On Oct 17, Tame Impala released his fifth album, “Deadbeat,” after “The Slow Rush” and his essential album “Currents.”
Known for his psychedelic and groovy musical style, Tame Impala explores the themes of temptation, grieving past romantic relationships, honesty, and closure throughout his latest release.
“Deadbeat” gives listeners an electronic-pop and alternative vibe that makes the album feel like you are dancing at a nightclub in the 80s with a bunch of people you don’t know.
The album comprises 12 songs; my current favorites are: “Dracula,” “Piece of Heaven,” and “Afterthought.”
” Dracula” is about Tame Impala or a specific character who is yearning for their love interest and hopes that they eventually get together.
The song gives into the feeling of running away from something or someone that could harm you: “Run away from the sun like Dracula.” Sub-themes of commitment and romantic interest are developed throughout this song.
This song’s instrumental reminds me of Michael Jackson’s famous 1982 “Thriller” song.
“Pieces of Heaven” is sort of hard to interpret, but it seems that this song is about Tame Impala/a specific character viewing their love interest as “divine,” even though she may think she is “untidy.”
The specific character sees this person as their own personal heaven, regardless of whether he is missing out on whatever is out in the world. This song touches on sub-themes such as possession, heaven, and living a lie.
Lastly, “Afterthought” is about Tame Impala/a specific person allowing a past lover to keep entering their lives, even though that person does not want to fully commit to them.
Hence, the title refers to being an “afterthought” to that person of interest. This song touches on sub-themes such as toxic romance, being emotional, and not being the first thought for someone.
Altogether, the themes of this album were expressive and relatable in lots of instances. I expected the album to give the same vibes as Tame Impala’s 2016 “Currents” album, which felt like a psychedelic and atmospheric vibe—yet “Deadbeat” was more like an electronic-alternative vibe.
