What makes Feels Like We Only Go Backwards by Tame Impala notable?

The track achieved commercial success, reaching the top ten in multiple countries and garnering critical acclaim for its inventive sound. It has since become an anthem of the neo-psychedelic movement, influencing countless artists across genres and securing Tame Impala's reputation within contemporary music. Released in 2012, 'Feels Like We Only Go Backwards' came from Tame Impala's critically acclaimed album 'Lonerism', marking a significant moment in their rise to prominence. This single solidified Kevin Parker's status as a leading figure in the modern psychedelic rock scene, following the band's breakthrough debut album 'Innerspeaker' in 2010.

How many songs are on Feels Like We Only Go Backwards?

Feels Like We Only Go Backwards has 3 tracks, running approximately 10 minutes.

Released 14 years ago this October

Feels Like We Only Go Backwards

Tame Impala · 2012

10 min · 3 tracks · alternative rock

A swirling blend of psychedelic pop and dreamlike melodies that invokes a sense of nostalgia and emotional introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Feels Like We Only Go Backwards — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of longing and cyclical reflection, showcasing Parker's knack for blending catchy hooks with deeper existential questions.
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Feels Like We Only Go Backwards (Memory Tapes remix) — This remix offers a fresh take on the original, enhancing its dreamy aspects while introducing an electronic edge that expands the song's sonic landscape.
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Feels Like We Only Go Backwards (Young Dreams version) — The Young Dreams version reinterprets the track with lush instrumentation and rich harmonies, highlighting the song's versatility and appeal across different styles.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The single combines strong melodic elements with inventive production, making it both memorable and influential in its genre.

What we noticed

The main track features a steady mid-tempo beat with layered synths and guitars that create a lush, immersive soundscape.
The song employs a repetitive structure, with verses and choruses that blend seamlessly into each other, enhancing its dreamlike quality.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This single solidified Tame Impala's rise to prominence and wider recognition.
Themes: cyclical nostalgia· dreamlike reflections· modern psychedelic longing
Career context: Released in 2012, 'Feels Like We Only Go Backwards' came from Tame Impala's critically acclaimed album 'Lonerism', marking a significant moment in their rise to prominence. This single solidified Kevin Parker's status as a leading figure in the modern psychedelic rock scene, following the band's breakthrough debut album 'Innerspeaker' in 2010.
Stylistic neighbors: Pond· MGMT· The Flaming Lips