Father of the Bride
by Vampire Weekend
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 245 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 194 out of 245
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 245
  3. Negative: 32 out of 245
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  1. cannnU
    Jun 9, 2019
    0
    I waited 6 years for this!?!!!?!!!!!!???!!!!!???!!! Recyclable lightweight pop fluff. An insult to their fans. I need a shower after listening to this album.
  2. nanananaa
    May 20, 2019
    2
    Terrible and disappointing AF... Is this album a joke? Are they mad at Sony about something? I'm guessing people will be fooled into liking the couple pop songs that aren't complete garbage, but time will not be kind to this album. Previous Vampire Weekend albums have been on heavy rotation in my collection for years, but I'm gonna need to unlike this band until this album passes over.Terrible and disappointing AF... Is this album a joke? Are they mad at Sony about something? I'm guessing people will be fooled into liking the couple pop songs that aren't complete garbage, but time will not be kind to this album. Previous Vampire Weekend albums have been on heavy rotation in my collection for years, but I'm gonna need to unlike this band until this album passes over. This is brutally bad music and they are either taking the Mickey out of us and trying to see how far they can push people to listen to crap or they are trying to break their contract or already decided to break-up and just going for the cash grab first. The 'experimental' sounding songs are really basic and juvenile, I can see them all sitting around thinking they're pushing their limits, but really its stuff kids make on their laptops all day long. The Haim duos are like some rejected country demo tracks found in a box from 1987. Didn't hate 3 of the songs, but too painful to get through the rest of the album more than a few times and TBH feeling a bit dirty and used for actually doing so. Pass.… Expand
  3. Verygenerik
    May 20, 2019
    2
    Father of the bride is by far the worst Vampire weekend album they have made. I have listened to vampire weekend since they produced their debut album and I believe that the first three deliver a brilliantly simple but intricate experience with engaging vocal melodies catchy guitar and gratifying drums. This album takes everything that was great about the last three albums and tonesFather of the bride is by far the worst Vampire weekend album they have made. I have listened to vampire weekend since they produced their debut album and I believe that the first three deliver a brilliantly simple but intricate experience with engaging vocal melodies catchy guitar and gratifying drums. This album takes everything that was great about the last three albums and tones down the drums puts less effort into vocal melodies and has annoying samey rhyme patterns.… Expand
  4. juankv
    Jul 8, 2019
    3
    Some of the songs are awfull, are just a bad protuccion, the lyrcs are good and I can say the best song is Unbearably White, but there are some really bad 2021 and How long?, quality guys
  5. Doxxman5
    Jul 7, 2019
    3
    im glad some of the other reviewer's here have come to the same conclusion, quite frankly i have always had of these guys. Vampire wWeekend are not good, and a double of them is basically musical torture to fans of GOOD music. I try to listen to about 250 albums from each year.....people, this is bad. The most talented member of the band Rostam Batmanglij quit the band. i guess he hadim glad some of the other reviewer's here have come to the same conclusion, quite frankly i have always had of these guys. Vampire wWeekend are not good, and a double of them is basically musical torture to fans of GOOD music. I try to listen to about 250 albums from each year.....people, this is bad. The most talented member of the band Rostam Batmanglij quit the band. i guess he had sense. I'm not saying the guys are bad Musicians as obviously they have some guitar chops, but the songwriting here is muffled and convoluted to put it kindly.… Expand
  6. NateFisher22
    May 4, 2019
    5
    I used to love Vampire Weekend. Their debut was an instant classic for me when it came out and Contra was that extra experimentation that was the cherry on top. However, this album is a huge disappointment for me. The best way I can describe it is "cute" or "saccharine". It's too sweet, like out of a kids cartoon or a kitty compilation video on youtube. The lyricism seems to also haveI used to love Vampire Weekend. Their debut was an instant classic for me when it came out and Contra was that extra experimentation that was the cherry on top. However, this album is a huge disappointment for me. The best way I can describe it is "cute" or "saccharine". It's too sweet, like out of a kids cartoon or a kitty compilation video on youtube. The lyricism seems to also have tapered and is full with platitudinous phrases that can be written by a 15 year old.… Expand
  7. ImBathory
    May 4, 2019
    5
    Mediocre album, I almost fell asleep listening to this. Harmony Hall is the highlight, fantastic song.
  8. Ziana123
    May 4, 2019
    5
    This album is just ok. That's all there is too it. Half the tracks are exciting, whereas the others are flaccid. There isn't much growth or new ground, and FOTB fails to spark the same joy as the bands previous 3 records.
  9. adamcsor
    May 3, 2019
    3
    The duets just do not work for me at all. And I find some of the lyrics actually quite embarrassing. I agree with much of the "tired dad rock" criticism. It's not exactly how I feel, but it's close.
  10. Duke_Challenger
    May 3, 2019
    5
    I don't really care for the album. It's not as diverse as Koenig and critics think it is. It feels very derivative of past work or even other bands. In fact, there are many effects that are used from the first three albums. The only 'different' sounding songs seem to be "Harmony Hall" and "Sunflower." There is not a terrible song on the album. I wouldn't say there is any great song either.I don't really care for the album. It's not as diverse as Koenig and critics think it is. It feels very derivative of past work or even other bands. In fact, there are many effects that are used from the first three albums. The only 'different' sounding songs seem to be "Harmony Hall" and "Sunflower." There is not a terrible song on the album. I wouldn't say there is any great song either. The duets with Danielle Haim are probably the most disappointing.… Expand
  11. ArthurLynch88
    May 4, 2019
    0
    This all sounds very Hey There Delilah. He should never have moved to Los Angeles.
  12. Boardingkid07
    May 6, 2019
    10
    Was a little iffy on a few songs with my first listen (especially the second disc), but after multiple listens, the charm of this album has absolutely dug its claws into me for sure. I can't stop listening to it. Its just amazing!
  13. fredphoesh
    May 12, 2019
    5
    Very bland and safe. It starts off pretty well, but dips in quality and becomes ho hum boring. I much preferred it when VW were an indie band making creative music. This lacks imagination, sounds like 1982 Michael Franks... twee and sweet.
  14. wowee
    May 3, 2019
    10
    Finally the most anticipated album in the decade,
  15. ffabiansoto
    May 3, 2019
    8
    Una de las bandas más destacadas en los últimos años, lo sabemos, y ellos también lo saben. He ahí donde radica un poco el error de este álbum, el saberse importantes e imprescindibles para el desarrollo de la música contemporánea. Muchos aciertos, pocos desatinos, pero no termina de aparecer el elemento sorpresa que sí aparecía en su, de momento, magnum opus, Modern Vampires Of The City.Una de las bandas más destacadas en los últimos años, lo sabemos, y ellos también lo saben. He ahí donde radica un poco el error de este álbum, el saberse importantes e imprescindibles para el desarrollo de la música contemporánea. Muchos aciertos, pocos desatinos, pero no termina de aparecer el elemento sorpresa que sí aparecía en su, de momento, magnum opus, Modern Vampires Of The City. Muchos años para un álbum, que podría haber tenido el mismo gusto y textura si lo hubiesen publicado hace 3 o 4 años atrás. Dentro de la excelente discografía de VW, FOTB ocupa el puesto más bajo, mas con honores.… Expand
  16. bdubz
    Oct 16, 2020
    0
    Pathetic attempt. Embarrassed for the band. I struggled through this album a few times and really tried to like it, but it's crap. I consider their previous albums among my favorite music of all time, but Father of the Bride is well below mediocre. I gave it a generous score of 0, I can only guess that the number of positive scores is a reflection of how many people are quick to 'like'Pathetic attempt. Embarrassed for the band. I struggled through this album a few times and really tried to like it, but it's crap. I consider their previous albums among my favorite music of all time, but Father of the Bride is well below mediocre. I gave it a generous score of 0, I can only guess that the number of positive scores is a reflection of how many people are quick to 'like' anything these days and lack critical-thinking skills. Clearly, having kids has ruined the bands creative process.

    There are a couple songs that are bearable: This Life, 2021, and Unbearably White could pass as b-sides from previous Vampire Weekend albums, but overall it's just a bunch of filler and sounds appropriated from other popular music... Grateful Dead, b-side Beatles, do I hear Taylor Swift in there? (*throws up in mouth*) The collaborations with Haim (note: I love Haim) are such a waste of talent and not memorable in the least.

    I don't doubt that This Life will be an indie playlist fav of the week, but time will show 95% of this album is cutting room floor garbage. If I were a journalist, and not just some joe that consumes music and concert tickets (I've seen VW live 8 times in 5 countries), I'd be looking into the details of their contract with Sony Music - clearly they were paid by the song and just made some crap up the night before they went into the studio for the money. And clearly moving to LA was a bad idea. I won't be chasing tickets to see them live after this album, that's for sure. *deletes from followed artists*.    … Expand
  17. bconnolly81
    May 3, 2019
    2
    I've always been a big Vampire Weekend fan, but this album is an embarrassment. It is aggressively middle-aged, like they're entering a Paul Simon/Jimmy Buffet phase of music that is designed to be played in the background at an all-inclusive beach resort. The first half of the album is tolerable, but the second half is a complete disaster. The trio of Symphathy-Sunflower-Flower Moon isI've always been a big Vampire Weekend fan, but this album is an embarrassment. It is aggressively middle-aged, like they're entering a Paul Simon/Jimmy Buffet phase of music that is designed to be played in the background at an all-inclusive beach resort. The first half of the album is tolerable, but the second half is a complete disaster. The trio of Symphathy-Sunflower-Flower Moon is the worst set of songs I could imagine a band I respect making! It's almost like they're trying to troll us with intentionally lame music that is so far beneath what they're capable of. I have never been more disappointed about a new album that I highly anticipated!… Expand
  18. BrushedRed
    May 3, 2019
    2
    Guess these guys feel like they can do whatever they want at this point and it shows. This album is awful and one of the biggest disappointments of the decade. It felt like I was listening to Arcade Fire's Everything Now again. It was all over the place and nothing made sense or sounded good. When the singles dropped I didn't like any of them except for This Life and Unbearably White.Guess these guys feel like they can do whatever they want at this point and it shows. This album is awful and one of the biggest disappointments of the decade. It felt like I was listening to Arcade Fire's Everything Now again. It was all over the place and nothing made sense or sounded good. When the singles dropped I didn't like any of them except for This Life and Unbearably White. After listening to the album, those are the only songs I liked. Vampire Weekend is a favorite of mine and this album is a shame. I could keep going, but I'm not trying to majorly kill it; just know, it's awful… Expand
  19. Skydog
    May 6, 2019
    1
    After enjoying “Harmony Hall” as a single I divulged into the album not very familiar with the band. What a letdown! The entire thing is filler, boring pop/acoustic garbage that sounds like the offspring of The Plain White Tees. The ladies vocals accompanying him felt extremely unorganized and lackluster. One point for at least one enjoyable song.
  20. CiphirSol
    May 3, 2019
    10
    I'm wondering if this album is actually divisive amongst the listeners or if it's actually getting score-bombed from /mu/ or something like that. Such a shame that Metacritic allows things like this to happen and doesn't actually care about the users. * 0/1 Like this review... Lmao and it begins. Thanks for confirming my suspicions!
  21. SlovenianLime
    May 3, 2019
    10
    I've anticipated this album for a good two years now and it was well worth the wait, this album is very well an important piece in the Vampire weekend canon, and another masterpiece, I am giving this album a 10 even though i'd say it is a 9.5 to offset the ridiculously low rating so far but there are so many incredible songs on this thing, it's all over the place yet it somehow makesI've anticipated this album for a good two years now and it was well worth the wait, this album is very well an important piece in the Vampire weekend canon, and another masterpiece, I am giving this album a 10 even though i'd say it is a 9.5 to offset the ridiculously low rating so far but there are so many incredible songs on this thing, it's all over the place yet it somehow makes sense, and that's really hard to pull off, every listen i have it has grown on me and every single song is important to the flow of the album. This album proves that Vampire weekend are the best band of the decade… Expand
  22. carrsean
    May 3, 2019
    8
    The VW that released the past three albums is long gone now.If you don’t believe me, try to find Chris Tomson and Chris Baio’s names in the credits for the album. Realizing this truth before diving in will improve your enjoyment of the album for what it is - or not. FOTB is a far cry from anything VW have done prior, especially production wise. Although the songwriting retains Ezra’sThe VW that released the past three albums is long gone now.If you don’t believe me, try to find Chris Tomson and Chris Baio’s names in the credits for the album. Realizing this truth before diving in will improve your enjoyment of the album for what it is - or not. FOTB is a far cry from anything VW have done prior, especially production wise. Although the songwriting retains Ezra’s consistent songwriting in a more general fashion, the production here is expansive and inclusive to a wide array of sounds (country, flamenco, funk, and a handful of hip-hop isms from a Kanye-esque perspective). It’s as sprawling as it is engaging, which honestly makes FOTB an extremely pleasing listens. Not all songs are created equal (like the motif-driven interludes that acts as comfort food between the more bold moments on FOTB) you’ll find out quickly, but they each serve to guide the album in a near-seamless flow that has this near hour album sound almost as tight as VW’s shorter full lengths. The duets with Haim are fun and add a new dimension to Ezra’s songwriting, despite trying to be as universal as possible. “Sympathy” is the most aggressive song by VW, and that’s saying a lot. Singles “Harmony Hall”, “Unbearably White” and songs “How Long?” weigh the album with a light hearted emotional core. And that’s exactly what this album is light-hearted. Every song here seems more comforting and joyous rather than heavy with big ideas. Even if the joyous production tries to hide discomforting lyricism about heavy topics: (“Stranger” and “This Life”). It never feels overbearing and seems built for the streaming era, where countless people streaming can come back to select songs from the tracklist. I’m glad they took so long with the rollout (late January-early May) because if I just jumped right into this, I’d probably find it horrible. But that would be rooted in the fact that it’s so different from a discography that holds significance to me and one I find flawless in the grand scheme of the indie rock scene. But as more singles dropped, it helped digest the fact that the VW you and I know is done. I honestly had accepted that for the past few years, forgetting often that Ezra was even working on a new album. Accepting the fate of VW (as a fan) will define how you enjoy this record. If you're new to VW, I’d definitely recommend listening to this. It may pale in comparison to the past three albums, but it is a load of fun throughout and contains some of Ezra’s best songwriting to date.
    HIGHLIGHTS: How Long?, Sympathy, Harmony Hall, Unbearably White, 2021, Flower Moon, Married in a Gold Rush    … Expand
  23. musicwizard636
    May 7, 2019
    8
    I think what users are mixing up here is an end with a downfall. In no way is "Father of the Bride" a bad album. Much like past releases, it's cheerful and poppy. There are some unique, interesting production choices throughout. But it is, in many ways, Vampire Weekend's worst album so far.

    So let's reiterate the classic saying, "when you're at the top, there's only one place to go but    I think what users are mixing up here is an end with a downfall. In no way is "Father of the Bride" a bad album. Much like past releases, it's cheerful and poppy. There are some unique, interesting production choices throughout. But it is, in many ways, Vampire Weekend's worst album so far.

    So let's reiterate the classic saying, "when you're at the top, there's only one place to go but down". This is Vampire Weekend's fall from the indie-pop throne. However, in this case it's more like a stumble. I expect great things to come from this band and still consider this a successful release.    … Expand
  24. Mvfm-f
    May 6, 2019
    9
    A grand return to a great band, it certainly isn't their best album, but is very close to Contra.
  25. Samarqand
    May 5, 2019
    8
    An album, not a set of individual songs. Yes, there are some songs that would stand-alone as good singles, but it is clear that this is meant to be taken as a piece and not in pieces - something less common these days than when the band first formed. Surprisingly, while I admit at first being a bit put-off with early parts feeling like re-treads of Modern Vampires and others seeming a bitAn album, not a set of individual songs. Yes, there are some songs that would stand-alone as good singles, but it is clear that this is meant to be taken as a piece and not in pieces - something less common these days than when the band first formed. Surprisingly, while I admit at first being a bit put-off with early parts feeling like re-treads of Modern Vampires and others seeming a bit light and hokey, those parts actually feel proper when placed in context of the larger album. In a way I feel like the album travels the styles they've experimented with since their first album. An enjoyable listen when you have the time; if you just want to hear a couple songs to jam to or put into a playlist you'll likely turn to Modern Vampires instead.… Expand
  26. kadoka
    May 5, 2019
    8
    As other users have written, this album gets better with every listen. Don't be put off if it doesn't grab you straight away. As an album, there are plenty of moments of brilliance, but very few solid standalone tracks. The exception might be tracks like Unbearably White, with its surprising dreamy middle section. Harmony Hall sounds like typical Vampire Weekend. This album is certainlyAs other users have written, this album gets better with every listen. Don't be put off if it doesn't grab you straight away. As an album, there are plenty of moments of brilliance, but very few solid standalone tracks. The exception might be tracks like Unbearably White, with its surprising dreamy middle section. Harmony Hall sounds like typical Vampire Weekend. This album is certainly not as diverse as some critics are making out. Yes, there are a number of different styles being played with, but the baseline and tempo is the same throughout. If you are looking for an easy-listening mishmash of old-school alternative pop, that doesn't get old too quickly, I think this does the trick. Sadly, it sounds like the band ran out of ideas on the last 5 tracks: cheesy pop reeking of Ed Sheeran influence that really doesn't suit the band's style at all. And as others have said, the duets simply don't work and feel contrived. Wanted to give this a 7.5 but Metacritic doesn't enable half scores.… Expand
  27. Wael
    May 10, 2019
    9
    I've come to expect nothing less from Vampire Weekend, even after the departure of Rostam Batmanglij from the band. "Father of the Bride" is a very diverse, very well thought-out record of some very Vampire Weekend-esque tunes. The guitars are soothing all over, and the use of autotune (sounding like Imogen Heap on the intro of 'Flower Moon' and Bon Iver on the excellent outro ofI've come to expect nothing less from Vampire Weekend, even after the departure of Rostam Batmanglij from the band. "Father of the Bride" is a very diverse, very well thought-out record of some very Vampire Weekend-esque tunes. The guitars are soothing all over, and the use of autotune (sounding like Imogen Heap on the intro of 'Flower Moon' and Bon Iver on the excellent outro of 'Bambina'), and strings (like on the outro of 'Rich Man') make up for a very rich sound, coupled with the vocals of Ezra Koening we've come to love. The new effort actually sounds like the band's other record, 'Contra' (which is absolute brilliance), but it is a whole different thing when it comes to its themes and arrangements.

    The duets with Haim's Danielle Haim are cute little songs, that might sound a little cheesy with lines such as "We go together like sound and sight, black and white, day and night", but are actually sweet and heart-warming the more you listen to them, and Haim and Koenig definitely have a lot of chemistry. My only real problem with "Father of the Bride" is that it is a little overly long, but fans of the band won't be complaining about this.

    This album is an absolute joy to listen to, start to finish.    … Expand
  28. SergioAllIndie
    May 13, 2019
    8
    It's exciting to see VW writing a brand new chapter on their timeline with FOTB, and most importantly, doing it so with utter dignity, curiosity as lively as ever, and pondering on the self amidst current issues. Ezra proves he's still a skilled songwriter and co-producer, and has managed to put himself upfront quite remarkably. I do sense a couple of tracks here don't do much on theIt's exciting to see VW writing a brand new chapter on their timeline with FOTB, and most importantly, doing it so with utter dignity, curiosity as lively as ever, and pondering on the self amidst current issues. Ezra proves he's still a skilled songwriter and co-producer, and has managed to put himself upfront quite remarkably. I do sense a couple of tracks here don't do much on the tracklist's main intentions and conceptions overall, but they're definitely keeping things interesting. It was worth the wait.… Expand
  29. huri
    May 16, 2019
    8
    This is their best album so far. The longer album length is fitting. More variety and better song writing.
  30. petrichor1975
    May 23, 2019
    7
    Vampire Weekend's "Father of the Bride" is their first album in six years since 2013's "Modern Vampires of the City". While the band's first three records mostly have elements of afro-pop, indie, and funk, "Father of the Bride" marches into new and exciting territory for the band.

    Although the first track, "Hold You Now", which features Danielle Haim, is a quaint start to the record,    Vampire Weekend's "Father of the Bride" is their first album in six years since 2013's "Modern Vampires of the City". While the band's first three records mostly have elements of afro-pop, indie, and funk, "Father of the Bride" marches into new and exciting territory for the band.

    Although the first track, "Hold You Now", which features Danielle Haim, is a quaint start to the record, the Ivy League boys show that they are making up for lost time with "Harmony Hall", which may be the best song of 2019. The pianos, guitars, and percussion on this track make this track fun and could be plastered in the background of the end of a Pixar movie, despite its "I don't wanna live like this, but I don't wanna die" lyric.

    "Bambina" and "This Life" are fun, catchy, and jovial California pop songs. "Big Blue" is a short little interlude that sounds like a cross between a Soundcloud indie song and a drug-influenced Beatles anthem. "How Long?" keeps the same bassline the whole song, but it works very well to Ezra and Co.'s advantage. You can drive through Southern California windows open and radio cranked and feel like this album was made especially made for your little journey.

    When first looking at the title of the song succeeding "How Long?", you may be a little skeptical. "Unbearably White" can sound like something that would initiate the beginning of the decline of the album, but this is not the case. The song is a bittersweet pop song mixing in elements of world music and it showcases the amazing strings that accompany the track as well. "Rich Man" contains a lo-fi acoustic guitar loop which some young and angsty Soundcloud rappers would sulk in and tinker with for their EP. Vampire Weekend combine folk and classical music on this track and it adds to the already fun feel of the record.

    "Married In A Gold Rush" features Danielle Haim once again. It is a bit of a step back on the album, but it is still up there in quality. "My Mistake" sounds like an average springtime ode, while "Sympathy" is a flamenco-guitar song with a New Order-like pulse to it, which hurts the album, but in a small amount. Vampire Weekend gets a little help from Steve Lacy on "Sunflower", which sounds like a hybrid of U2's "Mysterious Ways" and The Beatles "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da", because of this infectious melody and overall joviality.

    "Flower Moon" is a miss, unfortunately. It doesn't have the infectiousness of the first half of the record running through its veins. "2021", which was Harmony Hall's partner single, is a catchy interlude, which is very similar to "Big Blue" in the context of its musical style. "We Belong Together" is where you figure out that the record has noticeably gone down in quality. The lyrics aren't very thought provoking, but it will still find its place in the wedding videos of couples whom enjoy folk love songs.

    "Stranger" and "Spring Snow" are songs that many people may just shrug to, but the album closer brings the quality back. "Jerusalem, New York, Berlin" is a solemn, and quiet album closer, and features ear-catching piano, Danielle Haim & Ezra Koenig dueting once again, and subdued synth bass in the background.

    "Father of the Bride" was a fine return to the music spotlight for Vampire Weekend. The first side of the record is all fun, while the second side is filled with songs that don't quite have the quality of the earlier songs on the album.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Most Discussed Album of 2019
47
#47 Most Shared Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. Under The Radar
    Dec 3, 2019
    50
    Too many tracks are loosely arranged with sparse instrumentation and a sunshiny, but laid back, lounge-y jazz vibe. Most rely on a start/stop, soft/loud aesthetic that wears thin quickly and makes it seem as if these are demos as opposed to fleshed out songs. [Sep-Nov 2019, p.134]
  2. Punknews.org (Staff)
    Jun 20, 2019
    80
    This album has a more mature twang to it, musically and lyrically. And interestingly enough, it's pretty minimalist and their simplest-sounding stuff to date.
    Read full review
  3. Record Collector
    May 30, 2019
    80
    While this isn’t an album of chart hits, a pop sensibility is evident in the way that they treat music-making as primarily a challenge of curation. So, myriad high-pedigree producers and instrumentalists abound, and yet somehow, a cohesive aesthetic emerges.
    Read full review
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