Modern Vampires of the City

Really solid third album.

I've never really been on board with Vampire Weekend, despite it being, on paper, something I might like. This didn't change that; it just doesn't do it for me.

Yet more indie pop. This was fine, but nothing to write home about.

Favourite songs: Worship You, Finger Back, Unbelievers, Don't Lie, Everlasting Arms

Least favourite songs: Hudson

3/5

Enjoyed it

Unnecessary

I've kind of been taking a break from the user generator after getting far too many stinkers and being a bit exhausted. At this point I've really only been rating albums I already have listened to. However, I've wanted to listen to this one for a while purely because I grew up with earlier Vampire Weekend and loved their recent Only God Was Above Us. This and the album after it, however, were total blind spots for me, and while I'm still scared of Father of the Bride, this seemed like a pleasure, and it was! I really liked it more as it went on, which doesn't seem to be the common opinion, but getting wrapped in its baroque blanket was cozy and unique in a way that's pretty cool for the 2010s "indie" scene. Not a release that completely flips the script or anything, but a jolly jaunt, assuredly.

While I prefer their first 2 albums largely due to nostalgia and the goofier more carefree feel, I have to admit that this one shows some more mature songwriting.

Starts slow but gets there eventually. Not my favorite Vampire Weekend album but much better than I remember from 2013

I know the band well, and I was a big fan of their debut. Their second album wasn’t really my thing, and because of that I don’t think I gave this one much of a chance at the time.

Revisiting it now, I’m aware that for a lot of people this has grown into their favourite Vampire Weekend album. I’ve read the reviews, I’ve talked to friends, and I understand the reputation it’s built. But I don’t hear it.

Compared to their most recent album, Only God Was Above Us from 2024, this record feels like it misses a level of quality. It also lacks the playfulness, jumpiness, and fun that made their first album work so well.

With the exception of “Ya Hey,” which is probably the best song Vampire Weekend have written, I don’t see the quality that others seem to find in this album.

Fuck it. What you do doesn't matter. Besides, ain't nobody gonna give you no prize. So why get out of bed? Why shave for people who don't care if you live or die? Oh, and dying young ain't going to change anything, especially when you're boldly inviting Hell. This is a very young, very American album, with all its brash defiance and infectious beauty. It's also a somewhat Jewish meditation on the role of religion, even touching most famously on the name God gives Himself when speaking to Moses at the burning bush. Couple that with a further meditation on the pain of unrequited love, and you have a perfect art pop song with all its silly faerie voices.

Internal tension of being absolutely exhausted by all the Vampire Weekend albums showing up on here, but also liking this one quite a bit more than I usually do for them

Iv commented on the other two vampire weekend album reviews saying this was their best album, so I best give this one five stars.