User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info
  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
Tonight: Franz Ferdinand Image
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 138 Ratings

  • Summary: The third album for the UK rock band was produced by Dan Carey.

Top Track

No You Girls
Oh, kiss me Flick your cigarette, then kiss me Kiss me where your eye won't meet me Meet me where your mind won't kiss me Flick your eyes and mind... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 33
  2. Negative: 1 out of 33
  1. The mix of Alex Kapranos' louche croon with the band's disciplined racket is still a knockout, and they've switched things up enough to keep it interesting.
  2. While it would have been interesting to hear a further evolution of the band's sound, the album offers plenty of adrenaline, pheromones and stealthy sophistication, thanks to Bob Hardy's driving bass, Alex Kapranos' expressive crooning and the band's unusual ability to make every song sound like a single.
  3. It will be bettered, as surely as night follows day, but there might not be another album released in the next 12 months that offers the same delirious, sugar-coated enjoyment, let alone one that matches it with Kapranos' casually whip-smart lyrics.
  4. Does Tonight satisfy what we were all hoping for after three years between albums, along with the lofty expectations that are by definition bound to accompany a concept album/rock opera? Probably not. But, is it better than "You Could Have It So Much Better?" Definitely, if not only for the points on the record where Kapranos and company get it oh so right.
  5. While not all of those risks pay off, what works about Tonight speaks to the band's greater maturity and vision.
  6. Now they sound less like they're playing to their strengths and more like they're admitting their limitations; they'll keep trying to move your hips because they know they'll never win your heart. Tonight is fine, but will you still love them tomorrow?
  7. Truly, the four dapper Scotsmen that constitute this group should be ashamed of their tuneless, thoughtless, meaningless new offering, which distorts the proud legacy of a band that once mattered.

See all 33 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 41
  2. Negative: 1 out of 41
  1. JeroenH
    May 1, 2009
    10
    According to some of the critics this album must be boring and by far not the best they can do. Luckily the critics as usual have no clue, as According to some of the critics this album must be boring and by far not the best they can do. Luckily the critics as usual have no clue, as the difference in the rating between critics and users on this site shows. Franz Ferdinand actually managed to make an album that is timeless and addictive and becomes better every time you hear it. It's their best album yet and one of the very best albums yet released in 2009! Expand
  2. RyanC
    Feb 1, 2009
    10
    The best Franz Ferdinand album so far. Ulysses is a knockout single!
  3. AlexD
    Mar 22, 2009
    10
    Don't even bother reading the 'professional' reviews. This album is Franz-tastic!
  4. RossB.
    Jan 27, 2009
    9
    It's been a while since I've put Franz Ferdinand on my itunes, even though I really enjoyed both of their previous albums...so I It's been a while since I've put Franz Ferdinand on my itunes, even though I really enjoyed both of their previous albums...so I almost thought twice about picking this album up....but it's been the only thing on my itunes since, some fantastically catchy tunes from the opening current single Ulysees it starts rocking your socks off, works its way through some quirky lyrics and good old rock n roll before ascending into some funky electronika to finish, topped off with an acoustic little number to see you out. Great stuff, still exciting, energetic and engaging. And scottish, which is always good :) Expand
  5. ELWING.
    Jan 29, 2009
    9
    Tonight might not top the energy and hooks of the debut but an improvement from the previous effort nonetheless. Requires repeated listens to Tonight might not top the energy and hooks of the debut but an improvement from the previous effort nonetheless. Requires repeated listens to reveal true value of the album. And it's far better than those offered by most indie bands today. Franz Ferdinand are still the kings of dance rock. Expand
  6. VéroniqueDECAUDIN
    Feb 7, 2009
    9
    A great, dancy, expected album.
  7. GilJ.
    Jul 20, 2009
    2
    I wholly agree with the Paste review. "A band that once mattered" - who suddenly sound like they listened to too many recent Blur albums and I wholly agree with the Paste review. "A band that once mattered" - who suddenly sound like they listened to too many recent Blur albums and think no-one gives a damn about tunes anymore. Unmemorable to the core and disappointing in the extreme. Expand

See all 41 User Reviews