The Suburbs
by Arcade Fire
  • Record Label: Merge
  • Release Date: Aug 3, 2010
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 792 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 732 out of 792
  2. Mixed: 28 out of 792
  3. Negative: 32 out of 792
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  1. axelkoch
    May 3, 2014
    10
    With The Suburbs, Arcade Fire have ultimately cemented their place as one of the most multifariously talented, ingeniously experimental, and profoundly touching bands in musical history. The hour-long concept album does, quite surprisingly so, live up to its title and dedicates more or less every one of its songs to the suburbs, the emotions you feel growing up in them, and childhood andWith The Suburbs, Arcade Fire have ultimately cemented their place as one of the most multifariously talented, ingeniously experimental, and profoundly touching bands in musical history. The hour-long concept album does, quite surprisingly so, live up to its title and dedicates more or less every one of its songs to the suburbs, the emotions you feel growing up in them, and childhood and adolescence in general. Thus, such simple and mundane themes as learning to drive, wasting hours with your closest friends, and writing letters are addressed and actually make for phenomenal compositions, brimming with genuine sentiments and relatable stories of youth. But there are even more appealing features to the record, namely the ever gorgeous and quotable phrasing of the band, whether it’s about “the wilderness downtown”, “dead shopping malls [rising] like mountains beyond mountains”, or “[having] the ocean in a shell”. I’ve been in love with The Suburbs ever since I’ve first listened to its musical opulence and lyrical beauty and it’s certainly among my all-time favourite albums.… Expand
  2. dokwa
    Oct 30, 2012
    8
    Once again, Arcade Fire did a splendid job of releasing consistently good albums. The album has a great sound filled with lyrics about suburban life and childhood nostalgia. The songs Ready to Start, Rococo, We Used to Wait, and Sprawl II are the best in my opinion. These songs accompanied with the melodic songs just creates a good album. Although, there are some things that I want toOnce again, Arcade Fire did a splendid job of releasing consistently good albums. The album has a great sound filled with lyrics about suburban life and childhood nostalgia. The songs Ready to Start, Rococo, We Used to Wait, and Sprawl II are the best in my opinion. These songs accompanied with the melodic songs just creates a good album. Although, there are some things that I want to criticize. I found some of the songs to have the same tonality, same beat, and the same slow singing of Win. In addition to that, Empty Room was too short, City with no Children was bland, and Month of May felt a bit forced to be a rock song. Despite these criticisms, I still like the album and I give it an 8.… Expand
  3. Screenager
    Apr 17, 2013
    10
    This is one of the best albums of 2010 (with My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West). Each track has something special about it. There's the regular classical pieces on the album and also a few songs reliant on synthesisers. For the old fans this can be seen as lacklustre, but some may embrace it as a masterpiece which it is.
  4. trashkozel
    May 10, 2013
    8
    Because this album has been written about quite extensively, I’ll spare you my own internal deliberations on its merits and simply tell you what I think is preventing this album from being a truly great album:

    “Empty Room” “City With No Children” “Half Light I” “Month Of May” “Wasted Hours” “Sprawl (Flatland)” Nixing those six songs would have resulted in a 10-song    Because this album has been written about quite extensively, I’ll spare you my own internal deliberations on its merits and simply tell you what I think is preventing this album from being a truly great album:

    “Empty Room”

    “City With No Children”

    “Half Light I”

    “Month Of May”

    “Wasted Hours”

    “Sprawl (Flatland)”

    Nixing those six songs would have resulted in a 10-song album that would have landed squarely in the #3 spot on this list, and likely would have wound up beating out Kanye West for the #1 spot on many lists. Why the band insisted on stuffing in this obvious B-side material to bloat the runtime over an hour is beyond me. There are five instant-classics on this record (“Ready To Start”, “Modern Man”, “Rococo”, “We Used To Wait”, and “Sprawl II”), but having to trudge through the unnecessary filler robs Arcade Fire of an opportunity to match the concise brilliance of their previous work.    … Expand
  5. indierokker
    Jun 19, 2013
    10
    One of my favorite albums of all time! This masterpiece flows beautifully from one excellent song to another, lacking any mediocre songs. Lyrics: AWESOME, Music: AWESOME, Everything: AWESOME
    There is literally nothing I would change about this album. It is as near to perfect as possible.
  6. flynn4red
    Aug 24, 2013
    9
    Arcade Fire surpasses itself entirely in a stunning album. The music is so dense, so full of fantastic imagery, and brave new sounds, as well as lovely, quiet tunes it only occasionally feels drawn out. 16 tracks is an impressive amount of music in this day and age but it does unfortunatley lead to their being needless trampling on ground that they covered well enough a few songs earlier.
  7. Tttom96
    Jul 23, 2014
    10
    This album is by far one of the best albums that I have ever listened to, every component of the band fits together perfectly, personal favourites of mine include Half Light II (No Celebration) and Sprawl II (Mountains beyond Mountains) this is due to the authentic melodies and drum beats which are completely unique and very different to what I've ever listened to, the lyrics fit in withThis album is by far one of the best albums that I have ever listened to, every component of the band fits together perfectly, personal favourites of mine include Half Light II (No Celebration) and Sprawl II (Mountains beyond Mountains) this is due to the authentic melodies and drum beats which are completely unique and very different to what I've ever listened to, the lyrics fit in with all the songs which all have their individual meanings. This album is genius it is a credit to it's genre, I would love to see these songs performed live, there isn't really anything bad I can say about this album apart from the fact that it comes to an end.… Expand
  8. linx21
    Sep 19, 2013
    10
    What can I say For me THIS is example of PERFECT ALBUM. I first heard The Suburbs (single) almost 2 years ago and I still have to listen to it at least few times a day. It's not worse or better LP then previous ones their all just perfect. The Suburbs, Modern Man, ROCOCO, CwNC, Suburban Wars whole album is amazing.

    PS: I am not even close to being nerd or whoever the f*** only    What can I say For me THIS is example of PERFECT ALBUM. I first heard The Suburbs (single) almost 2 years ago and I still have to listen to it at least few times a day. It's not worse or better LP then previous ones their all just perfect. The Suburbs, Modern Man, ROCOCO, CwNC, Suburban Wars whole album is amazing.

    PS: I am not even close to being nerd or whoever the f*** only listens to Arcade Fire You think. I have heard sh**load of various music till I crossed my path with them.    … Expand
  9. moviematthew
    Dec 30, 2013
    10
    My family and I love Arcade Fire, so it really no surprise to us when we started listening to some of the music from this album, and immediately fell in love with it. There are so many good songs on The Suburbs that you just can't help but love this album. Arcade Fire is definitely becoming one of the most memorable bands of the 21st century, and they will continue to entertain andMy family and I love Arcade Fire, so it really no surprise to us when we started listening to some of the music from this album, and immediately fell in love with it. There are so many good songs on The Suburbs that you just can't help but love this album. Arcade Fire is definitely becoming one of the most memorable bands of the 21st century, and they will continue to entertain and enthrall us for many years.… Expand
  10. jotaeseche
    Jul 28, 2014
    10
    With its aesthetic and colorful descriptions of past experiences as well as thoughts, ideas and regrets, this albums achieves and succeeds for just its own peculiar and sympathetic way of being. Composed of 16 beautiful songs, with tasteful instrumentation and structure, The Suburbs maintains the band's tradition while becoming in a classic. An old-but-new classic.
  11. godwinkent888
    Mar 26, 2014
    9
    I love this album. My second fave one from Arcade Fire. This is definitely a huge improvement from its predecessor, which I still don't like. :)))))))
  12. MrWhiteBrBa
    May 9, 2014
    9
    Sixteen more tracks from the great indie band Arcade Fire and even better entry than before. Arcade Fire uses its storytelling again to use in a great way best tracks are Sprawl II and the self titled track. This album uses its lyrics to be as ambitious and passionate to its songs deeply take effect on its listeners.
  13. RamonGuerrero
    May 1, 2014
    10
    A spectacular masterpiece, with moving lyrics and songs that will make you click on that replay bottom every time you hear them. Cant get enough of Arcade Fire. It feels like Spike Jonze, The Coen Bros, Wes Anderson and David O Russell were musicians.
  14. philosophorse
    Apr 15, 2014
    10
    The best album of Arcade Fire. Obviously. I mean, the only reason I'd listen to Neon Bible is to wait for No Cars Go and Intervention to suddenly pop up into the stereo. But The Suburbs is a masterpiece that lingers around an atmosphere so magnetic it drags you to it like a vacuum. It's a cyclone, a tornado of some sort, where the boredom of wasting your time in the past and the boredom ofThe best album of Arcade Fire. Obviously. I mean, the only reason I'd listen to Neon Bible is to wait for No Cars Go and Intervention to suddenly pop up into the stereo. But The Suburbs is a masterpiece that lingers around an atmosphere so magnetic it drags you to it like a vacuum. It's a cyclone, a tornado of some sort, where the boredom of wasting your time in the past and the boredom of wasting your time thinking about the past is reflected so much through the voices of both Win and Regine so immaculately and so perfectly. Sprawl II is a masterpiece, so is Empty Room (although short) and everything else! Definitely deserves all the awards and Grammys it fished out of the lake.… Expand
  15. RadioheadLuv17
    Aug 14, 2014
    9
    Here is my track-by-track:
    The Suburbs 5/5
    A brilliant opening anthem, that gets better each listen. Ready To Start 5/5 Another top notch song, with a touch of darkness. Great vocal performance! Modern Man 4/5 Another great vocal performance, but with a little less of a song backing it, and more of a jam. Rococo 3.5/5 Nice dynamics, that exhibits influences nicely, but repetition    Here is my track-by-track:
    The Suburbs 5/5
    A brilliant opening anthem, that gets better each listen.
    Ready To Start 5/5
    Another top notch song, with a touch of darkness. Great vocal performance!
    Modern Man 4/5
    Another great vocal performance, but with a little less of a song backing it, and more of a jam.
    Rococo 3.5/5
    Nice dynamics, that exhibits influences nicely, but repetition is not a virtue in this case.
    Empty Room 4.5/5
    A great string section. Shows you that short and sweet is an under-rated concept.
    City Of No Children 3.5/5
    A nice song, but not varied enough from other tracks to be memorable.
    Half Light (Parts 1&2) 5/5
    Arcade Fire in their essence, producing a lush beautiful epic.
    Suburban War 4/5
    A good variation in sound, showing us that Arcade Fire's not a one-trick pony.
    Month Of May 4.5/5
    Yet another brilliant curve-ball, very punk-rock and fun.
    Wasted Hours 3/5
    Not one of my favorites, but I wouldn't cut it if I could because it's an essential interlude.
    Deep Blue 4/5
    Reminiscent of Ready To Start, it's under-rated (though not my #1).
    We Used To Wait 5/5
    An epic brooding piece of genius, that sends the album into a space of brooding and angst.
    The Sprawl (Parts One & Two) 5/5
    Going from another brooding dirge into a sensational techno album, THIS is my #1.

    I'm not counting Suburbs Continued, but it's a great ending to the album (I'm a sucker for that circular closing thing).

    Official Score: 4.7    … Expand
  16. Mannhorse
    Sep 30, 2015
    10
    One of the greatest albums of the decade. Arcade Fire showcases once again their capability to create grand lyrical statements with grand musical production. The band proves that they may quite be the best musical group of our time.

    Absolutely a must-buy album if you've any love for the art of music.
  17. 31i45
    Dec 19, 2016
    10
    This is the greatest album of all time. Every song in this album is the greatest song of all time. No one could possibly make a better album. This is Art as it should be.
  18. FrankDiaz
    Jul 2, 2017
    10
    Un clásico moderno y una indiscutible obra de arte de principio a fin. Uno de los mejores discos del siglo XXI el indie-rock jamas sonó tan genial. El sonido es simplemente jubiloso te mueve las emociones y te recuerda el poder inigualable que causa la música.
  19. AkumaJack
    Jun 22, 2017
    10
    I used to write reviews, i used to sign my name.

    You can't write a proper review for this album. You can just listen to it and judge for yourself.
    Ready to start will get you in love with Arcade Fire if you aren't already.
  20. CamdenRendell
    Jan 29, 2018
    9
    A masterpiece. I cannot talk enough good about this album. An absolute gem.
  21. PretentiousGeek
    Apr 15, 2019
    10
    One of the best albums I have ever set my ears on. A well crafted masterpiece, lyrically and structurally, meditating on loss of youth and nostalgia with a deep resonating effect.
  22. MacsMusic
    Jun 19, 2018
    8
    The Suburbs is the first (and only) Arcade Fire album I've completely listened to. Since I downloaded it on my phone, I've listened to it several times - much more than many albums I have reviewed. I can say with some confidence that it is masterly crafted and complex, and pretty great in many places. "Modern Man" has truly awesome music, and is extremely enjoyable. "Rococo" is creepy,The Suburbs is the first (and only) Arcade Fire album I've completely listened to. Since I downloaded it on my phone, I've listened to it several times - much more than many albums I have reviewed. I can say with some confidence that it is masterly crafted and complex, and pretty great in many places. "Modern Man" has truly awesome music, and is extremely enjoyable. "Rococo" is creepy, interesting, and memorable. "Wasted Hours" and "The Suburbs" have excellent music and give off a great atmosphere. Both parts of "Sprawl" are great, and blend together very well. Most of the album has excellent production that demands repeat listens, and the lyrics are original, interesting, and mature.

    I have just a few problems with this otherwise strong, high-quality album. I don't really care for "City;" the music just doesn't sound great to me. I don't really like both of the Half Lights for the same reason I don't like "City." Pretty much every other song on The Suburbs sounds pretty great.

    The Suburbs is a highly-enjoyable, extremely well-produced, high-quality Alt album that I would recommend to anyone. It's an 8.5.    … Expand
  23. HankCLT
    Apr 6, 2018
    9
    Really great album. A great listening experience all the way through. Very chill and has a nice vibe. Favorite songs are The suburbs and Ready to Start
  24. All_ButTrU4
    Oct 25, 2021
    9
    Arcade Fire will never do anything unless it can be made into something grand. Each album is intentional and cinematic. This is still the case on their third LP the suburbs . As suggested in the title and early singles (suburbs/month of may) it would be a journey through the mundane. We are guided through abandoned malls in dying towns, bored kids transitioning from youth to angstArcade Fire will never do anything unless it can be made into something grand. Each album is intentional and cinematic. This is still the case on their third LP the suburbs . As suggested in the title and early singles (suburbs/month of may) it would be a journey through the mundane. We are guided through abandoned malls in dying towns, bored kids transitioning from youth to angst adolescence. All through the unchanged anthemic rock they've mastered in previous LP's. A band not desperate to reinvent but instead to perfect. Which is done successfully here considering the cultural impact it had from being AOTY to setting off #who'sarcadefire trends , capturing both commercial and financial acclaim. Beginning with the sprawling titular track a theme is set: nostalgia, coming of age And good ol' suburban idealism. As the magnificent song ponders "moving past the feeling " a momentum, arcade fires gift,begins offsetting onto the next gem and fan favourite "ready to start ". Holy s.h.¡t is it an amazing display of restraint. The loud then quite contrast create tension even as the lyrics narrative gets dense. "Modern Man ",a personal favourite, tells of growing up as a cautionary tale. A warning of the oppressive mundane standards we aspire to. Time's value us acknowledged yet skillfully appreciated. This being the predecessor to "Roccoco" take on scrambles for lost youth divides the albums optimistic sound from the pessimism of the lyrics futility. Not a single song is wasted throughout the 16 tracks runtime. One of the best releases I've heard in my life so far. Favourites:suburban war,the suburbs, modern man,roccoco,sprawl II(mountains beyond moumtains)… Expand
  25. FredSun925
    Mar 4, 2019
    10
    The Suburbs is an absolute masterpiece and is probably one of the best albums ever made. Arcade Fire created an excellent concept album with rich meanings. Although I prefer Reflektor in terms of sonic quality, The Suburbs follows very closely behind. The complex emotions and feelings towards childhood and growing up in the suburbs is captured perfectly through this 64 minutes masterpiece.The Suburbs is an absolute masterpiece and is probably one of the best albums ever made. Arcade Fire created an excellent concept album with rich meanings. Although I prefer Reflektor in terms of sonic quality, The Suburbs follows very closely behind. The complex emotions and feelings towards childhood and growing up in the suburbs is captured perfectly through this 64 minutes masterpiece. The Suburbs is an essential album to understanding Arcade Fire, and is truly unique and special.… Expand
  26. Thiago25
    May 6, 2022
    9
    Um pouco longo demais, e meio pretensioso. Mas que importa, quando se tem uma das melhores sequências de canções que eles escreveram? The Suburbs, Ready to Start, Modern Man, Suburban War, Sprawl II... E a lista segue.
  27. indiegirly
    Jan 3, 2023
    10
    This album is so good that even the Grammy’s couldn’t ignore it. It’s seriously my favourite album of all time.
  28. Haldane
    Jan 20, 2023
    3
    Man, I wish I could get behind the hype of this album like I can for the later ones, but the only song I can come to like is the title track. Even that song requires a specific mood to be listened to, because it's not really conventionally emotional nor upbeat, it's kind of like watching a teenaged movie where you want to hide behind your skin because you feel both sad you're missing outMan, I wish I could get behind the hype of this album like I can for the later ones, but the only song I can come to like is the title track. Even that song requires a specific mood to be listened to, because it's not really conventionally emotional nor upbeat, it's kind of like watching a teenaged movie where you want to hide behind your skin because you feel both sad you're missing out on something but also that you're glad you're not an emotionally disruptive teenager therefore you have to miss out.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Best Album of 2010
8
#8 Most Discussed Album of 2010
15
#15 Most Shared Album of 2010

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 43 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 43
  3. Negative: 0 out of 43
  1. Expert Witness (MSN Music)
    Jan 5, 2011
    91
    With beats this straight and stolid, you'd better keep the anthems coming, and they do, almost.
    Read full review
  2. AllMusic
    80
    It's serious without being preachy, cynical without dissolving into apathy, and whimsical enough to keep both sentiments in line, and of all of their records, it may be the one that ages so well.
    Read full review
  3. Dusted Magazine
    90
    The Suburbs is a really good record, but it's clear that indie rock is not in Kansas anymore.
    Read full review
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