Reviews (page 6 of 15)
This was a fun nostalgia kick and I've had "The Dark of the Matinee" stuck in my head for a few days now, but that's it.
there's some really neat stuff here! the rest of it all sounds like the same song though
what a strange little german man. i enjoy his ferdiband.
All of the LiveJournal girlies were very into this album. I always liked the weird papercraft video for "Take Me Out" but I didn't get super into Franz Ferdinand overall because I was busy collecting Spin magazine editions with articles in them about The Killers. "This Fire" was fun to rediscover but overall this still, like, enjoyable music that feels like 2004-2006.
Good rocking LP.
Decent. 3/5
A damn good album and Take Me Out is an absolute banger.
Decent listen.
Franz Ferdinand > Joy Division
Quiet liked the vibe of this album, I’d listen to Take me out a million times before listening to any other one of their songs.
Boring
Great alt-rock hipster anthem album.
Aka "Scottish Strokes by Scottish Strokes."
Still a great listen.
What a debut! Love, love, love this album. 5 stars, no notes. Favorites: Jacqueline (what a great opener), Dark of the Matinee, Auf Achse, This Fire, Michael Would I listen to it again: Yes
Scottish indie rock. Favorite track: Take me out other picks: the dark of the matinee, this fire, michael
It’s fine, but it sucks. I suppose it’s ok. But mainly it sucks. I have no right to judge. I haven’t done much with my life and this sucks, even though at times it’s ok. But mainly it sucks.
As fun and dancey as the day it dropped. They have a very limited range of what they can do, but they do that one thing very well.
Resolutely upbeat, Beirut energy. Take Me Out is an absolute banger.
It's 2004. I'm blasting the more emo / grunge-y music the OC has introduced me to in my 1998 Mitsubishi Montero. Life is good. This album was and is fun. Not something I necessarily need to revisit, but a good time and I'm here for it.
one of those albums where there’s one smash hit and then 10 mediocre tracks treading similar water
ating: 4.6/5 Short Review: A hyper-confident blast of sharp-edged indie rock that turns every sidewalk into a runway and every mood into a smirk. Favorite Track: Take Me Out
My first time listening to Franz Ferdinand. They reminded me of Big Country. I enjoyed it.
Solid album that brings mw back to high school. A tight album with iconic guitar riffs, that distant but intense vocal tone, and drums that give a sense of urgency. Overall, a great album, but a few cuts short of perfect. 4/5
Take Me Out is an all time indie club banger, unfamiliar with the rest of the record but I liked it
Reminds me of Leeds
One of the main bands of my adolescence! And the album is a hit after hit after hit!
Better than I thought but still didnt love it.
Estou até surpreso por ter gostando tanto deste álbum que, por algum motivo, nunca quis ouvir e sempre julguei como ruim. Já conhecia "Take Me Out" (que é uma baita música) mas, por algum motivo, nunca quis conhecer a banda. Que grata surpresa ouvir esse disco, me levou de volta para 2016 (apesar de ser de 2004), me lembrando ótimas bandas como Arctic Monkeys e The Killers. Dou 4 estrelas mas, por pouco, não leva um 5. O melhor que ouvi até agora.
Pretty good throughout. I only knew "Take Me Out" before. Not tempted to skip but also not a big groove
Njihov debelo najbolji
Good distinct sound without being repetitive or boring
Intre4sant, Skurile musik die sinn und Unverstand hat, nicht einirdnerbar. Würde ich hören um was... nun ja
A bit overrated, but still unique.
A stone cold classic
Very fun album. The first songs remind me a bit of the soundtrack of some old SSX games. Spotify probably agrees with me because the song that came up after the album was done was Banquet by Bloc Party which is definitely in the SSX On Tour soundtrack. Take Me Out is one of those songs that I wouldn't be able to name but feel like I've heard them before in a Guy Ritchie film or something like it. It's a good song and obvious to hear why it became a classic but I was most surprised by Come On Home. It makes me think of the internet hit Subways Of Your Mind by FEX and that's an awesome track. The other tracks on the album do fail to impress me unfortunately so I won't give it more than 3 stars.
Very forgettable album, this album makes me feel absolutely nothing. I wasn’t looking forward to listening to it as I don’t like the main song Take Me Out, and it was confirmed by the other songs on the album too. It is not bad music necessarily, but I have no idea how this made it to the 1001 albums to listen list.
4 out of 5. Credit where it's due, this album was better than I thought it would be.
This is a solid album for the era but I would not classify this as an essential album.
Solid, fun pace and felt like I was playing Madden again.
Def thought this was an assassinated prince. Not a band. I guess it’s both! Loved it. Great vibe.
I hated this band when they first came out but going back and visiting many of these 2000s indie records is a great experience
Хит. Лучшая песня - Take Me Out.
I liked the instrumentals but none of the melodies caught my attention
I remember this album from high school. Came out in that era of The Strokes, Hives, Jet. This really holds up as a great example of the early 2000s alt-rock.
There isn't one song on this album I don't like.
Really dug this one, great pop rock album
Not so interesting
i havent listened to this and i'm blind calling it a 4 or 4.5 outta 5. never callin a 5 early... but.... ok i listened to it 3.75/5, round up
Decent but not usually my kind of jam - a little too harsh for me
Didn’t get to listen to it with the gang however probably one of my most favourite albums
bangers
I occasionally find myself with albums I can’t get through when I’m listening to them for the first time. This is one of these records. Initially it did not click with me at all, I did not vibe with it. I was actually annoyed by the guitars and the screechy singing. But I’m committed to finish each album on the list. So I had to return to it multiple times because I could never get through it in one sitting. But what can I say? This album is a damn grower and it grew on me a lot. I’m still a bit annoyed by the parts I mentioned before but now I’m stick with these catchy songs and choruses. Damn.
i guess this was innovative and special in 2004 but doesn't feel that way now. fine enough favorite song: Auf Asche
Nostalgia boost but genuinely a really good album! Loads of variations between tracks whilst still maintaining a consistent sound
Some solid b sides throughout to complement Take Me Out. Art Punk throughout with some blues mixed in. Standout however here is The Dark of the Matinee which takes the rating for me from a 3 to a 3.5. Good album.
Top album
I love this band and I like this album. It’s pretty good. Few of the songs live up to “Take Me Out,” which in my opinion is a stone-cold classic and one of the best rock songs of the ‘00s, but I do like “Dark of the Matinee” and “Michael” a lot. This is probably a 3.5 album and it’s pushing the limits of the designation but I’ll still put it on my must-listen list, #251.
The nostalgia I feel for this album clearly plays a part. But I enjoyed listening to this album again way more than I thought I would. Criticisms that it rips off television, the wire, sparks. Well yea, that’s music. Otherwise we might as well all go back to listen to beethoven. You could have a “indie disco” night and just play this album twice and call it a night. If you hate that you won’t like this album. But I remember those nights and they weren’t all bad.
Take Me Out is a modern classic. Matinee is good. The rest of the album varied between tolerable and outright annoying.
In the Take Me Out video, the drummer looks like Jim Carey. Moving on. This is the type of band that you’re never looking for but when you hear them you realize it’s not so bad. But also, it’s not great. Don’t get me wrong. There really isn’t anything wrong either, it just hovers in that realm of ho hum. The music keeps on moving. That’s good. It’s sort of poppy rock . More in the realms of Pulp without the naughtiness . Choice cut: Take Me Out
Franz Ferdinand’s debut still startles with its brilliance and simplicity. I shouldn’t be surprised to see it on its list, as it quietly rewired post-punk and alternative rock for the 2000s, led by the sly, irresistible snap of “Take Me Out.” The whole album hums with humor and joie de vivre—“The Dark of the Matinée,” “Jacqueline”—even as it lets heartbreak seep through on “Auf Achse.” The melodies feel both remembered and newly invented, as if the band is dusting off a forgotten future. By the time “Michael” and “This Fire” arrive, everything burns a little hotter, their dada-tinged videos matching the music’s manic grin. “40’” closes the record with minimalist tension, with lead singer Alex Kapranos offering lyrics that refuse to explain themselves. You either fall into their rhythm or you’re left outside, listening. Even the stark cover seems to declare a new era: bold, stripped down, self-aware. And astonishingly, it was only the band’s first step, with their finest hour still ahead in 2013's Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action. Fantastic album if you're interested in indie, alternative, or post punk for the 21st century.
A solid alt rock album. Really straight down the middle for the genre, head bobbing fun. Favorite track was Cheating On You, even if the subject matter is not great
Stunning for a debut album, definitely their best. Captured a moment in time that became Indie Sleaze. #GlasgowBand
Lots of fun - got lots of cleaning done with this on
FF(S). Does anyone really give the slightest shit about these in 2025 beyond "Take Me Out"? The streaming numbers paint a picture, but even that track can be attributed as fairly dated, throwaway "lads out on a bender" guff. An album that can't have too many complaints about being removed from newer editions of the book. Soulless shite.
Ye it's cool
Muito bom. A primeira música me fisgou bem rápido
Great album, dry at times
cha me lose
an adequate guitar band
A staple of modern alt rock with hits like take me out
Good dance rock, but not really my thing.
Actually this record is not bad at all. I wasn’t looking forward to it, mostly just cause when this record was released, there were a slew of records released that sounded just like it (the Strokes, the Hives, Jet, etc.). I’ve never been drawn to the dancey low-fi garage band vibe of these bands. I’m still not in love with that whole sound, but I’m finding that I can overlook it a bit on this record. The songs are pretty decent, though honestly, I’m doubtful that I’ll come back and relisten to it a bunch, if ever. Probably one of the better records of the aforementioned bunch, and I’m enjoying it enough for what it is, but I haven’t been turned to a fan or anything. 3.8/5
I liked this when it came out. They used Take Me Out on NHL 2005 which means I’ve heard it way too many times. The vibe was a reinvention of XTC and other new wave bands but ultimately I’d rather listen to them.
I really like the whole Indie/Punk Revival kind of scene from the 2000s, and while this is definitely one of the weaker albums from the whole scene I've listened to, that's more of a testament to Post-Punk Revival than it is something against Franz Ferdinand. I like the album calling back a lot to the CBGB Club kind of sound from the 80s, especially in Tell Her Tonight. The band sometimes gets a little too early Arctic Monkeys, but the album as a whole is at least a good time and at most incredibly fun.
Nice
Superfantastisch! Oduvijek jedan od dražih albuma. Praktično ga volim otkako znam za sebe. Održalo se, i dan-danas mi je genijalan. Prava rijetkost da je svaka pjesma odlična. Možda se usudim reći i da je najbolji indie album ikad. Uvijek ću žaliti što sam ih fulila na Tjentištu 2019.
9/10 Punchy and fun - classic indie guitar pop rock from the 00s
Franz Ferdinand’s debut still hits with a sharp, nervy energy that made early-2000s guitar rock feel exciting again. The band’s knack for tight, angular riffs and dance-floor rhythms is undeniable, and Alex Kapranos delivers each line with a sly theatrical flair — nowhere more perfectly than the iconic “Ich heiße Super Fantastisch!” on 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦. The full tracklist stays remarkably catchy, stylish, and immediate, and while the formula eventually became overused by others, here it still sounds fresh, confident, and effortlessly cool.
havent listened to this one since i was a kid, great fun some super classic tracks but a bit samey
Another classic, no bad songs!
Couple of really great songs but too much meh.
A couple of really great and fun songs but suffers from too much samey-ness. I appreciate the DIY vibe of the production and the highlights really shine, but by the time you get to the end of the album it's all a bit bland
So 2004. Played it to death _21_ years ago. I don't want to listen to it again. Maybe "This Fire" gets a pass from me on the Burnout 3 soundtrack.
Great debut album, liked it from the first song. A couple tunes in I realized the singer was reminded me of Iggy Pop on Lust for Life, but way more skill and drama. Then the track Michael rips the album open and seals the deal. If you told me this was the missing great Bowie followup to Let's Dance I'd believe it. 4 on two listens, I'm sure it'll be 5 by New Years.
I’m a big fran of Fanz Ferdinand
The aspect of this album that stands out to me the most is how much I like the lead singer's voice. Must be the Scottish accent :P The melodies and harmonies are quite pleasing and I quite like the guitar throughout the album too. I have heard Take Me Out so many times and still really like the song, and there are several other standout tracks for me: The Dark of The Matinee, Auf Achse (apparently that translates to 'on the road' in German), Darts of Pleasure, Michael, Come On Home, and 40'. So pretty much every song. If anyone is wondering what the German phrases mean in Darts of Pleasure, they translate to "My name is Super Fantastic, I drink champagne with salmon". Turns out I'm an indie rock fan now because I've recently started liking The Strokes, The Arctic Monkeys, The Smiths, The Black Keys, Radiohead, and now apparently Franz Ferdinand! Younger me would never have expected this turn of events lol. I'll give this album 9/10.
Franz Ferdinand was the eldest son of Archduke Karl Ludwig of Austria, the younger brother of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. His last words were, "Sophie, Sophie! Don't die! Live for our children!". When asked about his own injury, he repeatedly said, "It is nothing". He spoke these words as he was dying after being shot in Sarajevo in 1914. Franz Ferdinand was shot because the Black Hand decided to assassinate him because of his perceived threat to Serbian independence. The more I learn about this Franz Ferdinand guy I didn’t see the bands origin name connecting to the archduke. Turns out the band is named after a race horse that was named after Franz Ferdinand and the band liked the alliteration. Overall an enjoyable Sunday morning listen making pancakes for a bunch of neighbours.
Pretty solid album. Had some pretty fun and classic songs on here
Can somebody tell me which one Franz Ferdinand is? Bass player perhaps? Is Franz even in the band? If i focused more, Id have more to say, was listening mostly whole making waffles, and it improved the waffle making experience. Great voice, great guitar, and Take me Out is an absolute classic.
Franz Ferdinand really tapped into something here. Plenty of a bangers here, a few duds too, but a strong album overall. Still holds up pretty well.
Clásico instantáneo
Naja..
#174/1001. Ok, se we all probably know Take me out. Let's see if rest of the album sounds the same. Well it does and songs are worse. Too many of these end up here, although this isn't really bad - just one ear in other ear out stuff.
Such an indie classic, the riffs are so on point and it's just banger after banger. Possibly the most seminal indie record of the early 2000s. In many ways it feels like a time capsule for another world and a time when bands were still relatively popular, in 2025 it feels that there are less bands like FF.
Almost a 4 as there are a couple of bangers
It's ok, I guess. The album feels very samey and has a noisy vibe to it. I was so sick of Take Me Out but time and distance have helped.
I'm good without this in my life. Clothing store music. So much shit in this era sounded like this. Obnoxious. Has almost a bratty feel. Lil' brats shopping music.
I've already listened to his album (27). Still holds up, and ages pretty gracefully.
So crazy. I was listening to this album the day before it was assigned just because I love it. I used to have this CD. Am I allowed to give it a 5?
Solid all the way through and holds up quite nicely 20 years later.
Hasn’t held up as well as I hoped - while there are a lot of nostalgic and fun moments it doesn’t really hold together well as a complete album
Did not expect to come across this one on the list, but I'm not complaining. This album comes with a wave of nostalgia. I remember when Take Me Out first came out, I was obsessed. I took my $15 to the nearest record store and bought this album without a second thought. Man I do somewhat miss those days of gambling on a record for the singles -- streaming has robbed us (saved us?) from that spin of the roulette wheel. In this particular case, that spin was surprisingly lucrative -- a tight 40 minutes of glammy punk-pop with some incredibly catchy choruses and satisfying rhythms that is fun from start to finish. Tell Her Tonight is the first stand-out. An incredibly catchy track built around a slinky funk guitar about getting caught having an affair and coming clean. Then there's Take Me Out, the lead single that propelled Franz Ferdinand onto everyone's radar. At the time I had never heard anything quite like it and loved the tempo play. Very dancey and very fun track. The Dark of the Matinee is another dancey jam that errs a bit more sensual. These guys clearly had commitment issues -- Cheating on You offers a propulsive, fuzzed out variant on the theme. This Fire is another favorite on here -- just a fun little propulsive bopper. Come On Home has always been one of my favorites -- instrumental is wonderful and the chorus is catchy AF. And 40' is such a fun way to end the album with a light spaciousness to it. Love this album and it is either the highest of 4s or the lowest of 5s for me. Going soft 5 with the nostalgia bump.
Went into this thinking it would be standard indie, but it had an interesting tinge of punk as well as really strong bass the whole time. Kinda expected to just know Take Me Out and that be it. Pleasantly surprised at how good the entire album is.
Have never listened to any Franz Ferdinand except for Take Me Out, which I have now learned is the 6th or 7th best song on this album after listening. This album ruled and hit way above my expectations. The high pace style that was played the whole time was perfect. Jacqueline was a great song to start off and Dark of the Matinee was a really fun number. Bopped along nicely to the rest of the album and there were no misses. I feel like an absolute fool now that I did not go see them at Shaky Knees in September. On the low side of 5 but it did just enough to get up there
I very much enjoyed Franz Ferdinand at Oceans Calling this year. I also did not realize just how damn Scottish they were. Take Me Out was so much damn fun and is a song of my childhood. Auf Achse is incredible. Come On Home is going to be stuck in my head. That was great! Very easy to boogie to. After a few listens this honestly might be a 5, but going high 4 here.
It takes a few songs to get going but by the end I really enjoyed the album.
I would simply describe this album as enjoyable. Nothing groundbreaking, but there was no song that wasn't enjoyable to listen to. I especially enjoyed some of the less popular tracks in the second half of the album.
Shits bomb bro
Funket da, funker fortsatt. Godt album og en monsterhit.
ooo the Mid 2000's... what a moment for quirky rock bands on the pop charts. i miss it so.
Enjoyable listen, but not among my favorites.
never heard this album but Take Me Out is a banger so I'm hoping the rest of the record has good things to offer *Jacqueline: the pathways of my mind are built for post-2000 indie rock. it's good soup. Tell Her Tonight: little bit of Modest Mouse, little bit of Crack Cloud. love the manic angular energy in the verses but the chorus is mid. rockstars love to write songs about cheating on their girlfriends *Take Me Out: me when I say don't you know and you say you don't know The Dark of the Matinee: this sounds goofy. also kinda gives me anxiety. it's not quite circus music but I feel like the dude is twirling his moustache while singing it Auf Achse: sounds a bit like Mew if they weren't good. I can't pinpoint why it isn't working but I find it kind of boring Cheating on You: MULTIPLE songs about cheating on your girlfriend on the same album is criminal. "I'm cheating on you, yeah!" (x3) This Fire: again, on paper this song is something I should really like but it's just not hitting. *Darts of Pleasure: groovy, love the guitar riff during the verses. catchy hook too Michael: passable *Come on Home: really like this one, it has a fun sound to it. I'm sure other tracks on here had synths in them but this is the first one where I paid attention to them, they sound like a cheap Halloween costume (complimentary) 40': what the hell this is so dope?? more interesting than half the album combined the middle of this album is a slog but there's a few gems on here that make it worth a spin. I'm biased towards this kind of music so I should honestly like it more than I do, but it's a solid record. __ SCORE: 7/10 ADDED TO PLAYLIST: Jacqueline, Take Me Out, Darts of Pleasure, Come on Home, 40'
3.5/5
- Hatte noch nie was von der Band gehört aber war dann ganz überrascht als ich Take me out hörte - Hat mir richtig gut gefallen und richtig gute Laune gemacht - Das Ganze Album würde ich so auf jeden Fall nochmal hören Topsong: Jacqueline
Enjoyed the album, a couple of the cuts I even recognized.
I actually had Herbie Hancock and not Franz
Props to the bass player, but the lyrical repetition in all the choruses grows tedious real fast.
A very consistent style. Well delivered
I really enjoyed this one. Knew a few of the songs before but had never listened to the album. Would definitely listen again. Maybe a tad similar to each other but it’s a short album so that didn’t really bother me. Fav song: Take Me Out - also liked Fire and Michael Least fav: Cheating On You
Still holds up twenty years on. Take me out a certified banger and dark of the matinee not too far behind. Slightly biased from a Glaswegian but still really enjoyed. Specific rating - 4.7 Fav song - take me out Least fav - come on home
Very close to being 5 stars. Really liked this album, lots of great songs and while I'd heard a couple most of them were new to me. I'll definitely be listening to the whole album again! Favourite: The Dark of the Matinee Least: Tell Her Tonight
It's all right, but not a go-to album of mine or anything. Not massively inventive in and of itself, but angular and quirky enough at the time to carve out its own little alternative pop niche for a while. The album hasn't aged particularly well, but then nor has it degraded into full-on indie landfill embarassment like so many of their peers. Like I said, it's just kind of all right, and they always seemed like nice enough, humble chaps.
Good energy, really enjoyed the songs at the start of the record. Take Me Out is a great song. The record really starts to feel repetitive after 3-4 tracks. Not bad, but gets old.
Good album, a lot of songs sounded the same
Love the hits, Loved some of the other songs too, overall solid representation. Wish Michael was on this album though.
Very solid. Couple of known bangers and more discovered. It's a good mid-range energy music for me.
Love the energy on this album. I know very little about this band aside from the obvious songs, but all members seem to stand out. Great guitar work, but the bass and drums are so on point driving each track.
very fun, i thought this would be mid but i really enjoyed it
The UKs response to NY’s 2000s Post Garage. Filled with happy dance pop music
Fun pop rock. Some gang of four influence for sure. Not all that memorable outside of the hit single, but decent throughout. 3.5/5
horrivel, desastroso, coisa horrorosa, espero que acabe, exploda, espero que vire pó, coisa horrível, tenebrosa, obscura, maligna, o fruto de todo o pecado e consequente miséria que assolam incansavelmente a humanidade, não me surpreende que a covid tenha surgido depois desse álbum, esse álbum não tinha que ter existido: gostaria de nunca, movido pura e simplesmente por uma vontade de vencer preconceitos que se provaram, antes de qualquer coisa, instintos primais - talvez um último suspiro do espírito de sobrevivência de meus ancestrais como um vão esforço de preservação de uma espécie já condenada a barbárie - ter escutado esse álbum, jamais. a mais pura expressão da mediocridade, quase comparável ao maneskin não evoluímos para isso, milhões de anos de luta e trabalho, éons de conhecimento empilhados se equiparam a um milionésimo do menor grão de poeira na superfície da lua à luz da menor sinalização de existência desse retrato da decadência que veio a ser considerado um álbum. a cada música meu ódio cresce mais. que coisa odiosa maldita.
5/5. I was 15 year old on tumblr, u have so much history with this record, couldn’t give it anything less
Jangly 00’s rock. Not that bad, but got very samey after 15 minutes or so. Played well, produced well. Just not overly interesting. Not essential to hear before you die.
Franz Ferdinand is a good band, just a little generic in the context of this list. After my past two albums, Black Sabbath and Fats Domino, Franz Ferdinand just isn’t on the same level. Perfectly fine 00’s alt rock, but nothing groundbreaking… I’d rather listen to Television… 4/10 Favorite tracks- “This Fire” “Darts of Pleasure”
It's actually pretty solid, better than I expected. Take me out is legendary, but I am enjoying some other tracks as well, not bad.
Do you wanna...do you wanna Just as great as when it was released...
I would not go out of my way to listen to this again, but I wouldn’t be mad if someone left it playing when I walked in the room. Another aggressively ok offering.
Fun music, with plenty of tempo changes to keep things interesting.
3.5
Fun! I love Take Me Out, not sure why I didn't check out the rest of the album.
Not surprisingly, nothing else on the album approaches the killer track levels of Take Me Out. A few other decent songs on the album but nothing particularly memorable. Some of the songs grew on me after a second listen, but still not sure the album will make it to my permanent rotation even though the genre is right in my wheelhouse. 3.5 stars rounded down
When this came out in 2004 it fit within the other guitar bands who were starting to make some noise as the ebb and flow of indie rock was suddenly on the uptick again. The Strokes arguably started the post-punk revival along with The White Stripes, Interpol, Maximo Park, Bloc Party, Modest Mouse etc and the Glaswegian Franz Ferdinand fit nicely along side those bands with a funky approach to post punk with razor sharp hooks and solid bass lines. Ignoring the monster hits, This Fire and perhaps Michael, this debut is interesting from beginning to End. Jacqueline with its lengthy intro and frenetic second half gets the party started and introduces the cutting clean guitar tone that is the hallmark of the album and repeated on several songs. Tell Her Tonight keeps up the interest with a catchy, albeit repetitive hook throughout. For me, the most interesting song on the LP is 40’ which is interesting lyrically, vocally and musically with a hook which sounds like an inversion of the hook in Take Me Out. The closest Franz Ferdinand gets to traditional post punk is Auf Asche with its synthesizer intro before breaking into a more traditional electronic post-punk track. It’s still kind of upbeat for a song about desire for a woman you can’t touch. There are no duds on this record and it captures a particular post-punk sound remarkably well. Alex Kapranos is a good vocalist and keeps the album from descending into just average. 4/5
Fun-ish indie album, extra point the singles being bangen
Ehhhhh
Early aughts indie that struck big with Take Me Out. A fun, boppy album with pop influences along with rock and funk that fits in perfectly with the indie scene in England at the time. Not the most creative lyrics, but every song is catchy and high energy. Themes of being a young man and poor decision making, particularly where hitting on women is concerned. My main takeaway in the lyrics was the desperation and games that men played to try and seduce women and the frustration that comes out of the continued rejection. All that said, the guitar and bass riffs are spectacular. The vocals work incredibly well, and the drums elevate the tempo of every track.
Had heard this before and it's decent, but really Take Me Out is THE JAM here, with most of the rest being...ok.
Love this record.
Egentlig et ganske bra album.
Fine? Nothing really hits me hard. Take Me Out is solid but most of this is not memorable. High 2 low 3
Bit samey, but good music and iconic single.
These songs made me nervous.
Now this a solid alt rock album. Maybe not groundbreaking, but still a great listen.
I enjoyed it but it did contain a lot of indie cliches. But thats fine because i enjoyed it right?
Favorites: 40’, Auf Achse, Come on Home, Take Me out ( of course).
About as original as a stroke but a fun, dancey, punky, wirey album that is almost instantly forgettable as to almost inspire a whole new genre in its stubborn irrelevance.
Ok.
A classic and full of bangers
Reminds me of some punk music I like, and at times the Beatles. Upbeat.
Ambivalent about this. Too heavy on the drums and repetitive for my own personal taste, but the hooks are often undeniable. I love some of the song writing (Michael for example feels fresh and is fun) but it is also often the dumbest (Cheating on you is a crime). It does sound like a lot of different things, nevertheless, it ushered a wave of groups trying to replicate this sound. What I find most interesting is the fact that for a band that does sounds like a rip off of others, they have been ripped off too. Their music while very referential, still sounds sorta fresh 20 years later and that is interesting. That being said, a swing and some hits spells out middle of the road album to me. Nowhere near terrible, nowhere near great, and that is not the reaction I want : I want more.
Dette var bra saker! Ikke hørt allverden på de før, men skikklig solid gjennom hele skiva. Første 5'er
This album basically defined indie rock in the early 2000s. Take Me Out still bangs 20+ years later. Easy and fun to jam out to and most of the tracks are consistently good.
Great debut!
Very solid. Some great riffs throughout, with only one song that I didn't particularly like. 4/5
gostei do começo com jacqueline, take me out me fara dar 5 estrelas e até agora acho que faz sentido ser a mais ouvida. this fire é legal, darts of pleasure também
Solid
One or two bright spots, but repetitive and derivative.
Hot damn!
A great time. Succinct and enjoyable, great guitars, great lyrics, great rhythms.
One famous guitar lick, but otherwise good music
Yawn. Kind of a bore. Yes I can spot the influences, but they don't really bring anything new to the table.
Love this album. It's gonna be biased but it's a 5 star for me.
Grew up on this one and it still holds up, and not in a simple nostalgia way. Unique sound, consistently fun and danceable, with a dark undertone. Love it.
Nostalgic Take me out was in a game i used to play
Ugh. 1
I’m giving it a 3 star. But it’s a really good 3 stars. It’s like you’re in college. You’re drunk and go out to the local place for a nice big chicken veggie wrap. It’s pretty good for you, it hits the spot and a few bites are even darn near transcendent. But you finish up and move on. Still, you think about that meal every now and then. If I owned this on CD back in the day I would enjoy it sure, but I could also give it away or sell it without missing it. Take Me Out is a really damn good song these fellows came up with. Among the best of its kind. As I said. Very strong 3 stars.
BANGER AFTER BANGER
So much better than I expected
I'm a little biased. Had this cd in high school.
Good, saved one song
Great early 2000s rock album
I've always loved Fraz Ferdinand, and this was one hell of a debut.
71/100. Some fantastic stuff on this record. It's a punchy, punkish indie rock debut. “Take Me Out” is the undeniable highlight.
Their first and best album. Everything after this had a song or two I liked, but wasn't nearly as solid.
This record still bangs. Maybe my favorite of the New Wave necrophiliacs to pop up post-Strokes, but I’ve always been partial to rock you can dance to.
Honestly a bit of a let-down; I had only really known their big single from this record and was a bit more familiar with the next record of theirs. There's a muscle and energy here that is undeniable but the songwriting is very same-same, it feels like one long forty-minute song.
Pretty good but kind of a one noter
Ich heisse Super Fantastic!
Franz Ferdinand
Nothing but clever bangers - THAT song transcended everything and makes a worthy entry into the rock/pop pantheon. There's genuinely something for everyone here, as the album energetically jumps between massive hooks and frenetic grooves. How the fuck is this album more than 20 years old? Totally of its time, but still sharp as anything! Favourite tracks: Jacqueline, Take Me Out, Dark of the Matinee, This Fire, Darts Of Pleasure - basically all of it!
Rather listen to the strokes, keane, something else.
Good enough debut album, shame the band didn't do anything significant after. Most songs are middle of the pack and nothing special, other than Take Me Out.
Enjoyable singles but always felt a bit hollow
Great album, chunky riffs, has a slightly rough production value to it. The songs are fun, energetic. Aside from Take Me Out which naturally is the best song, I think Michael is the track I've always enjoyed the most.
There's a few decent song in there but it doesn't really feel like a cohesive album. I think the indie classics rescue it
Herlig album. På nivå med det beste fra Psychedelic Furs. Klar 5’mer.
Definitely early to the indie sound & scene. In terms of defining what indie rock sounds like, I think I prefer this to other early acts. However, after 20 or so years of newer indie, it has lost some charm. Definitely a few bangers though
Alright. A few hits here and there but the others blend into nothing.
Instantly transports me to Portsmouth NH early 2000’s and holds up much better then other pop punk albums released around this time.
There are moments when this album reaches a 5 but the inconsistencies between tracks makes it a 3 for me. "Take me out" is undoubtedly the band's most popular (arguably best) song; apart from Take Me Out, Dark of the Matinee, Michael, and Jacqueline were some standout tracks.
Better than I remember and I liked this before
The tonic I needed after a prog rock heavy week. Fun, simple and catchy as hell. Not all music needs to be madly intricate and confusing and difficult to interpret!!
banger
One of favorite albums of all time. There's not a single bad track on here. This band has always brought a fresh and unique approach to indie rock, and they're my favorite Scottish band to boot, by far. In the last 20 years, I've listened to this album dozens of times, and it never gets old. For anyone that wants a clean, well-executed and eminently listenable indie rock album, just put this on and you won't regret it.
This is one of the first albums I discovered when I was in my early teens just getting into music, and it still holds up.
reminded me of the strokes if they weren't greasy
Just utterly pointless Fav track: Take Me Out I guess
back in the day. already? banger.
i mean... it's alright. Take Me Out is awesome but the rest is just meh
I've always liked this band well enough, but there's a real same-y-ness to the music. Listenable, fun, but nothing special.
Well this was pretty good all around, and Take Me Out is such a great track. Some of the riffs on the later songs sounded kinda similar, but still, a solid 4.
4/10. Solo me gusta "Take me out". El resto da un perezón del 15.
An excellent debut album from an interesting time, I saw FF live in late 2004 following the release of this album and the songs left an impact on me.
I’ve only heard Take Me Out from this album before. Turns out it’s the only one I really like. 2.5 stars.
Classic 2004 vibes
Sounds of Television and Talking Heads, a strong example of early 2000s rock. Although “Take Me Out” will always be on a level of its own, this album was much more interesting than I knew.
I’m not sure why I feel like this is a few years ahead of its time. I was 10 when it released, so can’t really speak on the cultural shift it may or may not have created. However, this type of music will always awaken a coming-of-age wanderlust feeling within me.
Brings me back to the days of Kaiser Chiefs and Razorlight. Franz always felt a level sharper than those chaps, but once Arctic Monkeys landed a couple years later, they stole the whole scene. Franz just missed it for me. Maybe a bit too prancey.
My sister def had this on rotation growing up
a primeira música do álbum ja me conquistou, o estilo indie rock é um dos gêneros que tenho mais escutado nos últimos tempos, apesar da segunda faixa ter caído um pouco, a terceira voltou a trazer um ótimo ritmo para o álbum, com o maior sucesso da carreira da banda; this fire retoma o gosto das primeiras faixas, seguida de outras quatro músicas que gostei bastante, fechando a trilha. apesar de não ter adicionado todo o álbum à minha biblioteca, reconheço que é um trabalho muito bem feito, e merece uma boa nota
Nice, overall. Indiepop with its own sound.
Take Me Out classic
I only knew Take Me Out but the other songs are quite good too. I listened passively but I liked it. I feel I need to listen to the lyrics more carefully because I did not understand the first song was about a girl named Jacqueline.
only one well known song - probably for a reason
Glad I listened to it rather than just listening to take me out over and over. There’s some other really good songs here. Last half kinda lost me a bit but overall it was a very fun listen.
Brilliant loved it then love it now. Still seems fresh great riffs good vocals and beats lyrically good. Cool alround it kicks in all the right places
hot take: only saved by the absolute banger that is take me out Would I listen again: No Deserves to be on this list: Yes 3.2
buenazo
Just the one. Needs a relisten I think
Omg I knew the take me out song but the rest is so fire
Betydligt roligare än samtida Arctic Monkeys som vi hade tidigare. Annats är det delar av den recensionen skulle kunna tillämpas här. Jag tycker bara bättre om det här helt enkelt. Det lite kantiga svänget, tydlig popkänsla och en uttänkt estetik. Men "Take me out" sticker ut som en perfekt popsingel, inget annat är egentligen i närheten av den. En tvåa i dom högre regionerna men utan att vara nära att bli en trea.
Jag var aldrig så förtjust i den här typen av nyindie som dök upp under 00-talet. Hiten Take me out är ändå svängig, får jag medge. Även Dark of the matinee. Men annars… nej, rätt stelt och poänglöst.
Indierock med discotrummor. Gillade det när det kom och tycker att det håller okej idag. Inget mästerverk men går att lyssna på.
De fick en hit med Take me out. Den var väl kul i en vecka. Resten känns som sämre variation av Take me out. Samma typ av gitarriff och trumkomp återupprepas gång på gång. Väldigt svårt att motstå frestelsen att hoppa till nästa låt. Trist. Tack vare att det finns så mycket annat som är sämre så hade de kunnat fått en två. Men så klämmer de in några riktiga bottennapp på slutet så som Michael
Good album! Used to listen to them a lot when they were big in early 2000s
Actually enjoyed this a fair amount, several recognizable songs for good reason 3.5/5
Pretty decent.
Distinctive guitar and vocals. Some "catchy" tunes. Not sure I can listen to an entire album, but one sound here or there is fun to listen to.
decnet vibe, feels super 2010's
This album was much better than I remember.
Fey indie boys actually make quite a banger of an album. Cod-disco beats with hooks a plenty. Good fun and probably still gets played to death in indie discos. I remember the first time round when it did. Best Tracks: Take Me Out; The Dark of the Matinee; 40'
Classic, competent 2000s indie. A four star album that I'll give an extra star for nostalgia.
I listen to this record so much when it first came out. It was great to revisit it. Still holds up.
This album starts with a shot wow - Jacqueline - one of the great openers for a band. And is remarkable afterwards too. It’s still probably the best song but others round out their promise of amped up dance guitar rock with disco syncopations and ironic delivery galore.
Great mid-2000s pop rock. Hits still hit, takes me back to high school.
It was ok
No songs that clicked
Fun album, but feels a bit samey as it progresses. The singles are good, but most of the rest of the album is aggressively "fine."
eerste drie zijn instant classics.. rest is middelmatige Kinks ( en daar zijn de Kinks beter in)
This is another one which seems like it was big when the book was written but has not stood the test of time. Sure there's some good tracks on here. And it's short and high tempo but it did leave me wondering "I wonder what they're doing now". Apparently they have a new album this year. So that's me wrong!
Foregone conclusion - I adore this album
Whole album is great, not just Take Me Out
Te das cuenta que son buenos para su género y pioneros del mismo. Te hacen bailar.
Musically, I like it. Although I have never been a fan of Alex Kapranos' vocals.
Mostly all fire tracks - a few that are a bit too repetitive, but for the most part a great listen
That's a good one.
Always liked Take Me Out. The album sounded very much like Franz Ferdinand.
It feels a bit outdated, sounds a lot like early 2000s. Still a good album
Good album that takes me back to a time but don’t think I could call it great
My favorite band for a while in high school
Indie halt… aber endlich mal gehört! Kann man schon mal machen :)
Great surprise. Didn’t know the band but enjoyed this
I mean, it’s interesting as a footnote in 00s indie/dancepunk culture and there is the single, of course, but aside from wishing I was a size 28 and had a great tailor this had no impact on me whatsoever.
A fun album with a great vibe 3/5
I dig this album.
Was not my thing when it came out. It remains so now.
It’s funny liking/knowing music through older siblings because growing up, this and Modest Mouse seemed exactly the same to me - which makes sense given where MM was in their career but they are so different…. Not a favorite but a pretty undeniable debut with a high hit rate!
honestly never connected for me but its fun and exciting and i think if i was a millennial this would go so hard
Those funky, punky, exuberant Scots. Not my style, but I can see the appeal. Album ties together.
Some interesting musical moments , but overall, this is first and foremost a pop album, so it relies on a driving a hook home, and except one song, they're not driven home. I feel the artist was capable of doing something more interesting had they chosen to. Mixing-wise, vocals are too upfornt and overall the sound is very hyped and tough to listen to for a prolonged period of time. It'a as if they try to make you like the music through sheer repetition and aggressive mixing. I do think they have a lot of talent as musicians, but the feeling to me is that they consciously chose a very commercial path and for me that doesn't make for timeless music.
Wow this album brought me back to college.
Enjoyable en quite influential in the early 2000's. A bit repetitive musically but a good listening experience. 4/5
So many great songs, love this album
# In-Depth Review: *Franz Ferdinand* by Franz Ferdinand ## 🎵 Overview **Franz Ferdinand**'s self-titled debut album, released in 2004, is a landmark record in the **post-punk revival** movement of the early 2000s. Combining sharp guitar work, danceable rhythms, and witty lyrics, the album quickly became a critical and commercial success, winning the **Mercury Music Prize** in 2004 and selling over 3.6 million copies worldwide . Its influence on indie rock and its enduring appeal make it a standout record of its era. --- ## 📝 Lyrics and Themes ### Lyrical Style The lyrics on *Franz Ferdinand* are a blend of **playful banter** and **poignant observation**, often exploring themes of **relationships, self-discovery, and the human condition** with a touch of irony and wit. Alex Kapranos, the lead vocalist and lyricist, draws inspiration from post-punk predecessors like **Joy Division** and **The Smiths**, but adds a modern sensibility that feels both intellectual and accessible . ### Key Themes 1. **Hedonism and Nightlife**: Tracks like "Jacqueline" and "Take Me Out" capture the exhilaration and mundanity of nightlife, with lyrics like *"It's better on holiday / that's why we only work when we need the money"* juxtaposing escapism with reality . 2. **Sexuality and Desire**: Songs like "Michael" and "Darts of Pleasure" explore sensuality and eroticism with a playful yet provocative tone. The repetition of phrases like *"I'm never gonna dance again"* in "Take Me Out" adds to the tension between desire and hesitation . 3. **Alienation and Intellectualism**: "The Dark of the Matinée" critiques superficiality and fame, with Kapranos singing about *"a daydream of fame and disillusionment"* against the backdrop of mundane daily life . ### Strengths and Weaknesses - **Strengths**: The lyrics are clever, catchy, and often layered with double meanings. They balance intellectual depth with dance-floor accessibility. - **Weaknesses**: Some critics argue that the lyrics occasionally rely too heavily on repetition (e.g., "Take Me Out") or lean into clichés, though this is minor . --- ## 🎸 Music and Sound ### Musical Style The album is a fusion of **garage rock, dance-punk, and post-punk**, with a distinct **Scottish flair** that sets it apart from its American counterparts. The band emphasizes **simplicity and purity** in their instrumentation, often using singular notes instead of chords to create a more powerful impact . ### Key Tracks 1. **"Take Me Out"**: The album's signature song features a dramatic tempo shift from a frantic rock riff to a danceable groove, showcasing the band's ability to merge rock and dance music seamlessly. 2. **"The Dark of the Matinée"**: A mix of 2000s alt-rock and 50s show tune melodies, with a catchy chorus and intricate guitar work. 3. **"Michael"**: A danceable tune with a homoerotic undertone, driven by a steady beat and repetitive lyrics. 4. **"This Fire"**: A high-energy track with Talking Heads-inspired vocal harmonies and a noisy, climactic finish . ### Instrumentation - **Guitars**: Jagged, crisp, and clean guitar lines are central to the sound, often taking over "vocal duties" when the singing stops. - **Bass**: Rhythmically driven bass lines underscore the danceability of songs like "Cheating on You." - **Drums**: The percussion, particularly on "Michael," provides a steady beat that amplifies the dance-punk vibe . --- ## 🎛 Production The album was produced primarily by **Tore Johansson** in Gula Studios, Malmö, Sweden. The production is **polished yet punchy**, with a keen attention to detail that allows each instrument to shine. The decision to record in Sweden contributed to the album's **focused and cohesive sound**, as the band could immerse themselves fully without distractions . ### Production Techniques - **Minimalism**: The band avoided overproduction, keeping the sound "pleasantly simple and impactful" . - **Clarity**: Each instrument is distinctly audible, creating a balanced mix that feels both raw and refined. - **Danceability**: The production emphasizes rhythmic elements, making the album irresistibly danceable . --- ## 🧠 Themes and Concept The album explores themes of **youthful exuberance, nightlife, and the duality of human emotions** (e.g., desire vs. disillusionment). It captures the essence of the post-punk revival era while adding a unique Scottish perspective. The band’s mission to create "music for girls to dance to" is evident throughout, blending intellectual lyrics with dance-floor energy . --- ## 📈 Influence and Legacy - **Post-Punk Revival**: The album is a cornerstone of the early 2000s post-punk revival, alongside bands like The Strokes and Interpol . - **Cultural Impact**: "Take Me Out" became an anthem for the era, featured in video games, commercials, and festivals. - **Longevity**: Two decades later, the album remains iconic, influencing subsequent indie rock bands and maintaining a strong presence in popular culture . --- ## ✔️ Pros and Cons ### Pros 1. **Innovative Sound**: Successfully blends rock and dance music, creating a unique and infectious style. 2. **Catchy Hooks**: Nearly every track is memorable, with sing-along choruses and danceable rhythms. 3. **Lyrical Wit**: Lyrics are intelligent, playful, and emotionally resonant. 4. **Cohesive Production**: The minimalist, punchy production keeps the album focused and engaging. 5. **Cultural Impact**: Defined the sound of mid-2000s indie rock and remains influential today . ### Cons 1. **Repetitive Elements**: Some tracks rely heavily on repetitive lyrics or similar melodic structures. 2. **Lack of Diversity**: While cohesive, the album occasionally feels uniform in sound, with fewer experimental risks compared to later works . --- ## 💎 Conclusion *Franz Ferdinand* is a **near-perfect debut** that captures the energy and creativity of the post-punk revival era. Its blend of sharp lyrics, danceable rhythms, and polished production makes it a timeless record that continues to resonate with listeners. While it has minor flaws, its strengths far outweigh them, solidifying its place as one of the most important indie rock albums of the 2000s .
4/10 Favorite: Take Me Out
I mean, it's a decent enough album, but to be on a list of things someone should absolutely listen to? No, I don't hear it - it's just a decent enough album.
Very good. Thoughtfully frentic songwriterly stuff.
CHEL 22
Definitely an album of its time- and hard to separate from the swagger of similar artists (Kaiser Chiefs etc), but there's still something that's a bit playful and endearing about it (perhaps tinted by their Sparks collaboration in my mind.) Lyrically pretty insipid and not particularly inspiring musically, but best of a bad bunch I think. FFS much better. (Would give it 2.5 if I could)
Very much Indie of its era. I actually enjoyed this more than I did at the time, perhaps because I actually gave it a chance (rather than 17 year old me going "nah this is shit".) I mean, I still don't love it, but it's decent enough. A little repetetive, but what album isn't. I think a key decider for me in music seems to be the vocals, and I don't really enjoy the Franz Ferdinand singer most of the time. I guess it's that "indie voice" thing. But I did really enjoy the drumming on this album, and the guitars also do interesting and quirky things. It's not gonna go in the rotation, but it was enjoyable!
Competantly executed indie rock from the finger pointing dance Eeading / Leeds massive. They can certainly write catchy songs. They do the genre well. Just happens that I don't enjoy this genre much at all. A nice memory was an old roomate absolutely bopping to this. A not so nice memory was aggressive lads with bad haircuts in the Gloucester on Tuesday nights.
I wouldn't really listen to this now, but it was something I loved and was surrounded by 20-odd years ago. It was funny to revisit it. Energetic and throw away and big. Death drives and love-woes under the indie-club lights. It's not for me now, it's for me and my friends in our early 20s. And some music needs to be for odd, jerky, awkward kids. I think it holds up better than a lot of indie from that time, but that's probably not saying much.
I shouldn't be trusted to give an unbiased opinion as this came out in my early teens and is embedded in my dna.
This evokes a fair amount of nostalgia- this album was big when I first went to uni in Summer 2005. While I never listed to the album myself it was impossible to escape many of these songs at the time and a lot of my friends from school were really into FF. I do like the sound overall, many of the tracks have an exciting driving tempo to the guitar. The production seems a bit thin- I dunno what I really mean by that and not sure I could describe it but just a feeling I get that there's a lack of some depth.
Franz Ferdinand, _Franz Ferdinand_ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ It's solid and listenable all the way through and borders on _banger_. This came from a solid rock'n'roll era, so not easy to do. Particularly enjoyable for its jumps between multiple styles. While enjoyable, not headed to back to revisit. But if a friend or date put this on the turntable, I'm down.
**Moi qui effectue une taloche derrière la tête de la communauté: "C'est comme ça que tu fait du rock indie"
Yep, this one slaps. One of the best alt-rock albums to come out of the aughts, although I'm probably overrating it. 4.8
Nostalgia! This is pop rock for me and I'll fight you if you say otherwise. It's also a very Killers indie vibe. Honestly, as someone who's not typically a fan of indie pop, this is so well done I could listen again. Big fan of the funky bass lines. 3.3/5
today i learned the term “landfill indie.”
This album seems like it would be good but something is not good about it. There’s some cool grooves for the most part but they get stale quick take me out is the best song on it which is all right. I remember when Modest Mouse had float on out and take me out was also a hit during that time and both songs have similar vibes and I just remember thinking damn the smile song is so much better. I don’t think that anyone needs to listen to this album before they die that’s that’s just my take
Oh boy. My memories are fonder than the reality and they arent really that sparkling to begin with. songs scatter from annoying, and catchy, and kinda fun, to just fucking annoying. 2.
Definitely some pretty good songs on here, Take Me Out is a favourite of mine but there are also some good deep cuts
Yeahhhhh 5 star
9/10 I certainly have a bit of a soft spot for alternative rock this is very much in the same vein as Arctic Monkeys, and I like that the singer sounds a lot like Mel Tormé— especially Lullaby of Birdland <3
Sin dudas uno de mis álbumes favoritos. Los escuché en vivo en el Japón y si bien el concierto no fue masivo como el de muchas otras bandas, fue fantástico.
Got this one day of release
From an era where genre was a very tribal, parochial thing in the UK. People dressed according to their taste and they went out in different parts of town. Indie, Dance, Pop, Goth were identities and fraternising was rare, probably due to the casual violence that made Saturday night in a town centre so bracing Now, the kids all dress the same, listen to everything and generally glass each other much less. Progress.
Nothing groundbreaking here just a short collection of punchy pop rock tracks.
Sounded like bowie the first couple songs. Then heard the one I new. Not bad, not my style