Imagine Dragons released their second album "Smoke + Mirrors" on Feb. 17, 2015. Before elaborating on the crash and burn of this album that probably created the smoke the album name is referring to, we should reminisce on the band’s multiplatinum first album "Night Visions."
With the release of their first album in 2012, the Nevada-based band overwhelmed the charts and radio airways with their top hit “Radioactive,” which sold over 9 million copies. This was clearly not due to originality but, most likely, familiarity.
In "Night Visions" and "Smoke + Mirrors," Imagine Dragons sound vaguely like a compressed version of U2 and Coldplay. The term “Mirrors” in their album title probably alludes to their mirror-image bands OneRepublic or The Black Keys.
"Smoke + Mirrors" gave into the mainstream fad which incorporates electronic beats, catchy drumming rhythms, audio-generated clapping and fake crowd sing-a-longs and the ooo’s and ahh’s that remind you of bluegrass and folk music that makes the conforming teen feel indie and down-to-earth.
Even their lyrics can be considered beyond basic. The lyrics never talk about God or a savior, but they ride awfully close to the subject. The songs discuss a journey of redemption to live an acceptable spiritual lifestyle in world of riches, fame and glory.
These melancholic and regretful lyrics can be heard in the single “Shots," where the main singer sings about his wrong choices and doubtfulness, and in the song “Gold," he sings about the struggle to trust the people around you.
Many of the songs express an angst that the teenage generation usually wallows in and uses on their journey to find themselves. Their target audience can relate to Imagine Dragons' desire to follow a moral path and obtain some sort of insightful wisdom.
Imagine Dragons is smart to attack the mainstream because that is where they will be most likely to find their audience. They will be more successful pushing their music through a portal like the radio, which they have been effective to light up from time to time.
Imagine Dragons lives up to their mediocre expectations in this album. They continue to rely on their creative vision to select a variety of music styles to express their clichéd lyrics and sound. Although this album does not surpass its potential, this probably won’t be the last time we hear from Imagine Dragons.