The first half of this year has seen a deluge of new releases, particularly by the women currently dominating the popular music conversation. Over the next two weeks, I’ll offer quick takes on eight new releases by those artists — and because I like to rank things, I’ll do it in countdown fashion.

But first, I’ll address a couple of other new releases that don’t fit into the “New Albums by Women Who Rock” category.

Vampire Weekend’s fifth studio album, Only God Was Above Us, was my most anticipated release of the year. Coming five years after 2019’s Father of the Bride, this record is technically the band’s first as a trio. Songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Rostam Batmanglij left the group after their third (and best) album. And Father of the Bride was essentially a solo effort by lead singer Ezra Koenig, released under the band’s moniker.

I’m guessing Batmanglij was the secret ingredient to the band’s early success, or at least their early appeal to me. Father of the Bride had some great moments but was otherwise uneven. And I’m sad to say this new album follows suit.

The best songs here remind me of old Vampire Weekend — those include the singles ‘Capricorn’ and ‘Classical.’ The rest has hints of what I love about the band, but much of it gets lost among a glut of sonic experimentation.

To be fair, I’ve listened to the album all the way through only twice. Perhaps it’s a grower. But the fact that I’m not really inspired to find out is telling.