What does Currents sound like?

A lush tapestry of synths and grooves that blends psychedelic rock with modern pop sensibilities. Rooted in alternative rock and indie rock. Start with "Let It Happen".

Is Currents a good place to start with Tame Impala?

Yes, Currents is recommended as a starting point for new Tame Impala listeners. A lush tapestry of synths and grooves that blends psychedelic rock with modern pop sensibilities. By the time 'Currents' was released in July 2015, Tame Impala had already achieved significant acclaim with their previous album 'Lonerism' (2012), which established them as a major force in psychedelic music. This third studio album marked a pivotal shift towards a more synth-driven sound, reflecting Kevin Parker's growing artistic evolution and maturity.

Currents works well if you're into wave-like pacing with shifting intensity, transformative nostalgia in every track and focused headphone detail exploration.

How many songs are on Currents?

Currents has 13 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Currents

Tame Impala · 2015

51 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

A lush tapestry of synths and grooves that blends psychedelic rock with modern pop sensibilities.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Let It Happen Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its expansive soundscape and themes of acceptance and change, embodying the album's overarching narrative.
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The Less I Know the Better — With its infectious bassline and catchy chorus, this track exemplifies the blend of funk and psychedelic elements that defines much of 'Currents'.
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Yes I’m Changing — This track encapsulates personal transformation through reflective lyrics and dreamy instrumentation, highlighting Parker's introspective lyrical style.
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New Person, Same Old Mistakes — As the closing track, it revisits themes of identity and self-perception while showcasing the album's sonic evolution with layered production.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

79 /100

Summit

Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

Currents blends lush synths with innovative structures, creating a distinctive sound that rewards repeated listens.

What we noticed

The album opens with a lengthy track that features a gradual build-up of layered synths and percussion, setting a hypnotic tone.
Several tracks incorporate unexpected tempo shifts, such as 'Yes I’m Changing,' which transitions from a slow groove to a more upbeat feel.
The use of vocal effects and reverb creates an ethereal quality, particularly in tracks like 'Gossip' and 'Love/Paranoia,' enhancing the psychedelic atmosphere.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like pacing with shifting intensity
transformative nostalgia in every track
focused headphone detail exploration
for reflective afternoon drives

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward, upbeat tracks
dislike introspective listening experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Solidified Tame Impala's status with critical acclaim and commercial success.
Themes: personal transformation· synth-driven evolution· expansive soundscapes
Career context: By the time 'Currents' was released in July 2015, Tame Impala had already achieved significant acclaim with their previous album 'Lonerism' (2012), which established them as a major force in psychedelic music. This third studio album marked a pivotal shift towards a more synth-driven sound, reflecting Kevin Parker's growing artistic evolution and maturity.
Stylistic neighbors: Pond· MGMT· The Flaming Lips