Currents
by Tame Impala
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 601 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 552 out of 601
  2. Mixed: 30 out of 601
  3. Negative: 19 out of 601
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  1. kglbltz
    Jul 22, 2015
    10
    The funny thing with most of the nay-sayers of this record is that they say that Currents is far removed from the psych-pop/rock of the first two records and that surely Kevin Parker (KP) knew he would piss off some their hardcore fans but I personally feel that this record feels like the most natural progression of Tame Impala.

    Inner Speaker, the first record, was a pure psych-pop/rock    The funny thing with most of the nay-sayers of this record is that they say that Currents is far removed from the psych-pop/rock of the first two records and that surely Kevin Parker (KP) knew he would piss off some their hardcore fans but I personally feel that this record feels like the most natural progression of Tame Impala.

    Inner Speaker, the first record, was a pure psych-pop/rock record but even then you could already tell that KP had a thing for pop melodies and writing catchy songs. Lonerism, their second record, already took quite a bit of the psych out but there was still enough of it to sooth the psych fans.

    Currents takes pretty much all the psych out of Tame Impala and leaves us with one of the best pop records in a long while and KP wanted that exactly. It wasn't a decision to cash in or to change direction but something he's been working towards with the two previous records.

    But KP says it best on the final track of the record itself:

    "I can just hear them now
    "How could you let us down?"
    But they don't know what I found
    Or see it from this way around
    Feeling it overtake
    All that I used to hate

    Finally taking flight
    I know you don't think it's right
    I know that you think it's fake
    Maybe fake's what I like"

    Deal with it kids!!    … Expand
  2. Theycallmejhonn
    Jun 2, 2016
    10
    When it comes to psych, Kevin Parker is the man, this shows his grow, on all the aspects of his songwriting, instrumentally, mostly as a producer, he even mixed himself, anyway, the hole album its a blast to listen to, from masterful intro "Let It Happen" to the more poppier "The Less I Know the Better", you recognize Parker's signature sound and mixing, this album its just on some other level.
  3. AnalyDewa
    Oct 9, 2016
    9
    Já no 3º álbum da banda, “Currents” traz a uma viagem psicodélica e uma riqueza de detalhes de sons que trabalham de forma a seduzir o ouvinte. O mais impressionante de tudo é saber que muito antes do Kevin Parker ter o nome mais conhecido entre o público pop por trabalhar com Rihanna e Lady Gaga, é que ele compôs, tocou os instrumentos, gravou, produziu e mixou todo o “Currents” e fazendoJá no 3º álbum da banda, “Currents” traz a uma viagem psicodélica e uma riqueza de detalhes de sons que trabalham de forma a seduzir o ouvinte. O mais impressionante de tudo é saber que muito antes do Kevin Parker ter o nome mais conhecido entre o público pop por trabalhar com Rihanna e Lady Gaga, é que ele compôs, tocou os instrumentos, gravou, produziu e mixou todo o “Currents” e fazendo isso de forma criativa e impecável.
    Um álbum com guitarras, ambientações, pop e r&b revestido com rock psicodélico e letras pessoais - mas como que fazem o ouvinte se identificar - fazem de “Currents”, sem dúvidas, ser uma das melhores gravações dessa década e que Kevin tenha todo o buzz entre o público alternativo que merece, pois é um dos artistas dessa geração que é dado como genial e não decepciona, tem o talento de fazer grandes trabalhos e manter um nível elevado de qualidade em todos.    … Expand
  4. SumitSumbria
    May 15, 2016
    10
    To be very honest, I have listened many albums, many songs. But this one is really very very close to my heart. It acts as a healing thing for me. Masterpiece is a perfect word for this album, soulful is another. The beautiful lines, expressed and sung, so well delights me.
    This is an album I always wanted to hear. How soulful it is, the attitude of it, the soulful songs, the overall    To be very honest, I have listened many albums, many songs. But this one is really very very close to my heart. It acts as a healing thing for me. Masterpiece is a perfect word for this album, soulful is another. The beautiful lines, expressed and sung, so well delights me.
    This is an album I always wanted to hear. How soulful it is, the attitude of it, the soulful songs, the overall sentiment of the album....it all makes this album a pure gem, an art. Only a true artist can make such things and express so well.
    While listening the album it feels as if I'm standing in the midst of a number of musical instruments and melodies, harmonies are coming from all the sides and I'm overjoyed.
    It's somehow quite similar to "Confessions on a Dance Floor" by Madonna. The combination of Synthesizers and Guitars is worth noting.  
    Also, the Disco portions like "The Less I Know The Better" is like listening MJ's "Thriller"and Madonna's "Lucky Star" again.    … Expand
  5. greekmatthew
    Apr 11, 2017
    9
    This is Tame Impala's loudest statement yet as to why they are the best psychedelic band in business. Kevin Parker delivers on a wide range of emotion and vocal ability that only begins to scratch the surface of the depth of Currents. This is the album that Tame Impala will be most remembered for.
  6. padwad
    Feb 13, 2020
    10
    this album is just so perfect. there’s nothing i would change at all. nobody else sounds like this.
  7. Dalmx
    Mar 23, 2021
    8
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  8. ed_rib
    Mar 30, 2021
    10
    An example of how a band can explore different territories without losing it's essence, great songs and great production.
  9. AmosLeezy
    Dec 7, 2021
    10
    NANGS NANGS NANGS NANGS NANGS NANGS NANGS NANGS nangs nangs nangs nangs nangs
  10. jju3bu3nh
    Nov 16, 2021
    10
    Currents is the greatest album ever made, it is simply the peak of music, the songs are enjoyable at worst and life changing at best, currents might be the most beautiful piece of art ever created
  11. xqcTF
    Aug 14, 2022
    9
    This album is very well produced. Every instrument and all the vocals fit so perfectly, with some moments to catch your attention every single listen. From the section in Let It Happen that builds itself on a loop of one note, to the really loud and booming outro of The Moment. There are so many amazing and breathtaking moments that make you appreciate music itself.

    Let It Happen is the    This album is very well produced. Every instrument and all the vocals fit so perfectly, with some moments to catch your attention every single listen. From the section in Let It Happen that builds itself on a loop of one note, to the really loud and booming outro of The Moment. There are so many amazing and breathtaking moments that make you appreciate music itself.

    Let It Happen is the best track personally, as it isn't a song but a story of life and for the last 4 minutes, the music tells the story not the lyrics. The guitar riff at the end is iconic. Nangs has some really harmonious moments and works well as an interlude. Disciples is a quick burst of lofi energy the album needed. Cause I'm a Man is a really powerful and psychedelic track that will have you for its whole runtime.

    There are a few negatives, such as Gossip. As an interlude I don't really care for it. Reality In Motion is the only other quite weak track in comparison, but is still alright.    … Expand
  12. lusca1997
    Mar 4, 2022
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. An all-around good Pop album. Kevin moves out of his comfort zone for this one, and it works out great. My favorite tracks are The Moment, Eventually and Disciples. I would recommend it to anybody.… Expand
  13. Cyzzyx
    May 18, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Currents is a coming-of-age journey driven by a departure from Tame Impala's pure psych. rock roots. Let It Happen is one of the best intros to a project, as it perfectly exemplifies what it is like to have to let go from something with its melancholic intro to its cathartic ending. This theme continues all throughout the album, allowing for a cohesive message to be told. The music for nearly all of the tracks are fantastic, touching on essentially everything that is good about these genres melting together. However, some tracks do feel more like filler/intermission than anything else like Gossip and Past Life. Overall, a fantastic listen from front to back.

    Favorite Tracks: Let It Happen, Nangs, The Moment, Yes I'm Changing, Eventually, The Less I Know The Better, 'Cause I'm A Man, Love/Paranoia, New Person/Same Old Mistakes

    Least Favorite Tracks: Past Life, Disciples    … Expand
  14. nickastal
    Jul 17, 2015
    10
    although I love Lonerism, can't say I miss their guitars here. just in love with the new direction. best album of the year and totally an audiophile's wet dream.
  15. thedude898
    Jul 17, 2015
    10
    I could not imagine a better direction Parker could have taken his music in, it's like a natural change of style that was bound to happen, and it did in this album, and it's dang near perfect. Buy it and listen to it!
  16. TheJustCauser
    Jul 17, 2015
    10
    Seriously a fantastic album from Kevin Parker, each song sparks with diversity from Kevin's unique near perfect production. It delivers on all fronts!!
  17. CiphirSol
    Jul 17, 2015
    10
    Out with the old, in with the new. Sometimes change can be good, and this album is a fantastic example of that. It stands along with Lonerism, Innerspeaker, and everything else Tame Impala has ever done.
  18. nirvanafreak
    Jul 21, 2015
    8
    It's a solid psych pop/disco record although I'm not a huge fan of Kevin's voice it does have some lush production. After listening to this album, I'm still clueless as to what all the hype is about so I'll guess I'll have to check out the previous 2 Tame Impala records which I've heard a lot of good things about
  19. MathewDorrell
    Jul 17, 2015
    10
    An incredible development for Kevin, showcasing he's not afraid to take risks and step in a different direction. After the psychedelic behemoth of 2012 that was 'Lonerism', it's been a bit of a wonder as to what would be next for Kevin. This album will undoubtedly divide fans, with its focus leaning more towards the electronic wonder as opposed to the effects-heavy guitar riffs thatAn incredible development for Kevin, showcasing he's not afraid to take risks and step in a different direction. After the psychedelic behemoth of 2012 that was 'Lonerism', it's been a bit of a wonder as to what would be next for Kevin. This album will undoubtedly divide fans, with its focus leaning more towards the electronic wonder as opposed to the effects-heavy guitar riffs that spurred throughout the opening two albums. I, personally, love the new sound. Songs like 'The Moment' and 'The Less I Know The Better' show off a versatility for Kevin in a different capacity, using accented synth and whirring bass loops. Lyrically, songs like 'Let It Happen' and 'Eventually' are spot on, using clever musical quirks to match the surprising heft that Kevin has woven into the words. It's an incredible journey through all things weird and wonderful, stopping off for a few moments to remind fans of what Tame Impala are all about. Kevin isn't afraid to disappear down a rabbit hole with a sound and warp it into something interstellar, and with this album he has crafted an odyssey of trance, electronica and psychadelia. Perhaps due to sit on my album of the year for 2015, Kevin has once again crafted a sound that is wholly enjoyable and indescribably well orchestrated, and even though it will soon become evident this new sound isn't for everyone - it's definitely for me.… Expand
  20. Micrometrics
    Jul 23, 2015
    10
    Loveless, Kid A, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, Lonerism are recent cases of notable albums (between so many others) which added value, proficiency and responsiveness to break new ground and to propel the momentum towards a future of great abundance of worthwhile music albums. Now, Currents joins the elite marking what should be Tame Impala's most glorious work.
  21. LeFelixBrown
    Jul 17, 2015
    10
    Tame Impala's new album is a perfect showcase of Kevin Parker's psychedelic talents. The beautifully-produced Currents is awash with a heady atmosphere, which Parker punctuates with his signature fuzz guitars and a whole new smorgasbord of nostalgic 80s-synth melodies. The song-writing, both lyrically and musically, is on par with Tame Impala's previous record, Lonerism, but feels uniqueTame Impala's new album is a perfect showcase of Kevin Parker's psychedelic talents. The beautifully-produced Currents is awash with a heady atmosphere, which Parker punctuates with his signature fuzz guitars and a whole new smorgasbord of nostalgic 80s-synth melodies. The song-writing, both lyrically and musically, is on par with Tame Impala's previous record, Lonerism, but feels unique and fresh in a way that one wouldn't expect from the band. Yet this all makes sense. It feels like a step in the right direction for these guys. Will it divide? Oh, undoubtedly. The best thing to do when you approach this album is simply let your inhibitions go, take a deep breath, and relax.… Expand
  22. Radiohead2000
    Jul 17, 2015
    10
    Tame Impala takes their signature psychedelic rock into different territories on "Currents" and I couldn't imagine them doing it any better. It's a beautiful record overall, all thanks to the genius mind of Kevin Parker, it really is a journey into his mind, and I love when artists fully express themselves in their music, Parker successfully does that. One of the best albums of the year!!!
  23. wbrown14
    Jul 19, 2015
    9
    A phenomenal album in terms of both production and songwriting; Tame Impala prove to progress psychedelic rock/pop forward with each release. Currents is a record that takes the best aspects from several genres and seamlessly fuses them under a meticulously crafted layer of production. Tame Impala's signature driving basslines, dreamy vocals and breathtaking melodies are present as ever onA phenomenal album in terms of both production and songwriting; Tame Impala prove to progress psychedelic rock/pop forward with each release. Currents is a record that takes the best aspects from several genres and seamlessly fuses them under a meticulously crafted layer of production. Tame Impala's signature driving basslines, dreamy vocals and breathtaking melodies are present as ever on Currents, while gorgeously layered synths more or less take the place of fuzzed-out guitars. Like Tame Impala's discography itself, most of these tracks hook from the start and evolve into an unexpected beauty by the end. "Let It Happen" and "The Less I Know the Better" particularly culminate into melodic masterpieces in their final minute, while "Yes I'm Changing" contains a tension build-and-release around the 2:40 mark that must be one of Kevin Parker's greatest musical moments yet. Lyrically, the album doesn't disappoint and is a continuation of Parker's introspective delve into his psyche, focusing particularly on change and relationships. Currents is not perfect, but it is a fantastic work of art. On the current trajectory, Kevin Parker will successfully create a masterpiece that joins the ranks of rock's most revered albums (Revolver, Dark Side of the Moon); until then, we have Currents to remind us that innovative rock albums are still being made.… Expand
  24. WXYZ
    Jul 17, 2015
    10
    This album is marvelous. Just like Lonerism, Kevin Parker's lyricism & production and the band's composition are once again at the very core. With this album, Tame Impala have raised the bar one more time, fusing psychedelic rock, R&B, disco, synthpop, psychedelic pop and indie rock into one perfect album. At the end of the album, you might think that by the time this journey ends, it's asThis album is marvelous. Just like Lonerism, Kevin Parker's lyricism & production and the band's composition are once again at the very core. With this album, Tame Impala have raised the bar one more time, fusing psychedelic rock, R&B, disco, synthpop, psychedelic pop and indie rock into one perfect album. At the end of the album, you might think that by the time this journey ends, it's as if the songs have come full circle. The only songs I didn't like (but still fit) were "Nangs" and "Disciples" because they were a bit too short, but nevertheless... I'm still giving this album a 10/10.

    Anyways, enough said. GO BUY THIS ALBUM NOW!    … Expand
  25. BigDJohnWick
    Aug 15, 2022
    9
    Kevin’s watery dreamy vocals alongside hypnotic synths and more makes this album a must listen and one of the best songs 2010’s material.
  26. rceberl
    Oct 5, 2015
    10
    Wow!
    First record in several years that's truly "jaw dropping" good.
    Been listening to this record last week. It is, simply put, AMAZING. Had listened the other two studio albums from Tame Impala for a while, and despite both also being fantastic, this one is a real masterpiece. I just can't stop listening to it. Which is odd, since I always stick with guitar driven albums. Somehow    Wow!
    First record in several years that's truly "jaw dropping" good.
    Been listening to this record last week. It is, simply put, AMAZING.
    Had listened the other two studio albums from Tame Impala for a while, and despite both also being fantastic, this one is a real masterpiece.
    I just can't stop listening to it.
    Which is odd, since I always stick with guitar driven albums. Somehow this one is absolutely perfect with almost no guitars in it.
    Since they'll come to lollapalooza I thought, let's check the new release on apple music.
    Now I cant get enough of it.
    Superb first track 'Let It Happen' will hook you, and the rest just flows.

    This band just rocketed to my top priority as a must-see live act.    … Expand
  27. Ricko
    Jan 18, 2016
    8
    Contrary to what you might hear about a change of direction to be a dance record or EDM, "Currents" is not that far removed from "Lonerism". There are some more synths than before in the mix but the Tame Impala sound you know and love is found in every minute of the album. For every beat and sample, you've got a naturally played drum beat, bass line or guitar lick. They've moved fromContrary to what you might hear about a change of direction to be a dance record or EDM, "Currents" is not that far removed from "Lonerism". There are some more synths than before in the mix but the Tame Impala sound you know and love is found in every minute of the album. For every beat and sample, you've got a naturally played drum beat, bass line or guitar lick. They've moved from psychedelic rock to a more psychedelic pop sound but the change is very smooth and logical rather than a leap to the left. No one is doing the psychedelic thing on a level anywhere near them at the moment. An excellent follow up to one of the albums of 2012 in "Lonerism". The album is best listened to as a whole and Kevin Parker has clearly put much thought into the sequencing of the record - the songs slip into one another fairly seamlessly. If I were to pick one highlight, "The Moment", which comes along relatively early in the album, steals the show.… Expand
  28. BeauFuller
    Sep 5, 2015
    10
    Well done, a welcome change of pace. Please try out other stuff too and try some of your old stuff next time, as both types of your music is great. .
  29. Bigbry
    Aug 8, 2015
    9
    At first listen I didn't dig this album as much has the previous two efforts. However, after many listens it rivals Lonerism as Parker's best. Also a brave move by Parker and shows he is fearless like the very best songwriters. This album is a consummate grower :)
  30. Andremax
    Feb 11, 2019
    9
    Currents is eclectic, although being psychedelic music. Elements as R&B, pop, soft rock, electronic and disco were added and are very welcome, since the majority of musics are good and the album is generally consistent, despite some forgettable musics, but nothing that blows grandiose moments.
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Awards & Rankings

54
#54 Best Album of 2015
16
#16 Most Discussed Album of 2015
27
#27 Most Shared Album of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Jul 30, 2015
    89
    Danceable grooves and R&B beats heighten the disc's eclectic imagination.
    Read full review
  2. The Quietus
    Jul 27, 2015
    80
    It is sparkling and wistful, and it's quite lovely.
    Read full review
  3. No Ripcord
    Jul 27, 2015
    90
    His synth work on this record is nothing short of remarkable, and his ability as a producer is further enhanced to a level at which he has no contemporaries. Parker is a once-in-a-generation talent, and this album is conclusive evidence of it.
    Read full review
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