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This Complete List Of Vampire Weekend Albums And Songs presents the full discography of Vampire Weekend studio albums. In the late 2000s, when the indie-rock genre was already saturated with countless bands vying for attention, a fresh sound emerged that defied conventional norms. That sound belonged to Vampire Weekend, a New York-based band whose eclectic mix of musical influences and intellectual lyrics quickly gained them both critical acclaim and commercial success. The band’s history is not just a chronicle of music releases but a testament to the evolving landscape of contemporary music.
Formation and Early Years
Vampire Weekend was formed in 2006 at Columbia University, where all the original members were students. Ezra Koenig, the band’s frontman and lead vocalist, teamed up with multi-instrumentalist Rostam Batmanglij, bassist Chris Baio, and drummer Chris Tomson to form what would become one of the most unique bands of the 21st century. From its inception, Vampire Weekend strived to be different, both in terms of their music and their image. The band’s name itself, inspired by a student film Koenig was involved in, carried an air of cryptic allure.
Debut Album and Rise to Fame
Two years after forming, in 2008, the band released its self-titled debut album, “Vampire Weekend.” The album was an eclectic mix of indie rock, pop, and African musical influences, particularly Afro-pop. Tracks like “A-Punk” and “Oxford Comma” became instant hits, receiving heavy airplay and attracting a significant following. The album climbed up to number 17 on the US Billboard 200, marking a stellar start for the band’s career.
Continuing Success and Exploration
Not resting on their laurels, Vampire Weekend released “Contra” in 2010. The album took the fusion of diverse musical styles even further, incorporating electronic and orchestral elements. Debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200, “Contra” not only solidified the band’s commercial standing but also earned them a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album.
Maturity and Recognition
2013 saw the release of “Modern Vampires of the City,” an album that took a more contemplative tone, both musically and lyrically. Again debuting at number one, the album received widespread critical acclaim and won the Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album. This album marked a departure from the band’s earlier styles, adopting a more mature, reflective approach that resonated with a broader audience.
Hiatus and Reinvention
After a long hiatus, Vampire Weekend returned in 2019 with “Father of the Bride,” their first album in six years. The album featured a lineup change, with Rostam Batmanglij leaving the band to focus on his solo career, though he still contributed to a few tracks. “Father of the Bride” was a double album, further pushing the boundaries of the band’s sound and tackling themes of love, politics, and existential crises. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 and won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album in 2020.
Vampire Weekend’s music has been often characterized by its blending of diverse musical styles, from rock to baroque pop to Afro-pop and more. Their lyrics, often peppered with literary and cultural references, reflect a kind of intellectualism rarely seen in popular music today. The band has also made waves with their unique aesthetic choices, from their preppy, Ivy League-inspired wardrobes to their cryptic, artful music videos.
VAMPIRE WEEKEND STUDIO ALBUMS
Vampire Weekend
Released: 2008
Vampire Weekend’s eponymous debut album established them as one of the most exciting bands to emerge from the late 2000s indie rock scene. The album fuses elements of indie rock with world music influences, particularly Afro-pop. The album received widespread acclaim and reached number 17 on the US Billboard 200.
The album featured Ezra Koenig on vocals, guitar, Rostam Batmanglij on keyboards, guitar, and vocals, Chris Baio on bass, and Chris Tomson on drums. Produced by Rostam Batmanglij, the album was recorded at various locations in New York between 2007 and 2008.
CD Track Listings:
- “Mansard Roof” – 2:09
- “Oxford Comma” – 3:15
- “A-Punk” – 2:17
- “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa” – 3:34
- “M79” – 4:15
- “Campus” – 2:56
- “Bryn” – 2:13
- “One (Blake’s Got a New Face)” – 3:13
- “I Stand Corrected” – 2:39
- “Walcott” – 3:41
- “The Kids Don’t Stand a Chance” – 4:03
Contra
Released: 2010
Contra served as a worthy follow-up to Vampire Weekend’s debut album, adding a richer texture and more sophisticated lyrical themes. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 and was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album in 2011.
The album featured the same lineup as their debut, with Ezra Koenig, Rostam Batmanglij, Chris Baio, and Chris Tomson. The album was produced by Rostam Batmanglij and was recorded in Brooklyn and Mexico City between 2009 and 2010.
CD Track Listings:
- “Horchata” – 3:26
- “White Sky” – 2:58
- “Holiday” – 2:18
- “California English” – 2:30
- “Taxi Cab” – 3:55
- “Run” – 3:52
- “Cousins” – 2:25
- “Giving Up the Gun” – 4:46
- “Diplomat’s Son” – 6:01
- “I Think Ur a Contra” – 4:29
Modern Vampires of the City
Released: 2013
Modern Vampires of the City marked a departure from the band’s earlier sound, adopting a more mature, reflective approach. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 and won a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album.
Featuring Ezra Koenig, Rostam Batmanglij, Chris Baio, and Chris Tomson, the album was produced by Rostam Batmanglij and Ariel Rechtshaid. It was recorded at various locations, including Los Angeles and New York, between 2011 and 2013.
CD Track Listings:
- “Obvious Bicycle” – 4:11
- “Unbelievers” – 3:22
- “Step” – 4:11
- “Diane Young” – 2:40
- “Don’t Lie” – 3:33
- “Hannah Hunt” – 3:57
- “Everlasting Arms” – 3:03
- “Finger Back” – 3:25
- “Worship You” – 3:21
- “Ya Hey” – 5:12
- “Hudson” – 4:14
- “Young Lion” – 1:45
Father of the Bride
Released: 2019
Father of the Bride is the band’s fourth studio album and the first to be released in six years. The album was met with critical acclaim and debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200. It won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album in 2020.
The album features Ezra Koenig, Chris Baio, and Chris Tomson, with Rostam Batmanglij contributing to a few tracks. The album was produced by Ezra Koenig and Ariel Rechtshaid, and was recorded between 2018 and 2019 at various locations.
CD Track Listings:
- “Hold You Now” – 3:02
- “Harmony Hall” – 5:08
- “Bambina” – 1:42
- “This Life” – 4:28
- “Big Blue” – 1:48
- “How Long?” – 3:32
- “Unbearably White” – 4:40
- “Rich Man” – 2:29
- “Married in a Gold Rush” – 3:42
- “My Mistake” – 3:18
- “Sympathy” – 3:47
- “Sunflower” – 2:17
- “Flower Moon” – 3:57
- “2021” – 1:38
- “We Belong Together” – 3:10
- “Stranger” – 4:08
- “Spring Snow” – 2:41
- “Jerusalem, New York, Berlin” – 2:54
Complete List Of Vampire Weekend Albums And Discography article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
