It’s Time (For a New Album): Imagine Dragon’s ‘Smoke + Mirrors’ expected to be tremendous success

Last Tuesday, Imagine Dragons released its second album titled “Smoke + Mirrors.” The band also released three preview songs leading up to the album. All three songs brought promises of an album that will retain the original sound of Imagine Dragons, while bringing something new as well.

On Oct. 27, 2014, Imagine Dragons released the lead single of their new album. It was titled “I Bet My Life” and identified as an alternative and rock song. Listening to it, fans of Imagine Dragons will recognize a similar style to the songs from the band’s previous album, “Night Visions.” Since its release, the song has garnered much success, ranking in the top five of the Alternative and Rock Songs Charts. Additionally, the band performed the song live at the American Music Awards.

Next, the band went on a promotional rampage, releasing album art and a list of tracks that would appear on the album. Following that, Imagine Dragons released “Gold,” one of the final songs that was written for “Smoke + Mirrors.” It harkens to the same style as “Radioactive” from “Night Visions” while still maintaining a new gypsy-like style that is unique to this album. However, it still contains the same folk genre that Imagine Dragon fans grew to love in “Night Visions.” Although I am not a fan of the genre of music this song was based off of, I can certainly appreciate the smooth, cool introduction that flows well into very solid verses.

The third and final preview song the band released was “Shots.” This song strays away from the booming sound of “I Bet My Life” and the mystical sound of “Gold.” Instead, listeners are treated to a style of music that brings in flavor from the 1980s, utilizing a synthetic tone. This song demonstrates the band’s ability to play music that still keeps a light flavor. While the music in itself is clearly uplifting, the lyrics still contain the same Imagine Dragons “darkness,” focusing on personal adversity, much like the previous two songs. I have always been a fan of the style of the 1980s and “Shots” brings a refreshing pitch to the genre from start to finish.

With all the advertising that the band has done, it is not hard to imagine how much hype has been generated around “Smoke + Mirrors.” Imagine Dragons sent their fans on a kind of scavenger hunt, sending a wide variety of fans one of 13 puzzle pieces, each representing a part of the new album cover. Once fans combined all 13 parts, the new album cover was revealed along with the album title.

Personally, I believe that this album will be a smashing success. It appeals to both old fans of Imagine Dragons and potential new fans who might stumble upon it. It touts the classic Imagine Dragons folk and alternative style, in addition to providing uplifting tracks that provide a warm balance to the album as a whole. Also, the amount of promotion that the band has done with “Smoke + Mirrors” is tremendous, which has given its fans much to look forward to. Although this album may not be as successful as some of 2014’s biggest albums, it is sure to win the band many new fans.

It seems that Imagine Dragons has not wavered on its desire to achieve more in the music industry. The band has experimented with some new styles of music in addition to their style that has already attracted many music lovers. Regardless of your music taste, I suggest that you give at least a few songs from “Smoke + Mirrors” a listen. There is bound to be something that you will enjoy.

The views in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the HiLite staff. Reach Lucus Cheng at lcheng@hilite.org.