Album Review: Smoke and Mirrors by Imagine Dragons

Photo from Wikipedia

Words by: Emma Dunne

I reviewed the new album for Imagine Dragons that comes out February 17th, 2015. The first song is called “Shots.” The title needs no real explanation; we get it. You’re going to sing about drinking shots. Got it.The second song is called “Gold.” OK; my first initial thought here is what’s the connection? Did the artists think that once we write this song; “Shots”; after everybody listen to this song; they will be drinking shots; and then I perceive they will start to have sex afterwards? Seems the general theme here. If I write a song about “shots”; more people will drink to it; and then if I write a song called “Gold”; more people will have sex to it! Logic! But what’s lacking here is a general feeling of ANYTHING other than this mass-produced music. No offense, but Imagine Dragons has officially sold out. I’ve heard them live; they’re absolutely TERRIBLE live; and while I was in love with one of their first albums, “Night Visions”; it honestly gets like a B or a B- grade on the grading scale. This album to me is a failed attempt at appealing to my generation: the millennial.  The ONLY- literally ONLY song on this album that I can give any credit for them producing is “I Bet my Life.” It’s a catchy tune. But that really is all it has going for it. It’s catchy. You can sing this song on the way to work. You can sing this song in your car. You can sing this song while dancing with your girlfriends (maybe even sloppy drunk). It’s a one hit wonder though. No other song catches my attention on this album making Imagine Dragons unfortunately one of those “flash in the pan” bands where one day you see them winning and the next you’re begging to listen to another Taylor Swift album. Even though I am not a fan of Taylor Swift, and will never be interested in listening or buying a Taylor Swift album, I can safely say this album is another long anticipated dud coming out in the year 2015. What a freaking disappointment for all those interested in listening to this very overly hyped band.

xx