Is The Slow Rush a good place to start with Tame Impala?

Yes, The Slow Rush is recommended as a starting point for new Tame Impala listeners. A vibrant blend of psychedelic pop and dreamy groove that captures the essence of introspection and emotional exploration. The Slow Rush is Tame Impala's fourth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Currents released in 2015. By 2020, Kevin Parker had solidified his reputation as a leading figure in modern psychedelic music, blending genres while refining his production techniques. This album arrives at a time when Parker was exploring themes of time and change, influenced by personal experiences during a period of uncertainty.

Who is The Slow Rush for?

The Slow Rush works well if you're into wave-like pacing for deep listening, introspective themes for reflection and dynamic exploration of emotions.

How many songs are on The Slow Rush?

The Slow Rush has 12 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

The Slow Rush

Tame Impala · 2020

57 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of psychedelic pop and dreamy groove that captures the essence of introspection and emotional exploration.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
One More Year Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
→
Borderline — This track stands out with its infectious groove and catchy chorus, encapsulating the struggle between desire and reality. It features layered instrumentation that exemplifies Parker's meticulous production style.
→
Posthumous Forgiveness — A deeply personal song that grapples with unresolved feelings towards an estranged parent, blending emotional vulnerability with a lush soundscape. Its haunting melodies showcase Parker's growth as a lyricist.
→
Lost in Yesterday — This track fuses nostalgia with a disco-infused beat, reflecting on the passage of time with an uplifting vibe. It captures the album's overarching theme of confronting one's past while moving forward.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production, with distinct sonic elements that contribute to its unique sound.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a steady, upbeat tempo, while the second half introduces slower, more reflective pieces.
Several songs incorporate layered synths and vocal harmonies, creating a rich, immersive soundscape.
The album frequently shifts between different musical motifs within tracks, often blending genres like disco and psychedelic rock.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
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 for deep listening
introspective themes for reflection
dynamic exploration of emotions
for late-night solitude
cathartic soundscapes with resolution

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer standalone singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and evolution in sound after previous successes.
Themes: nostalgic reflections· parental estrangement· time's passage
Career context: The Slow Rush is Tame Impala's fourth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Currents released in 2015. By 2020, Kevin Parker had solidified his reputation as a leading figure in modern psychedelic music, blending genres while refining his production techniques. This album arrives at a time when Parker was exploring themes of time and change, influenced by personal experiences during a period of uncertainty.
Stylistic neighbors: Pond· MGMT· The Flaming Lips

New to Tame Impala? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Posthumous Forgiveness

The narrative shifts from regret to acceptance, revealing a profound emotional resolution within the song.

This transition marks a pivotal point in the song, showcasing how Parker navigates complex emotions through nuanced songwriting.