What does Lonerism sound like?

A swirling blend of psychedelic rock and dream pop that evokes both introspection and euphoric escape. Rooted in alternative rock and indie rock. Start with "Be Above It".

Is Lonerism a good place to start with Tame Impala?

Yes, Lonerism is recommended as a starting point for new Tame Impala listeners. A swirling blend of psychedelic rock and dream pop that evokes both introspection and euphoric escape. In 2012, Tame Impala was gaining momentum following their critically acclaimed debut album, 'Innerspeaker.' 'Lonerism' marked their transition into a more ambitious sound, showcasing Kevin Parker's growing confidence as a songwriter and producer. This album solidified their presence in the indie music scene and expanded their audience significantly.

Lonerism works well if you're into wave-like pacing through introspection, kaleidoscopic melodies for reflection and dynamic journey with emotional resolution.

How many songs are on Lonerism?

Lonerism has 14 tracks, running approximately 64 minutes.

Released 14 years ago this October

Lonerism

Tame Impala · 2012

64 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock

A swirling blend of psychedelic rock and dream pop that evokes both introspection and euphoric escape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Be Above It Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Apocalypse Dreams — This track encapsulates the album's essence with its expansive soundscapes and lush instrumentation, blending elements of rock with ethereal melodies.
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Elephant — With its infectious groove and commanding riffs, this song stands out as a bold statement of identity within the album's exploration of isolation and self-awareness.
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Feels Like We Only Go Backwards — The track's catchy chorus and introspective lyrics highlight Parker's ability to fuse pop sensibilities with deeper themes of longing and nostalgia.

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

Lonerism blends psychedelic rock with introspective themes, showcasing strong songwriting and production.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and textures.
Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, creating a dense soundscape that shifts between psychedelic and dream pop influences.
The album's closing track features a gradual fade-out, leaving a lingering sense of introspection.

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like pacing through introspection
kaleidoscopic melodies for reflection
dynamic journey with emotional resolution
for evening solitude

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer standalone track variety

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established wider recognition, showcasing a more ambitious sound.
Career context: In 2012, Tame Impala was gaining momentum following their critically acclaimed debut album, 'Innerspeaker.' 'Lonerism' marked their transition into a more ambitious sound, showcasing Kevin Parker's growing confidence as a songwriter and producer. This album solidified their presence in the indie music scene and expanded their audience significantly.
Stylistic neighbors: Pond· MGMT· The Flaming Lips