You Could Have It So Much Better by Franz Ferdinand

Pros: Some outstanding songs, especially Eleanor Put Your Boots On...
Cons: Not much variety, really no change from the debut...

The first time I heard Franz Ferdinand it was by the suggestion of my sister who lives in London. She told me they were outstanding and energetic; retro and cool. I was more than ready to explore this musical avenue. The 2000s have proven unfortunate ...

Pros: oh, it's so much better!
Cons: that this isn't the debut

My girlfriend and I were getting the bus home on Saturday (possibly while I was bemoaning the fact that we have to pass a driving 'test'; I think I'd be fine on the road as it is, save from splattering an innocent pedestrian or four), and I for one was ...

Pros: a couple of great songs, energetic
Cons: not enough differentiation, formula becomes repetitive to a fault

The term "growth" has been constantly thrown around with regards to rock bands over the course of the last decade. Everywhere you go, you hear bands talking about the "growth" they experienced from one record to the other. Of course, it's hard to tell ...

Pros: All pop music is tyranny.
Cons: Every song is a uniform.

_________________________ MAKE GROOVE, NOT WAR _________________________ People of the world, Franz Ferdinand feels your pain! They have seen the images of your afflictions broadcast on their television screens, whole communities ...

Pros: It's the new and improved Franz!
Cons: A couple less memorable tracks, Alex sounds almost exactly like Paul McCartney at times.

Generally, I'm not a big fan of the wave of new "retro" bands out there, such as The Killers and company. But in 2004, that adorable Alex Kapranos showed his face on the video for Take Me Out and I was sold. The foot-stomping beat with ...

Pros: Lots of sweetness.
Cons: A few bland tracks.

I twice heard Franz Ferdinand's self-titled debut, and thought to myself, "Hm... this sounds like that type of record that I'll like, recommend, and not listen to too much." Turns out I was right (I actually haven't reviewed the record; that will come in ...

Pros: Sweet stylized harmonics different enough (still) to outside world despite being consistent with first
Cons: A little more time could have equalled a better release

It takes a couple of Scots like these to quintessentially revive the 80s (although they'd hate you to give them credit for it), release an album, storm the world, and release a second album and, hopefully, storm the world again. Franz Ferdinand, a ...

Pros: Provides Similar Fun To Franz' Debut Album
Cons: Very Similar to Debut and Simply Not as Good...

Scottish band Franz Ferdinand set the world on fire with their 2004 Self-Titled debut album. Ok, not really, but they gained a pretty loyal following for their danceable, stylish, fun sound that's about as infectious as a sneeze in a packed elevator. ...

Pros: half the album....
Cons: ....half the album

There are things in life that irritate me to no end; whether it be the simple chore of getting up in the morning, bleary eyed and half asleep, or scrambling around in cupboards at 7am to find something to eat, knocking over item upon item until finally ...

Pros: An improved effort from their debut
Cons: A couple songs become stale after a while

I have to admit I was freakin’ scared. As much I desired Franz Ferdinand’s new album, You Could Have it So Much Better… With Franz Ferdinand, to be a breakthrough for the ages I saw several signs that didn’t bode well for ...

Pros: Not just a clone of their first album, but still fun.
Cons: There's a couple songs that weren't very memorable, bad first single.

When I first heard Franz Ferdinand I couldn't stand them. "Take Me Out" didn't do anything for me at all, but then "This Fire" started getting regular play on the radio/TV and it got me hooked. I then went back to listen to their previous two singles ...

Pros: Good sophomore effort.
Cons: Some songs aren't up to par with the rest.

I was an avid fan of Franz Ferdinand's self titled first album and was very happy to download (legally mind you) their sophomore effort. Upon a first listening I must admit that many of the songs sounded alike, especially with the guitar intro leading into at least half of their songs, but as with every CD you need to listen again and just let it sink in. There are only a few songs that I habitually skip, those being Well That Was Easy, I'm Your Villain, and Fade Together. The song that I find my self putting on repeat is Eleanor Put Your Boots On. It starts out almost delicately but Alex Kapranos' vocals punctuate the sound and lead to a nice balance in the song. This song takes some practice though, you really need to listen to it many times to really get into it. Another song that is a stand out on the album is the title track You Could Have It So Much Better. Outsiders is another song worth downloading.