Released: 2017

Genres: Synthpop, Alternative Dance, Disco, Indietronica

The Musiquarium’s Everything Now Review Score: 7.5 out of 10

Following the reinvention Arcade Fire experienced on Reflektor, Everything Now sees the band digging their feet deeper into dance, with an album that’s more pop-oriented than anything the band has done before. In addition to the music, there’s also a hint of irony throughout Everything Now, though that line can become blurred at times with the band sometimes falling victim to their own satire.

The title track channels ABBA, and was produced by Steve Mackey of Pulp and Thomas Bangalter of Daft Punk, who both also provide production on the extra groovy Signs of Life, the sensual Electric Blue and on Put Your Money on Me. The cheerful Creature Comfort also features production from Mackey, in addition to Geoff Barrow of the legendary trip hop pioneer band, Portishead.

Good God Damn (another Mackey-produced track) sees Arcade Fire getting down with the funk. Songs like Peter Pan, Chemistry and Infinite Content paint themselves as easy targets, but if you remember that Everything Now is supposed to be satirical of consumerism and commercialism, then you might be able to see past the silliness and sugary sound of the record, and embrace the production instead.

I do feel like Everything Now‘s satirical premise has overshadowed the music itself for most listeners, but if you take away the band’s societal cynicism and focus on the music itself, this is a very rich and vibrant, candy-coated album, with lots of hooks and memorable moments. It certainly can’t rival any of the band’s previous works, but it’s still a mostly successful indie pop album.

For credit breakdowns and historic release details, view Arcade Fire on Discogs.

Back to the 2017 Album Guide or the Arcade Fire Reviews page.

Written by Brett Nippard