Grammy-winning alternative collective Vampire Weekend packs a sizable punch on the short but super sweet single, “2021.”

“2021, will you think about me? / I could wait a year, but I couldn’t wait three…” Following a five-year hiatus that felt much longer, Vampire Weekend returns with new music.  Yes, the last time that we heard from the alternative music collective was in 2013 when they released the utterly superb Modern Vampires of the City.  To this day, Modern Vampires of the City remains one of my favorite albums of the 2010s.  The good news about having to wait so damn long is that Ezra Koenig and company deliver two singles simultaneously: “Harmony Hall” and “2021.”

“2021” is considerably shorter than “Harmony Hall.”  Don’t let that dissuade you – “2021” is equally compelling.  For one, Vampire Weekend sample a Japanese musician, Haruomi Hosono, which helps make the music incredibly intriguing. Adding to the greatness that is “2021” are vocal contributions from Jenny Lewis, specifically on one of the most memorable parts of the song – “Boy, boy.” Ezra Koenig remains a force himself, sounding absolutely beautiful on the sole, repeated verse, partially excerpted above:

“2021, will you think about me?

I could wait a year, but I couldn’t wait three (boy)

I don’t wanna be (boy)

2021, will you think about us?

Cooper goes green, steel beams go rust (boy)

It’s a matter of (boy).”

Notably, Koenig sings the verse up an octave the second time.

Final Thoughts

Despite its brevity and simplicity, “2021” remains jam-packed and complex. It’s a gorgeous, well-produced record, with a simple, yet memorable beat anchoring things down.  As always, the songwriting seems to have a deeper meaning, focusing on perceptions and remembrance in the future.  Obviously, “Harmony Hall” has more lyrics and songs, but “2021” is equally potent, with slightly more enigma.

Vampire Weekend • Harmony Hall / 2021 [Single] • Spring Snow / Columbia • Release: 1.24.19

Photo Credits: Spring Snow / Columbia