Arcade Fire’s “The Suburbs” is the #1 album on iTunes this week. It is rife with themes of independence, non-conformity, self-preservation, and modernism vs. traditionalism. I was expecting to hear more complex music than I did when initially putting the disc into my player. I’m not usually one to analyze lyrical content, but in order to warrant the critical acclaim that follows Arcade Fire around, I chose to do so.
The Montreal ensemble’s opening track, “The Suburbs”, is a surprising composition of akin to Randy Newman’s brand of ragtime. Other early tracks on this CD encourage one’s ability to take a leap of faith, be true to one’s core values, and avoid distraction or derailment of one’s objectives.
The emotional tide turns after that. On “Empty Room”, the energy in the music is contrasted with the hopelessness of the lyrics. Who’d want to live in a “City Without Children”? A favorite of mine is their current single “Month of May”.
“Half Light I and II” admonishes that you can’t go back, either for the sake of your own personal growth or to reminisce. If you did go back, those who remembered you would be operating from their old perspective and not your current evolution. Even Jesus was rejected upon his return to Nazareth in Luke 4:22-30: “no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown.” Win and Will Butler also talk of hollowed out suburban areas as consequence to the market losses that started in late 2008.
As it closes, “The Sprawl I and II” fears losing personal connections and growing detached due to the instant gratification and feedback in this age of 24/7 media and communications. Win Butler should let his wife, Regine Chassagne, be lead singer a little more. Her 80’s new wave vocal breathes life into “The Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)”.
Although it may be obvious who Arcade Fire’s musical influences are, they manage to stay faithful to their signature sound. “The Suburbs” takes one on a musical journey of highs and lows, passion and apathy, energy and lethargy. But, all remains hopeful in the end.
