Contra
by Vampire Weekend
  • Record Label: XL
  • Release Date: Jan 12, 2010
User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 598 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 404 out of 598
  2. Mixed: 82 out of 598
  3. Negative: 112 out of 598

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  1. Ricko
    Oct 2, 2019
    8
    "Indie Pop" is the perfect description for this one. It's laced with melody and innovation and sounds like what I'd imagine Paul Simon would sound like had he been in his 20's in the 2000's. While not all the ideas come off, the efforts of critic darlings Vampire Weekend on "Contra" were rightly applauded. One of the best things about this record unlike 2019's "Father of the Bride" is that"Indie Pop" is the perfect description for this one. It's laced with melody and innovation and sounds like what I'd imagine Paul Simon would sound like had he been in his 20's in the 2000's. While not all the ideas come off, the efforts of critic darlings Vampire Weekend on "Contra" were rightly applauded. One of the best things about this record unlike 2019's "Father of the Bride" is that "Conta" is short and extremely focused, despite the myriad of ideas being thrown at the wall. Highly enjoyable. "Run" is a standout but the whole album is worth checking out.… Expand
  2. Vampire25
    May 25, 2011
    8
    Took me awhile to fully enjoy this album but to be honest, I kind of didn't want to like this band. I thought for some reason that this was a band that's lame to like. But I was sorely mistaken. From the catchy opener "Horchata" to there hit single :Giving Up The Gun", Contra is almost a flawless. Ezra Koenig's vocals are simple yet so perfect for these pop tracks. All In All, Contra is aTook me awhile to fully enjoy this album but to be honest, I kind of didn't want to like this band. I thought for some reason that this was a band that's lame to like. But I was sorely mistaken. From the catchy opener "Horchata" to there hit single :Giving Up The Gun", Contra is almost a flawless. Ezra Koenig's vocals are simple yet so perfect for these pop tracks. All In All, Contra is a great album that shouldn't go missed. B+… Expand
  3. j30
    Jan 30, 2012
    7
    The album Contra definitely builds off of it's predecessor (Vampire Weekend), but it is still kind of bland in some areas.
  4. axelkoch
    Jun 19, 2013
    8
    Contra doesn’t completely manage to worthily follow up their surprisingly good debut, but is really close to their self-titled first release two years ago. The New York indie band has maintained their nebulous lyrics and experimental music style that takes reggae, ska, baroque, Afrobeat, and so many other weird types of music that most likely aren’t even named, and throws them all into oneContra doesn’t completely manage to worthily follow up their surprisingly good debut, but is really close to their self-titled first release two years ago. The New York indie band has maintained their nebulous lyrics and experimental music style that takes reggae, ska, baroque, Afrobeat, and so many other weird types of music that most likely aren’t even named, and throws them all into one single song. This definitely needs getting used to, but if you’ve listened to Vampire Weekend before (which if you haven’t done, you’ve really missed an important new band), then you should be accustomed to their unconventional kind of music and should have great fun with this CD straightaway. Just like Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, or so many other popular alternative rock bands out there, the band members oftentimes aren’t sure about their songs’ meanings themselves which gives the listener dozens of interpretations on the 10 songs that Contra offers us. The phrasing is intelligent plus lovely to hear and the four guys are totally personable. Therefore, just like with their entrance in the big music business, Contra isn’t a real musical masterpiece, yet an endearing album that you will think about a lot and will immediately want on your iPod. After all, it’s only contra is that most tracks just aren’t as catchy as the songs on Vampire Weekend.… Expand
  5. Muddsjr
    Jan 23, 2014
    10
    Contra is a bright, bold, fun and exciting 2nd album from Vampire Weekend, where there aren't really any bad songs at all, and no rough patches. This is a clean, and limitless nearby masterpiece.
  6. NolanLundgaard
    Feb 9, 2021
    7
    Contra by Vampire Weekend: 6.81

    Horchata: 1 :) White Sky: 1 :) Holiday: 1 :) California English: 0.5 Taxi Cab: 0.75 Run: 1 Cousins: 0.5 Giving Up the Gun: 1 :) Diplomat’s Son: 0.5 I Think Ur A Contra: 1 8.25/10 = .825 -> 6.81 A friend recommended the first Vampire Weekend album to me, and while I was hesitant at first to listen to it (as it seemed to be a different type    Contra by Vampire Weekend: 6.81

    Horchata: 1 :)
    White Sky: 1 :)
    Holiday: 1 :)
    California English: 0.5
    Taxi Cab: 0.75
    Run: 1
    Cousins: 0.5
    Giving Up the Gun: 1 :)
    Diplomat’s Son: 0.5
    I Think Ur A Contra: 1

    8.25/10 = .825 -> 6.81

    A friend recommended the first Vampire Weekend album to me, and while I was hesitant at first to listen to it (as it seemed to be a different type of music), I ended up loving it, and was very eager to listen to more Vampire Weekend material. Contra is the band’s sophomore album, and while it is not as good as the original release, it is still a well done album that I enjoyed. As I was listening to it, I noticed that the band felt more comfortable using some elements of techno music, such as synths. Some of the faster tracks also felt a little rushed. While I greatly appreciate upbeat music, I felt like some of the songs that were like this were almost too upbeat. The music in these tracks were impressive (as playing that fast is not easy) but they were not the most fun to listen to. While as a whole the album was a little rocky, Contra starts off very well, with three winners right away. I wish I could give my entire song-by-song commentary, but the 5,000 character limit tells me I cannot. As a whole, I liked Contra, but it was definitely an uneven outing. For next time, I hope they keep most of their tracks at a reasonably fast tempo but not to overdo it. The lyrics were on par with the previous album, and the better songs on Contra are comparable to the tracks I enjoyed the most on their namesake. I look forward to listening to the next Vampire Weekend album. Despite the few flaws that Contra exhibited, they are still a talented band that produces wonderful music. I would recommend Contra to fans of the original, but I would also tell them to not go in thinking it is a jaw-dropping sequel to the first. Creating a decent sophomore album can be tricky, but Vampire Weekend managed to do that. Highlights: Horchata, White Sky, Holiday, Run, Giving Up the Gun, and I Think Ur a Contra.    … Expand
  7. jotaeseche
    Jan 15, 2015
    10
    Contra feels spontaneous but precisely methodical, joyful but profoundly melancholic, frenetic but sensible, free-spirited but analytical, and old but also brand and originally new. It's not a cohesive group of sounds we haven't already heard before: it's way much worked and mature. It has maximized Vampire Weekend's intentions and power to another frontier. It's outstanding!
  8. CharlieBetterIs
    Dec 26, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Contra é o trabalho de Vampire Weekend que eu menos gosto. Para vocês verem como a banda é espetacular. O álbum reflete muito bem a sua mensagem, com suas letras exóticas e seus ritmos africanos + novaiorquinos. Belo trabalho, Vampire Weekend. Vocês acertaram mais uma vez.

    Pontos altos: Taxi Cab, Giving Up The Gun, Run
    Pontos baixos: California English, I Think UR a Contra, Diplomat's Son    … Expand
  9. lovemusic
    Jul 31, 2011
    9
    this album was excellent. the singing and songwriting were good. the album showcases their musical ability. and they are fantastic. white sky and taxi cab are great songs. diplomat's son as also a winner
  10. pugowner
    Apr 24, 2018
    10
    All right, I may have actually planned to give this a 9, but the user score is too low. There are some tracks that don't quite hit the mark but more than half of the songs are essentially perfect indie pop. The Caribbean sounding influence really makes this album special (in a very, very good way)
  11. Geologist
    Apr 29, 2013
    6
    I loved the Vampire Weekend debut. It was a slick combination of indie rock, baroque pop anthems and surf rock guitar riffs. Contra, at it's time in 2010, was a highly anticipated album that some say had too much hype than it should have gotten. To be honest, I agree. There are some tracks on this album that I absolutely loved, (Take Diplomat's Son, and "Cousins"), and some that wereI loved the Vampire Weekend debut. It was a slick combination of indie rock, baroque pop anthems and surf rock guitar riffs. Contra, at it's time in 2010, was a highly anticipated album that some say had too much hype than it should have gotten. To be honest, I agree. There are some tracks on this album that I absolutely loved, (Take Diplomat's Son, and "Cousins"), and some that were so-so. To be honest, I only like about half of the track son this record, the others grew on me. I'm giving them credit for building on their own sound, and again, I really really love some of these tracks, however, that's only half the package.

    It just never grew on me. 6/10    … Expand
  12. JUIKER
    Dec 26, 2010
    9
    My favorite album of the year. Richer than their first and a great mixing of playful originality with accessibility. Haters, go back to listening to Motley Crue, then, or Battles, then, whatever your thing is. This is my kind of thing.
  13. RaynerCS
    Jun 16, 2021
    9
    Esse já me pegou bem mais que o primeiro. Ele tem vibe mais "dançante" com letras mais realistas pra mim e temas mais universais. Achei a produção no geral mais interessantes tbm, lenta e animada quando precisa ser mas sem perca pela simplicidade e melodia extremamente contagiante se destaca muito
  14. ZacharyMatson
    Nov 12, 2011
    9
    Not nearly as good as their self titled debut album, but still fantastic non the less. The only tracks that didn't catch my fancy very much were California English and Run, otherwise, the album is pitch perfect. VW returns with their fun, upbeat, and unique sound.
  15. MatthewColombia
    May 7, 2013
    5
    I'm only giving it a 5/10 because I only liked half the songs on this album. My pick tracks (and the only ones I enjoyed): 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11. Diplomat's Son being my favorite, and Giving up the gun also. Why did they choose that awful song as a first single?
  16. MusicIsMyFriend
    Nov 5, 2010
    8
    It isn't as consistently good as their first album, but this is still worth buying, it has a couple standout songs. I like that they didn't completely abandon what brought them initial success.
  17. vern
    Oct 6, 2013
    9
    This album is excellent. While it's not as immediately accessible as VW's self-titled, Contra is just as good as that debut, and is quite rewarding over time. It provides the listener with a somewhat new variation of the band. Their electronic elements are increased here amidst the Afro-pop beats and guitar riffs, but they still manage to maintain their identifiable sound. And theThis album is excellent. While it's not as immediately accessible as VW's self-titled, Contra is just as good as that debut, and is quite rewarding over time. It provides the listener with a somewhat new variation of the band. Their electronic elements are increased here amidst the Afro-pop beats and guitar riffs, but they still manage to maintain their identifiable sound. And the songwriting is just as thoughtful, and dense as before. Ultimately, Contra is the sound of a band that has properly evolved. A simultaneously ambitious and catchy album.… Expand
  18. KateM
    Oct 6, 2010
    10
    One of the few albums I can listen to without changing track. It's far better than their first LP. "near-perfection"? What kinda music are you listening to?, coz it must be terrible.
  19. jredekop
    Dec 14, 2010
    3
    Better album than their last, but there's still something missing here. They just don't have the full sound they could on a lot of songs. The synths don't work as well for them as they think they do.
  20. Pep_D
    Nov 3, 2011
    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.
  21. panicatthefun
    Jul 10, 2013
    9
    The second album has really great songs throughout! I really liked their first album and Contra definitely doesnt disappoint! My fave tracks on the album: White Sky, California English, Cousins
  22. Einardur
    Oct 15, 2011
    8
    Vampire Weekend's playfulness from their debut album continues delightfully on "Contra". Although one may feel that they're rehashing some of the formulas they captured the first time around, they have vitality and inspiration all the way through. Highlights, as "Holiday", are songs you'll be humming long after you've turned off the record.
  23. duckhost
    Oct 23, 2016
    10
    I think that a music in this album is the best that i ever heard in my entire life, Taxi Cab is the one Vampire Weekend is a must listen for sure! They made my music life a better life!
  24. shakeel7
    Jan 16, 2011
    7
    Having despised their first album, I had no idea I would love Contra as much as I do. But Vampire Weekend has managed to take everything I hated about their debut and turned it into a much more likable sound.
  25. Kinam
    Nov 18, 2012
    10
    Just as good as the first. To me, it feels like they got the good things in their eponymous debut album and mixed it with electronic aspects, creating something even more unique.
  26. AudioGunblast
    Nov 25, 2013
    8
    This is one of the most unique albums I've heard in recent memory. Maybe even of all time. How an album this adventurous reaches #1 on Billboard is a mystery.

    Apparently Contra refers to four things. On the surface, this record's about a breakup. On top of that, he's added stuff about an 80s videogame called "Contra", Nicaraguan politics, and an album by the Clash called Sandinista!    This is one of the most unique albums I've heard in recent memory. Maybe even of all time. How an album this adventurous reaches #1 on Billboard is a mystery.

    Apparently Contra refers to four things. On the surface, this record's about a breakup. On top of that, he's added stuff about an 80s videogame called "Contra", Nicaraguan politics, and an album by the Clash called Sandinista! that he quotes and references several times throughout. What the I don't give a about Nicaragua, old videogames, or the unsatisfying follow-up to London Calling. Why would you load your album with all that?

    But that hardly matters. What I get from this is some guy who's been into all of these things recently and needed to put them all under one umbrella, using the word Contra to bring them together. I can't blame him for that; he's just writing about what he knows. In fact, his mind jumping around random subjects makes the central part of this the breakup aspect a lot stronger. It seems counterintuitive considering the other stuff would DETRACT from that, but to me it doesn't. The last track, the only one without all the Clash/Nicaragua/videogame bull****, is incredibly satisfying whereas in any other setting it would be a blowoff of a breakup song.

    Now this is definitely a departure from Vampire Weekend's self-titled debut, but that's a good thing. I liked a lot from that, but it's not too revisitable. Fortunately, improvements have been made in the right places. The falsetto has been laid off except on the last track, where it fits. There is little to no filler on here. The incomprehensible lyrics are still incomprehensible, but actually do flow with one another.

    You're a pretentious band, but that's what you do. You've done absolutely everything to improve on your last record.

    I give this an eight out of ten, almost a nine, but not quite one. I hoped it would be higher considering all the great stuff I've been hearing. But it's good enough, and a must-listen for anyone.

    STANDOUT TRACKS: HORCHATA, HOLIDAY, CALIFORNIA ENGLISH, TAXI CAB, COUSINS, GIVING UP THE GUN, I THINK UR A CONTRA    … Expand
  27. consumer
    Nov 27, 2010
    8
    "Contra" features many interesting catchy tracks like "Cousins", "Giving Up the Gun", "Horchata" and "Holiday". Maybe your children below age of ten may like this because it is so childlike, and maybe it'll be pass down to the next few generations too. Ezra Koenig & co. really know how to play funky music with their drums, guitars and keyboards.
  28. Ajpunker1980
    Feb 1, 2011
    9
    This might be an album that has to grow on you a bit but after a few listens I got hooked. I think this second album is even better and a little deeper musically than their previous album. Lots of great tunes here and my personal favorites are Holiday, White Sky, and Cousins. The only track i felt was weak which is why i rated 9 is i don't care too much for the song California English. ItThis might be an album that has to grow on you a bit but after a few listens I got hooked. I think this second album is even better and a little deeper musically than their previous album. Lots of great tunes here and my personal favorites are Holiday, White Sky, and Cousins. The only track i felt was weak which is why i rated 9 is i don't care too much for the song California English. It was a bit goofy but none the less a solid album!… Expand
  29. GHopp8
    Oct 7, 2013
    9
    A solid showing after the brilliant self-titled album. Contra isn't always right on the money, but more often than not the songs will grow on you, and you'll be a huge fan of the album in time. Vampire Weekend experiments a bit more in this album, but sticks to their sound, and they pull it off. Not as good as Vampire Weekend, but just as good in it's own way. A solid album from Vampire Weekend!
  30. Benjaminimal
    Sep 9, 2011
    9
    "Contra" had the problem of impossible expectations. Fans want this, they want that.. and if they don't get it it's WW3. Not only does "Contra" do whatever the **** it wants, but it does it fantastically and with the same effortless poise and class at their landmark debut.
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Awards & Rankings

74
#74 Best Album of 2010
12
#12 Most Discussed Album of 2010
36
#36 Most Shared Album of 2010

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic 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.
    Read full review
  2. 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.
    Read full review
  3. Rolling Stone
    80
    If Vampire Weekend was Rushmore, Contra is their Royal Tenenbaums: brainy, confident and generally awesome.
    Read full review
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