Kevin Parker, more well known as Tame Impala, the “one man band,” recently dropped his fifth studio album “Deadbeat.” The Australian singer-songwriter is known for his psychedelic rock music infused with disco and pop influences. Parker grew up with a love for music and engaged in a large amount of musical activities throughout his childhood, mostly guitar, leading to his love for genre-less and repetitive beats. He’s been recording and composing since he was 12. leading to his unique style of music which is heavily displayed in the album. 

Overall, “Deadbeat” explores many relatable topics hidden behind club-like beats and funky sounds. The album shows Parker’s feelings of disconnection because of his fatherhood, as he continues with his career while still being an active father with new responsibilities. It dives into his reflection on his past self as he blooms into his new self; he describes himself as a deadbeat dad. Although this album isn’t only about his fatherhood—Parker explains that deadbeat also means a feeling that you aren’t built for the world around you, as if you can’t keep up. Parker explained in an interview with the Los Angeles Times that he wants people to be free to interpret the album as they feel; he doesn’t put many labels on it. 

The album starts off strong with “My Old Ways” which is a mostly repetitive, yet catchy, song. I loved this one because it’s perfect to dance to. The beat repeats throughout the entire song which effectively displays its meaning. “My Old Ways” is about a feeling of falling back into old habits regardless of continuously trying to change. The lyrics strongly convey vulnerability and self reflection, and explores feelings of behavior patterns and the struggle to change. Despite the song having a beautiful meaning and a groovy mood, the beat can get old and it strongly lacks variation. 

Next comes “No Reply” which is a very vulnerable song about awkwardness and self-doubt. It shows his feeling of inadequacy while trying to make social connections. The lyrics portray these feelings very well along with feelings of wanting to say the right thing yet constantly doubting your self worth. The beat focuses on tech and piano behind inanimate vocals. I didn’t love this one as much because the beginning to middle of the song stays very dull and repetitive. 

“Dracula” and “Loser,” two of three singles, come next. These are the perfect singles, which hyped up the album and got me very excited for it. Both songs are very catchy, and are more unique and less repetitive than the previous songs. “Dracula” is very upbeat and danceable. It’s about being in the moment and partying all night, while “Loser” is slower but still groovy. “Loser” taps into his feeling of being an outsider with lyrics such as “I’m a tragedy” and “I’m trying to figure this whole mess out.”

More songs that stood out to me are “Oblivion,” “Piece Of Heaven,” and “Obsolete.” “Oblivion” is about a passionate, yet unobtainable love and contrasts his longing for it and his acceptance that it is unreachable. I felt it was perfectly upbeat, but not too much to where it overpowered its meaning. “Piece Of Heaven” is described as a love letter to music as it is his source of happiness. This dreamy and heavenly track contrasts with other songs on the album because of its more happy meaning. It is very unique compared to other songs on the album, which stuck out to me. “Obsolete” is a display of Parker’s anxieties for a relationship that feels like it’s falling apart, as he questions if he is becoming irrelevant to his partner. It is very relaxed, which I love because it’s perfect to be playing in my headphones in the background of my daily activities.

I also loved “Ethereal Connection” which is super techno, electronic and extremely danceable. I would for sure go clubbing to this song because of how psychedelic it is. I feel the same way for “Afterthought,” which is another super upbeat track, and might be one of my favorites on the album. “See You On Monday (You’re Lost)” was also good and I liked that it reminded me of some older songs in his discography. 

Finally, “End Of Summer” was the perfect ending to “Deadbeat.” This track allowed the album to end on a happy note and complete the transition from sad to happy that could be seen halfway through. Although it was very repetitive, like many others on the album, I feel it was great to close out the album and give a sense of reflection and transition. Overall, “Deadbeat” had a few anticlimactic songs, but it had great meaning and a great amount of bangers, just like the rest of his discography.