Francis Trouble cover

Francis Trouble

Albert Hammond, Jr. · 2018

35 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of jangly guitars and introspective melodies, capturing the spirit of youthful exploration and existential reflection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Far Away Truths — This track encapsulates the album’s blend of nostalgia and self-reflection through its catchy chorus and layered instrumentation, highlighting Hammond's melodic strengths.
  • →
    Muted Beatings — Here, the interplay between rhythmic shifts and lyrical introspection showcases Hammond's growth as a songwriter, making it a standout moment in the album.
  • →
    ScreaMER — With its punchy energy and sharp lyrics, this track represents the raw edge of the album, contrasting the more introspective pieces while still feeling cohesive.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks a strong cohesive flow throughout.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with driving rhythms, while the second half shifts to more reflective and slower tempos.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered guitar melodies that intertwine, creating a rich sonic texture.
  • The lyrics often explore themes of introspection and personal growth, with a conversational delivery that feels intimate.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 pacing for focused listening
  • introspective melodies with punchy rhythms
  • nostalgic themes for reflective moments
  • suitable for casual gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • dislike consistent energy throughout

Where this album fits

Career context
Francis Trouble marks Albert Hammond, Jr.'s third solo album, following 2013's AHJ. By this point in his career, he was well-established as a key member of The Strokes while also developing his own distinct sound. This release came during a period of increased artistic freedom as Hammond sought to explore deeper personal themes.
Stylistic neighbors
The Strokes· Franz Ferdinand· Arctic Monkeys

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 DvsL 2:57
  • 2 Far Away Truths 3:38
  • 3 Muted Beatings 3:16
  • 4 Set to Attack 3:28
  • 5 Tea for Two 4:08
  • 6 Stop and Go 3:52
  • 7 ScreaMER 2:31
  • 8 Rocky’s Late Night 4:16
  • 9 Strangers 3:43
  • 10 Harder, Harder, Harder 3:46

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata