Our Albums Ranked series is back for 2023, and we’re kicking things off with FOALS. A band who’ve retained the allure of an emerging act despite being around for nearly two decades. Having burst onto the scene in 2008, the Brighton act are responsible for some of the biggest Indie hits around. With a headline slot at this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival, it seems they’re finally receiving their flowers.
Foals genuinely have one of the most consistent discographies in music, which makes ranking their albums pretty difficult! It’s like they knew from the start what they wanted to do with their sound, which I think is the reason why they’ve continued to sound so fresh after all this time – they are timeless.
Anyway – on with the list! If you agree, great! If not, then…sorry. Let us know either way!
Antidotes (2008)
Kicking things off with their debut – Antidotes introduced us to Foals, and while they had their sound set up, it wasn’t quite as composed and explored as we know today. There was an element of Math-Rock to it, with singles such as ‘Cassius’ offering a scattier listen than later material. By no means is this a bad album, but we appreciate the extra time given on later records.
Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost Part 2 (2019)
Next up is Part 2 of their Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost concept. Double albums tend to be ambitious but full of filler, but I respect that they attempted something a little different. While Part 2 offered a heavier sound to Part 1, there wasn’t enough variation in styles to keep things ticking nicely. There were some sparks heard, so it is still an enjoyable record. ‘Black Bull’ is a jam though.
Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost Part 1 (2019)
As mentioned for Part 2, there wasn’t enough variation present to really help the record capture attention throughout. Part 1 does come with a blended set of genres, with ‘In Degrees’ in particular being a perfect example of throwing something colourful into the mix. That song highlighted the band’s ability to deliver groove to their sound, allowing Part 1 to stand out from its neighbour.
Life Is Yours (2022)
Last year’s Life Is Yours is perhaps Foals most accessible album as it steps away from the gloom of Everything Not Saved to fully embraces the good vibes. There are anthemic instrumentals aplenty on this record. Filled with hooks that will keep you coming back for more. ‘2001’ especially remains in my constant rotation. That chorus is just so good.
Holy Fire (2013)
Holy Fire is a record I feel is often overlooked as one of Foals’ best. Of course, it features their biggest hit in ‘My Number’, but the rest of the material is very solid too. An expert blend of Indie, Pop and Rock – the album feels like a consistent blast of well thought out instrumentals and hooks that keep you gripped.
Total Life Forever (2010)
Coming two years after Antidotes is Total Life Forever. An album that displays a fully realised sound that still exists to this day. While there are songs that aim straight for the hips, others are allowed the time to blossom and grow without much persuasion, leading to some of Foals’s biggest songs around. Tell me you resist pausing to hear the end of ‘Spanish Sahara’. I dare you.
What Went Down (2015)
I remember the adverts promoting What Went Down as ‘Foals gone HEAVY’ and while I respect that, it did feel like a bit of a gimmick, which detracted from the record. But, to be fair, it is their heaviest record to date. The title track is a behemoth of a tune and a live favourite, and its power permeates through the other tracks too. “Snake Oil” is a gutsy sprint through a rough part of town, and the chorus of “Mountain at My Gates” amps me up to believe I can climb the tallest mountain and have it be no thang.
It is an excellent record and the one I return to most for when I want something a little grittier. But as mentioned before, there’s really no dip in Foals’ work. You really can’t go wrong wherever you start with them. Their discography is always good and littered with an unholy amount of hits. Here’s hoping they continue for another twenty years and make ranking their albums even harder.