Contra - Vampire Weekend
Contra Image
Metascore
81 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 39 Critics What's this?

User Score
6.3 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 455 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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  • Summary: The second album for the rock band was produced by band member, Rostam Batmanglij.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 39
  3. Negative: 0 out of 39
  1. MSN Consumer Guide (Robert Christgau)
    100
    Contra establishes that his band has chosen another path, celebrating the world's contradictions, contraindications, and contradistinctions with a new pop sound made up of old pop sounds that aren't the same old pop sounds.
  2. No Ripcord
    80
    Vampire Weekend's willingness to write an album of exciting new material, rearranging the very core of the sound they've come to be known for, will be maddening on first listen for those who loved their debut--but those who stick it out will discover that there's a more mature, innovative band in its place.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    It's fair to say that with so much going on 'Contra' is much less immediate than its predecessor, requiring a bit of patience to uncover its true shades, contours and charm. But it's certainly worth sticking with, because with their second album Vampire Weekend have escaped their collegiate niche without sacrificing their true essence.
  4. Drowned In Sound
    60
    Contra is a solidly entertaining, well-constructed album, and if people take to it, the tendency to mock the band will, I think, fade, simply because it doesn't have obviously unfashionable moments to feel uneasy about.

See all 39 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 70 out of 88
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 88
  3. Negative: 7 out of 88
  1. Kimmydawn
    9
    Definitely more of a "grower" than their first. Songs like White Sky and Diplomat's Son make it well worth the invested time, though. All the haters on here seem to be comparing them to other artists, but they're unique. They're not trying to be Paul Simon. That's what makes them so great and also apparently what bothers those who want a category to lump them in.… Expand
  2. Pep_D
    8
    Very fun album, although you have to let it grow on you. Vampire Weekend's self-titled album is still better than this one, though. A little softer and more relaxed then their first album.… Expand
  3. JonnyBoy9
    7
    The first one was better. The amount of good songs to bland songs is kinda even. Nothing horrible either, idk, why there is so much hate to this band, but oh well.… Expand
  4. chrisj
    0
    If you are wearing big plastic neon colored sunglasses and a v-neck you will love this album. If you like music that is unique and thoughtfully composed, you will be confused as to why this is getting so much hype. Does it deserve a 0? no, but i'm giving it one anyway. Suck it.… Expand

See all 88 User Reviews

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