The Slow Rush

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The Slow Rush is the fourth studio album by Tame Impala, the project of Australian musician Kevin Parker. It was released on February 14, 2020, and runs about 57 minutes. The album blends psychedelic pop, disco, and electronic styles, building on the moodier, more expansive sound Parker explored on Currents (2015).

Release details and reception
The Slow Rush arrived after the singles Patience and Borderline, with Borderline serving as the first official single from the album. Other singles include It Might Be Time, Posthumous Forgiveness, Lost in Yesterday, Breathe Deeper, and Is It True. The record was well received by critics and performed strongly on charts around the world, reaching number one in Australia, Portugal, and Scotland and debuting at number three on the US Billboard 200. It also earned Parker several awards at the 2020 ARIA Music Awards, including Album of the Year, Best Group, Best Rock Album, Engineer of the Year, and Producer of the Year. The album was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album at the Grammys, and Lost in Yesterday was nominated for Best Rock Song. A deluxe box set of The Slow Rush was released in February 2022, featuring b-sides, remixes (including Four Tet and Blood Orange), and a guest appearance from Lil Yachty.

Background and themes
Parker said the key takeaway from making The Slow Rush was to trust his instincts and not overwork the music. He drew inspiration from a wide range of sounds and aimed to blend different worlds in a collage-like way. The album’s central theme is the passage of time, with songs that feel sunny on the surface while exploring inner doubt and change. The recording process included a dramatic moment when Parker had to flee a Malibu house during wildfires, escaping with only a few belongings. The album cover images, and those of its singles, are photos taken in the ghost town of Kolmanskop, Namibia, by photographer Neil Krug, enhanced with vibrant color to match the music’s psychedelic vibe.

Sound and standout moments
The Slow Rush is described as more upbeat and expansive than earlier Tame Impala records, with influences ranging from 70s soul to 90s techno. It opens with the intimate, moody One More Year and moves through tracks like Instant Destiny, Borderline, and Breathe Deeper, which mixes disco grooves with synth textures. Lost in Yesterday has a sunny, beachy feel, while It Might Be Time hints at urgency and doubt. The album also includes instrumental and exploratory pieces such as Glimmer and Tomorrow’s Dust, finishing with a reflective note on time and solitude in One More Hour.