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FFS
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FFS Image
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 47 Ratings

  • Summary: The debut release for the collaboration between Franz Ferdinand and Sparks was produced by John Congleton.
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  • Record Label: Domino
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, New Wave/Post-Punk Revival, Synth Pop, Dance-Rock
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Top Track

Police Encounters
From the West Coast gonna take a plane Hit the East Coast gonna take an A train Hit the East Coast, going all the way Why don't you come to... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. The A.V. Club
    Jun 9, 2015
    83
    It’s an uncommonly smart record full of unexpected, delightful detours.
  2. Classic Rock Magazine
    Jun 4, 2015
    80
    A brilliant record, combining as it does the herky-jerky, febrile near-hysterical wit of Sparks with that of Franz Ferdinand.
  3. Uncut
    Jun 2, 2015
    80
    All in all, it's a match made in heaven. [Jul 2015, p.75]
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  4. AllMusic
    Jun 9, 2015
    80
    A near-perfect blend of Sparks and Franz Ferdinand's skills, FFS is a collaboration that works very well and offers just about everything a fan of either band could want.
  5. Pitchfork
    Jun 12, 2015
    71
    The chemistry between the two bands isn't so perfect that a second collaborative album would be preferable to whatever either of them has up its sleeve next. When FFS does click, though, it's a little delight.
  6. Rolling Stone
    Jun 9, 2015
    70
    Both bands share a wildly eccentric sense of melodrama, which is why the combo clicks.
  7. The Observer (UK)
    Jun 8, 2015
    60
    Dodge the mountain range formed by all those raised eyebrows and there are some good songs in here.

See all 24 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. sphinmo
    Aug 8, 2015
    8
    A solid album. Lots of catchy tracks on this album with interesting lyrics in some cases. The album grows the more you listen to but it is aA solid album. Lots of catchy tracks on this album with interesting lyrics in some cases. The album grows the more you listen to but it is a good investment of time to do so. Enjoyed it so much I am going to see them on tour. An unexpected gem.… Expand
  2. StevenX
    Jul 28, 2017
    8
    The joining of longtime cult heroes Sparks, in the midst of a creative and critical renaissance, with the fun guys in Franz Ferdinand givesThe joining of longtime cult heroes Sparks, in the midst of a creative and critical renaissance, with the fun guys in Franz Ferdinand gives you the quirky punch you expect and more. Tight arrangements with fun lyrics and lots of energy? I'll take it. The only minus is that with Russell Mael on the mic, another lead vocalist is a detraction, not a plus.… Expand
  4. Ricko
    Jan 2, 2016
    7
    I'm unfamiliar with the work of Sparks apart from their biggest hits. They strike me as a bit quirky, a bit weird and very unamerican rock.I'm unfamiliar with the work of Sparks apart from their biggest hits. They strike me as a bit quirky, a bit weird and very unamerican rock. Essentially a great match for the quirky, weird and positively European Franz Ferdinand who I am very familiar with. I can't say this is a perfect blend of both and I don't have enough Sparks knowledge to go on. It does sound very much like a Franz Ferdinand record though, with a little more silliness/quirkiness than usual. Songs like "Call Girl" could have been lifted from any of their albums, especially their first 2 records. While a far from perfect offering and one that would benefit with a bit more seriousness, this is a must have record for fans of Franz Ferdinand, a record where you get what you give, the more time you put into listening, the more rewarding the experience is.… Expand
  5. ElroyRosenberg
    Jun 13, 2015
    5
    Not for me. I can't get into the singing on this one. I like some of the cool, synthy instrumentals - they really resonate with me. But INot for me. I can't get into the singing on this one. I like some of the cool, synthy instrumentals - they really resonate with me. But I think the signing felt a little meandering, and the tone of voice is just not my cup of tea. An otherwise fine album if you take away some of the wishy-washy, going-nowhere lyrics.… Expand

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