Franz Ferdinand - You Could Have It So Much Better
I've been turning this album over and over, wondering what to say in terms of impressions of the sophomore effort from breakout artists FF
If I can summarize, I think this one is a bit less obvious to the casual listener ... in other words, I don't think there are a ton of can't miss, catchy songs where you can go ... that's a hit, and that's another one. It seems like that is the key difference between the debut album and this recent effort from FF.
Franz Ferdinand- You Could Have It So Much Better REVIEW: C+/B-
I think that one thing carries over from the first album and that is that this band can sure write a single. From the first album through this one, I don't think that either album is particularly excellent in concept, or in listenability where you would listen to it all the way through
However, tack it in an iMix or play a playlist off your iP, and wow, their songs really stand out as wonderful standalone singles. That's not to say that their debut or this recent one is unlistenable except for select tracks. On the contrary, their sound and style is very listenable to my taste ... but certain tracks really jump out and make you go "wow"
The "wow" factor is clearly in effect with the first single, "Do You Want To". The rest of the album tracks haven't really hooked me in where I go "wow". However there are comfy dancey, stompy, new retro moments generously sprinkled throughout where the band shows it has a particular style and it knows how to deliver music that the masses will enjoy.
If you are a fan of their style, you will find much to like here. There's nothing really that innovative about it, even with the down tempo tracks on the album. The band just knows how to knock out a handful of the most enjoyable singles each album ... and this one appears no different.
If I were to place a grade, I think this one is about a C+/B- ... but mind you, I think that their singles are just fantastic and entertaining. They just haven't put together a "wow' album yet to my taste, but they have wowed me with their singular efforts. I guess it's a catch-22 because their singles draw you in, and their overall album packages are a step lower than the effect of their singles.
Comments
I'm not that surprised, it would seem that that kind of dynamic, herkyjerky kind of music would go very well with anime JMO ... that's cool to hear of
It's funny how TV/film/etc is a big vehicle in Japan to get a band promoted ... that's how a lot of outsider bands get big
Posted by: owner | November 29, 2005 11:52 PM
Did you know that mainstream US music is making it into Japanese anime? Franz has the ending theme for a popular anime called "Paradise Kiss" (love this anime btw). The song "Do You Want To" closes it.
Posted by: janitor | November 29, 2005 10:38 AM