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You Could Have It So Much Better Image
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 32 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 220 Ratings

  • Summary: The Scottish band's eagerly-awaited follow-up to their acclaimed self-titled debut is preceded by yet another insanely catchy single, "Do You Want To."

Top Track

Walk Away
I swapped my innocence for pride, crushed the end within my stride Said I'm strong now I know that I'm a leaver I love the sound of you walking away,... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 32
  2. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. Alternative Press
    100
    A full-on party record. [Nov 2005, p.201]
  2. Despite the quick gestation, it's actually better than the successful debut - a rare enough occurrence - and the direction in which they've pushed things is equally surprising.
  3. The trend for disappointing follow-ups bucked with enviable panache, You Could Have It So Much Better leaves you eager, rather than concerned, about Franz Ferdinand's next album.
  4. Blender
    80
    It'll do just fine for now. But here's hoping for a torturously difficult third album. [Oct 2005, p.140]
  5. Billboard
    70
    The band's evolution is not without growing pains, but the balancing act of appealing to core fans while reaching for something more is mostly successful. [8 Oct 2005]
  6. The problem with You Could Have It So Much Better is, as with so many second albums, consistency.
  7. The formula has barely changed, although there is a noticeable decline in songwriting quality.

See all 32 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 81 out of 105
  2. Negative: 9 out of 105
  1. ThomasL
    Oct 7, 2005
    10
    You Could Have It So Much Better......No you can't, this is so very nearly perfect
  2. Disco_Stew
    Oct 17, 2005
    10
    Great follow up, Im loving this album, The fallen is a great song.
  3. SebaB
    Jul 28, 2006
    10
    It's the firts album that makes me imitating guitarsolos
  4. AllanF
    Oct 21, 2005
    9
    Anyone who says their first album is better is insane. This one is phenomenal.
  5. ElizabethP
    Jan 17, 2007
    8
    A lot better than their first album since they abandoned a lot of aimless, sloppy guitar strumming. "Do You Want to?" is a great song A lot better than their first album since they abandoned a lot of aimless, sloppy guitar strumming. "Do You Want to?" is a great song although it's slightly embarrassing to sing it on the top of your lungs. The stand outs are "The Fallen" and "Outsiders". This album is more melodic and more coherent than their previous. Expand
  6. StanH
    Feb 22, 2006
    7
    Has some very good tracks, but is too drawn out and not nearly as consistent as their debut.
  7. pm
    Oct 3, 2005
    0
    (cough) over-rated (cough)

See all 105 User Reviews

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