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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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