Only God Was Above Us by Vampire Weekend

Only God Was Above Us

by Vampire Weekend

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This album has been added to 6 private lists and 18 public lists:

  • Only God Was Above Us by Vampire Weekend

    Listening Log (2025)

    Paolo

    Missed this one last year, looping it now

  • The Forever Story by JID Things Fall Apart by The Roots ATLiens by Outkast Violator by Depeche Mode

    2025

    regan petty

    //////////////

  • SABLE, by Bon Iver Into the Wild by Molly Tuttle Positively 4th Street by Rory Block Good Together by Lake Street Dive

    Best, Favorite, & Most Interesting Albums Of 2024

    Mark
    • Genre: Indie Rock, Chamber Pop, Neo-psychedelia.
    • Influenced by: Talking Heads, The Beatles, David Bowie, Paul Simon, Brian Eno.
    • Similar artists: Arcade Fire, Grizzly Bear, The National, Fleet Foxes, The Antlers.
    • About this album: "Only God Was Above Us" is Vampire Weekend's fifth studio album, exploring darker themes and incorporating elements of electronic music, jazz, and world music. Koenig's lyrics delve into anxiety, social commentary, and the complexities of modern life.
    • Metacritic Score: 88 (universal acclaim).
    • Grammy Nominations: None, despite strong expectations that it would be nominated in multiple categories.
    • Song To Sample: "Classical," a complex and dynamic track that showcases the band's intricate musicianship.
    • Trivia Bonus: "Only God Was Above Us" features collaborations with Danielle Haim and Steve Lacy.
  • LAFANDAR by Heems, Lapgan Still Nervous by Bad Nerves This Wasn't Meant For You Anyway by Lola Young Moon Mirror by Nada Surf

    2024 Top 20

    Adam Wood

    Previously, New York’s preppy genre-blenders scored 4th spot in 2008 with their self-titled debut; 7th in 2010 for follow-up Contra; missed out on a spot for Modern Vampires of the City in 2013; and made a return to the list in 2019, taking 7th spot with the resurgent Father of the Bride. There are those who would disagree with that ranking, with consensus seeming to hold that MVotC is amongst the band’s career high points, and FotB a misstep. For those people then, Only God Was Above Us must read like a welcome return to form. (FWIW, whilst the 2013 LP has grown in my estimation over the years, it’s still my least favourite.)

    Every bit of the Vampire Weekend spectrum is explored here: jaunty melodies, galloping guitar and frenetic piano, percussion engaging with a gamut of geographical influence, improbable string interludes, the delicate building into the cacophonous. And all of that is just statement-of-intent opener ‘Ice Cream Piano’. We’ve also got sample manipulation, surf guitar, too-clever poetic lyricism, layered vocals… you get the picture. When the opening drum patterning on ‘Connect’ lifts directly from debut album opener ‘Mansard Roof’, you can look at it two ways. Either this is a band running short on ideas, or this is Vampire Weekend doing Vampire Weekend things. There’s more than enough evidence on this album that creativity is not in short supply! Indeed, when so few acts sound anything like this, it’s hard to complain. Several tracks here are amongst their very best (though ‘Diane Young’ still holds that crown), and—on tracks like ‘Prep-School Gangsters’, ‘Gen-X Cops’ and epic closer ‘Hope’—it’s interesting to observe the ways in which middle age has begun to play a role in the former upstarts’ outlook on the world.

  • The Phoenix by Jett Holden Bouquet by Gwen Stefani Only God Was Above Us by Vampire Weekend Working My Way Down by Mike Stinson, Johnny Irion

    A Break From My Playlists

    Josh D

    Some tracks on here I liked, but ultimately not my jam. A little too chaotic for me in parts.

  • Montage of album covers from 2024 Shows/Concerts/Musicals list

    2024 Shows/Concerts/Musicals

    Ava Hess

    7/30/24 - Vampire Weekend at The Armory! Super cool to see lots of songs I kinda grew up with live. Also my first time at The Armory! Loved it!!

  • Montage of album covers from Luistert naar ... 🎧 list

    Luistert naar ... 🎧

    Diederik

    Direct tickets 🎫 gekocht voor concert.

  • Montage of album covers from 2024 Listens list

    2024 Listens

    Barry

    I like. The whole family is going to a concert in July. This album should fit in nicely with the set.

  • Montage of album covers from z0z4 list

    z0z4

    jzfski 💭

    🇺🇸

    Indie Rock, Chamber Pop, Baroque Pop, Neo-Psychedelia, Noise Pop, Art Pop, Progressive Pop

  • Montage of album covers from Best of 2024 list

    Best of 2024

    Jason Dettbarn

    Their fifth album is a return to the form of their earlier works, but through the lens of an older/more mature and better (technically) group of musicians. You’ll hear the bass flourishes, the pianos, the familiar drum patterns, and the catchy guitar leads you enjoyed on those early records. But you’ll also hear more orchestral elements, string & horn sections, and jazzy instrumental freak outs that come from more confident songwriters.

  • CHROMAKOPIA by Tyler, The Creator I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU by JPEGMAFIA The New Sound by Geordie Greep GNX by Kendrick Lamar
  • #RICHAXXHAITIAN by Mach-Hommy AAA by HYUKOH Are You There God? It’s Me, @ by @ COWBOY CARTER by Beyoncé
  • Dimensions by LANA GASPARØTTI Subida Infinita by Capitão Fausto Bodhiria by Judeline Only God Was Above Us by Vampire Weekend
  • I Got Heaven by Mannequin Pussy PRATTS & PAIN by Royel Otis The New Sound by Geordie Greep Manning Fireworks by MJ Lenderman
  • Romance by Fontaines D.C. BRAT by Charli xcx Charm by Clairo ORQUÍDEAS by Kali Uchis
  • Only God Was Above Us by Vampire Weekend COWBOY CARTER by Beyoncé Cutouts by The Smile HIT ME HARD AND SOFT by Billie Eilish
  • Montage of album covers from 🐐ed list
  • Montage of album covers from Portadas list

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