. Solid four stars, they have done better and much worse in the two decades that have passed since this album was released.
3.5 stars, this feels like the precursor to 2012 tumblr music and the he Lumineers ho hey type stuff
I have faith
listened to this ages ago very very good album
Their best album.
It took a little while for this one to fully register with me, and even now, I have to be in a very specific mood to gravitate towards Funeral over other records in my collection (the first 1001 entry I've had which I own on vinyl, as of writing). However, when such an opportunity comes around, this is a sobering listening experience, conceptually focussed on themes of death and the loss of childhood innocence as a result (thanks Wikipedia, I'm not feeling particularly free-thinking this morning). The album encompasses a wide range of emotions which ensue from the grieving process - denial, resentment, acceptance and a sense of emptiness after the fact. Sonically, there is ample variety on offer and there are bountiful layers of depth to unpack - an indie rock album at its core, but with some artsy, chamber-esque nuances accentuating it. Win Butler's swooning, at times warbly vocals initially proved an obstacle in which I had to navigate, but I've since grown to appreciate them as a fine accompaniment to the album, oozing with believability.
I love wake up! Great song. But I don't know that this album deserves to be on there outside of that song. Perhaps rebellion as well?
While I've heard all of these songs, I don't know if I've listened to the album front to back before now. Really solid.
Caught me by surprise, this was awesome! I could see myself editing this down the road and giving it the full 5 stars once I'm more familiar with all the songs. Not once did I think of skipping a track or feel antsy for it to be over. Beautiful.
Listened in the truck via YouTube music. Of their albums (other that We and Pink Elephant) I’ve listened to this one all the way through the least. This has some of their biggest songs, and after listening again, the rest of the tracks are great as well. I wonder how much Will was a part of their sound now that he’s left the band.
Superb!
9/10 Great album. The cover very well portrays how the album sounds. After a single listen I'm not certain what the concept is though I will certainly revisit because it is very good. Reminds me of BCNR
The album is an alternative masterpiece if I’m being honest. The drums, the guitar, the singer!! They are all soooooo good!! I wasn’t sure what this album would sound like, and I can safely say that it was really good! Not perfect, but great!
Pretty great, though I prefer Neon Bible
This is probably the last indie/alternative type album I really loved before I became fully formed as a hateful curmudgeon. One star off for reminding me of the last tiny glimpses of hope.
Rating (1-5): ✩✩✩✩ Will I be listening to this again: I will What do I like about it: I might change this one at some point, I didn' have much time... What I dislike about it: Idk Higlighted songs: Some of them hahah
Just quickly: I am with EJR here: 20 albums (for me) so far and only one woman in that run, but we are getting a second Arcade Fire record. Admittedly, it is an incredible record: aching, longing, mourning, aging, feeling (a lot). Reminder that songs aren't nouns but verbs. But meanwhile Aretha, Joni, Madonna, Lucinda, Diana, Stevie, Billie, Nina, Chrissie, Tina and so many more need some space in the algorithm.
While still great… not as good as I remember. Maybe it’s just the vibe that so many artists copied after this to a much worse extent has kind of worn on me.
Love this one! Contemporary masterpiece with no skips. Rebellion (Lies) is an absolute banger of a song. Crown of Love always get me.
Not my kind of album. Really good overall tho
Uno de los mejores álbumes del siglo XXI y, probablemente, el mejor de 2004. El debut de Arcade Fire es su mejor álbum y también el que tiene su mejor canción: Rebellion (Lies). Una especie de indie, a ratos más rock, a ratos más pop, que resulta fresco y que combina a la perfección la calidad musical con el hecho de ser asequible para cualquier tipo de oyente. Una joya que recomendaría a todo el mundo. Y además, ¡Qué guapa es la portada!
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Win Butler is a complete prick but him and his bandmates know how to put out solid albums.
i love it
Better than I expected. I'd listen again.
I like this album overall—definitely had a few tracks like “Rebellion” on repeat back when it came out. The lyrics are strong and capture that early 2000s feeling of emotional shift, like in Garden State—grappling with loss, change, and a fading sense of innocence. I don’t listen to a ton of indie rock these days, but the nostalgia it delivers is undeniable.
Great album!
New, eclectic, brilliant. Knocked me out the first time I heard it.
Regine is a wonderful singer, but I am deducting approximately 0.6 stars for her trying to be Bjork on "In The Backseat"
Fajn
Intro is insane. I love the kind of buildup all the way through. I also enjoy the calm bit of production on the third track. The fourth I love the end explosion with the tempo becoming faster. I LOVE crown of love, especially the switch and the lead vocalists voice. The outro was very good too. Overall I'd rate the album a solid 8/10. Consistent throughout.
The power, epicness, and emotion of the best songs here really carry it into greatness. I'm talking about "Tunnels, "Power Out," "Wake Up," and "Rebellion" These songs hit me hard and evoke genuine emotion with their beauty. The rest of the songs range from Good, to skip, but the greatness of those mentioned above overshine them all by leaps and bounds. Great album.
Interesting
I hadn't heard this album for ages! Great album.
Nostalgia galore! Not sure if I should feel sad! Treading between dreamy and sleepy!
Pretty good first half but a super strong finish. Maybe I see the hype now.
Power out is a highlight, great energy and rhythm. Lovely vocal melodies and powerful rhythm work throughout. Some lulls prevent it being 5 stars.
Enjoyed this when it came out and it still holds up.
4.2 - Know this album really well and it's still great. Hard to be subjective with this as it has a lot of nostalgia wrapped up in it
Cool
There were a few songs that felt like they bled together a little bit for me, but overall I really enjoyed the variety, instrumentation, and lyrics in this album. Favorite songs: Neighborhood #2 & #4, Une Annee Sans Lumiere, Crown of Love, Wake Up, Rebellion (Lies), In the Backseat
Wake up is a banger
I'd only heard of the Band name name before, but I knew nothing about them. I'm enjoying this; it has this kind of ethereal melodic flow going. It also work pretty cohesively
Liked some songs but not all. 4/5 :)
Alright actually
Emotional, theatrical, and sweeping. It’s grand without being overblown, and the energy feels raw and real. A strong halfway marker.
one of the greatest albums of indie music.
I've never been a diehard AF guy but everytime I listen to this one I really enjoy it! Sorry!
yea sorry but this was a certified crying on the floor album for me . love this bugger but honestly i think i outgrew it and this band is so despicable on so many levels LOL
Wow, that's educated me, immensely talented band clearly, terrific sound, wonderful songs, great intensity, beautiful delivery 👌
No private session used for Spotify. I have listened to this album in the past and I do like it. It's got a lot going on as far as instrumentation, tempo and key changes. Bit dramatic, but it works.
Pretty nice vibes.
8/10
Rebellion (Lies) = amazing.
Classic 2000s indie music. Different than some of the other stuff out there and I liked it
Shorter, sharper and more varied than The Suburbs. A strong album .
Solid indie alt rock record. Helped define the indie aesthetic in that decade.
I really liked the sound of this one. My standout would be Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels). I love the use of violin in that one, and the lyrics spoke to me in a weird way.
Riese Fan vode Produktion, super abgmischt. D Lieder hend mich immer wieder überrascht mit interessante Entwicklige und sind generell sehr abwechsligsrich. I gwüssne chamer mega in klang itauche, bi andere hingege chamer richtig abga. "Une année sans lumière" het mier glaubs am beste gfalle, aber die vier "Neighborhood"-Songs sind au mega nice. Definitiv es Album wonich irgendwenn wieder mal lose wird.
Fantastic anthemic indie debut
Weird coming at this from knowing the suburbs incredibly well, I guess quite a lot of people would say that this is their best album, its definitely better than Neon Bible, but also worse than the suburbs. I like that its more creative/less traditional than the suburbs, with the distortion and experimentation on the vocals. Synths are also really good, guitars too. I think Arcade Fire are amazing at a certain type of feeling in songs, which is quite hard to describe, but quite close to nostalgia. Favourite songs: all except maybe the first one. Overall around 8/10
Not as good as Neon Bible (the only other I heard) but still a cool project. The thing that brings it down for me is I didn’t like the sound that this one has as much as I liked NB’s. My isssues with this one are that the tracklisting was a little bit over the place and sometimes I could barely understand what was being said (though that might be my AirPods) which is problematic when you are listening to a concept album, which this is. and the first half of the album was a little choppy. But the saving factor was that the 2nd half was really awesome. Despite those complaints, to me this is a good album. Just a little bit flawed sadly. Favorite Tracks: Wake Up, Haiti, In The Backseat, and Rebellion (Lies)
What is this
It was sick.
Not too bad.
Damn near perfect album, only thing that takes it down to a 4 is "Rebellion." Just not my cup of tea.
4.5. I like this one. Will listen to again.
16/1001 Solid album, not the peak of its era & genre but able to hang at the big kids table. I honestly liked the single and more pop stuff better overall, but the rest of the album was good. This isn’t really a full 4 star album, maybe closer to a 3.5 but rounding up because 3 seems too far off.
Very good music really enjoyed the overlaying harmonies and many instruments chosen, a bit sad for my liking though
I really liked this album. I have heard of this band before, but I never listened to them until now. I enjoyed all the songs and rock.
4 Stars (11/15)
An extra star from me for being half of a concept album.
It was fine. I'm not a huge fan of this style of music. Rock mostly feels bland to me. It didn't draw me in. However, I can see how this was elevated and a higher quality version of this type of music. 4/5
I liked this one. The mixing of French into a couple of the songs was a good nod to their heritage and origins. The theming between the songs flowed well.
Neighbourhood #1 (Tunnels): i love this so much, this might be my new favorite song 4.8/5 Neighbourhood #2 (Laika): this might be an album full of unskipable songs, i love this song 5/5 Une année sans lumière: it’s a bit like a very chill interlude, but i love the end of it very much 3.2/5 Neighbourhood #3 (Power Out): i’m a big fan of shouting in songs, and i like the lyrics 3.4/5 Neighbourhood #4 (7 Kettles): i love the instrumentals and the vibe of this song, i just don’t know what it means 3.7/5 Crown of Love: the change of rhythm surprised me, i love the background vocals and the lyrics 3.8/5 Wake Up: i love the lyrics of this song so very much, but i have to listen to this when I’m sadder 3.9/5 Haiti: it’s one of those songs where the lyrics are crushing but you don’t notice it when you just listen to it 4.1/5 Rebellion (Lies): love how it blends with Haiti, but it’s a bit repetitive for me, has a fire instrumental tho 3.2/5 In the Backseat: i like it, i don’t know why tho… i just like it, it’s nice i like it 4.3/5
7.5/10. Great album by a great band.
There are plethora of interesting elements in this album. Tempo swift from 3/4 to 4/4, layered accordions/choirs/strings, modal shifts etc. I like some depth of an album, and I also like that they don’t fixate on death. But I’ll have to say.. I’m very picky about vocal performance.. and their primitive voice does affect the enjoyment a bit 😂 5 stars for the album, and -1 for vocals.
I was familiar with Wake Up and Rebellion before giving this album a listen from front to back. I didn’t necessarily get the reasoning behind naming a bunch of tracks the same thing but I also didn’t read into it. Chill rock and folk vibes that made for a really enjoyable experience. I’ll definitely be checking this one out again and might do a deeper dive into Arcade Fire in the future.
This is a band I had never heard of before with a full string section and I am pretty sure I heard a French Horn. I feel like it is a bit of the Cranberries meets Belle and Sebastian but whatever it is ... I like it!
cool instrumentals i fw heavy! but the vocals arent really my thing. negligible for the cool instruments
The second half of this one really gets rolling. I’m more a fan of their later albums though.
This album is pure nostalgia, I immediately rated this 5* because I got so excited that one of my fave albums was served up to me as soon as I embarked on this 1001 journey. I then came to quickly regret giving it 5* as it isn't a 5* album, and am thrilled to have found the edit function. I will however give it 4* with the caveat that this was a time and a place and I still think this is an excellent album but I'm aware that it holds a special place in my heart, therefore inflating the rating perhaps.
It's pretty good, im not personally a fan of the Wake Up song though.
This was a neat album. I never dug into Arcade Fire that much before, but maybe I should.
Solid album that helped establish AF as indie gold. I prefer their next two to this one, but still a great listen throughout.
Interessante! Poi famosissima 'Rebellion' (sigla di otto e mezzo?)
I think this is a good album, but not their best. Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 3/5
Bonne musique de Noël. Prod un peu bizarre qui réussit pas à traduire toute l'énergie que le band projette. Y manque un range de fréquences, typique d'une prod lo-fi, qui contraste avec l'effet over the top général. Ça pourrait être plus puissant, à la place c'est fatiguant. Jamais vu live; je crois tous les gens qui me disent que c'est meilleur. 1 minute de moins à chaque toune et l’album aurait une durée parfaite. Un gros 3.5 arrondi.
I have never doubted this much between 4 and 5 stars, but the album just isn't that for me. Great though!
Goed album! Niet hun beste, maar echt wel degelijk. 3.5
Good album, does better at higher volumes!
Damn. Insanely good. I kind of hate when things are theatrical for the sake of it, but this album earns its melodrama, everyone is bringing their A game. This deserves to be hailed as an indie masterpiece
I dunno it was kinda giving good vibes. Good for you!
A bit mild but pleasant
This album is so 2000s, though mostly in a good way. I really enjoyed it up through track seven (Wake Up, Walter Mitty song) but then it lost a lot of steam and I thought it got a lot less interesting. I can clearly see how influential this would be in 2004 when all the indie rock was getting big. It felt like I was watching Juno. At first I was leaning to a 4.25 or strong 4, but after the ending and thinking about it I'm at a 3.75. Standouts: Neighborhood #3, Wake Up Rating: 3.75/5
Another banger from Arcade Fire. I definitely liked better than Neon Bible and this is probably a 4.5 for me. Going to 4 as the theme of the album seems to repeat itself.
Funeral is an album that i really enjoyed. I never really heard too much of Arcade Fire, all i have really known about them is that a lot of music critics praise them as if they are the second coming of Jesus Christ. I don't think that this album is perfect but i still do really like it. The instrumentation is on point and works well with every song no matter what instrument they pick and the melodies are always interesting and changing which makes a lot of the longer songs not very tedious at all. I think that the vocals could be clearer but they are still quite serviceable. I don't praise this album as much as all those music critics but i can still see why it gets so much praise. Best Song: Rebellion (Lies) Worst Song: Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)
It’s been a long time since I listened to this album. I always kinda liked it. I like some of the later album is a little bit better than this though.
Un disco que parece hecho en la década posterior. Las voces no me convencen del todo pero toda la producción y el relato general me dan ganas de usar como soundtrack de caminata. Wake Up, un gran tema. Voy a ser generoso como antes: 3.8 y pongo 4.
This is the first album I've been given that I've already listened to. It's been a while since I've listened to this, so this is a great excuse for me to do so. I love this album, it's great.
I enjoyed listening to this album, sounds like music that’d be in the end credits of a movie
Introspective and a very interesting way. Wouldve liked to hear some different sounds but they are in a good groove
Certainly a (if not THE) classic (indie) rock album of the early 2000s. Very much the sound of my early-to-mid-20s, so probably gets a bit of a nostalgia bump from me. Neighborhood #2 and Wake Up were pretty much revelations to me back then.
What I've learned from the first 50 albums on this list is that, given a few listens, I pretty much like anything and everything, so long as it's not racist I'm-so-hard-done-by shouting, or the drivel written by Stevie Wonder post 1980. It's taken 3 goes (one being a 'proper' listen sat on a plane) to enjoy Funeral but I got there. Maybe if I had more time then everything would be 4+
Really fun album I would listen to this on my own.
Very catchy. Like the other sings better than the singles. Will listen again
Favourite Track: Tunnels, Wake Up Honourable Mentions: In the Backseat A very cohesive album with enough variety to keep things interesting throughout. I've loved The Suburbs for sometime now, so I was excited to jump into Funeral. It definitely took awhile to grow on me, mostly because I'm not a fan of Win Butler's vocals. The rich instrumentation makes up for it though. Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels) is definitely a standout opener - the way it builds from the gentle piano intro into the full band arrangement really sets the tone for the whole album. Overall, this album is captures the themes of childhood, coming-of-age, and loss so well with the use of crescendos, gradual build, and emotional progression.
Indie rock is a genre that's just fundamentally not for me. I don't like simplistic music, and unless it's something rhythmically complex (like post-rock or totalism), it tends to be boring. Funeral, however, despite its melancholic tone, doesn't have a single boring song. I can't say what separates it from the competition—maybe it's the chamber music elements, maybe the amount of passion its performed with, or something else—but what I do know is that Funeral is a great album. I can't say I'm exactly impressed by anything here, but it's still an incredibly engaging listen with its fair share of bangers. It's what I would've liked all calm music to be—an easy listen that still manages to stay fun despite its relaxing nature.
Sounds about indie rock circa 2001. More Radiohead than killers
This took me 3 separate listens over the span of ten years to finally 'get it' It has to be because I got into Black Country New Road, and they always cite this album as inspiration. Now I can see where they are coming from.
I liked it, but I'm kinda done with Arcade Fire Albums - I've done about 4 already and I just can't believe that SO much of their music was so influential that every album they've released merits a space in this list
Cool!
I can't tell if I yearn for the 2000s, this warped and romanticized version of a decade I hardly even have memories of, or if I would rather just not be in the 2020s anymore. Grab a plate: throw in lush instrumentals, a dark and snowy Canadian evening, plenty of early adulthood anxiety and confusion, hazy recollections of times long gone, immeasurable grief and pain, all sprinkled with some classic early 2000s melancholy, and you've got a pretty good, moving debut record. Also, bilingual lyrics are and will always be so fucking cool. Allez Quebec French! Favorite tracks: Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels), Un année sans lumiére, Neighborhood #4 (7 Kettles), Haiti, Rebellion (Lies).
I like the general vibe. Nothing stands out, but I enjoyed the overall album.
This is just fantastic
Decent Rock album with barely no skips unless I feel like the song goes on for too long Favorites- Crown of Love, in the backseat, une annee sans lumiere, neighborhood 3 Least favorites- neighborhood 1
Liked this quite a bit actually, production was good and I think I’ll revisit it
Not as good as Neon Bible, but still banging.
its fine. fades into the background
Really enjoyable. Worldly sound. Nice instrumental variety and composition. Would listen to whole album again.
I heard of many people praising this album and have listened to it before, and although I like it, it is not a 5/5 album for me. There is certainly nothing wrong with it; musically it is up my alley (Although Neignorhood #4 (7 Kettles) eventually got pretty boring) and it has some awesome lyrics, but it did not sound all that special to me - there is just something missing for me that keeps it from a perfect score. Favourite tracks: Neighborhood #3 (Power Out), Wake Up, In the Backseat
super nice! love arcade fire
Very good Voice to low for me though
Man I wore this album out in college. Still my go-to for a snowy day, but not really a place in my life anymore. Back half not as good as the remarkable first half, and the twee shit that ruined the brains of my arts compatriots in 2005 is now mostly annoying to me, but I still am a fan.
It does get repetitive but it is a really solid album. Good harmonies and instrument choices. It's got a charm to it and for a debut album, it's wildly well put together. If it was further into their career I may bump it down one, but it performs really well; if I hadn't ever heard of this band and heard this album when they were new I'd keep an eye out for their second.
belo cd
One of those unique albums which arrived and really made an impact. It seemed like the culmination of years of crafting and building up to a bands crowning moment...and yet it was a debut release. Astonishing.
Day 27: Funeral - Arcade Fire. Arcade Fire Album 1/3. When I listened to Arcade Fire for the first time, I was disappointed. I expected them to be a metal band. Their name gave me the same vibe that the names of the bands Dream Theater, DragonForce, Nightwish, etc. gave me. However, that is not to say that Arcade Fire is bad because of that. In fact, I'd say the opposite. This album feels like a symphonic opera. The vocals are very powerful, and the instrumentation is very satisfying. Among the three Arcade Fire albums in the generator, my favourite one is Neon Bible, but this album is also really nice. This album has a lot of depth. Despite it being a debut album, it feels like Arcade Fire has decades worth of experience. This is something that I'd expect from a band that's been around since the 1980's. Sadly, Neon Bible and The Suburbs have both been removed from other editions of "1,001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die". I sincerely hope that this album doesn't suffer a similar fate. I'd rather listen to Arcade Fire than Kid Rock. Personal Enjoyment: 4/5. How Much It Belongs Here: 5/5.
Hadn't heard of this until now but having listened I really liked it. At times I thought I could detect hints of Talking Heads and even a little Kasabian. Good listen overall. Well produced album
I had a good review about generations of strife and the pain of continually being let down and doing it wrong, but it deleted. Oh well thus resonated because of when I was born
What a maximalist indie darling. Lots of nostalgia from high school days. Favorites are Neighborhood #3 and Wake Up.
Early 2000s indie rock gets +1 star. Solid album, didn’t blow me away with its greatness but in my old school Pandora radio days I wouldn’t have skipped any songs on this album.
Surprising 4
Good rock album, atmospheric at times. Stand-out: Une année sans lumière
I rented this album from the library in 2004 as a teenager! But I never got into it, so maybe this is my chance to actually love it. The opening of the record is really strong with "Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)" I love the driving piano and the Robert Smith-esque vocals. After the second song, I sort of feel like maybe I was too young to "get" it....even though I had a very indie music obsessed teenage years (it was so good then! Postal Service! The Shins! Belle and Sebby!). I really enjoy "Neighborhood #4 (7 Kettles)" and how it builds up and goes back down, adding the violin, it's great. "Crown of Love" was great, even though I don't usually like songs where someone is begging for forgiveness...is that true? Idk. Okay. Fuck it. I'm saving this album in my library. The indie rock loving betch in me loves this. I wonder what would have happened had I gave this album the fair shake it deserved all the way in 2004. Would have I been to like five billion Arcade Fire concerts? Side note, the song about Haiti made me cry as a person who was descended from people that came from another island and relocated to Montreal.
lovely album. i enjoyed the clash of the more hard and more delicate sounds
Great listen. Would definitely listen again and recommend to people I like
I loved it when it came out (and I am born 69), and I still like it. There are some great and memorable moments in this, but it potentially has withered in time due to too many equals to follow.
The album might be better than any of its individual songs. Heavy Springsteen influence. Good vibe
My car that I've been driving since 2010 still has a 6 CD disc changer in it, which is rarely used anymore but every once in a while the mood strikes me and I'll flip off my phone and over to that. This album has been in slot 2 for almost that whole time, and I'll still gladly listen to it all the way through with no skips.
Pleasant, but somewhat lacking. I enjoyed the instrumentals, but felt like they stepped just a bit too far back away from their mics at times. Overall, the album felt cohesive. I could see myself revisiting this one, as it was a good vibe. It's also enough that I'm curious to explore Arcade Fire's catalogue. 'In the Backseat' was my personal fave.
Interesante
Emotional dramatic rock. Has a kinetic energy to it. At the same time, there are melancholic tracks. Loved the second half more. The four song run from the anthemic 'Wake up' to the emotional closer 'In the Backseat' was so good. It's always a pleasure to listen to this album once or twice an year. Pefect mix of rock's energy and melancholy.
I like the melody in the first song. It’s very hopeful and curious sounding. In “Une Annee sans lumiere” I like the upbeat turn at around 2:45, kinda surprised me in a good way.
fire album
I think this is a modern classic. Bringing big, gothic, orchestral music that swells and hums with emotion. Coming back to it just reinforces this
Neighborhood 1: 9/10 Neighborhood 2: 6/10 Une Annee Sans: 8/10 (really liked the soft vocals and instrumental, but I felt the ending was really unnecessary[would be a 9 /10]) Neighborhood 3: 8/10( disliked the song at first but it quickly grew on me, low end is also really good) Neighborhood 4: 5/10 weakest song so far Crown of Love: 7/10 Wake up: 8/10 aside from the intro nothing really stood out, and i really dislike the two songs in one thing the song did) Haiti: 5.5/10 great song im just not gonna listen to it ever again rebellion(LIES)7/10 intro was great, rest was ok In the backseat 9/10 really love this one( but please stop giving me blue balls with the distortion, I need more!!!!!!) Greatest on here yet
Very good album, just two songs I didn't like at all, the end song being one of those. Probably would have gave 5 if it ended strong
Me gusta Arcade
Never the biggest fan of the band but this album works by being more than sum of its parts.
Their best? Probably. Some phenomenal tunes, a truly great album. Mid to high fours.
This was a pleasant album that was just a nice thing to sit down and relax with. I wouldn't say it really had me that hooked, but I think it's one that I could really enjoy, had I been fully in the mood for it. It strikes me as a "wandering on a trail on a cold day" type of album, and my average Tuesday work day didn't really fit that environment. I will say that Neighborhood #3 (Power Out) was a standout for me though - it's a banger that absolutely cuts through the quieter tracks either end of it. I may well come back to this record. Favourite: Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)
Interesting to hear similarities to stereophonic
It's funny I remember when this album came out and "not getting it". I hadnt mastered the patient listen yet, and it took me two more albums before I gave them a second try. I remember after their second album they sold out Madison Square for a week and being blown away so next time they toured I had to see them. That was it. Wake up is obviously the best song on this lp but seeing it live 10 years later was borderline life changing 😂 i still contend they didn't peak for a few albums but there's a lot more gems than I thought when it came out. Crown of love was my favorite that I didn't know.
3.5/5; The first half of the album was just kinda ok. Not bad but nothing special. However the second half really picked up and was more enjoyable. Crown of Love was really good.
Just recently got into Arcade Fire. This album is solid. I think Neon Bible is better. It’s definitely not for everyone though.
Coincidentally, the best parts of this album coincided with the peak of my high. Critics make this band seem so so so pretentious but the actual music here is really good.
Excellent debut album.
hardly got a chance to listen to it. But from what I heard, I really liked it.
It was pretty great. Idk if it’s 100% something I’ll come back to but I get the hype
pretty good. insane instrumentals. great lyrics. so much layer and variation it creates a beautiful droning at times. yeah. loved it.
I’m at a 4 right now, but I get the album’s hype, and I really think this could be a 5 in the future for me. I’m trying to place myself in the year 2004, because I really think this album is a little bit of a prisoner of the moment. To have graduated high school in 2004 means to be born in 1986 – to have lived mainly through the Clinton years, with parents living mostly in perceived economic prosperity, seemingly no major wars, and the illusion of harmony. By the time you get up to that age though, where it all starts to crack a little bit by 2000, before completely shattering by 9/11 and the subsequent fallout… that’s where this album lies. The point where the illusion of prosperity cracks, and the grim reality of adulthood sets in. This is not a politically driven album, but it is a coming of age album, and all of those events feel crucial to understanding the mindset of listeners and critics at the time, and at the end of the decade. My closest analogue is saying “this album feels like American Idiot if Green Day had played it straight,” and that might sound weird, but it just feels that way to me. What’s here is done with a bit more… not necessarily “sincerity”, but it’s more easily digestible (& arguably more relatable) when it’s wrapped up in the vibes of a 1980s coming of age ensemble film full of realistic introspection than Green Day’s take on a rock opera concept album full of imagination & indignation. Does that make it better? Eh, taste is subjective at that point – I preferred American Idiot to this, but I understand the appeal here. All of that said, these reviews are supposed to be about the music, and that’s where this album currently lands at a 4 for me – I have been agonizing trying to figure out exactly why this album isn’t at a 5 for me right now, because it really does click on a lot of my musical sensibilities. The writing is great, the instrumentals are usually pretty good, and ultimately I think the ambition and bombast here is incredibly admirable, especially for an indie rock band’s first ever album. This has 5 written all over it, but I’m just not there. The only explanation I can come up with is that I don’t feel like I grew up with the sense of broken adventure and shattered innocence this album tries so deeply to invoke. In the most basic sense of the word, no matter how hard I’m trying to step into those shoes, I simply cannot relate to the core of the lyricism at hand here. Without that connection, the album doesn’t work as well – sure, sometimes there are production choices in the mixing I disagree with, and some songs fall kinda flat at times for me, but none of that is an indictment on the album’s quality. This is a good album. Like, really good. But it’s tailor-made for a generation I’m not a part of, and experiences I simply missed out on, perhaps caused by too much cheery bright-eyed optimism when I was younger. It kills me that I feel like I missed the boat here. Like I said, this could (& probably will) be a 5 for me in the future, but I have to feel all of this firsthand before it gets there. For now, this is at a 4, but it’s a highly, highly recommended 4.
Great buildups & vocals
Album was a nice and easy listen. Doesnt change the world in 2024 but can see how this would have been ground breaking twenty years ago. Favorite track is probably Neighborhood #3 (Power out) Would listen again. Good music to have in the background at work.