Franz Ferdinand Albums Ranked

Franz Ferdinand are a Scottish rock band formed in Glasgow in 2002. The band’s original lineup was composed of Alex Kapranos (lead vocals and guitar, keyboard), Nick McCarthy (rhythm guitar, keyboards and backing vocals), Bob Hardy (bass guitar), and Paul Thomson (drums, percussion and backing vocals). Julian Corrie (keyboards, synthesiser, guitar and backing vocals) and Dino Bardot (guitar and backing vocals) joined the band in 2017 after McCarthy left during the previous year. The band has been notable for being one of the more popular post-punk revival bands, garnering multiple UK top 20 hits. They have been nominated for several Grammy Awards and have received two Brit Awards – winning one for Best British Group – as well as one NME Award. Here are all of Franz Ferdinand’s albums ranked.

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5. You Could Have It So Much Better (2005)

“The trick is to cede the idea that Franz Ferdinand are meant to deliver the cohesive, moving, traditional Statement Albums their debut may have misled listeners to expect. Some people– earnest people, like Bloc Party, Sufjan Stevens, and the Arcade Fire– will go on trying to fill that niche. Franz Ferdinand, though, aren’t going to do that, and good on them: We can only hope they’ll go on offering us cheeky, energetic surprises. Someday, maybe, they’ll score a single as perfect as Pulp’s “Common People”, or pop up with a discoid treat as frothy as Blur’s “Girls and Boys”, but don’t count on these guys to keep you supplied with serious close-to-the-heart-on-your-sleeve indie touchstones. Judging by You Could Have It So Much Better, these style-conscious art kids are content to be a fine, entertaining pop band instead.”

4. Tonight: Franz Ferdinand (2009)

“Franz Ferdinand never fails to impress me. I don’t know how they do it, but they manage to keep making great music with monotone-style vocals. There’s always an ear-catching beat and instrumentals cranking out in every song. This album is awesome! It builds on their previous records, but still manages to create new things. This album was very good, and now I’m waiting to see what they have up their sleeves for the next album.”

See More: Arcade Fire Albums Ranked

3. Franz Ferdinand (2004)

“Great album by a once great, No Wave band. I don’t know what the direction they are going in now is supposed to be, but it’s just too “experimental”. Stick with what you are good at and if you want to reinvent yourself, drop the name and create a new one. Still pleasantly enjoyed the album overall. A satisfactory album to listen to on a long car ride.

2. Always Ascending (2018)

“The band wisely sticks to the ten song formula, and get in and out, don’t bore us, get to the chorus approach they are known for. The only two songs I felt sort of halted the album were “The Academy Award” and “Huck and Jim”. For some reason, after repeated listening to this album, those two songs didn’t sit right with me.

My top picks here are “Paper Cages” and “Lois Lane”–neither of which, as of this writing, were selected a singles. The title track and “Slow Don’t Kill Me Slow” are both interesting longer players. “Lazy Boy” is typical Franz Ferdinand, and I also enjoyed “Finally”. “Glimpse of Love” and “Feel the Love Go” are decent as well.

Overall, this is a four star outing for the band. I don’t think they’ve ever achieved a five star album, but they’ve come close a few times, this being one of them.”

1. Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action (2013)

“I can’t believe I’m saying this…best album since the first album. I’m not “that guy” who loves the new stuff even when it sucks but I’d been away from FF since Tonight in 2008 and only discovered this 2013 gem this year. I’m sad it’s the last album with Nick McCarthy but it’s an oustanding exit. A great last FF quartet album (they’re 5 now). AA is a great album too tho…
Best tracks:. All 1-9 songs (Treason! Animals took a bit to grow on me) but seriously, continuous play all through.
10 is great too, simply a good end track.
FF have been one of my very favorite bands from the beginning. Kapranos’ writing style I’ve always loved and their harmonies strike me as almost Beatles-esque at times.
If you’re a FF fan, you CANNOT be without this one. You owe yourself to get this album.”