Every Franz Ferdinand Song Ranked

Well... almost every Franz Ferdinand song

Now it’s no secret to anyone that has known me long enough that Franz Ferdinand is my favorite band. Since the first time I saw “Take Me Out” music video playing on Fuse some random Saturday night, I’ve been a super fan. What made me decide to rank every song of theirs? I don’t know. Maybe it’s the gloomy weather or just because it’s something I’ve been wanting to do for awhile. Who knows for sure? Anyway before we begin I do have some rules for this list…

1. I did not include covers on this list because they’ve done quite a few and it just doesn’t feel right to rank them against proper Franz Ferdinand songs.

2. No remix or different interpretations of their songs. The remix part makes sense but with the latter part I mean on some singles and EPs there is different versions of songs that would be on the LPs. I’ve decided the list will only include the LP version except for two songs which I’ll get to into the list.

3. Not including collaborations so don’t expect any FFS tracks on this list.

4. While I wish I could remain objective this is a completely subjective list so please don’t be mad at me if a song you like is too low.

5. I actually at least like every song by Franz Ferdinand so even the lower ranked songs I appreciate. I’m a super fan after all and this was done all with love.

Now on to the list!!!!

80. Erdbeer Mund (Fresh Strawberries B-side) Something had to be last and I went with the song that sounds least like a Franz Ferdinand song to me. It leans a bit too disco-y which i normally love but this track just doesn’t work as a Franz Ferdinand tune to me.

79. Demagogue (30 Days, 30 Songs) Another outlier song from the Franz Ferdinand catalog. Created for a project leading up to the 2016 election this song doesn’t have the relistening value that is an important part of my ranking system.

78. Get Away ( Do You Want to B-side) A fairly short tune that doesn’t last long enough to be memorable. Nothing wrong with it but just doesn’t have any staying power with me.

77. Love Illumination (Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action) A song that lacks the extra oomph that classic Franz Ferdinand songs have. It plays better live but the recorded version doesn’t do anything for me.

76. You Never Go Out Anymore (Ulysses B-side) This one sounds like a generic rock song without the dance element I love from the group. Chorus is fairly repetitive as well.

75. Bullet (Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action) Love the verses in this song but the chorus loses me so hard. Like the previous song, a little too repetitive.

74. Paper Cages (Always Ascending) I do enjoy some of the slower tracks from Franz Ferdinand but this one just doesn’t click with me. Lacks the sincerity of the ballads and the urgency of the jams.

73. Brown Onions (The Fallen B-side) A fairly solid instrumental track but that’s not what I come to Franz Ferdinand for. I need some Alex Kapranos crooning.

72. Auf Achse (Franz Ferdinand) I like the eeriness of this song but they get better at it on later albums but a nice first outing.

71. New Kind of Thrill (Ulysses B-side) An unassuming track that sneakily catches on to you. The chorus is a little lackluster, but it has its catchy moments. At moments reminds me a 70s rock band deep track.

70. Jeremy Fraser (The Fallen B-side) I like the little saloon ballad. They haven’t really made anything like it before or since but it’s a nice one-off music exercise.

69. Anyone in Love (Ulysses B-side) The chorus is a fairly solid attempt but you understand why this track didn’t make it on a proper album. However you can dance to it, which is important Franz Ferdinand element.

68. Shopping for Blood (Darts of Pleasure B-side) This one I have a soft spot for because I first heard it on the early days of my Franz Ferdinand fandom when I was shocked to discover b-sides. It’s got that glam rock beat I enjoy too.

67. Curious (Hits to the Head) The latest song on the list. A fun little tune that harkens to the groovier Franz Ferdinand sound. This one would probably grow on me in the future.

66. Cheating on You (Franz Ferdinand) Love the sense of urgency on this one, but they do something similar and better on other songs on this album.

65. Glimpse of Love (Always Ascending) This one is also a bit more disco heavy but it rides the line better having the Franz Ferdinand edge to it. Some good Alex crooning on it.

64. Van Tango (Darts of Pleasure B-side) Truly a unique Franz Ferdinand tune. You can still hear them trying to figure out their sound. It doesn’t completely work but it’s fan as a curious one off.

63. Treasons! Animals. (Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Actions) I like the bridge in this song. I also have a shirt that quotes it so that gives it an extra edge to it. The sinister organ helps too.

62. Huck and Jim (Always Ascending) Really dig the build up to a wall of sound chorus on this one. You have no idea where this song is going from one note to the next.

61. Ghost in a Ditch (Eleanor Put Your Boots On B-side) A rare Nick McCarthy lead vocals track. I like the ‘end of credit’ vibe of this one. Indie filmmakers take note for upcoming projects.

60. Tell Her Tonight (Franz Ferdinand) For me it’s the exaggerated vocals during the chorus that I really love. A fun second track on an album type song.

59. Wine in the Afternoon (Eleanor Put Your Boots On B-Side) This song is perfect for a side B mixtape. It’s a nice little ballad that would be perfect to soundtrack a picnic date.

58. Finally (Always Ascending) Another one where the build to the chorus is so good. Who also doesn’t want to find their people type song. There’s a catharsis that’s infectious.

57. You Could Have it So Much Better (You Could Have It So Much Better) First track from YCHISMB and it’s the title track. While enjoyable a little more rock than most Franz Ferdinand songs.

56. This Fire - Album Version (Franz Ferdinand) Okay. I felt both versions of this song needed to be included because they’re different enough that it counts as two songs. This one is fine but doesn’t come near to the highs as the single version. Just too slow.

55. Billy Goodbye (Hits to the Head) Another glam rock guitar influenced track. Works better in a live setting because it has a friendly singalong chorus. I don’t think it quite holds up with the best hits.

54. Lazy Boy (Always Ascending) I like the groove of this one. Would work well as a soundtrack for a car racing game.

53. Fabulously Lazy (Do You Want To B-side) Pure coincidence the two lazy songs are next to each other. Love the mod feeling this track has. Understand why it’s a b-side because it doesn’t quite sound like proper Franz Ferdinand but I dig it.

52. The Universe Expanded (Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Actions) Love the dreaminess of this track. It makes you want to travel in space.

51. Do You Want To (You Could Have It So Much Better) I think the placement of this one will shock people but I’m just not a huge fan of this track. It’s fun but not one I go to listen on repeat a lot.

50. Slow Don’t Kill Me Slow (Always Ascending) A nice closer track. Franz Ferdinand does an excellent job closing their albums. Perfect end of a party vibe.

49. Fresh Strawberries (Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action) I feel there’s a Beatles influence on this one and I really dig it. A nice little pop tune.

48. Swallow, Smile (Swallow, Smile) A fan mail exclusive track. An interesting choice because it’s one of the most sinister sounding Franz Ferdinand tracks. I dig it.

47. Dream Again (Tonight) Another dreamy track. It makes me think of the joy of finally getting to bed after a night of a great party. Nothing finer then when your head finally hits the pillow type tune.

46. This Boy (You Could Have It So Much Better) The drums on this are so good. Would make for a great show opener track.

45. Bite Hard (Tonight) Love the old switcheroo of starting out as a ballad and then becoming a rock track which they have a history of doing (and better elsewhere) and I love it every time.

44. I’m Your Villain (You Could Have It So Much Better) Another one that builds and builds but it’s got some tasty guitar riffs.

43. Lois Lane (Always Ascending) Think this is another groovy track and it’s about Lois Lane so what is there not to love.

42. No You Girls (Tonight) I love this song live. It’s incredibly fun to dance to but if I’m just listening to music it’s not one I would necessarily go to. I recommend hearing it live, though.

41. Well That Was Easy (You Could Have It So Much Better) Probably one of the songs I quote the most whenever something goes easy. I love the switch into the verses as well. Incredibly catchy tune.

40. The Academy Award (Always Ascending) I think what this album does well is filling out the sound of the band and this is an excellent example of it. It’s a big song and who doesn’t want the Academy Award for good times.

39. Don’t Start (Michael - EP) I like the harmonies on this song, and then when it gets crunchy on the chorus. Nothing better.

38. What You Meant (You Could Have It So Much Better) - Some really catchy verses on this one. Reminds me a bit of Elephant 6 type sound at times.

37. Your Diary (Do You Want To B-side) Surprised this one didn’t make it on a proper album. It fits with the YCHISMB vibe and it’s incredibly catchy. I think it would also be killer to hear live.

36. Missing You (Michael - EP) A little bit of a slower track that has a good sense of melancholy. Sounds like an early song from a young band.

35. Turn It On (Tonight) This song is sexy. Which makes sense since it’s from their sexiest album.

34. Darts of Pleasure (Franz Ferdinand) When they said Franz Ferdinand make rock music you can dance to, this is the song I think of immediately. Such a groovy tune.

33. Can’t Stop Feeling (Tonight) This song has a bit of a “dance-off in a movie” vibe. Kind of a perfect precursor to the epic “Lucid Dreams.”

32. Goodbye Lovers and Friends (Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Actions) Another classic closer. I remember at the time of it coming out, I thought the group was actually going to break up and this was their swan song. They even say “But this really is the end” so I think it’s understandable that I would think that.

31. 40’ (Franz Ferdinand) Another closer but good for another reason. They kind of go the psychedelic route with this one and fits well as an ending to a classic album full of bangers.

30. Brief Encounters (Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Actions) A sexy tune about swingers makes for a very enjoyable listen.

29. Come on Home (Franz Ferdinand) A very mission statement type of song for the band. Wouldn’t surprise me if this was one of the first songs they wrote. Got all the essential parts of a good Franz Ferdinand song but missing that extra spice to take it over the top.

28. Evil Eye (Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action) A very sinister and creepy song that stands out in their catalogue. I wouldn’t want them to return to this well too often but enjoy it for its uniqueness.

27. What She Came For (Tonight) Really dig Alex’s weird inflections in his voice throughout the song.

26. You’re the Reason I’m Leaving (You Could Have It So Much Better) One of the catchiest songs Franz Ferdinand ever made. The fast pace of this one makes it such a fun song to listen to especially while driving.

25. Katherine Kiss Me (Tonight) My favorite album closer they ever made. It’s the perfect soundtrack to the morning after one of the best nights of your life. Reflecting on all the events that transpired to lead up to this moment. Kissing also rules.

24. Right Action (Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action) This one has some of my favorite lyrics in a Franz Ferdinand song. “Practically all is nearly forgiven” is such a funny line. Which I always appreciated the group’s sense of humor.

23. Live Alone (Tonight) One of the catchiest choruses they ever made. I also think this song is a prime example of them going the just right amount of disco on a tune. It’s groovy but still has an edge to it.

22. Fade Together (You Could Have It So Much Better) A fairly simple song that just shows how strong their songwriting is that all you really need is a guitar, piano, and Alex’s voice and you got a great tune.

21. Twilight Omens (Tonight) I love the organ on this. And it has a terrific punch going into the chorus into a sweet guitar riff.

20. All for you (Take Me Out B-side) It’s a bit lo-fi but it’s part of its charm. It’s always been a memorable song to me and it’s the first b-side from the group I ever heard so it has a special place in my heart.

19. Outsiders (You Could Have It So Much Better) Now this one has some tasty guitar licks and some real stellar drums. Another album closer that is the most psychedelic song on the album.

18. This fffire (This fffire) Just making it a little bit quicker and you have a tremendous tune. The urgency is what makes it work.

17. Eleanor Put Your Boots On (You Could Have It So Much Better) A nice little piano ballad that has incredible relistening ability. It’s a little twee but it’s a good level of twee.

16. Lucid Dreams - Album Version (Tonight) An eight minute trip of a song was something I never knew I needed until this album came out. Great climax of the Tonight album.

15. Stand on the Horizon (Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Actions) Favorite track from RTRWRA and again it’s a track that has just the right amount of disco/dance vibes to it. Would make a great roller rink song.

14. Evil and a Heathen (You Could Have It So Much Better) The most punk rock sounding song in their entire discography. Try listening to it and not breaking all your previous speed records.

13. Always Ascending (Always Ascending) A perfect introduction to the Always Ascending album and the next chapter of the Franz Ferdinand sound. I love the synths on this one and the drums are exceptional as well. A good pump you up type song.

12. The Dark of the Matinee (Franz Ferdinand) A dancy tune? Check. Excellent crooning vocals? Check. Incredibly catchy chorus? Check. Yeah, this ones just got it.

11. Send Him Away (Tonight) What a groovy little number this one is. One of their sexier songs again. Could see this one used in a soundtrack for a movie.

10. Ulysses (Tonight) One of the ultimate preparing to go out on a night on the town songs. Also one of their most bombastic songs which I love. When you’re invited to a party that you’re not sure you want to go to, put this song on.

9. Michael (Franz Ferdinand) An incredibly catchy dance number. I love when they play this one at shows because the crowd just goes electric. I’ve been to lots of concerts but rarely do I see that kind of reaction from an audience.

8. Feel the Love Go (Always Ascending) Okay, I like the dancier tracks. The release you feel when the bridge hits. Music doesn’t get much better than that. In a just world his would be a dance hall staple.

7. Walk Away (You Could Have It So Much Better) I was obsessed with this song in high school. I think what I love about it is the old school vibe of it. Like a 60s pop ballad. It’s the only Franz Ferdinand song I’ve sang at karaoke (it was fine).

6. Lucid Dreams - Single Version (Lucid Dreams) I think I love this version more because it packs the best of the eight minute version of a song I love into 3:30 minutes. All killer no filler.

5. The Fallen (You Could Have It So Much Better) What a song to open up an album. Just hits you immediately with a bang. This was a statement song for the album and it works so well.

4. Take Me Out (Franz Ferdinand) I bet a lot of people were expecting this for the number one spot but Top 5 isn’t bad. This was my introduction song to the band so it will always have a special place in my heart. It is also an undeniable jam. I think it’s safe to say it will be the song they’re remembered for.

3. Love and Destroy (Michael - EP) I mean have you heard this song? It’s a killer tune. I may also have a recent bias with this one because I just discovered it in the last few years and haven’t got tired of listening to it.

2. L. Wells (The Fallen B-side) Another throwback tune sounding like a 60s pop jam. I love that it’s just a song about how great this woman is. It’s charming. I also listened to this a lot my freshman year of college so it’s a sentimental track to me.

1. Jacqueline (Franz Ferdinand) And finally… not only my favorite album opener but my favorite song of theirs period. I love the acoustic beginning of the song, only to change it up into frenzied garage rock-esque jam. Also easy to relate talking about how much life is better on holiday. “That’s why we only work when we need the money.” Ugh. Just great stuff.

And that will do it for the list. Thank you for joining me on this journey. Here’s a Spotify link to almost all the songs in order. Hopefully you will discover some new favorites as well.