An Anniversary retrospective
Happy (almost) 10th birthday to Currents. The 3rd studio album from Tame Impala and what’s widely considered a modern classic. But now, it’s been a decade. Is this still the case? Yes, nostalgia can lend a helping hand; even the most misunderstood or panned albums can become beloved if time allows it. But time is also susceptible to tainting an album, especially in the double digits. Some hold up. Some don’t. So does this particular album live up to its initial acclaim?
THE TRACKS
Kevin Parker’s schtick is his experimentation. This rings true behind the scenes as a jack-of-all-trades musician, and with the opening song/single, Let It Happen. Nearly 8 minutes long yet immediately gripping, mostly due to how it morphs within itself. From the opening synths to the chorus with the lone voice of Parker to the lengthy outro, which merges modulated vocals with all of the above and more layered onto itself. Sounds excessive, but this rollercoaster leaves you intrigued for where this journey will take you.
“…it’s Parker’s genius that makes it a cut above the rest”
The rest of the singles are more conventional, (they don’t include the tracks skipping like a faulty vinyl for a start), but they follow the same formula. Psych-pop/rock is what this album typically gets narrowed down to and applauded over and it’s there. Aesthetically. It has the vibe of a track like Strawberry Fields Forever without actually being Strawberry Fields Forever sonically. Some of Tame Impala’s past tracks are much better examples; the single Feels Like We Only Go Backwards from 2012’s Lonerism resembles The Doors circa Morrison Hotel. However, with Currents, and the intense usage of synthesisers, the new wave or disco influences are more notable. In lamest terms, it’s Indie. But it’s Parker’s genius that makes it a cut above the rest.
“Every other track (…) merely makes you listen.
This track makes you feel.”
Cause I’m A Man eliminates the grandeur of the production and puts focus on Parker’s lyrics- written from the perspective of a partner who messed up and does what he does cause “I’m a man (…) Don’t always think before I do.” He’s self-aware, yes. In his own words, pathetic. But there’s an interesting nuance to it, particularly when it comes to picking apart his own fragile masculinity. Eventually so easily could be a sappy ballad about a relationship breakdown, but the composition of the synths and fuzzy guitars, paired with Parker’s harmonies in that chorus especially, make it a standout. Every other track, while brilliantly orchestrated, merely makes you listen. This track makes you feel.
“The Slow Rush (…) better encapsulates this sound”
The Less I Know The Better, a staple in the general discography, makes for a fun little sing-along. It also teases an element of funk, made obvious in the opening riff, which sets it apart from the rest of the album. R&B is reportedly another influence and while it’s a stretch, you could just about make the argument with this song. The Slow Rush, the follow up album released in 2020, better encapsulates this sound, and serves as the next step in Parker’s mission to try everything- although the tracks Lost In Yesterday and Glimmer could’ve easily been slotted into Currents, and they’d fit perfectly.
Other highlights include Reality In Motion– simplistic compared to the others yet is one of the more underrated tracks Tame Impala’s ever done thus far. Love/Paranoia is pretty self-explanatory. It effectively taps into the Cause I’m A Man playbook by delving back into Parker’s psyche as an insecure partner. New Person, Same Old Mistakes– similar format to Let it Happen with a mid-song key change that emphasises Parker’s vocal range, but there’s something more to it overall. It’s mellow, it’s dreamy- more likely to be the most beautiful song on the album had it not shared the floor with Eventually.
THE VERDICT
Right then. Does it still hold up? Currents somewhat rode the wave of MGMT and Daft Punk’s work, but in the realm of early to mid-2010s indie, this album stands the test of time. Kevin Parker’s ear is second to none, and his attempt to blend fragments of musical styles old and current helped create something outstanding. While not as experimental as many claimed it to be, and a couple songs do suffer from sounding repetitive (no offense, The Moment) but all these years later, it’s hard to dispute that this is an album worthy of its reputation and worth a listen to.
“Let it happen (it’s gonna feel so good).”
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