What happens to a musical movement when its undisputed leader puts out a mediocre album? That's the question that will have to be answered following the release of Franz Ferdinand [ tickets ]'s unimpressive sophomore effort, "You Could Have It So Much Better."

Franz Ferdinand's excellent. self-titled debut of early 2004, as the history books will someday show, was hugely responsible for paving the way for Bloc Party, Hot Hot Heat, Arcade Fire, The Bravery and the rest of the '80s-inspired bands that have experienced recent success.

The edgy Glaswegians might have even paved the path wide enough for "You Could Have It So Much Better" to be a hit. If so, it'll be because folks inexplicably still haven't got their fill of New Wave-tinged modern rock. It won't be because of the quality of the new album, which is in no way as enjoyable as "Franz Ferdinand."

First off, the album is nearly bereft of truly memorable songs. Tracks like "The Fallen," "Do You Want To" and "Walk Away" come across as pale imitations of such first-album scores as "Tell Her Tonight," "Take Me Out" and the particularly great "This Fire."

The album feels both rushed and lazy--not a good combination. There's some urgency to be found on a song like "You're the Reason I'm Leaving," but it's the type that comes from trying to hit a deadline, not from having a burning desire to share a story.