Franz Ferdinand
by Franz Ferdinand
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: Mar 9, 2004
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 330 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 297 out of 330
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 330
  3. Negative: 17 out of 330

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  1. Andremax
    Jul 10, 2018
    10
    Amazing debut. The distinct guitar lines act like it was talking to the listener. The diffferent-of-guitars bass lines completes all making a truly orchestra of strings. This album has a formula that is copied by the band up to now.
  2. chris_g95
    Nov 17, 2014
    10
    Franz Ferdinand claim that they want to make girls dance and not only does this album make girls dance, it makes everybody that hears it dance too. Every song is a highlight with no weak links in the chain. Best album from a Scottish band since Primal Scream's Screamadelica and arguably one of the best album's of the decade with hits such as "Take Me Out" and "Dark of the Matinee" going toFranz Ferdinand claim that they want to make girls dance and not only does this album make girls dance, it makes everybody that hears it dance too. Every song is a highlight with no weak links in the chain. Best album from a Scottish band since Primal Scream's Screamadelica and arguably one of the best album's of the decade with hits such as "Take Me Out" and "Dark of the Matinee" going to be one of this generation's hits and one that future generations will enjoy for a long time.
    Best Tracks : Tell Her Tonight, Take Me Out, Dark of the Matinee, Auf Achse,
    Worst Track : None.    … Expand
  3. AcePhoenix007
    Apr 4, 2014
    10
    One of the best albums of all time. Every song is amazing, well-written, well done, and the band is even more amazing. Outstanding job by Franz Ferdinand on this record.
  4. Velocijoey
    Mar 19, 2014
    10
    If not the greatest Indie Rock album ever, definitely one of the top 10. A perfect album from beginning to end. "Jacqueline" was the perfect way to start an album that sets you up for the often too short 40 minute journey into the amazing genre that is indie.
  5. thejanxxmaster
    Sep 4, 2013
    10
    First and still by far the best Franz Ferdinand album. Great original music with fresh, catchy, and upbeat sound. It just never gets old even after nearly 10 years!
  6. drlowdon
    Aug 11, 2013
    8
    Genre: Indie Rock
    This debut album from Scottish indie rock band Franz Ferdinand may not be particularly long, but it certainly packs plenty into its running time. Quite rightly hailed by a number of critics as one of the best albums of the decade the band were able to create their own unique sound from the opening track to the last.
  7. paulwilsonlogic
    Jul 18, 2012
    5
    Instrumentation of the entire album is really praiseworthy. Nothing to say about that. It reminds an incredible psychedelic rock music touch inspired in the whole British music trajectory. "Take me out", "Dark of the matinee" and "Michael" are really good tracks. But, there's something strange and annoying on this record. Some songs are really disappointing. "Tell Her Tonight" seems aInstrumentation of the entire album is really praiseworthy. Nothing to say about that. It reminds an incredible psychedelic rock music touch inspired in the whole British music trajectory. "Take me out", "Dark of the matinee" and "Michael" are really good tracks. But, there's something strange and annoying on this record. Some songs are really disappointing. "Tell Her Tonight" seems a enormous tornado which destroys the apparent climax that the album tries to reach. Kapranos' voice is clearly overshadowed by a annoying echo. Not so well for being the start of the Neo-Indie-Rock age.… Expand
  8. Palp
    May 25, 2012
    8
    This is one of those albums that may not be the most complex instrumentally or lyrically, but is so much fun to listen to. Each song is very catchy and you can tell that the band was having a great time recording this album.
  9. KeithG
    Apr 25, 2012
    3
    Time has not been kind to Franz Ferdinand, the band or album. What seemed fresh and new in 2004 now just appears as a lesser part of the garage band fad. Download "Take Me Out" for nostalgia's sake, but there's no need purchase the whole album.
  10. Ricko
    Jan 6, 2012
    8
    These guys burst onto the scene around 2004 with a strong debut full of pop songs that you'll find yourself dancing to. A Saturday night kind of record. They never quite followed up on the initial promise showed here. Some fantastic riffs on this, all delivered in an off beat, almost camp manner. Although probably what made the album popular for most, I don't like the vocals on thisThese guys burst onto the scene around 2004 with a strong debut full of pop songs that you'll find yourself dancing to. A Saturday night kind of record. They never quite followed up on the initial promise showed here. Some fantastic riffs on this, all delivered in an off beat, almost camp manner. Although probably what made the album popular for most, I don't like the vocals on this record. The campness kind of makes it hard to take seriously, but that may well have been the point. It's a pity they didn't expand on this in the albums that followed. could have been really interesting.… Expand
  11. YFinnau
    May 7, 2011
    8
    This Is a rock album, no more, no less so don't get into it thinking you will be blown away because you wont. The thing that makes this album great is the same as what makes daydream nation, Doolittle and raw power so good, they all sound **** awesome when heard at the right time. Full of exciting riffs and awesome passion. However, my citicsism is that they sound too much like theThis Is a rock album, no more, no less so don't get into it thinking you will be blown away because you wont. The thing that makes this album great is the same as what makes daydream nation, Doolittle and raw power so good, they all sound **** awesome when heard at the right time. Full of exciting riffs and awesome passion. However, my citicsism is that they sound too much like the strokes. They should have stuck more to their krautrock roots and been slightly more inventive, them the album would be a perfect 10… Expand
  12. YohannChi
    Jan 2, 2011
    0
    since im a big fan of the Arctic Monkeys, i hav never come across a band such like Franz Ferdinand. these scots has widen my taste for music, as i came to grew more to their sense of 'dance-punk'. I am all for their music!
  13. Wolfmother
    Dec 30, 2010
    0
    Brilliant collection of songs, "Michael" Is my favorite. Krapranos is an underrated genius, Franz ferdinand seems like a side-show band but sometimes I think its way better than Muse or most modern bands these days. One of the greatest albums of the decade and such a memorable logo for the album.
  14. Vampire25
    Dec 23, 2010
    9
    Franz Ferdinand sound fresh and original. This is a great British punk band. They have a distinct sound that's unlike any other band I've ever heard. "Take Me Out" is an amazing song, "Darts Of Pleasure" is another great song. This is like the British Strokes. A-
  15. VitoV
    Jan 29, 2009
    10
    Perfect.
  16. macca
    Jun 4, 2008
    6
    Go listen to 'Antics' instead.
  17. HC
    Feb 28, 2008
    10
    This is an awesome record made by some awesome people.
  18. VidM
    Aug 13, 2007
    8
    Nicely done!
  19. Oligami
    May 20, 2007
    9
    What a great pop album this is. Funky, jazzy, sophisticated, energetic pop.
  20. agsasdgagasg
    Jan 12, 2007
    10
    great
  21. samj
    Sep 13, 2006
    10
    This first album was a revelation in the Uk rock world (indie rock). A lot of dancing hit like jackeline , micheal, this fire...but the consecration was rised by the electric Take me out that could hide a deceiving album But it's not the case it's at the same level with song and riff very energic and the least but not least they are better in live...
  22. willab
    May 17, 2006
    9
    Very good, an excellent first album.
  23. SabineD
    Apr 4, 2006
    10
    Simply the best. I rally love this album and I think that they've create their own style. FF rulz!
  24. anonymous2
    Apr 2, 2006
    10
    everthing thats special
  25. Rik
    Jan 28, 2006
    9
    THis is absolutely the best album I ve heard in years and it keeps Indie music alive!!
  26. jackiep
    Dec 29, 2005
    6
    latohugh it is a worth while album, it is also the most sickeningly tedious one i have ever heard!
  27. JasperB
    Nov 13, 2005
    7
    Without question this is a great CD, however the fact that it is nowhere close to Franz's debut really makes it seem worse than it actually is.
  28. JessicaC
    Oct 21, 2005
    5
    I just don't get it. I must be missing something. Even after repeated listens where I try to convince myself that the music, the lyrics, something, anything about the album is as great as people say, all I come up with is "Sure, it's all right, but..."
  29. marshallm
    Oct 20, 2005
    10
    Take me Out!!!!
  30. SamD
    Oct 3, 2005
    4
    bleh, just, bleh
  31. janinas
    Sep 30, 2005
    10
    Loves it! Franz's seccond album is amazing as the first!
  32. BenS
    Sep 23, 2005
    7
    With their geeky grins, dapper suits and wavy haircuts Franz are a truly new proposition. This album is a true ride of highs and lows from the brilliant (insanely catchy take me out), To the lows (frankly irritating come on home), overall though the manic indie scots come out on top!
  33. SophieM.
    Jul 30, 2005
    10
    I am completely in love with Franz Ferdinand. This is the best album I've ever heard, there are no fillers and every song is different. Can't wait for the second album!!
  34. GusR
    Jul 25, 2005
    10
    Truly one of the best albums of the year and one that lives up to all the hype. All the songs are different but all have the same 70's dance driving beat. Cant wait till their second album.
  35. Esin
    Jun 9, 2005
    10
    arguably the best album of 2004... and there are no fillers either.
  36. BujarR
    Jun 9, 2005
    10
    Great,arty,catchy,smart...
  37. carlos
    May 16, 2005
    8
    ummm good?
  38. NatashaV
    Apr 27, 2005
    10
    this is the best album ever. I bought this album because my favourite song was take me out but then when I heard it all I sad:this is great...I totaly love the sound and the beat of all songs. Natasha
  39. Frank
    Apr 25, 2005
    9
    Good stuff, not quite a ten though.
  40. MiguelR
    Apr 15, 2005
    9
    Excellent.
  41. SebB.
    Apr 5, 2005
    8
    There are some really good songs that I like such as take me out, the fire, 40 and jaqueline. There are a couple songs that seem to not be going anywhere.
  42. tuesdig
    Mar 30, 2005
    10
    Best Album Ever !!!
  43. jamesc
    Mar 15, 2005
    9
    this is brilliant. loads of brilliant tunes. the sound is very arty and funky. one of the best of '04.
  44. KellyW
    Feb 26, 2005
    10
    A amazing little album that you can vacuum the house to.
  45. giulia
    Feb 21, 2005
    6
    too many singles, most people would think thats a good thing. but i cant get friends with it.
  46. gavrilop
    Feb 21, 2005
    10
    i think that all the music awards Franz Ferdinand will be given in the right hands...this album simply kicks ass...for me,FF is a synonym for what rock'n roll should sound like. pure pleasure in listening to it.
  47. MannyS.
    Feb 11, 2005
    10
    This album rocks. It deserves a Grammy
  48. Aaron
    Feb 4, 2005
    10
    Pretty damn good. My favorite alternative band yet. Favorites..... gotta be the underrated "This Fire" and the ominously calming "40'". Of course, my absolute favorite song on the album is "Take Me Out" because it's just so hard not to love instantly. Also, get it with the bonus disk if you can because it has some interesting stuff in it as well.
  49. ShawnG
    Jan 25, 2005
    10
    This CD will only leave your stereo by force. It's brilliant, humorous, and eclectic. And all the better if you buy it now with the Special Edition and the EP gem "Van Tango" as well. Easily my most enjoyed CD of 2004.
  50. Chel
    Jan 4, 2005
    10
    Absolutely fantastic album. One of those which you can't stop listening to and you wouldn't want to anyway. Best track for me would have to be take me out- its great how they change the song at the beginning and whenever I hear that thumping beat, I always wanna get up and sing and dance!!! (but maybe thats just me...) Highly recommended!!!
  51. HairPulley
    Dec 9, 2004
    8
    A series of great songs is what you get with Franz Ferdinand's self-titled debut. The most fantastic part of the band is their way of changing songs completely in the beginning or end of the song("Take Me Out" and "Darts of Pleasure"). The only con I can think of are the lyrics. Some feel forced and repetitive ("Cheating on You" and "Tell Her Tonight"). Every song here will bring you A series of great songs is what you get with Franz Ferdinand's self-titled debut. The most fantastic part of the band is their way of changing songs completely in the beginning or end of the song("Take Me Out" and "Darts of Pleasure"). The only con I can think of are the lyrics. Some feel forced and repetitive ("Cheating on You" and "Tell Her Tonight"). Every song here will bring you a future of dancing in situations you normally wouldn't.… Expand
  52. VanesaC
    Nov 22, 2004
    10
    This album is by far my rock pick of the year.
  53. HeatherG
    Nov 3, 2004
    10
    This cd is worth listening to. I think that it is better than any other cd that I had other cd I've listened to!
  54. SeanD
    Oct 24, 2004
    10
    Great Album.
  55. CherylM
    Oct 24, 2004
    10
    This CD is absolutely ravishing!!! The album is brilliant... I even listened to it so much that certain songs are worn out.
  56. Randeh
    Oct 14, 2004
    10
    Absolutely Sensational. If 'Take Me Out' alone didn't get you to buy the album then the other 10 sure will. Call it art rock if you want but anyone with half a brain knows this is a band who wants to make pop rock that we can dance and (hopefully) sing to, and they've done exactly that. Franz Ferdinand deserve every last bit of hype they receive because they've Absolutely Sensational. If 'Take Me Out' alone didn't get you to buy the album then the other 10 sure will. Call it art rock if you want but anyone with half a brain knows this is a band who wants to make pop rock that we can dance and (hopefully) sing to, and they've done exactly that. Franz Ferdinand deserve every last bit of hype they receive because they've made an album that will stay in the heads of many people, and stay in their media players even longer.… Expand
  57. KadejaO
    Oct 11, 2004
    10
    This cd is brilliant! I can't believe it's their first album, and every song is great! They have a lot, a lot, a lot of talent!
  58. SimeoB
    Oct 1, 2004
    10
    Unbelievable. Every track is a killer!
  59. TomS
    Sep 29, 2004
    10
    these guys are awesome and if anyone says differently then they should go and eat up their D12 albums.
  60. LiliR
    Sep 26, 2004
    10
    I can't stop listening to this cd! I wake up to it every morning. They said they wanted to make music that would make girls dance... well they did it!
  61. faizi
    Sep 25, 2004
    10
    The best album so far and the music were totally amazing and groovy that makes me groove to each of their song.Totaly worth it.
  62. jwcrankzah
    Sep 15, 2004
    10
    oh how i burn for you
  63. captainjacksparrow
    Sep 12, 2004
    9
    i think that it is great and i want to know were you can find the music on guitar to play along with because it is posativly smashing. ARRR Me harties
  64. monserrat
    Sep 11, 2004
    10
    this album is Superfantastische! the songs are great and Come on Home and 40 ft are amazing. Most of the album is up beat and great to dance to. It's a pop album and not indie, I would say. Dark of the Matinee really blows my mind! Totally worth buying it at $20 when no one picked up the cd. The beauty of pop/rock/ ART!
  65. MartinaD.
    Sep 8, 2004
    10
    Amazing. Utterly amazing.
  66. sonofetr2112
    Sep 6, 2004
    10
    This i think is an awesome album. just when i thought creativity and invention had left the music scene, here comes franz ferdinand as a shiny new beacon of light. i pity the guy abouve who gave this album a 2. He obviously can't see a great thing, even when it SLAPS him in the face, like this album.
  67. yates
    Sep 2, 2004
    9
    Mind-blowing!! The grrls are dancing alright...
  68. Wes
    Aug 23, 2004
    2
    Exactly how is this "art rock" in the least? Even if you listen to commercial radio, I can't see how this is inventive, original, or (insert other generic flowery language from reviews here) in comparison. It definitely should not be classified as indie, and those that think they sound like the strokes apparently haven't really given the strokes' albums a decent listen. Exactly how is this "art rock" in the least? Even if you listen to commercial radio, I can't see how this is inventive, original, or (insert other generic flowery language from reviews here) in comparison. It definitely should not be classified as indie, and those that think they sound like the strokes apparently haven't really given the strokes' albums a decent listen. I'm wondering how many of these reviews are put up the day someone gets the album, when they're impressed by the catchiness of repetitive garbage and think "Wow, I'm going to listen to this one forever" (see also Modest Mouse's Float On as compared to the rest of the album...it doesn't hold up...the problem is this album all sounds like the single...it's all disposable). … Expand
  69. Frank
    Aug 18, 2004
    9
    Good CD!
  70. John
    Aug 18, 2004
    10
    OH SO GOOD!
  71. PaulW
    Aug 8, 2004
    10
    Catchy, energetic, original and always great fun to listen to, one of the best albums i own! and i hav a lot and many are classics!
  72. SinYourPants
    Jul 30, 2004
    5
    I give them credit for being interesting. If they made just instrumentals and saved me from the lame lyrics, this would be a lovable album.
  73. rocketman70
    Jul 29, 2004
    10
    Still the best album I've heard in 2004. Terrific debut.
  74. ChrisP
    Jul 27, 2004
    9
    I wouldn't say that it's a perfect 10, but buying this CD put me in a really good mood. Rock music you can strut/swagger to. I'd say The Strokes comparison ends at the vocal production on the single... but if I _had_ to, I'd call Franz Ferdinand a funked-up, surfed-up Strokes.
  75. DrewM
    Jul 21, 2004
    10
    Coolest CD in a long time!!!!!
  76. nessa
    Jul 19, 2004
    10
    This cd is outrageous! I LOVE IT!
  77. DionneA
    Jul 14, 2004
    10
    As someone from the US, that has been over taken by the bitch Britney Spears and endless playing of Outkast songs. I really liked this CD. I would sometimes wait until a second song to come out before buying, but 'Take me out' was song that I couldn't get out of my head. And since they won't play it on the radio, I watched the music vid, until I got it. And I was happy As someone from the US, that has been over taken by the bitch Britney Spears and endless playing of Outkast songs. I really liked this CD. I would sometimes wait until a second song to come out before buying, but 'Take me out' was song that I couldn't get out of my head. And since they won't play it on the radio, I watched the music vid, until I got it. And I was happy with it. It's great. And it's a break from everything else that is going on. And I hate when people compare other bands to The Strokes--if you have to use The Strokes to compare new music, you're really sad and need to expand you music range. … Expand
  78. MattI
    Jul 12, 2004
    9
    Best album of 2004 - Take Me Out best single of 21st century so far
  79. UnzarJ
    Jul 9, 2004
    4
    Two good songs, and one of those is on the video. Sound quality also a 4.
  80. TamaraR
    Jul 7, 2004
    10
    The best album I've heard in a long time. A top buy.
  81. SuseB
    Jul 6, 2004
    10
    i agree with Ben Bunny- not as good as the strokes- then again who is? this album is very catchy. must have a listen
  82. NseE
    Jul 6, 2004
    10
    Fantastic, the very best rock album of 2004! 'Take me out' is simply awesome with it's change in tempo from twangy rock to stomping beats.
  83. chineseboy
    Jun 30, 2004
    5
    WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY overhyped mediocre album that drags on and on with angst filled lust songs that make you sick
  84. AthenaK
    Jun 19, 2004
    10
    Guilt-free dance music by a band that actually plays instruments.
  85. JennyZ
    Jun 19, 2004
    8
    I love this album! I only bought it today and I listened to it three times already. Take Me Out, The Dark of the Matinee and Auf Asche are the best songs.
  86. NickS
    Jun 9, 2004
    10
    This is absolutly amazing, they are freaking sweet
  87. moosebeaver
    Jun 9, 2004
    9
    this oughta hold me for a few weeks
  88. BenjaminBunny
    Jun 8, 2004
    7
    Not exactly the second coming (of The Strokes, that is) but a damn fine listen!
  89. SofieL
    May 30, 2004
    10
    Amazing album Better then The Strokes
  90. TomL
    May 30, 2004
    10
    Best rock cd of 2004 Superfantastisch
  91. adrianw
    May 26, 2004
    10
    This is the new UK Style. If you're old enough to have enjoyed Roxy's first five lp's, then you'll get a similar vibe here. Perhaps turdhurlers like Robert E would instead prefer to have their wee privates pecked at by a condor?
  92. adelef
    May 20, 2004
    10
    franztastic!!
  93. DanM
    May 6, 2004
    9
    Solid indie rock fare. You know why it sounds like the strokes? Because thats what indie sounds like and Franz Ferdinand do it as well as any of their american counterparts
  94. sianj
    May 2, 2004
    9
    Franz ferdinand are derivitive and yet still manage to be original. I can't stop dancing to the brand of music, they are certantly setting the bench mark, lyrics are brilliant sound amazing.
  95. CalB
    Apr 30, 2004
    8
    An intelligent, glam aura-fest. America won't get it ("dance with me Michael" will scare of the average US male) but then again they aren't supposed to. The colour and life that Eno and Ferry introduced to a dreary UK in the early 70s (Roxy Music), the FF boys are doing in the nervy noughts. Buy this album, drink a bottle of Bulgarian red, listen and go out dancing!
  96. hehehehehehechang
    Apr 29, 2004
    10
    It is absolutely bloody brilliant the music is fresh and new! i think the album is the best and well eworth your the money!
  97. [Anonymous]
    Apr 27, 2004
    10
    the best!
  98. DarcyN
    Apr 27, 2004
    9
    Honestly, I don't understand all these people that bitch about how this or that didn't live up to the hype heaped on it by the media...especially British media. Hype always overplays and deifies every new, innovative band out there. Why? Because the media can see the inkling glimmer of something that could be a huge success...and everyone wants to say they called it rather than Honestly, I don't understand all these people that bitch about how this or that didn't live up to the hype heaped on it by the media...especially British media. Hype always overplays and deifies every new, innovative band out there. Why? Because the media can see the inkling glimmer of something that could be a huge success...and everyone wants to say they called it rather than admit to dissmissing what became the next big thing. That said, Franz Ferdinand is a gulping breath of fresh air. I find that music right now is going through a rather bland and stagnant phase. One band does something that makes money, and suddenly fifty other bands dive to cash in on that success (how many bands have that whiney, prepubescent sound of Sum41 or the dull drone of repetitive angry-rap?). FF does nothing terribly original, but they are different enough from everything else out there that they stand out quite nicely. The combination of the slick and talented vocals, upbeat beats and lyrics, and fun and catchy melodies creates something that is definately worth listening to.… Expand
  99. JonnyL
    Apr 20, 2004
    9
    Yummy! Catchy as all Hell, but refreshingly deep (to a point) at the same time. Good God, 'Take Me Out'... causing limbs to shake... uncontrollably. Seriously though, it seems that alot of curmudgeons out there freak out when ever a band is (suppossedly) over-hyped. Relax guys, and give this a good listen. It's great stuff.
  100. JamesS
    Apr 18, 2004
    9
    How lucky I am to live in Australia. Not being exposed to all hype surrounding the 'new darlings' of the British press gives me the opportunity to listen to Franz Ferdinand's debut without fear or prejudice and I can tell you, I'm very impressed. Many bands have borrowed the eighties new wave rock sound and butchered it in such a way that you think you're back How lucky I am to live in Australia. Not being exposed to all hype surrounding the 'new darlings' of the British press gives me the opportunity to listen to Franz Ferdinand's debut without fear or prejudice and I can tell you, I'm very impressed. Many bands have borrowed the eighties new wave rock sound and butchered it in such a way that you think you're back there at Lennie's nightclub (Adelaide reference) reliving the horror. That's the irony of the 80's. Its music just sounds better 20 years later when given the essential ingredients of today's alternative scene - style and substance. 'Jacqueline's power combined with the beefy bass of 'Auf Asche' and the cheeky 'Michael' prove that Franz Ferdinand have stayed true to themselves and their roots. Will feature in my top 5 of this year.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Best Album of 2004
9
#9 Most Discussed Album of 2004
10
#10 Most Shared Album of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Village Voice
    70
    Frantic and rhythmic Scotpop with many echoes of so-'90s Blur in the sardonic jabs at middle-class bromides.
    Read full review
  2. Dot Music
    80
    It won't usher in a bold new era where boys are boys and bands play guitars, but there is more than enough here to chew over and enjoy.
    Read full review
  3. PopMatters
    90
    The most musically rich, catchy, smartly written "new new wave" record since Interpol's Turn on the Bright Lights.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »