Lonerism
by Tame Impala
  • Record Label: Modular
  • Release Date: Oct 9, 2012
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 500 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 460 out of 500
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 500
  3. Negative: 22 out of 500
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  1. Ricko
    Jan 20, 2014
    8
    Steeped in psychedelia, Lonerism reminds you of the past while at the same time sounding very much of the here and now. It's one of the better records of recent years and while the record has an undeniable pop sensibility, it's well left of the middle. Lonerism always remind me of something (Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds often)and I mean this in the best possible way. Tame Impala are notSteeped in psychedelia, Lonerism reminds you of the past while at the same time sounding very much of the here and now. It's one of the better records of recent years and while the record has an undeniable pop sensibility, it's well left of the middle. Lonerism always remind me of something (Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds often)and I mean this in the best possible way. Tame Impala are not about recycling whats gone before but more like putting what gone before in a washing machine and spinning it about a couple of hundred times. If the Beatles and Pink Floyd had an illegitimate love child, it's name might well have been Tame Impala.

    The album drifts into existence slowly as the dream "Be Above It" comes along and builds steadily. The album builds from here using a collection of heavy bass, fuzzy guitars, solid percussion and piano with a dreamy Lennonesque vocal leading proceedings. The track "Elephant" sound like one of the heavier sessions from the White album while my favourite track from the album "Feels Like We Only Go Backwards" is indie pop at its best. Great record, close to being a 9 out of 10 and could grow into one in time.    … Expand
  2. All_ButTrU4
    Aug 24, 2022
    8
    If the beatles needed antidepressants and friends this is probably how they'd sound. Lonerism is an epic psychedelic rock record that like the title suggest explores loneliness though the relationships we hold. It's melodic, fresh and original. Higlights:feeps like we're only going backwards, be above it,apocalypse &elephant
  3. Andremax
    Feb 11, 2019
    9
    Lonerism mixes the Beatles' fresh pop appeal with the couple of layers which lets experience absolutely immersive, gorgeous and soul-washing. Although some tracks doesn't know hour of stopping, listening doesn't gets committed, because of album has much more offering.
  4. adhamhany
    Mar 6, 2014
    10
    The Beatles. The 60s. Psychedelia. Summer. It's an album that reminds me of all these beautiful things. Magnificent music, thanks to impeccable instrument work, particularly guitar and drums. The lyrics resonated with me on a personal level. The vocals are terrific. Kevin Parker's voice is one of the best I've heard in a long time.

    Perhaps no album released in the last decade has evoked    The Beatles. The 60s. Psychedelia. Summer. It's an album that reminds me of all these beautiful things. Magnificent music, thanks to impeccable instrument work, particularly guitar and drums. The lyrics resonated with me on a personal level. The vocals are terrific. Kevin Parker's voice is one of the best I've heard in a long time.

    Perhaps no album released in the last decade has evoked such colorful imagery in my mind, and i love albums that do so. I've listened to this album when it was released back in 2012, and I've been in love with it ever since.

    11 out of 10; for the rare album that transcends the realm of sound. A true classic; one which i hope people will remember decades from now, as I'm sure i will.    … Expand
  5. jotaeseche
    Aug 2, 2014
    10
    This material makes you fly and travel to a thousand different worlds; and all of them feel oblivious, fluorescent and, most of all, perfectly flawless.
  6. alecvl08
    Oct 12, 2014
    8
    Lonerism is an improvement to InnerSpeaker because of one thing: vocals. On the band's debut, the lyrics were forcefully shoved into the music, but on Lonerism, the vocals work much better. The production continues to be great, but some songs get slightly difficult to listen to, such as Apocalypse Dreams, which only continues to build and build on the same simple groove with no real rewardLonerism is an improvement to InnerSpeaker because of one thing: vocals. On the band's debut, the lyrics were forcefully shoved into the music, but on Lonerism, the vocals work much better. The production continues to be great, but some songs get slightly difficult to listen to, such as Apocalypse Dreams, which only continues to build and build on the same simple groove with no real reward for listening through the six-minute song. Overall, it's a great album, though. Favorite track: Elephant… Expand
  7. Mesmerize
    Aug 9, 2016
    9
    9.5 nine point five
    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
  8. CiphirSol
    Nov 16, 2014
    9
    Takes the ideas of Innerspeaker to a new level, and will certainly be tough for them to top. Overall an impressive CD that will be on repeat in my life for a long, long time. (Bonus points for the iTunes inclusion of "Led Zeppelin" song)
  9. hornysoul
    Sep 29, 2018
    10
    "Lonerism" é um álbum muito bem produzido, coerente e poderoso, inspirado no rock clássico que te leva a uma nova jornada alucionadora, através de ambientes sonoros complexos e intrigantes. Cada faixa deixa-nos completamente de queixo caído. Um dos melhores de 2012 e um dos melhores da era do pop psicodélico.
  10. normankant
    Sep 7, 2015
    9
    Lonerism is a great album that uses psychedelic music in order to create something new and intriguing. It's a rock record, but also a pop one since there are catchy melodies that are hard to forget.
  11. BENNEB
    Dec 31, 2012
    10
    Lonerism or loner??? Definitely one of the best albums of 2012. Tracks to listen: Elephant, Led Zeppelin (a bonus track) and Beverly Laurel (another bonus track).
  12. MCRR
    Jan 12, 2015
    9
    Rich, lavish, eclectic and fresh. More powerful than the 'inner speaker' album delivering Pink Floyd ambience with at times Lennon-like vocals and a sprinkling of T-Rex, all wrapped up in a modern synth rock blanket of luscious sound. A fabulous album from these Aussie lads that will touch upon all avid music lovers around the world. Highly recommended.
  13. Duu
    Feb 5, 2013
    9
    The sound of this album is psychedelic, well produced, but totally sprawling in its sonic ambitions. Though it is a sound over substance kind of album, Lonerism is epic in its soundscape. There is nothing like it out today. Of 11 actual full songs: 10 are at least respectable; of those, 8 are good; and of those, six are excellent. WIth that said, I almost always listen to the entire album.The sound of this album is psychedelic, well produced, but totally sprawling in its sonic ambitions. Though it is a sound over substance kind of album, Lonerism is epic in its soundscape. There is nothing like it out today. Of 11 actual full songs: 10 are at least respectable; of those, 8 are good; and of those, six are excellent. WIth that said, I almost always listen to the entire album. This is a complete album and fully realized. This is one of the top 3 albums released in 2012 and will probably be a classic.… Expand
  14. catcarlo
    Jan 29, 2013
    7
    Per pura casualità, ho ascoltato questo disco in contemporanea con la lettura degli ultimi capitoli di
  15. MatthewColombia
    Dec 1, 2012
    10
    Probably one of the albums of the year. NME has named it album of the year. It's got diferent sounds and styles, this is psychedelic music at its best. Also check their bonus tracks "Led Zeppelin" and "Beverly Laurel".
  16. surf1ngthevoid
    May 7, 2019
    9
    Definitely one of the best albums of the decade so far. Incredibly catchy since the first sentence ("gotta be above it"). I would say it's a big trip between psychedelia, electronic pop and a little of stoner rock riffs.
  17. analogbrat
    Jul 7, 2013
    9
    Taking Kevin Parker's attention to detail to its logical extreme, Tame Impala's sophomore album was nearly dismissed as Same Impala, a near-identical composite of what made 2010's Innerspeaker such a delight: fuzzy guitar tones, analog synths and the classic dry drum sound. Here, he blows the sound up and continues his streak of writing inescapably catchy verses. The snaking vocal lines ofTaking Kevin Parker's attention to detail to its logical extreme, Tame Impala's sophomore album was nearly dismissed as Same Impala, a near-identical composite of what made 2010's Innerspeaker such a delight: fuzzy guitar tones, analog synths and the classic dry drum sound. Here, he blows the sound up and continues his streak of writing inescapably catchy verses. The snaking vocal lines of "Elephant", "Feels Like We Only Go Backwards" and "Why Won't They Talk To Me" are better than most pop bands could ever come up with, and of course the sounds are pure bliss at high volume. In a year when a lot of rock bands looked to the past for inspiration, few managed to capture the sound and feel quite as convincingly as these Aussies did.… Expand
  18. BigDJohnWick
    Aug 15, 2022
    10
    Kaleidoscopic views, pink unicorns, candy grass describe how psych the album really is. Kevin’s vocals, absurd riffs, orgasmic synths, and outstanding album percs makes the album my favorite album of all time.
  19. Rustune
    May 9, 2013
    9
    This album makes me hopeful that bands like Tame Impala have a chance to bring psychedelic rock that enchants your mind. The tunes on this album each have their own feeling to them but are consistent enough to fit on the same album. Great stuff!!!
  20. Matielli
    Apr 16, 2014
    9
    Se tem uma banda que vale a pena ouvir hoje, essa banda é Tame Impala. Com influencias de bandas dos anos 60 e até em bandas mais novas, os australianos levam o ouvinte as profundezas psicodélicas com musicas que se distorcem na sua mente e se transformam em alucinógenos fazendo você sair completamente do mundo em que vive. Lonerism consegue ser melhor que seu antecessor e ainda se tornaSe tem uma banda que vale a pena ouvir hoje, essa banda é Tame Impala. Com influencias de bandas dos anos 60 e até em bandas mais novas, os australianos levam o ouvinte as profundezas psicodélicas com musicas que se distorcem na sua mente e se transformam em alucinógenos fazendo você sair completamente do mundo em que vive. Lonerism consegue ser melhor que seu antecessor e ainda se torna um dos melhores discos de 2012 com facilidade.… Expand
  21. clppngfan
    Aug 2, 2014
    10
    Absolutely the album of 2012, maybe even better than Kendricks GKMC. Innerspeaker had some pretty weak tracks and the production wasn't quite as good as it is here.
  22. Tango80
    May 25, 2020
    9
    Brilliant album. Great guitars, good songwriting, Still their best album although all the others are great too.
  23. AlefNog
    Sep 16, 2019
    8
    Great.Its four A.M right now and I'm not gonna do a review properly.............
  24. decwilclay
    May 13, 2022
    10
    ‘Lonerism’ - a beautiful piece of art created by the brilliant Kevin Park.
  25. MikaBeeWall
    Jul 27, 2019
    10
    it seems like I find something new every-time I listen incredible album, one of the most cum worthy albums of the decade
  26. L0UI5
    Apr 15, 2018
    9
    9/10.......................................................................
  27. battlebongs
    Aug 2, 2014
    10
    fukk yeeeah myniggggggggg. this shiiit make me wan smoke so many blunts it aint even funnnyy. I battlebong for this erryday. this is like the gkmc of psych music.
  28. Matheusfrs
    Nov 22, 2019
    10
    incrível. Lonerism é uma nova roupagem para o som criado pelos Beatles e Pink Floyd na era do rock psicodélico. Essa forte influência resulta em um dos melhores discos do século XXI.
  29. crazy_goose
    Feb 18, 2014
    10
    You know when you start listening to an album, and you start loving it, and you feel like you've heard it before, because it simply sounds that good. Like it was a part of you that was missing. This is that album, for me. Give it a chance. Listen to the album from the beginning, through the end. It's exciting, innovative, and with its classic 60's and 70's rock vibe, instantly fun. ItYou know when you start listening to an album, and you start loving it, and you feel like you've heard it before, because it simply sounds that good. Like it was a part of you that was missing. This is that album, for me. Give it a chance. Listen to the album from the beginning, through the end. It's exciting, innovative, and with its classic 60's and 70's rock vibe, instantly fun. It flows perfectly from start to finish, and by the time it's done you'll wish it wasn't.… Expand
  30. CinemaNoir
    Jul 28, 2013
    9
    A wonderful album; a refreshing throwback to the psychedelia art rock of the mid late 60s while not feeling overly nostalgic, it feels fresh and new. Fantastic guitar riff driven psychedelia dominate the heavily layered productions; very experimentally produced music that doesn't go over your head but feels like there is more than meets the ear on the first listen. Apocalypse Dreams, KeepA wonderful album; a refreshing throwback to the psychedelia art rock of the mid late 60s while not feeling overly nostalgic, it feels fresh and new. Fantastic guitar riff driven psychedelia dominate the heavily layered productions; very experimentally produced music that doesn't go over your head but feels like there is more than meets the ear on the first listen. Apocalypse Dreams, Keep on Lying and Endors Toi stick out to me as the standout tracks, but the entire album is fantastic. Kevin Parker is an incredible composer and I can't wait for what he's going to do next. I will say though that I think his side project, Melody's Echo Chamber with his girlfriend Melody Prochet, builds and improves upon this sound; it's honestly a better album, if at the very least it's equal. If you like Tame Impala and Lonerism you must check out Melody's Echo Chamber, you will not be disappointed.… Expand
  31. thebongschlong
    Aug 2, 2014
    10
    10/10 bong schlongs. everything is right and sexful. i could hit so maaany listen to this. no weak tracks or any a that filler or any bullllshiiiit crap.
  32. alphabetdisas
    Oct 11, 2018
    10
    Tame impala es una banda que ha podido demostrar un gran poder musical y haber podido usar los elementos de la psicodelia para grabar una pieza de tan alto nivel de calidad en lo que respecta en mostrarte un concepto y estilo musical monumental, era cuestión de tiempo a que se aconteciera una pieza musical influenciada por los beatles en varios aspectos, como modelar el concepto de estos yTame impala es una banda que ha podido demostrar un gran poder musical y haber podido usar los elementos de la psicodelia para grabar una pieza de tan alto nivel de calidad en lo que respecta en mostrarte un concepto y estilo musical monumental, era cuestión de tiempo a que se aconteciera una pieza musical influenciada por los beatles en varios aspectos, como modelar el concepto de estos y crear uno nuevo, el álbum ofrece un contenido memorable que parte con los modelos de la psicodelia y brinda una nueva experiencia a través de la unión de sonidos excelentes y una calidad que puede competir contra la competencia, es un objeto que llega a detener los prejuicios y ofrece una experiencia única a partir de la unión de varios instrumentos y su interacción y modificación para producir lonerism, un álbum solido que es parte de la historia de tame impala y un antecesor d otras obras maestras de la psicodelia como lo sera flying micrional banana y lo que predefinirá el rumbo musical antes de currents.

    Un álbum que te encierra en su propio mundo para darte nuevas experiencias, no se compara con kid a u otro álbum de calidad experimental, pero aclara que existe un contenido de tan alta calidad que puede modificar su entorno para mantenerse en la historia de una banda y en su época respectiva, ejemplo de esto es Feels like we only go backwards con u ritmo espacial que apunta hacia una creacion influenciada de los beatles, según mi interpretación u apocalypse dreams que coge estos elementos y recrea su propia composición en su estado mas puro.

    Sin embargo, la composición habla por si misma y recorre parámetros que son difíciles de dominar, sin embargo es memorable cuando se logra y este álbum revele un esfuerzo para obsequiar un elemento de exprimentacion actual que combate con los estereotipos y se aparta de la música común y su monopolio, una piedra preciosa que merece ser conservada, uno de los mejores discos que he oído, junto con K.G.L.W, Radiohead, the beatles, Interpol, Joy division y Pink Floyd.

    Po eso le doy una calificación de 95/100.

    PD: Half full glases también es una canción increíble, influenciada por un ritmo mas pink floyd    … Expand
  33. ratkingseb
    Sep 12, 2022
    10
    This album is as if alien psych rock was a genre. Every song is a new experience, it's a 14 course meal of an album.
  34. verdeverde
    Nov 25, 2012
    10
    Simply put, this is an amazing record. A psychedelic pop masterpiece. I recently saw the animated video for "Elephants" online...very cool. I can't wait to hear what Kevin Parker comes up with next.
  35. Prideguy94
    Dec 25, 2012
    10
    Lonerism deals with much of the 70's psychedelic era and transforms issues that we may have going on today into a melty substance of addiction and a need to know basis. Showing what the album brings to the table definitely encourages it to be spread around like gossip. Good album.
  36. alternapop
    Feb 23, 2020
    8
    There are some great tunes on here: Apocalypse Dreams, Mind Mischief, Sun's Coming Up, and of course Elephant. Nothing is really a 'miss' but some tunes aren't as strong as others. Feels Like We Only Go Backwards is also a strong song, and is also more accessible to a larger audience, but is foreshadowing of where Tame Impala could, and eventually will go... more pop.
  37. scottwalker89
    Aug 11, 2019
    10
    This album is near perfect in every way. Production quality is ahead of its time, yet simultaneously nostalgic. Melodically, rhythmically, it pushes boundaries that no other band of this generation is capable of crossing. Kevin Parker managed to surpass the expectations he built with Innerspeaker.
  38. lusca1997
    Mar 4, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. An all-around great Rock album. Sounds very trippy, just like its predecessor, Innerspeaker. My favorite tracks are Apocalypse Dreams, Nothing That Has Happened So Far Has Been Anything We Could Control and Sun's Coming Up. I would recommend it to anybody.… Expand
  39. Reed94
    Nov 18, 2012
    9
    Finally this website puts this on here. Great album, easily better than 'Innerspeaker' and one of the best of 2012. I wouldn't call it perfect, but it's close enough.
  40. DukeCumberjack
    Feb 6, 2013
    10
    Created an account just to review this wonderful piece of art. Incredibly fresh and in my opinion the best album of 2012. Keep up the good work.
  41. hedonistaltruis
    Jul 7, 2013
    10
    Simply put, this is one of the best albums I've ever heard. A near-perfect combination of technical mastery and emotional impact. Expansive, immersive, and yet somehow it remains focused. A perfect 10.
  42. prawnguy
    Aug 3, 2013
    9
    Didn't sound too special at a first listen, but as I listened to the album more, it really grew on me, one of my favorite albums of the decade for sure, Innerspeaker is also great.
  43. ionlywantedtime
    Aug 2, 2014
    10
    Even though this album is definitely the more pop-friendly mainstream side of indie, it's really good. Every tracks stands out, the instrumentation is so fleshed out and some tracks kick ass.
  44. driejust
    Aug 3, 2015
    10
    Lonerism is a current day masterpiece. All of the tracks work together to create what is not only a revival of psychedelic music, but a completely revitalized, updated and modern version of it.
  45. Bochenki
    Jan 13, 2022
    8
    With the cover and the vibe, Time Impala will always be a nostalgic comeback to my tumblr years. It is chill, very well balanced and slightly psychedelic, but just to the right level.
  46. talkingheady
    Dec 6, 2012
    10
    Incredible classic rock inspired sound that sends you on a nouveau psychedelic journey through lavish multi-layered soundscapes and leave you in slack-jawed amazement after every track. Personally i thought their debut album Innerspeaker would be tough to top, but this really takes the band to a new level. A no contest best album of the year, and sure to be one of the best of the decade. AIncredible classic rock inspired sound that sends you on a nouveau psychedelic journey through lavish multi-layered soundscapes and leave you in slack-jawed amazement after every track. Personally i thought their debut album Innerspeaker would be tough to top, but this really takes the band to a new level. A no contest best album of the year, and sure to be one of the best of the decade. A psychedelic pop masterpiece.… Expand
  47. Felsite
    Mar 18, 2014
    10
    Musical genius Kevin Parker has once again crafted a spectacular arrangement of songs, even better than those on Innerspeaker. Here, the sounds of the '60s and '70s are brought back once again and amped up to fit the modern era in a way only he could achieve. I don't think there is a bad song on this album, and if you're a fan of neo-psychedelic music with a huge sound, you likely won't, either.
  48. iothejedi
    Aug 31, 2015
    10
    This album is on my top 5 favorite albums of all time. From the very start I'm hooked, and find myself not putting it down until it's finished -- bonus tracks included (be sure to get these! Worth it! I listened to "Led Zeppelin" over and over until it felt weird not to be listening to it.) Kevin Parker is a super musical god in my eyes. If you enjoy the album(s) check them out live. TheyThis album is on my top 5 favorite albums of all time. From the very start I'm hooked, and find myself not putting it down until it's finished -- bonus tracks included (be sure to get these! Worth it! I listened to "Led Zeppelin" over and over until it felt weird not to be listening to it.) Kevin Parker is a super musical god in my eyes. If you enjoy the album(s) check them out live. They have crazy, trippy effects, colorful projections, and Kevin's traveling band -- Tame Impala -- are fantastic.
    Perfect 10 in my ears & heart, and they've kept it up since.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best Album of 2012
19
#19 Most Discussed Album of 2012
7
#7 Most Shared Album of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. cokemachineglow
    Dec 21, 2012
    80
    The titles and lyrics form a kind of manifesto of loneliness, elevating self-doubt and even insecurity into badges of honour. He struggles but, with the music growing all around him like a protective cushion, we only hear the sound of a deep, blissful sigh.
    Read full review
  2. The A.V. Club
    Dec 4, 2012
    91
    The band's latest, Lonerism, digs even deeper into those themes and sounds [early-'70s psychedelia, proto-metal, and British pop], and pulls out a masterful collage.
    Read full review
  3. The New York Times
    Dec 3, 2012
    80
    Tame Impala saves itself from mere revivalism with 21st-century self-consciousness and, tucked amid the swirl and buzz, touching confessions of insecurity.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »