Tame Impala's 'Deadbeat' Review: A Descent into Melancholy
Kevin Parker, aka Tame Impala, has achieved an enviable level of success, collaborating with top pop stars like Dua Lipa and Rihanna. However, his latest album, 'Deadbeat,' suggests that beneath the glamour of fame lies a complex web of emotions.
Parker's musical evolution has been marked by a shift from psychedelic soundscapes to a more sugary pop approach, as evident in 2015's Currents. This shift is exemplified by the massive hit single "The Less I Know the Better," which boasts 2 billion streams on Spotify and has become a staple of mainstream pop.
However, Parker seems to be grappling with the consequences of his success. His music often carries an undertone of melancholy, with lyrics that touch on themes of isolation, self-loathing, and longing for domesticity. On tracks like "Dracula" and "Piece of Heaven," he appears to be struggling to reconcile fame with a sense of normalcy.
The dance influence on 'Deadbeat' is palpable, particularly in songs like "Ethereal Connection" and "Afterthought." Parker's affinity for electronic music shines through, but there are moments where the pop leanings feel forced, such as on "No Reply," which wears thin under its simple see-sawing melody.
What's striking about 'Deadbeat,' however, is how often the music reflects the unsettled tone of the lyrics. Tracks like "My Old Ways" and "No Reply" juxtapose their polished studio versions with rougher, more intimate demo recordings, highlighting Parker's willingness to bare his emotions.
The album also features moments of sonic experimentation, as seen in "Oblivion," which dissolves into a dembow beat punctuated by ethereal electronic sounds. This disjointed approach creates an effect akin to drawing back the curtain on the music's inner workings – it's like something entirely different from what you might expect.
Ultimately, 'Deadbeat' is an album that keeps suggesting its true nature is not as straightforward as it initially appears. While it may be occasionally confused, it's also a painfully honest and genuinely wracked record, one that leaves the listener hoping the artist behind it is okay. With 'Deadbeat,' Tame Impala has revealed an album that is as much about the complexities of fame as it is about the human experience – an honest and relatable portrayal that resonates deeply.
Kevin Parker, aka Tame Impala, has achieved an enviable level of success, collaborating with top pop stars like Dua Lipa and Rihanna. However, his latest album, 'Deadbeat,' suggests that beneath the glamour of fame lies a complex web of emotions.
Parker's musical evolution has been marked by a shift from psychedelic soundscapes to a more sugary pop approach, as evident in 2015's Currents. This shift is exemplified by the massive hit single "The Less I Know the Better," which boasts 2 billion streams on Spotify and has become a staple of mainstream pop.
However, Parker seems to be grappling with the consequences of his success. His music often carries an undertone of melancholy, with lyrics that touch on themes of isolation, self-loathing, and longing for domesticity. On tracks like "Dracula" and "Piece of Heaven," he appears to be struggling to reconcile fame with a sense of normalcy.
The dance influence on 'Deadbeat' is palpable, particularly in songs like "Ethereal Connection" and "Afterthought." Parker's affinity for electronic music shines through, but there are moments where the pop leanings feel forced, such as on "No Reply," which wears thin under its simple see-sawing melody.
What's striking about 'Deadbeat,' however, is how often the music reflects the unsettled tone of the lyrics. Tracks like "My Old Ways" and "No Reply" juxtapose their polished studio versions with rougher, more intimate demo recordings, highlighting Parker's willingness to bare his emotions.
The album also features moments of sonic experimentation, as seen in "Oblivion," which dissolves into a dembow beat punctuated by ethereal electronic sounds. This disjointed approach creates an effect akin to drawing back the curtain on the music's inner workings – it's like something entirely different from what you might expect.
Ultimately, 'Deadbeat' is an album that keeps suggesting its true nature is not as straightforward as it initially appears. While it may be occasionally confused, it's also a painfully honest and genuinely wracked record, one that leaves the listener hoping the artist behind it is okay. With 'Deadbeat,' Tame Impala has revealed an album that is as much about the complexities of fame as it is about the human experience – an honest and relatable portrayal that resonates deeply.
I'm really digging Tame Impala's latest album, but at the same time, I feel like it's a bit of a messy relationship 
... I mean, on one hand, Kevin Parker's songwriting is so raw and honest, it's like he's just sharing his innermost thoughts with us. But on the other hand, some of the production choices can be a bit off-putting 
... I love how he experiments with different sounds, but sometimes it feels like he's trying too hard to be experimental 
.
. It's like he's showing us that even when we have everything we thought we wanted, there's still this gnawing feeling inside that we can't shake off 
. And I think that's something a lot of people can relate to, you know? So while 'Deadbeat' might not be perfect, it's definitely a album that'll keep me on my toes 
...
this new album from tame impala sounds so emotional 
i love how kevin parker's been experimenting with different sounds 
like, the dance influences are really cool 
but there are some tracks where it feels a bit forced 
"no reply" is kinda meh to me 
anyway, what i love about 'deadbeat' is that it's super honest 
kevin parker's been open about his struggles and emotions, which makes the album feel really relatable 
especially when he shares these raw, demo versions of some tracks 
it's like we're getting a glimpse into his inner world 
, & yeah sure "the less i know the better" was a massive hit but thats just proof ppl r ready for tame impala's unique sound 
. On the surface, it sounds like a super catchy, pop-infused record, but scratch beneath and you'll find lyrics that are all about feeling lost and disconnected 
. The way he experiments with different sounds is also really cool – I love how some tracks feel so polished and others are more raw and emotional 
. What really resonates with me, though, is the sense of vulnerability that comes through in the album 
'deadbeat' is like a journey into his inner world, and it's honestly super refreshing to see him be vulnerable about his struggles with fame & isolation 
but what really gets me is how the album is like a reflection of himself - it's not perfect, it's messy, but that's what makes it real 
. And I love how he's being so vulnerable on this record, sharing all these deep emotions that we can all relate to. It's like he's taking us with him on a journey through his own inner world 
. And I have to say, I'm loving those demo tracks that sound all rough-around-the-edges – it's like Parker's being honest with us about how he feels 
... at the same time, I appreciate how Parker's not afraid to experiment and push boundaries, even if some of those experiments don't quite pay off 
but like some tracks feel forced, idk 
i love how he does those demo versions 2 b more intimate tho, its like he's lettin us in on his emotional struggles 
. The way he's experimenting with different sounds and genres is like a commentary on the homogenization of popular music – I mean, who needs boundaries when you can just put any beat together and call it pop? 
kevin parker is literally giving me all the feels with this one his music is like a rollercoaster of emotions - one minute you're vibing to the catchy pop hooks and the next you're drowning in melancholy 
it's like he's really tapping into that weird, isolating feeling we've all experienced at some point. and can we talk about how amazing the production is?! 
the way the dance influences bleed into the more psychedelic tracks is everything 
). anyway, what i love most about deadbeat is that it's not afraid to be messy and imperfect - those demo recordings are giving me life 
i love how he experimented with different sounds on this album, it keeps you engaged and guessing. like, who knew he was capable of creating something so experimental and cool? 
. What I admire most is that he's willing to experiment and share his raw emotions, making 'Deadbeat' an honest portrayal of the human experience 
. It's just music by Tame Impala, you know?