Every Vampire Weekend Song Ever, Ranked

Ever since the release of Father of the Bride (2019), it seems like Vampire Weekend is all anyone can talk about. Personally, I had only heard “A-Punk” prior to their newest album. Other than that, I just thought they had a cool name. I discovered Father when “This Life” popped up on my Discover Weekly playlist by Spotify. The catchy nature of the song prompted me to listen to the entire album, which blew me away. That, in turn, prompted me to listen to every single Vampire Weekend song, ever. Every studio album, EP, B-side, and cover they had released. I then listened to each of these songs 50-100 times and ranked them all by album. After that, I comprised my ultimate top 10 list—the only time I’ve made one and been 99 percent sure I didn’t disregard any song in the process (I’m sure there’s some basement demo out there that I haven’t heard. If you know of any, please inform me). Oh yeah, and then I figured I may as well rank their other 47 songs while I’m at it because why not? Anyways, please dive in.

Top 10 Vampire Weekend Songs:

1. “Hannah Hunt,” Modern Vampires of the City (2013)

While I was scouring through all of Vampire Weekend’s albums, EPs, and singles, I completely overlooked this track. That’s because of its deceptive structure. The composition starts out slow and sleepy. It’s easy to toss the track aside for more upbeat bops like “A-Punk” and the new “This Life,” but in doing so you would be throwing away one of the greatest hidden gems of all time. “Hannah Hunt” is one of those songs that you ignore for the first 10 listens of the album. And why would you notice it, when “Diane Young” is right in your face from the get-go. However, by the 20th time I listened to Modern Vampires, “Hannah” was the only song I was paying attention to. The tune represents the perfect ratio of foreplay and satisfaction. The ominous bassline and drum pattern that’s present for the first 70 percent of the song teases us multiple times. As listeners, we are begging for something more and right as we’re about to explode, Ezra delivers a catastrophically beautiful climax, revealing the true depth of his vocals.

2. “Ottoman,” B-side to “Holiday”

This is definitely one of the lesser-known songs by Vampire Weekend. The song was released exclusively as a B-side to the single, “Holiday.” Composition-wise, it is highly superior to its A-side and deserves to be heard by the masses. The music snob within me wants to keep this song a secret, but that would be an injustice. Multi-instrumentalist Rostam Batmanglij somehow manages to incorporate an antique harpsichord sound, while still maintaining modernity. Also, look out for familiar lines from “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa,” as this is one of the few instances in which the band reuses lyrics.

3. “Walcott,” Vampire Weekend (2008)

“Walcott” is another song not originally released as a single. However, the hidden potential speaks for itself. This song offers a savory juxtaposition of energy with relaxation. Coming right out of the gate with the high intensity chords generated by a keyboard synth, “Walcott” then begins intercutting Ezra’s spoken-word vocals. Furthermore, the contrast of the drums and strings offer a sweet and salty mixture, similar to that of chocolate covered potato chip (if you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and try them).

4. “Giving Up the Gun,” Contra (2010)

Vampire Weekend thoroughbreds everywhere will rip me to pieces for saying this, but “Giving Up” is the one shining star on an otherwise “okay” album. “White Sky” and fan-favorite “Diplomat’s Son” temporarily hold my interest, but neither sucks the listener in as much as “Giving Up.” The stop and go beat behind Ezra’s singing is just another example of contrast that the band uses. While the song alone is superb, the music video depicting Joe Jonas, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Lil Jon battling a woman in a tennis tournament officiated by RZA takes the cake.

5. “Oxford Comma,” Vampire Weekend

I hated this song the first time I heard it. I can’t really remember why. I think I was just put off by the fact that the song is about an English grammar rule, but then again, they are Ivy League boys. When going back through the albums one by one, though, “Oxford Comma” stood out to me. It’s genius, using the pointless nature of an oxford comma as a microcosm for not giving a fuck about anything. The song is also just so melodically pleasing. It reaches its peak form when Ezra asks, “Why would you lie ‘bout how much coal you have?,” a reference to an example used by English teachers to render the oxford comma necessary (“I have 100 pounds of iron, 50 pounds of gold and coal” vs. “I have 100 pounds of iron, 50 pounds of gold, and coal”).

6. “Diane Young,” Modern Vampires of the City

This album is the story of two very different women. Hannah Hunt is the girl you pine over, write love letters to, and eventually experience your first heartbreak over. Diane Young on the other hand is the eccentric wild-card you meet at a bar one night, the mysterious girl whose ambiguity is too strong to ignore. While the former is a safe bet, the latter offers a risk too tempting not to take—a risk that may leave you “dying young.” 

7. “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa,” Vampire Weekend

The reason I love this song and believe it to be better than “A-Punk” is for one reason and one reason only: the anticipation. Listen to “God” by John Lennon and you’ll understand what I mean. In the philosophical ex-Beatle’s solo track, Lennon promptly lists 15 things he doesn’t believe in before finally stating “I Just Believe in Me,” ending the verse. During the listing, the rhythm is repeated 15 times. It drives the listener insane, wondering when, if ever, the cycle will end. Vampire Weekend employs a similar, yet shorter version of this tactic. They open the song with eight lines of spoken dialogue, each followed by the same exact rhythmic pattern, before Ezra finally belts out “Is your bed made?” That single line is probably the most satisfactory in all of the band’s repertoire. Similar to Lennon’s “I just believe in me,” Koenig’s “Is your bed made?” relieves the audience of seconds upon seconds of pent-up frustration. 

8. “A-Punk,” Vampire Weekend

Every part of my people-pleasing subconscious wants to put this song in the top three, but I really don’t think this song is worthy of medaling. What I will say is that “A-Punk” is the safest bet to include in a top 10. Ask any Vampire Weekend fanatic to make a list like I’m doing, and I guarantee that while almost no one will have “A-Punk” in its number one spot, it will be represented overall more than any other song. There’s a reason it’s their most popular tune. It’s catchy, upbeat, and makes you want to dance. ‘Nuff said.

9. “How Long?,” Father of the Bride

While still relatively unknown, I believe this song will rise in popularity over time. It’s not as inobtrusive as “This Life,” but the random sound effects, wide variety of instruments, and shifting vocals make this song an unpredictable joy to the listener. I was particularly drawn to the third chorus when what sounds like a synthesized clapping sound effect plays on every other beat. It adds a sense of hesitation to the track, which in turn gives it character.

10. “This Life,” Father of the Bride

There is little to say about this song. It was released last April and has since racked up over 23 million plays on Spotify. It offers a fun, catchy summer vibe. Unlike most of Vampire Weekend’s material, “This Life” is one of those songs that you hear once and are immediately hooked. It’s similar to “A-Punk” in the sense that it’s accessible to the mainstream crowds, not just the diehard Vampire Weekenders.

Bonus Track: “I’m Goin’ Down,” Spotify Singles

This is originally a Bruce Springsteen song, but Vampire Weekend takes complete control of this cover. It almost sounds like a brand new composition altogether. Be sure to listen to this treat and watch out for rhythmic references to both Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” and Shakira’s “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).”

Every Vampire Weekend Song Ranked Album by Album

1. Father of the Bride (2019)

1. How Long?
2. This Life
3. Harmony Hall
4. Jerusalem, New York, Berlin
5. We Belong Together (feat. Danielle Haim)
6. Unbearably White
7. Hold You Now (feat. Danielle Haim)
8. Bambina
9. Stranger
10. Big Blue
11. Married in a Gold Rush (feat. Danielle Haim)
12. Sunflower (feat. Steve Lacy)
13. 2021
14. Flower Moon (feat. Steve Lacy)
15. Sympathy
16. Rich Man
17. Spring Snow
18. My Mistake

2. Vampire Weekend (2008)

1. Walcott
2. Oxford Comma
3. Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa
4. A-Punk
5. Campus
6. The Kids Don’t Stand A Chance
7. I Stand Corrected
8. M79
9. Bryn
10. Mansard Roof
11. One (Blake’s Got A New Face)

3. Modern Vampires of the City (2013)

1. Hannah Hunt
2. Diane Young
3. Step
4. Unbelievers
5. Ya Hey
6. Don’t Lie
7. Everlasting Arms
8. Finger Back
9. Worship You
10. Obvious Bicycle
11. Young Lion
12. Hudson

4. Contra (2010)

1. Giving Up the Gun
2. White Sky
3. I Think Ur A Contra
4. Diplomat’s Son
5. Holiday
6. Cousins
7. Run
8. Taxi Cab
9. Horchata
10. California English

B-Sides and Bonus Tracks

1. Ottoman
2. Ladies of Cambridge
3. Jonathan Low
4. Giant
5. Arrows
6. California English, Pt. 2

Ultimate Ranking of Every Vampire Weekend Song Ever

Tier 1: Must listen to. I don’t care who you are or if you’ve ever heard of Vampire Weekend. Listen regardless. 

1. “Hannah Hunt,” Modern Vampires of the City
2. “Ottoman,” B-side to “Holiday”
3. “Walcott,” Vampire Weekend
4. “Giving Up the Gun,” Contra
5. “Oxford Comma,” Vampire Weekend
6. “Diane Young,” Modern Vampires of the City
7. “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa,” Vampire Weekend
8. “A-Punk,” Vampire Weekend
9. “How Long?,” Father of the Bride
10.  “This Life,” Father of the Bride
11. “Harmony Hall,” Father of the Bride
12. “Ladies of Cambridge,” B-side to “Mansard Roof”
13. “Campus,” Vampire Weekend
14. “Step,” Modern Vampires of the City
15. “White Sky,” Contra
16. “Unbelievers,” Modern Vampires of the City
17. “Jerusalem, New York, Berlin,” Father of the Bride
18. “Ya Hey,” Modern Vampires of the City
19. “Don’t Lie,” Modern Vampires of the City                                                                                                                                                                                                     Tier 2: Highly recommend trying to appreciate if you have the time.
20. “Jonathan Low,” The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
21. “The Kids Don’t Stand A Chance,” Vampire Weekend
22.  “We Belong Together (feat. Danielle Haim),” Father of the Bride
23. “Unbearably White,” Father of the Bride
24. “Hold You Now (feat. Danielle Haim),” Father of the Bride
25. “Bambina,” Father of the Bride
26. “Giant,” Bonus Track on Contra
27. “I think Ur A Contra,” Contra
28. “Diplomat’s Son,” Contra
29. “I Stand Corrected,” Vampire Weekend
30. “Everlasting Arms,” Modern Vampires of the City
31. “Stranger,” Father of the Bride
32. “M79,” Vampire Weekend
33. “Holiday,” Contra
34. “Cousins,” Contra
35. “Big Blue,” Father of the Bride
36. “Finger Back,” Modern Vampires of the City
37. “Horchata,” Contra                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Tier 3: Only listen to if you are a really big Vampire Weekend fan and want to branch out into some experimental territory. 
38. “Worship You,” Modern Vampires of the City
39. “Run,” Contra
40. “Married in a Gold Rush (feat. Danielle Haim),” Father of the Bride
41. “Sunflower (feat. Steve Lacy),” Father of the Bride
42. “2021,” Father of the Bride
43. “Obvious Bicycle,” Modern Vampires of the City
44. “Taxi Cab,” Contra
45. “Arrows,” Bonus Track on Vampire Weekend
46. “Flower Moon (feat. Steve Lacy),” Father of the Bride
47. “Bryn,” Vampire Weekend
48. California English, Pt. 2,” B-side to “Cousins”
49. “Young Lion,” Modern Vampires of the City
50. “Sympathy,” Father of the Bride
51. “Mansard Roof,” Vampire Weekend                                                                                                                                                                                                              Tier 4: I’m never going to tell someone to not listen to music, so I’ll just say that these songs exist. 
52. “Rich Man,” Father of the Bride
53. “Spring Snow,” Father of the Bride
54. “California English,” Contra
55. “Hudson,” Modern Vampires of the City
56. “One (Blake’s Got A New Face),” Vampire Weekend
57. “My Mistake,” Father of the Bride