Unbearably White

"Unbearably White" is a song by American indie pop band Vampire Weekend. It was released on April 4, 2019 by Columbia Records as a double A-side with "This Life", and the third single from their album Father of the Bride.

"Unbearably White"
Single by Vampire Weekend
from the album Father of the Bride
A-side"This Life" (double A-side)
ReleasedApril 4, 2019
GenreArt pop
Length4:40
Label
Songwriter(s)Ezra Koenig
Producer(s)
Vampire Weekend singles chronology
"Sunflower" / "Big Blue"
(2019)		 "This Life" / "Unbearably White"
(2019)

Background

Discussing the track with The Sunday Times before its release, Koenig commented that "infighting among white people about who is marginally more or less white is not particularly interesting", and that the song partially explores that.[1] The phrase "unbearably white" had previously been used as a criticism of the band, in reference to their race.[2][3]

Composition

The art pop song develops and shifts between isolated vocals, handbells, jazz fusion-inspired bass guitar, and orchestral swells, and lyrically explores a failing relationship.[2][4][3][5] The track's title has been described as a "prank", as the song does not discuss Koenig's racial identity.[3]

Critical reception

For Pitchfork, Sheldon Pearce described the song as "gorgeous", concluding that "as the [song's] characters seek salvation from a bitter coldness, Vampire Weekend find a spark".[3]

Personnel

Credits adapted from Father of the Bride's liner notes.[6]

  • Ariel Rechtshaid – engineering, mixing
  • Chris Kasych – engineering
  • John DeBold – engineering
  • Hiroya Takayama – engineering
  • Takemasa Kosaka – engineering
  • Emily Lazar – mastering
  • Chris Allgood – mastering assistance

Charts
Chart (2019) Peak
position
US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)[7] 28

References
  1. Dean, Jonathan (March 31, 2019). "Vampire Weekend interview world exclusive: Ezra Koenig on the band's new album, Father of the Bride, and why he's supporting Bernie Sanders". The Times. Retrieved April 4, 2019.
  2. Nelson, Michael (April 4, 2019). "Vampire Weekend – "This Life" & "Unbearably White"". Stereogum. Retrieved April 20, 2019.
  3. Pearce, Sheldon (April 4, 2019). ""Unbearably White" by Vampire Weekend Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved April 20, 2019.
  4. Cook-Wilson, Winston (April 4, 2019). "Vampire Weekend Release New Singles "This Life" and "Unbearably White"". Spin. Retrieved April 20, 2019.
  5. Fricke, David (April 30, 2019). "Review: Vampire Weekend's Modern California Pop Masterpiece 'Father of the Bride'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 1, 2019.
  6. Father of the Bride (liner notes). Vampire Weekend. New York City: Columbia Records. 2019. 19075930141.CS1 maint: others (link)
  7. "Vampire Weekend Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 16, 2019.
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