Same Ol’ Mistakes is a track produced and released by Tame Impala that was then remixed by Rihanna. I like this particular track in that I think it is one of those songs that is mixed to where every sound pops without any real mud or clashing frequencies. The sound is very full.
The sound that pops the most in the song is the strong distorted synth bass. It sounds like there are several layers to this. At times it sounds like a very digital sound, other times it sounds like a real bass guitar. Sometimes it sounds so full and meaty like a distorted moog bass. The drums are simple but hit hard, and sound like a real drum set. I also like how they mix in hard snares with softer snaps and claps, always keeping you on your toes. The sound design is filled with synthy, techno, spacey sounds throughout. The best final touch is what sounds like a sitar type instrument at times which is really quirky and unique; they even leave a silenced bar where you can really hear it soloed out for a few seconds. Rihanna’s voice sounds spacey, but it isn’t heavily edited. I don’t hear much autotune, but there is definitely reverb attributing to the dreamy feel of the song. I like how it isn’t overly edited because it highlights her natural voice and really commemorates the quality in her natural sound. I think one of the main attributions to the intense reverb sound is because there is an ambient vocal long note that goes throughout the song, you hear it in the very beginning. At times it is layered with other tracks, making it a chord. It has heavy reverb, but is almost used more as an instrument, maybe even reversed, it has a really unique sound.
The bridge of the song brings new color to the track with more guitar sequences than bass. The vocals reach a higher, dreamy octave, and Rihanna also exemplifies strong vibrato in her voice. At the conclusion of the bridge, there is a reversed lead type sound, contributing to the theme of the beginning reversed vocal type sound. Then, the original idea comes back in, tying the whole song together, but with added synth licks and moving parts. Even though it is kind of a repeating sequence, and an idea we heard already, it feels like the climax, and has a ton of energy. Overall, I tend to listen to the production in songs first, and this is one of my favorite productions ever, with the mixing and complexity. The song is years old now, but it is something I never mind coming back to listen to, always refreshing.