Modern Vampires of the City
by Vampire Weekend
  • Record Label: XL
  • Release Date: May 14, 2013
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 51 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 51
  3. Negative: 1 out of 51
  1. Record Collector
    Jun 4, 2013
    60
    While MVOTC doesn’t represent a seismic leap from their earlier material, the general feeling is of a much more considered collection, with greater emphasis on song craft.
  2. Tiny Mix Tapes
    May 20, 2013
    60
    It’s an honest delivery, but they are essentially preaching to the choir.
  3. Blurt Magazine
    May 17, 2013
    60
    The problem is the album starts to wear thin about halfway in and never really gets back the strength of those first few songs.
  5. The Independent (UK)
    May 10, 2013
    60
    Experimentation is generally to be applauded, but too often here it works to the detriment of the songs.
  6. Sputnikmusic
    May 13, 2013
    50
    As it stands, it’s just another Vampire Weekend album, except the songs are less catchy and more sterile this time around.

Awards & Rankings

47
#47 Best Album of 2013
24
#24 Most Discussed Album of 2013
42
#42 Most Shared Album of 2013

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 418 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 384 out of 418
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 418
  3. Negative: 13 out of 418
  1. Blurbtwndalines
    May 14, 2013
    10
    Haters beware. This is the album that change your entire outlook on Vampire Weekend. Gone are the peppy, Afrobeats and Synths that dominatedHaters beware. This is the album that change your entire outlook on Vampire Weekend. Gone are the peppy, Afrobeats and Synths that dominated the first two records. Gone (for the most part) are the ivy-leaguer lyrical references. Instead Vampire Weekend gives us their most concise, beautiful, and varied album. Difficult without actually challenging the listener, because the pop hooks are so good. Through and Through it's still a Vampire Weekend album; you can hear it in the "M79" strings of "Don't Lie" or the up-tempo "a-Punk" beat of "Unbelievers," but this album takes those ideas found in previous albums and takes them in interesting directions. There is never a dull moment on the record; the songs continually shift and distort until their conclusion. I can't think of a better album or direction Vampire Weekend could have taken. Easily their best work yet, and quite possibly the album of the year already for 2013.… Full Review »
  2. tipobaha
    May 14, 2013
    9
    This is one of the most beautiful album of 2013. Unique and really interesting lyrics with a beautiful rhythms. These rhythms are really catchThis is one of the most beautiful album of 2013. Unique and really interesting lyrics with a beautiful rhythms. These rhythms are really catch the human's soul and don't release until song is ending. Unquestioningly that's a catchy album. Love it.… Full Review »
  3. Geologist
    May 14, 2013
    8
    Modern Vampires Of The City is Vampire Weekend's evolution in sound yet again, providing a more chilled, eerie vibe than their past twoModern Vampires Of The City is Vampire Weekend's evolution in sound yet again, providing a more chilled, eerie vibe than their past two albums. While die-hard fans of Contra and the debut may find it harder to get into, it's destined to grow on you after spinning it a few times.… Full Review »
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