Vampire Weekend presents their fifth studio album, Only God Was Above Us. The album draws inspiration from the band's hometown of New York City, despite being recorded in various locations around the world such as New York, Los Angeles, London, and Tokyo.

Produced by Ezra Koenig and longtime collaborator Ariel Rechtshaid, the album's title is taken directly from the album artwork. The cover features a photo taken in 1988 at a Subway graveyard in New Jersey by photographer Steven Siegel.

Only God Was Above Us explores universal themes including questioning the world we live in and seeking peace through acceptance. The album is a blend of directness and complexity, showcasing the band at their most beautiful and melodic, yet also at their grittiest.