Rebellion (Lies) cover

Rebellion (Lies)

Arcade Fire · 2005

8 min · 2 tracks · indie rock

An anthemic fusion of indie rock and orchestral elements that captures a sense of urgent rebellion and communal spirit.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Rebellion (Lies) — This title track encapsulates the band's ethos, weaving together themes of resistance and hope through its rousing chorus and layered instrumentation.
  • →
    Brazil — The closing track adds depth with its contrasting soundscape, showcasing the band's versatility while maintaining the album's overarching themes of disillusionment.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

68 /100
Alpine
Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

The song's anthemic quality and layered sound contribute to its lasting appeal and distinctiveness within indie rock.

What we noticed

  • The song features a driving rhythm with layered instrumentation, including strings and anthemic choruses that build in intensity.
  • Vocals are delivered in a call-and-response style, enhancing the communal feel of the track.
  • The structure alternates between quieter verses and explosive choruses, creating a dynamic contrast throughout.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Helped establish Arcade Fire's reputation and gain wider recognition.
Themes
communal resistance· Canadian indie emergence· orchestral rebellion
Career context
Released as part of their debut album, 'Funeral,' 'Rebellion (Lies)' came out at a pivotal moment in Arcade Fire's career. The band had just begun to gain international attention, following their breakout success in Canada, and this track solidified their reputation as a unique voice in alternative music.
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Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Rebellion (Lies) 5:10
  • 2 Brazil 3:21

What to play next

Neon Bible
Listen next

Neon Bible

2007

Continues the anthemic sound and themes of rebellion with a darker, more introspective tone.
Funeral
Go back to

Funeral

2004

Sets the emotional groundwork with similar orchestral elements and communal spirit.
Full Arcade Fire discography Where to start with Arcade Fire Artists like Arcade Fire
alternative dance chamber pop indie rock

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Boxer

Boxer

The National

Shares anthemic qualities and introspective lyrics, creating a communal yet personal atmosphere.

Illinois

Illinois

Sufjan Stevens

Combines orchestral elements with themes of rebellion and identity, similarly evoking a sense of urgency.

You Forgot It in People

You Forgot It in People

Broken Social Scene

Features rich instrumental layers and a focus on collective experience, mirroring the communal spirit.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata