You Could Have It So Much Better
by Franz Ferdinand
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 220 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 187 out of 220
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 220
  3. Negative: 11 out of 220

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  1. MikoV
    Oct 4, 2005
    10
    Absolutly Great!
  2. ThomasL
    Oct 7, 2005
    10
    You Could Have It So Much Better......No you can't, this is so very nearly perfect
  3. slapchar
    Oct 8, 2005
    10
    One of the best albums of the year. 'Outsiders' stands out as a superior song.
  4. JeremyM.
    Oct 9, 2005
    10
    OK, I understand how different people have different opinions, but that doesn't mean they should be stupid. Stylus Magazine is full of shit, and they try to use combinations of big words to hide it. Also, they gave it a C-...doesn't that mean their score should be around, say, a 71? Well anyways, this album is incredible, as trite as that may sound. It is such a large expansion OK, I understand how different people have different opinions, but that doesn't mean they should be stupid. Stylus Magazine is full of shit, and they try to use combinations of big words to hide it. Also, they gave it a C-...doesn't that mean their score should be around, say, a 71? Well anyways, this album is incredible, as trite as that may sound. It is such a large expansion on their already stellar debut. First of all, Alex Kapranos really explores the capabilities of his vocals much mroe than the he did in their first album. The basics of the songs- the guitars and the drums- are much more prominent in the melodies and in the background and are also more detailed. The tracks never even brush repetetiveness or seem boring. This album is very complete, although it takes 2-3 listens to fully enjoy the album. You Could Have It So Much Better will establish Franz Ferdinand as one of the premiere bands in alternative rock without a doubt. The point is, you need to own this album. If for some reason you don't already, take my word for it and go spend some money on this amazing collection of sound. I definitely would not give a big 10 just because it got an 85, it just is that damn fantastique.… Expand
  5. anon
    Apr 2, 2006
    10
    EVEN BETTER thatn the first one.
  6. MinY
    Oct 13, 2005
    10
    When I first listened to this album after my friend gave it to me, I fell in love. Stylish to the max with plenty of substance... very charming, fun dance pop music. There's this weird backlash to Franz nowadays which is completely unfounded, attempts to discuss the music have turned into arguments against post-punk as a whole and the people who hate on Franz have always sounded When I first listened to this album after my friend gave it to me, I fell in love. Stylish to the max with plenty of substance... very charming, fun dance pop music. There's this weird backlash to Franz nowadays which is completely unfounded, attempts to discuss the music have turned into arguments against post-punk as a whole and the people who hate on Franz have always sounded retarded arguing their points. People just don't get that it's supposed to be a fun, almost nonsensical pop group and not meant to be a savior to rock. Although in my opinion, it might have done just that.… Expand
  7. slawekk
    Oct 30, 2005
    10
    so far, one of the two albums of the year (the second being black rebel motorcycle club). much more better that the debut!
  8. LukasH
    Oct 7, 2005
    10
    Excellent follow up album. Catchy tunes that travel all over the map. From start to finish this album KICKS A**.
  9. BenG
    Oct 12, 2005
    10
    Better 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!
  10. Craig
    Oct 3, 2005
    10
    as good as you can get for a follow-up to the debut.
  11. tONY
    Oct 3, 2005
    10
    Sounds so memorable and catchy.
  12. JoeC
    Oct 4, 2005
    10
    Excellent album, solid follow-up to influential debut.
  13. Viv
    Oct 4, 2005
    10
    This 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.
  14. mizzocapone
    Oct 4, 2005
    10
    awesum!! they had the impossible task of following up the first album and miracously succeeded!
  15. MihaiV
    Oct 4, 2005
    10
    Just brilliant. I love the 3 ballads. This was the big surprise to me. The rest is Franz Ferdinand at their best.
  16. JenniferE
    Oct 7, 2005
    10
    Fantastic collestion of songs both fast and slow the best without doubt is The Fallen.
  17. BeenmanC
    Oct 7, 2005
    10
    If 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!!
  18. DamianM
    Oct 7, 2005
    10
    "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!
  19. AlecE
    Jan 10, 2006
    10
    Best album of 2005.
  20. HugoP
    Nov 10, 2005
    10
    Tight stuff...
  21. SteveT
    Oct 12, 2005
    10
    Fantastic, simple as!
  22. TomW
    Nov 6, 2005
    10
    Fantastic album, better than the first. Best song: The Fallen
  23. Disco_Stew
    Oct 17, 2005
    10
    Great follow up, Im loving this album, The fallen is a great song.
  24. FelixR
    Oct 28, 2005
    10
    This 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.
  25. TomB
    Oct 3, 2005
    10
    EASILY the album of the year. Absolutely fucking brilliant.
  26. gabew
    Oct 3, 2005
    10
    hells yeahhhhhhh
  27. TravisY
    Oct 4, 2005
    10
    Sounds like the first but more in depth. Awesome if you loved the first album. Okay if you thought it was okay.
  28. WillO
    Oct 4, 2005
    10
    Perfect album filled with catchy lyrics, yet dark at the same time. This is a masterpiece and has just marvolous songs. PERFECT
  29. [Anonymous]
    Oct 6, 2005
    10
    A 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.
  30. AndyW
    Oct 8, 2005
    10
    Franz 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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Awards & Rankings

40
#40 Best Album of 2005
29
#29 Most Discussed Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. Amazon.com
    90
    It's a stunning, confident piece of work that suggests the band is merely getting started.
    Read full review
  2. Blender
    80
    It'll do just fine for now. But here's hoping for a torturously difficult third album. [Oct 2005, p.140]
  3. cokemachineglow
    84
    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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »