The Crate
Foals
What Went Down
What Went Down is Foals’ fourth studio album, released on August 28, 2015. Recorded in France with producer James Ford, it marked a louder, heavier direction for the band and earned strong critical and commercial reception, including a top-three UK debut and a prominent US chart showing. The project is widely regarded as a peak in Foals’ arena-rock evolution. ([officialcharts.com](https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/foals-what-went-down/?utm_source=openai))
2) Recording History
The album was recorded during 2014–2015 at La Fabrique, a residential studio in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France. It was produced by James Ford, with Foals’ members contributing as well; engineering was handled by Jimmy Robertson, with Damien Arlot as studio assistant. The record was mixed by Alan Moulder at Assault & Battery, London, and mastered by John Davis at Metropolis, London. The digital booklet credits Ford for producer duties and adds performances beyond the core instruments. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_Went_Down?utm_source=openai))
3) Chart Performance & Recognition
What Went Down debuted at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart. In the United States it reached number 58 on the Billboard 200, Foals’ best US showing at the time. The album has been certified Gold in the UK (approximately 100,000 copies). Critical reception was generally favorable, with a Metacritic score around 77, and prominent praise for its expansive, heavy-rock focus. ([officialcharts.com](https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/foals-what-went-down/?utm_source=openai))
4) Cultural Impact & Legacy
What Went Down is frequently cited as Foals’ most aggressive, arena-ready statement, consolidating their “arena-funk” DNA and broadening their rock scope. It influenced peers in the UK indie/alternative scene and spawned notable remixes of the title track (The Haxan Cloak, plus The Crystal Method associates) that kept the material in circulation beyond its initial release. A 10th-anniversary vinyl edition was released in 2025, underscoring its lasting appeal. Today, the album remains a touchstone for Foals’ live-band potency and sonic ambition. ([pitchfork.com](https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/20971-what-went-down))