- Record Label: Sony / Domino
- Release Date: Oct 4, 2005
User Score
Universal acclaim- based on 220 Ratings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 187 out of 220
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Mixed: 22 out of 220
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Negative: 11 out of 220
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Jul 12, 2018Great album. A little bit more versatile and light than first album, but a bit less memorable.
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Nov 17, 2014
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Dec 28, 2013
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May 25, 2012You Could Have It So Much Better (in my opinion) improves upon a great debut album with one that has songs that are more punchy and catchy than their self-titled debut. This is one of the best times I have had while listening to an album, and would recommend this record highly.
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Apr 25, 2012One of the worst albums I've had the displeasure of buying. It possesses all of the pretension of the early '00s indie movement without any of the charm of the hits on the band's first album.
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Jan 6, 2012While still has many good moments, their style wore thin a bit for me on their second record. There was little or no progression in style and it lacked the tunes of their debut.
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StormwatchMay 1, 2008Some good moments, but, as a whole, notably inferior to Franz's awesome first album. The songs lack the "alternative" feel from before, and tend to be too fast-paced. The "louder" production doesn't help either.
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VidMAug 13, 2007Very low mileage on this one. Noticeably inferior to their debut. Most of the tracks blur together into one long tedious mess.
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JeffJJun 15, 2007Absolutely stunning. It would have been even stronger if they would have left off "Fade Together" and "Outsiders', but if the songs "The Fallen," "Do You Want to", "This Boy" and "You Could Have it So Much Better" don't shake your booty, then, like Fatboy Slim said, your booty must be dead.
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OligamiMay 20, 2007They evolved the way I feared they would. This record definitely needed some more restrain.
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MarcusPMar 12, 2007Great Album. It´s not the songs in itself, thats great, it´s the whole album.
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ElizabethPJan 17, 2007A 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.
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timeDec 2, 2006Do You Want to is one of the worse singles of the year.
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SebaBJul 28, 2006It's the firts album that makes me imitating guitarsolos
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TheCriticJul 17, 2006DEFINATELY better then their first one especially when they slow themselves down. Check out "Eleanor put you boots on" and "Outsiders" and even "Walk Away"
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anonApr 2, 2006EVEN BETTER thatn the first one.
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StanHFeb 22, 2006Has some very good tracks, but is too drawn out and not nearly as consistent as their debut.
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MarioPFeb 1, 2006
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JorgeEJan 28, 2006In order to save words.... JUST PERFECT!!!!
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FFFFJan 23, 2006This song is far more aggressive than the first, and I like that. But almost all of the songs sound the same. And the two ballads are pathetically cheesy. Bonus points for possibly the best drummer in the millenium. The guitar is repetitive, and the voice adds a huge shadow to the rest of the music. TOO DISCO-Y for me. I love their first album though.
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AlecEJan 10, 2006Best album of 2005.
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BenJan 7, 2006No, there's not really anything innovative here, and yes, it all sounds very similar to their first album. In truth, the only thing Franz Ferdinand brings to the table here are some incredibly catchy songs. Then again, what more do they really need? This might not have been the best album of 2005, but I'd be hard pressed to think of another that was simply this much fun to listen to.
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TomJan 5, 2006All the songs sound the same as the last album- I was very disappointed.
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JonHDec 28, 2005In the top 5 of albums of 2005. Franz Ferdinand is pop/rock at its absolute finest and most exciting. Every track is a showstopper.
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MANUTDDec 27, 2005This is one of the best albums I've ever heard
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MackDec 10, 2005Sometimes catchy? Yes. Sometimes annoying? Yes. Infinitely overrated? Of course. I was dissapointed at the formulaic nature of it all - I kind of expected something with a dose of creativity. Had this been released by someone else, it would have garnered much critical backlash, but alas, FF is still riding the wave of support from their first album, which was flawed, but much better.
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mehDec 6, 2005very overrated. gets pretty boring after about 3-4 listens despite a few tracks.
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marklNov 28, 2005Slightly better than their debut.
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DankyMcSkankyNov 21, 2005so overrated its not even funny. like i will say that they have some of the catchiest tunes of the year but they're nothing new. just another pop band trying to come off as indie. straight posers
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NaniNov 18, 2005couldn't have it any better.
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HugoPNov 10, 2005Tight stuff...
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guidoNov 9, 2005deja vu. apart from some nice guitar riff, very few interesting and original ideas
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heddaacheNov 8, 2005Super energetic fun! Even better than their last!
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Mr.RightNov 7, 2005I, sincerely, enjoyed the first outing, and looked foward to hearing what FF could come up with next. What came up was a recipe, that was in much need of a fly.
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ataraxiayNov 6, 2005louder than the first one but i regret the cheesy ballads!
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AndrewJNov 6, 2005
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TomWNov 6, 2005Fantastic album, better than the first. Best song: The Fallen
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billyNov 5, 2005most of it was great, but just not perfect
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MatthieuRNov 3, 2005Great album; I can't understand why people like Jame F. are slamming this record for being more of the same; that's like complaining to the waiter that there isn't a fly in your soup!
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ReneeNov 3, 2005What? This song is not even close to being the same as the debut. The songs are deeper, the instruments are played better, the chords are more intricate. It's all-in-all a definite step up from 'Franz Ferdinand' and I like where the guys are headed.
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JadenBNov 1, 2005I think people are just jumping on the bandwagon. This album is not as nearly good as the first album. I've been trying to warm up to it and it's increasingly difficult to. It's cheesy and repetitive. There riding the coatails of there first album still.
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JameFOct 30, 2005No. It really is just the same thing, again. Yes indeed.
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slawekkOct 30, 2005so far, one of the two albums of the year (the second being black rebel motorcycle club). much more better that the debut!
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FelixROct 28, 2005This may just be the best album this year. It's certainly a big improvement on the first album, which had as many forgettable tracks as it did memorable ones. It's got catchy hooks, thoughtful lyrics, and a cohesive structure that makes it nearly impossible to turn it off once the album starts playing.
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MattOct 25, 2005More fun and hookier than their first album. I never thought they could come up with an album almost as good as the new New Pornographers and Liz Phair albums, but they did.
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ExecutionerJonesOct 22, 2005Their first album was a eight. This one is a ten! It's the best album I've bought in ages. EVERYONE needs to hear the title track turned way up!
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AllanFOct 21, 2005Anyone who says their first album is better is insane. This one is phenomenal.
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jyotirmayadOct 19, 2005yeah, this is a good CD. No sophomore slump here. j.t.
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NicolásOOct 19, 2005A very complete album. Another step forward from a band which is called to set a new order in the current indie scene.
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TobyKeithOct 17, 2005It sounds like they've listened to the outakes of their debut album and put it out as a record. I could've done that better!
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Disco_StewOct 17, 2005Great follow up, Im loving this album, The fallen is a great song.
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NickHOct 17, 2005
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JohnOct 16, 2005This album proves that Franz CAN out do their 1st album. "What you meant" is kinda like some of The Beatles good stuff, there is so much veriety in the new album. Dont listen 2 people slam this and overlook it its sooo dam good, a must!!!
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CGOct 15, 2005It's simply brilliant - not remotely emotionless, as suggested in one or two of the reviews above. My favorite is when reviewers miss the point altogether: the idiot at Stylus actually critisized What You Meant" for featuring 'cringe-worthy pearls like
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EvanOct 14, 2005They are losers. The look like hobos and can't sing. The only reason I gave them a 3 is because the one guy looks like Jim Carrey, and he's awesome!!!
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dakhOct 13, 2005Betterr than the first, among the the best of 2005.
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MinYOct 13, 2005
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TrungaOct 12, 2005Franz Ferdinand have made a great album, the catchy lyrics, great tunes, love it all and the sequence in which the tracks fall, enough to keep your head bopping !
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BenGOct 12, 2005Better than the first and one of the best albums of the year. Remember that Oasis and Coldplay have also released amazing albums this year! This is brilliant! I'm actually listening to it now!
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SteveTOct 12, 2005Fantastic, simple as!
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MexOct 10, 2005Do not understand the high rating. The first album was a nice surprise, but this 2nd album is more of the same, certainly not better, slightly boring. So, stick to the first and wait for a better 3rd album.
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MattAOct 9, 2005Very good... i think i like it better than thier last album, but then again... not all songs are that great... but the ones that are are great.
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DanB.Oct 9, 2005As good as the first, maybe a little better. "Fade Together" is soooooo darn good, but I wish the vocals were just a tiny bit clearer.
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RonGOct 9, 2005Superb, far better than their debut, which sounds poor in comparison
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JeremyM.Oct 9, 2005
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AndyWOct 8, 2005Franz Ferdinand sure goes over their boundaries, and easily pulls off some old school Clash-esque punk, as well a new side to them, some softer stuff. For a follow-up to the debut, this is absolutely amazing. Definately one of the best of 2005. Hardly, one weak song this entire album. It is sooo choice, that I highly recommend you pick this record up.
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slapcharOct 8, 2005One of the best albums of the year. 'Outsiders' stands out as a superior song.
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BeenmanCOct 7, 2005If i had the option of butter on my pancake or the new Franz i would pick butter. BUT after i ate that tasty little cake in the pan with butter i would go out and buy the new Franz because its so awesome. I would listen to the new Franz and then listen to it again because I cant get sick of it. And then id go out pound some beers and try to get some action!!
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LukasHOct 7, 2005Excellent follow up album. Catchy tunes that travel all over the map. From start to finish this album KICKS A**.
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JonAOct 7, 2005I've tried to listen to it twice and I didn't get all the way through it both times and it's only 41minutes long, to say it's repetitive is a understatement. This is a band that will be completely forgotten as time passes. But I will say one thing in it's favor, it's still better then most bands that play on mtv or vh1.
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JenniferEOct 7, 2005Fantastic collestion of songs both fast and slow the best without doubt is The Fallen.
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DamianMOct 7, 2005"If you didn't actually like the cold, arch, clipped art pop of the debut, then don't buy this because you're probably not going to like it; just get back to your Status Quo records, you tin eared muppet." John Doran, Playlouder. Or make that Bon Jovi records you American idiots!
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ThomasLOct 7, 2005You Could Have It So Much Better......No you can't, this is so very nearly perfect
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[Anonymous]Oct 6, 2005A perfect follow-up to their perfect debut. I might even like this CD even more than their debut, it is fantastic. Definitely buy it if you liked their first album.
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JohnSOct 6, 2005
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JackHOct 5, 2005
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AudreyPOct 5, 2005I am really fond of this release although it is nothing more than a well made pop album, but still it is much better than a lot of what most poppy bands put out. Like so many have said, if you liked their debut, you will most likely enjoy You Could Have It So Much Better...
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PaulHOct 5, 2005it's obviously rushed, the lack of good material here is surprising, almost all of the songs are B-Sides quality. I can't believe it's getting all these amazing reviews.
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ChrisGOct 5, 2005Brilliant follow-up. Stronger songs -- better song structure and melody. Most tracks go beyond the immediate hook.
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nickkOct 5, 2005A more than worthy follow up. perhaps a little underwhelming at first but the songs prove to be just as exciting and infectious as those on the stellar debut while the inclusion of three ballads adds another dimension. though the tall poppy killers will tell you otherwise this album is indeed Franztastic
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WillOOct 4, 2005Perfect album filled with catchy lyrics, yet dark at the same time. This is a masterpiece and has just marvolous songs. PERFECT
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StevenBOct 4, 2005Perhaps I was expecting a let down. Perhaps I felt with such a strong debut there was nowhere else to go but down. I was as incorrect as horse wrangler heading up FEMA. Great second effort. And without the usual two year wait.
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JesseJOct 4, 2005THis is dumb to the core!! Eat it outloud!
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TravisYOct 4, 2005Sounds like the first but more in depth. Awesome if you loved the first album. Okay if you thought it was okay.
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VivOct 4, 2005This had a rating of 89 before Stylus Magazine pissed on it. Still, let the numbers continue to speak, as this is in my opinion one of the best, unabashedly cocksure albums of the year.
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JoeCOct 4, 2005Excellent album, solid follow-up to influential debut.
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ChelseaDOct 4, 2005
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DeanSOct 4, 2005It's pretty good, has some great tracks, but certainly isn't as consistently good as their debut. However, they do broaden their range quite a bit, and when they do something new, it comes off well. The least memorable ones feel like extras from the last album.
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MihaiVOct 4, 2005Just brilliant. I love the 3 ballads. This was the big surprise to me. The rest is Franz Ferdinand at their best.
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RobertDOct 4, 2005Its alright, not as good as the first one and definetly not as hype as the new strokes cd will be.
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mizzocaponeOct 4, 2005awesum!! they had the impossible task of following up the first album and miracously succeeded!
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DMasseyOct 4, 2005Utterly terrific, although am I alone in thinking that Do You Want To is the single cheesiest and horrifically annoying song to be released for a long time? The rest of the album more than makes up for it however both expanding and improving on their established sound.
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JJHoldijkOct 4, 2005
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MikoVOct 4, 2005Absolutly Great!
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DSHelderOct 3, 2005Not bad. Just not very good. With four exceptions, the songs are not up the old standard. But what really ruins this album, is the new poppish sound. Farewell indie, hello boredom.
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tONYOct 3, 2005Sounds so memorable and catchy.
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ChrisPOct 3, 2005Again franz put out another good album. This album i think doesnt have all of the good songs that last had but the songs on this album that are good are really good.
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CraigOct 3, 2005as good as you can get for a follow-up to the debut.
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konronOct 3, 2005Their sound is a bit more diversified the second time around, but consequently, it doesn't sound as solid as their first album. If anything, it shows promise for the band's future.
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gabewOct 3, 2005hells yeahhhhhhh
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Awards & Rankings
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It's a stunning, confident piece of work that suggests the band is merely getting started.
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BlenderIt'll do just fine for now. But here's hoping for a torturously difficult third album. [Oct 2005, p.140]
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Franz Ferdinand have slightly tweaked the neo-Brit-pop genre – mixing in funk, dashes of punk, and a bit of disco – and come out with a sophomore album even more confident and hungry for glory than their debut.