“Deadbeat” – Tame Impala Album Review

On Oct. 17, Tame Impala released his long-awaited fifth studio album — and with it, a fresh batch of hard-hitting, well-produced and vocally mesmerizing songs with something for everyone to enjoy.

This album follows a similar vibe to his previous work, while now focusing more on his past relationships and mental health struggles.

The opening track, “My Old Ways,” follows this theme through a slow-burning ballad that explores the strength of temptation and the difficulty of avoiding past mistakes.

Songs like the single “Loser” also showcase this theme, explaining how the loss of a relationship has led to his own mental and physical decline. Paired with harsh guitar and bass lines, along with Impala’s signature high-pitched vocals, the track stands out as one of the best on the album.

“Afterthought,” another song that explores these topics, highlights Impala’s ability to create catchy, psychedelic pop songs that still tell a story and paint a vivid picture in the listener’s mind.

Later in the album, the focus expands to include themes such as the beauty of imperfection, life’s unpredictability and the desire for new beginnings.

Songs like “Not My World,” an instrumentally heavy track, showcase his yearning for normalcy through a driving drum beat and a nearly three-minute solo that once again displays his production talent.

“Piece of Heaven” compares life’s small imperfections to a messy bedroom, capturing the beauty and intimacy found in everyday moments. The bubbly, high-pitched vocals paired with this theme make it one of the album’s highlights — and my personal favorite song.

“See You on Monday (You’re Lost)” explores the ups and downs of life and the good and bad implications of uncertainty. While the idea fits well within the album, the repetitive and lackluster production causes this track to fall flat compared with others.

Other highlights include the hit single “Dracula,” with its irresistibly catchy and upbeat production that fits the season perfectly. The track pairs clever lyricism with infectious energy, allowing listeners to connect and have fun with the music.

However, this album is not without its underwhelming moments.

“Ethereal Connection,” a more than seven-minute instrumental, sounds intriguing at first but ultimately runs too long and lacks substance.

“No Reply” is another low point, with weaker production, a seemingly lazy vocal performance and a theme that doesn’t land as effectively as others.

The album closes with the single “End of Summer,” a fitting conclusion to a remarkable project, featuring the lush psychedelic production that makes listeners feel as if they’re reliving a happy memory.

In conclusion, after 15 years of making music, Tame Impala remains one of the premier artists in the indie-pop space. Despite a few forgettable moments, this album is absolutely worth a listen — and could even be considered an album-of-the-year contender.

Rating: 8.5/10
Reviewer’s favorite song: “Piece of Heaven”
Reviewer’s least favorite: “Ethereal Connection”

Nick Myers is a first-year majoring in journalism. To contact him, email nwm5344@psu.edu.