Tame Impala, Dracula | Wacky Wednesday

In the 52^nd edition of Wacky Wednesday (2025), we break down the unique “Dracula,” performed by Tame Impala.

Do you know what day it is? It is Wednesday, folks! Do you know what that means? Why, it is Wacky Wednesday! In the spirited column Wacky Wednesday, we analyze, break down, and explore songs from various musicians of various genres that can be considered unique, unusual, or ‘wacky.’  These songs can be new or old; the only requirement is that they ‘catch the ears’ because of their distinctiveness.  With the background established, in the 52^nd edition of Wacky Wednesday (2025), we break down the unique “Dracula”, performed by Tame Impala. Wacky Wednesday vibes commence!

Tame Impala, the Grammy-winning alternative project of talented Aussie musician Kevin Parker (b. 1986), returned in 2025 with their first album in five years, Deadbeat.  One of the highlights of Deadbeat was the third track and single, “Dracula”. Parker penned the colorful “Dracula” with songwriter and producer Sarah Aarons. Parker produced it himself.

From an initial listen, “Dracula” is a gem. The production kicks ass and takes names.  The groove takes the cake as the best instrumental moment from the accompaniment.  But, beyond the groove, the keys, synths, and programming are all on point. Specifically, the haunted, Dracula-like sounds (organ flavors) help set the tone and bring the lyrics to life.  Kevin Parker sounds amazing as he sings, bringing the melodies to life and also exhibiting plenty of personality.  The songwriting is memorable. “The shadows, yeah, they keep me pretty like a movie star / Daylight makes me feel like Dracula,” Parker memorably sings at the end of the first verse.  In the second, he drops a bomb: “Now I’m Mr. Charisma, fuckin’ Pablo Escobar.” Word! He follows the line up with another banger: “My friends are saying, ‘Shut up, Kevin, just gеt in the car.’”  Following each verse, Parker unveils the refrain: “In the darkness, I would never leave.” That sounds fitting given the Dracula references.  There is also the centerpiece, the chorus, excerpted earlier, in all of its vampirical glory. Vampires and sun don’t mix! The bridge can’t be denied either: “But please, do you think about what it might mean? / ‘Cause I dream about you in my sleep / That you ever love someone like me, like me (Oh).” Tame Impala put their foot into “Dracula”, which earned them their first top 40 single on the Billboard Hot 100.  Regardless of the pop success, this haunted song is one of the best of 2025.

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Tame Impala » Deadbeat » Columbia » 2025

Tame Impala, Dracula: Wacky Wednesday No. 52 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Columbia; Rich The Barber Font from Font Space; Wendel Natan from Pexels; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

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