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. axelkoch
    Dec 16, 2012
    6
    It's not as fascinating as their debut album, but that doesn't change their enchanting style. Whoever says something like there's nothing like Pink Floyd anymore needs to listen to these guys. Alas, they don't crow with good lyrics and the tunes all sound pretty similar. Innerspeaker was better, in this release everything sounds so analogical. Regardless, their style is great and I enjoyedIt's not as fascinating as their debut album, but that doesn't change their enchanting style. Whoever says something like there's nothing like Pink Floyd anymore needs to listen to these guys. Alas, they don't crow with good lyrics and the tunes all sound pretty similar. Innerspeaker was better, in this release everything sounds so analogical. Regardless, their style is great and I enjoyed the atmosphere of Lonerism.… Collapse
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. Mesmerize
    Aug 9, 2016
    9
    9.5 nine point five
    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
  9. 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)
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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).
  13. LetzTalkMoveez
    Dec 21, 2012
    6
    Reverb is a dangerous thing to dabble in. Tame Impala has found an interesting sound that doesn't just dabble in reverb, it's dead-in-the-water drenched with it. The life in some very good songwriting and catchy guitar riffs is almost drained by it. Props for sticking with a general aesthetic, guys, but sometimes it's more interesting to hear what the hell you're actually doing.
  14. 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.
  15. 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
  16. catcarlo
    Jan 29, 2013
    7
    Per pura casualità, ho ascoltato questo disco in contemporanea con la lettura degli ultimi capitoli di
  17. 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".
  18. 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.
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. 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!!!
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. Tango80
    May 25, 2020
    9
    Brilliant album. Great guitars, good songwriting, Still their best album although all the others are great too.
  25. Mattydigs
    Feb 6, 2013
    6
    I find the amount of overwhelming praise for this album absolutely ridiculous. It has some obvious, glaring flaws which I will show you. Let's get into it. The whole thing SOUNDS great (wonderful production and choice of everything, really) BUT the song structures are often weak and the melodies are pretty mediocre at points. When you break down the songs themselves they often are veryI find the amount of overwhelming praise for this album absolutely ridiculous. It has some obvious, glaring flaws which I will show you. Let's get into it. The whole thing SOUNDS great (wonderful production and choice of everything, really) BUT the song structures are often weak and the melodies are pretty mediocre at points. When you break down the songs themselves they often are very blase and repetitive. Some songs even putter out in the middle and just cruise to the endpoint. Like he just didn't know where to go with the song and just said it, I'll just extend the current part for 2-3 minutes and add in a couple solos. They won't notice'. Some entire songs are like that. When you get past all the gorgeous sounds there's not an awful lot of meat on these bones. I will say that 'apocalypse dreams' and 'elephant' are wonderful. 'Gotta be above it' is great too. The rest is ok but it's too repetitive to last for me.

    Now I'm going to talk about random songs

    'Mind Mischief' is pretty good. It relies heavily on effects and studio trickery like many of the other songs but it definitely works on this one. The melodies are good too and the song itself 'travels' just enough to satisfy. Don't think I'll be coming back to it that often but it's good.

    'Music to Walk Home By' could have been immense. I can easily see how this song could have just launched into a whole 'nother dimension but it doesn't really travel far. It's still ok to good but again, repetitive (without very strong melodies to fancy it up).

    'Why won't they talk to me' is SO ****ing annoying. How many times do we really need to hear the chorus ffs (it's not that amazing to begin with) and if he is going to reach a 'cathartic' moment of realization by saying "But I don't even care about it anyway. I wouldn't listen to a word any of them say. They just talk about themselves all day. One day Ill be a star and they'll be sorry" then he shouldn't ruin that moment by relegating back to the chorus which makes it seem like he doesn't really believe what he just said. For listeners relating to his experience this could have been therapeutic but instead it just wallows in self-pity and shallow fantasies of revenge.

    'Feels like we only go Backwards' is the biggest mistake here. They took what could have been an amazing song (with the addition of a part or 2) and just REPEAT THE out of the chorus. That is basically the whole song. It sounds gorgeous and has strong melodies so it is still 'good' though it wears out its welcome quicker because of the overbearing repetition.

    'Keep on lying' is like they took 5 seconds of music and just looped it, threw on some OK guitar and organ solos/drones and called it a song.

    Anything I didn't mention is pretty much OK to 'blah'. I'd give it a 6 based on the strength of the better songs.

    I hear some people throwing around the word masterpiece which is just ridiculous. Something like 'Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots' or even the Ruby Suns 'Sea Lion' is much closer to a psych-pop masterpiece than this.    … Expand
  26. AlefNog
    Sep 16, 2019
    8
    Great.Its four A.M right now and I'm not gonna do a review properly.............
  27. decwilclay
    May 13, 2022
    10
    ‘Lonerism’ - a beautiful piece of art created by the brilliant Kevin Park.
  28. afar1
    Nov 27, 2012
    5
    Be above it,
    Elephant,
    EndorsToi
    Feels like we only gobackwards Mind mischief Music to walk home by
    The rest of the songs avoid.... I was hoping for this cd to be amazing instead I struggled with it.
  29. 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
  30. L0UI5
    Apr 15, 2018
    9
    9/10.......................................................................
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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
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