The Human Fear review after a long time lol

So, from my point of view, The Human Fear is one of the greatest releases from Franz Ferdinand. I’ve seen so many reviews criticizing this album, and honestly, I don’t understand the negativity. A lot of people say the band isn’t the same without Nick and Paul, and sure, it’s okay to miss them—they were a huge part of the band for so long—but we have to accept that Franz Ferdinand is more than just Alex, Nick, Paul, and Bob. Over the years, they’ve evolved, and like with anything, change is inevitable. Each time the lineup has shifted, they’ve found a way to embrace it and create something new without losing that Franz Ferdinand feeling. 

Take Always Ascending, for example. When Dino and Julian joined the band, they brought a fresh energy and a new sound, but you could still tell it was Franz Ferdinand. It wasn’t just a different band with the same name—it still had that core identity. Now with Audrey Tait as their drummer, it’s the same thing. She’s brought her own unique style to the band’s sound, and it works so well. I think it’s exciting to see how they keep reinventing themselves while staying true to their roots.  

Now, about this album specifically. The Human Fear feels like such a beautiful culmination of everything Franz Ferdinand has done over the years. When I first listened to it, it reminded me of all their past albums in the best way possible. You can hear bits of the self-titled debut, You Could Have It So Much Better, Tonight, Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action, and Always Ascending woven throughout the songs. It’s like each track has its own vibe that connects back to a different era of the band’s history, and I think that’s such a clever way to honor their journey while still moving forward.  

One song that really stood out to me is “Build It Up.” I could talk about this track forever. From my perspective, it’s about fixing your life and building it up again from scratch, entirely on your own terms. The message really hit me. The tempo and arrangement are just incredible—they’re so vibrant and full of life. Every time I listen to it, I can’t help but dance. It’s one of those songs that just makes you feel something, you know? It’s empowering, but it’s also fun and full of energy, which is such a classic Franz Ferdinand thing to do.  

I also love how this album manages to blend the old and the new so seamlessly. It feels like they’ve taken all the best parts of what made their earlier albums so iconic and paired it with the fresh perspectives brought by the newer members. You can hear the evolution, but it still sounds unmistakably like Franz Ferdinand. It’s such a hard balance to strike, but they’ve absolutely nailed it.  

Honestly, I could keep praising this album all day, but I think that’s the best way to sum it up. For me, The Human Fear is easily one of the best albums Franz Ferdinand has ever released. It’s a perfect example of how a band can embrace change and still stay true to themselves.  

★★★★★