Complete List Of Franz Ferdinand Albums And Songs

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Franz Ferdinand, formed in 2002 in Glasgow, Scotland, quickly rose to fame with their self-titled debut album, renowned for its sharp, danceable rock sound. The current lineup includes Alex Kapranos (lead vocals and guitar), Bob Hardy (bass guitar), Julian Corrie (keyboards, synthesizers, guitar, and backing vocals), Dino Bardot (guitar and backing vocals), and Audrey Tait (drums). Founding drummer Paul Thomson left the band in 2021. They have released six studio albums, each showcasing a blend of post-punk revival, indie rock, and dance-rock elements, marked by clever lyrics and catchy rhythms. Their work has won several awards, including the Mercury Prize in 2004, and they have consistently enjoyed critical and commercial success both in the UK and internationally.

FRANZ FERDINAND STUDIO ALBUMS

Franz Ferdinand (2004)

Released: February 9, 2004

Franz Ferdinand is the debut studio album by Scottish indie rock band Franz Ferdinand, released in 2004. It was recorded at Gula Studios in Malmö, Sweden, and was produced by Tore Johansson. The album achieved significant success, peaking at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart and number 32 on the US Billboard 200. It included hit singles such as “Take Me Out,” which reached number 3 on the UK Singles Chart. The album is noted for its art rock and post-punk revival sound, which helped the band quickly gain popularity.

CD Track Listings:

“Jacqueline” – 3:49
“Tell Her Tonight” – 2:17
“Take Me Out” – 3:57
“The Dark of the Matinée” – 4:03
“Auf Achse” – 4:19
“Cheating on You” – 2:36
“This Fire” – 4:14
“Darts of Pleasure” – 2:59
“Michael” – 3:21
“Come on Home” – 3:46
“40′” – 3:24

You Could Have It So Much Better (2005)

Released: October 3, 2005

You Could Have It So Much Better is the second studio album by Franz Ferdinand, recorded primarily at the band’s own studio in Govan, Glasgow, and produced by Rich Costey and the band themselves. Released just a year after their debut, it reached number 1 on the UK Albums Chart and number 8 on the US Billboard 200. The album’s sound continued the dance-punk style of their debut but with more varied instrumentation and musical experimentation.

CD Track Listings:

“The Fallen” – 3:42
“Do You Want To” – 3:35
“This Boy” – 2:21
“Walk Away” – 3:36
“Evil and a Heathen” – 2:05
“You’re the Reason I’m Leaving” – 2:47
“Eleanor Put Your Boots On” – 2:49
“Well That Was Easy” – 3:02
“What You Meant” – 3:24
“I’m Your Villain” – 4:03
“You Could Have It So Much Better” – 2:41
“Fade Together” – 3:03
“Outsiders” – 4:02

Tonight: Franz Ferdinand (2009)

Released: January 26, 2009

Tonight: Franz Ferdinand marked a shift towards a more electronic and synth-oriented sound. Produced by Dan Carey, the album was recorded at the band’s studio in Govan and Carey’s studio in South London. It reached number 2 on the UK Albums Chart and number 9 on the US Billboard 200. The album includes singles like “Ulysses” and “No You Girls,” which showcase the band’s ability to blend rock with dance music effectively.

CD Track Listings:

“Ulysses” – 3:11
“Turn It On” – 2:20
“No You Girls” – 3:41
“Send Him Away” – 2:59
“Twilight Omens” – 2:29
“Bite Hard” – 3:25
“What She Came For” – 3:51
“Live Alone” – 3:29
“Can’t Stop Feeling” – 3:02
“Lucid Dreams” – 7:56
“Dream Again” – 3:17
“Katherine Kiss Me” – 2:55

Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action (2013)

Released: August 26, 2013

Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action was recorded over several years at various locations, including the band’s own studio. Produced by members of the band with collaborators including Joe Goddard and Alexis Taylor of Hot Chip, it saw the band returning to the guitar-driven rock of their earlier work. The album reached number 6 on the UK Albums Chart and number 24 on the US Billboard 200.

CD Track Listings:

“Right Action” – 3:02
“Evil Eye” – 2:47
“Love Illumination” – 3:44
“Stand on the Horizon” – 4:23
“Fresh Strawberries” – 3:21
“Bullet” – 2:43
“Treason! Animals.” – 4:07
“The Universe Expanded” – 4:34
“Brief Encounters” – 2:42
“Goodbye Lovers & Friends” – 3:16

Always Ascending (2018)

Released: February 9, 2018

Always Ascending presents a fusion of the band’s rock roots with disco and electronic elements, produced by Philippe Zdar. Recorded at RAK Studios in London and Motorbass Studio in Paris, the album demonstrates the band’s continued evolution and experimentation with new sounds. It peaked at number 6 on the UK Albums Chart and was well-received for its fresh approach.

CD Track Listings:

“Always Ascending” – 5:21
“Lazy Boy” – 2:59
“Paper Cages” – 3:40
“Finally” – 3:09
“The Academy Award” – 4:14
“Lois Lane” – 3:34
“Huck and Jim” – 3:35
“Glimpse of Love” – 3:12
“Feel the Love Go” – 4:46
“Slow Don’t Kill Me Slow” – 5:18

The Human Fear (2025)

Released: January 10, 2025

The Human Fear is the sixth studio album by Franz Ferdinand. Produced by Mark Ralph and recorded at AYR Studios in Scotland, the album explores themes centered on human fears and how confronting them can shape and define our lives. It is the first Franz Ferdinand studio album to feature Audrey Tait and Dino Bardot as members, while Julian Corrie took a larger role in songwriting alongside Alex Kapranos and Bob Hardy. The album reached number 3 on the UK Albums Chart.