What makes Reflektor by Arcade Fire notable?

The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and received a Grammy Award for Album of the Year nomination. It also sparked significant cultural conversations around its exploration of existential themes and social commentary, solidifying Arcade Fire's influence in modern rock music. Reflektor is Arcade Fire's fourth studio album, following their critically acclaimed The Suburbs released in 2010. At this point, the band was transitioning from indie darlings to mainstream icons, reflecting on their artistic evolution with more ambitious production and thematic depth.

How many songs are on Reflektor?

Reflektor has 2 tracks, running approximately 15 minutes.

Reflektor

Arcade Fire · 2013

15 min · 2 tracks · indie rock

A vibrant fusion of eclectic rhythms and haunting melodies that explores themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Reflektor — The title track encapsulates the album's central themes through its infectious groove and poignant lyrics, serving as a commentary on connection and alienation in the digital age.
→
Reflektor (instrumental) — This instrumental version amplifies the atmospheric qualities of the original track, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in its richly layered soundscapes without lyrical distraction.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

70 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

Reflektor showcases ambitious songwriting and production, blending diverse influences while maintaining a cohesive sound.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features a gradual build-up, layering instrumentation and vocal harmonies before reaching a climactic chorus.
The last three tracks create a slow descent in tempo, with 'Supersymmetry' ending on an extended instrumental fade-out that leaves the listener in contemplation.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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 — Expanded their mainstream appeal and cultural relevance after previous successes.
Themes: digital alienation· Haitian carnival· search for connection
Career context: Reflektor is Arcade Fire's fourth studio album, following their critically acclaimed The Suburbs released in 2010. At this point, the band was transitioning from indie darlings to mainstream icons, reflecting on their artistic evolution with more ambitious production and thematic depth.
Stylistic neighbors: The National· Sufjan Stevens· Broken Social Scene