What makes Unbelievers by Vampire Weekend notable?

The track received significant attention within the alternative rock community, peaking at number 10 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. Its infectious sound and thoughtful lyrics contributed to the band's continued relevance and influence in contemporary music, earning praise from major publications like Pitchfork. Released in early 2013, 'Unbelievers' marked a transition for Vampire Weekend as their third studio album, following the critically acclaimed 'Contra'. At this point, the band was solidifying their place in the alternative rock scene while experimenting with new sonic textures and lyrical themes that pushed their creative boundaries.

How many songs are on Unbelievers?

Unbelievers has 4 tracks, running approximately 14 minutes.

Unbelievers

Vampire Weekend · 2013

14 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of Afrobeat rhythms and modern indie sounds, imbued with existential reflections and catchy melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Unbelievers — This title track showcases Vampire Weekend's signature blend of upbeat instrumentation with introspective lyrics, capturing the essence of the album's overarching themes of doubt and faith.
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Step — With its reflective tone and intricate arrangements, this song highlights a more vulnerable side of the band while maintaining their distinctive melodic sensibility.
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Unbelievers (Seeburg Drum Machine mix) — This remix offers a fresh take on the original track, emphasizing rhythmic elements that enhance its danceable quality while preserving the core message of uncertainty.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

54 /100

Foothills

Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The single blends infectious rhythms with thoughtful lyrics, showcasing solid writing and production.

What we noticed

The main track features a steady, upbeat tempo driven by Afrobeat-inspired rhythms and layered instrumentation.
The live version included as a bonus track showcases the band's energetic performance style, differing from the studio recording.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This single helped solidify Vampire Weekend's reputation in the alternative rock scene.
Career context: Released in early 2013, 'Unbelievers' marked a transition for Vampire Weekend as their third studio album, following the critically acclaimed 'Contra'. At this point, the band was solidifying their place in the alternative rock scene while experimenting with new sonic textures and lyrical themes that pushed their creative boundaries.
Stylistic neighbors: Ra Ra Riot· The Shins· Phoenix