Always Ascending
Franz Ferdinand · 2018
42 min · 11 tracks · indie rock
A vibrant blend of disco-infused indie rock wrapped in sharp, introspective lyricism and polished production.
Top tracks — play these first
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Always Ascending Start here — The title track sets the tone for the album with its infectious groove and themes of progress and resilience, making it a standout opener.
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Lazy Boy — This track exemplifies the album's playful spirit, featuring clever wordplay and a catchy hook that critiques complacency in modern life.
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Demagogue — Addressing contemporary political issues, this song combines an urgent tempo with incisive lyrics, showcasing the band's willingness to tackle serious themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends vibrant rhythms with introspective lyrics, showcasing strong production and varied pacing.
What we noticed
- The opening track features a steady, pulsating beat that sets a danceable tone, which is maintained through the first half of the album.
- Several tracks incorporate layered synths and rhythmic guitar lines, creating a textured sound that contrasts with the introspective lyrics.
- The final three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, introducing a more reflective mood that diverges from the earlier upbeat energy.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady, consistent energy levels
- gradual builds and payoffs
- dynamic emotional journeys
- immersive listening experiences
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and ambition after lineup changes.
- Career context
- Released on February 9, 2018, Always Ascending marks Franz Ferdinand's first album since their 2013 effort Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action. The band had undergone lineup changes, bringing in new members to refresh their sound while still maintaining their signature style. This album showcased a notable artistic evolution as they embraced more electronic influences and complex arrangements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Strokes· Bloc Party· Interpol
Tracklist
- 1 Always Ascending Start here 5:21
- 2 Lazy Boy 2:59
- 3 Paper Cages 3:40
- 4 Finally 3:09
- 5 The Academy Award 4:14
- 6 Lois Lane 3:34
- 7 Huck and Jim 3:35
- 8 Glimpse of Love 3:12
- 9 Feel the Love Go 4:46
- 10 Slow Don’t Kill Me Slow 5:18
- 11 Demagogue 2:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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