Vampire Weekend’s second album Contra expands their signature sound with a sunlit blend of indie rock, reggae-tinged rhythms, Afropop influences, and sleek R&B touches. Released by XL Recordings in 2010, the record finds the group sharpening its melodic wit and stepping into bigger, brighter sonic spaces while preserving the playful, jangly charm that defined their debut. The songs ride on clean guitar lines and lush synth layers, weaving intricate textures that reward repeated listens without sacrificing the simple, singalong hooks that drew fans in. Horchata opens Contra with a warm, buoyant pulse evoking a summer day, and the mood stays buoyant across a sequence of breezy songs. White Sky follows with a punchy synth groove, trading the debut’s lo-fi glow for a wider shimmer while keeping a chorus that sticks. Giving Up The Gun offers a bold, kinetic hook and a danceable momentum that sits between indie rock and pop, inviting movement with the rhythm. Cousins bursts with frenetic energy, a rush of guitars and percussion that showcases the band’s appetite for twisty melodies and tricky tempo changes. The overall vibe remains upbeat and sunny, the soundscape bright with textures that feel like summer even when heard in other seasons. Critics at the time noted the album’s audacious spirit and tighter songcraft, appreciating how the band built on the foundation of their debut while venturing into new textures and cross genre currents with confident swagger. In later years Contra is recalled as a defining moment for early 2010s indie pop, a record that balanced thoughtful lyrics with radio friendly energy and a cosmopolitan sensibility that resonated with audiences across Canada and the United States. The reach of Contra extends beyond its initial release, influencing a range of artists who blend rock with danceable rhythms and world music influences, and it remains a touchstone for listeners who crave bright, memorable music with an exploratory edge. Critics from XL highlighted Contra for its sunlit melodies and the knack for marrying clever wordplay with irresistible grooves, while fans often rank Horchata, White Sky, Cousins, and Giving Up The Gun among the album’s strongest moments. For listeners who enjoyed Ra Ra Riot The Rhumb Line, Contra offers a similar lift with a sincere, energetic pulse that makes it easy to press play again and again. The lasting appeal of Contra lies in its immediate charm paired with its subtle risk taking, a record that invites movement, curiosity, and a sense of global curiosity that keeps drawing people back to its bright chorus and spirited verses.