Album- Night Visions (2012 release)
Artist- Imagine
Dragons
This American rock band definitely seem to be a band that
flourish in today’s musical world through their combining of a primary
alternative rock sound with elements of other genres such as hip hop and pop
and folk. And they definitely, or at least to me, seem like they are just on
the cusp of worldwide greatness. So in looking at this record today I simply
question whether this group has the potential to go far within the musical
stratosphere.
Track 1- Radioactive
The opening number is a powerful stomper of a track that
definitely signifies the bands great ear for a catchy and powerful tune.
Lyrically the track is cryptic tone as the group speak of being in this
revolutionist state that is seemingly a result of an apocalyptic world (hence
the songs use in the trailer for apocalyptic movie The Host). The lyrics may
not be something you can understand but the song has a strong tone that is
extremely catchy with the powerful chorus that immediately captures you and
sounds like it will be an amazing moment if you see the group live, as it has
that the crowd joins in to sing feel. The vocals of lead singer Dan Reynolds’s
also draws a cool line between a griity and rough exterior against a fragile,
human quality, with his more yelling than singing in the chorus still sounding
really cool and fresh, also emphasising that they can really get you to rock
out, However whilst the vocals may be more rock orientated, the sound of the
production is so cool in its mixture of electronic tones and booming, dubstep
influenced bass alongside the indie rock sound that you immediately find
yourself with a song that is addictive to listen to.
4.5/5
Track 2- Tiptoe
Initially starting out in a very subdued and dark way, this
track then powerfully builds into an electronic rock piece that feels fresh and
inspiring. If the previous song was a little bit subdued in it’s revolutionist
tone then this track is a stronger extension of that as the group almost
command us into action against these people who could bring us down. Yet as the
title may suggest, there not telling us to be really forceful in our rise to
the top, rather just control ourselves and go slow in order to achieve what we
want. It’s a nice sentiment that is
given lightness by the vocal tone of Reynold’s, who really contrasts with the
previous track by producing a fresh and smooth vocal performance, with the
small moments of falsetto emphasising that he is a strong frontman. The “hey
yeah” hook is also another catchy quality that suggests the group has a great
crowd pleasing mentality. Yet the best thing about this track has to be its
production, which is a really quite unique melding of sound. The typical rock
elements are there with the clattering drums and light guitar riffs, but this
is all based in an electronic undertone that is a little reminiscent of Kelly
Clarkson’s “Stronger”, and features prominent uses of synth beats that feel
80’s inspired and just give a cool, vibrant energy that is extremely appealing.
3.5/5
Track 3- It’s Time
Inspirational is seemingly a motif of this group as the band
create a light but deep track here which has a positive attitude in its lyrical
message of staying true to who you are and not changing for people. The lyrics
are really strong in terms of the way the verses have an almost storytelling
like quality to them whilst the chorus is very powerful and builds towards to a
bold finishing statement. Less of a mixing of genres is exhibited on this
track, but the sound is given a light indie rock tone with the handclapping
rhythms and the folk sensibilities with the bouncy guitar rhythms that make for
an intriguing listen. The track also makes a cool sound in terms of the
transition from the lightness of the verses to the depth of the chorus with its
strong drumbeat that emphasises that the group really mean what they are
singing. Reynold’s is once again strong vocally, with the rough quality of the
verse giving the nice sense of showing how he won’t conform but has found it
difficult. The final chorus is also really powerful with the background vocals
that give a crowd mentality and immediately make the track a prime encore tune
and something that can be really inspiring.
4/5
Track 4- Demons
The band goes into a darker place with this indie rock
ballad which is lyrically potent and quite specific in its intent. The track
finds Reynold’s warning his partner of the flaws that mark him and how he has a
dark edge to his personality. It’s a strong sentiment that comes out powerfully
in one particular line, and also works nicely in tapping into the human
condition, as we all have some form of emotional and mental baggage from the
war of life. The track is once again strong vocally as Reynold’s brings a nice
vocal tone that is fragile in the verses and powerful in the chorus, with the
layering bringing a passion to the hook driven chorus. Production wise the
track brings us the signature sound of the band in terms of the heavy bass drum
that comes out prominently in the chorus, setting the dark and forceful mood of
the track. The delicate guitar riffs and piano instrumentation also gives us
that small pocket of fragility that highlights how this is indeed a song that
can be seen to hide some demons.
4/5
Track 5- On Top of
the World
From the darkness of the previous track we find ourselves on
much more positive footing with this up beat number that is another inspiring
tune. The lyrics of the track find the band speaking of how they are on top of
the world, whilst also expressing how there was no easy root and it takes time.
It is seemingly a similar mentality to the track “Tiptoe”, but this time there
is an even greater lighter energy and much more of a just live for the day kind
of vibe. The song features a strong hook in the form of the chorus that is
given gravitas by the use of powerful vocals in the chorus which are layered to
create a crowd effect. Reynold’s has a light and happy vocal persona in this
track that is really pleasing for the listener. And the production features a
powerful mix of the indie rock energy with a pop happiness, featuring a mix of
piano, drums and guitar for a relatively upbeat tune.
3.5/5
Track 6- Amsterdam
Happiness seemed to be at the centre of the previous track,
but for this song we seemingly find the band in a much grittier state as they
speak of being sorry for letting people down in their lives and telling the
listener that we just have to wait in life, it’s hard but our time will come.
The song feature’s a much more rough and fragile vocal performance from
Reynold’s, who really seems to but a strong passion in this tune, particular in
terms of the way the bridge builds and the final chorus in which he almost
comes across as a little bit of a raving, mad man because he is so impassioned.
This is definitely one of the rockier moments for the group vocally and lyrically,
and it is also reflected in the forceful production with the heavy drumbeats
and manic guitar riffs, all on this bed of electronic tones that gives this
track its dark and subdued basis.
3.5/5
Track 7- Hear Me
Passion is another quality that really permeates this tune
which finds the band in more of a love based state. Lyrically the track almost
unfolds as a kind of relationship story as lead singer Reynold’s speaks of how
this girl could leave and their seems to be an instability in the relationship,
with Reynold’s asking if people can actually hear what he is saying and
feeling. By the bridge it seems that the couple could actually pull through as
Reynolds speaks of them running away. Vocally this is a cool moment in the
record in the way that Reynolds has a smooth tone and puts emphasises on the
lyrics that gives a kind of lilting tone, but the way the track is really
strong vocally is the way that the female background vocals really join
together in the chorus to give a kind of this is a two person setting to the
track. The production is prominent indie rock, but the toe tapping groove of
the drum beat has a little bit of an old school flavouring, and sounds nice
against the smoothness of the vocal.
4/5
Track 8- Every Night
A sweet nature of the band is exhibited within this track
which could be easily described as a love song. Lyrically the track is very
simple as Reynold’s sings of how he is not the best man and if his girl could
find a reason to end the relationship, he would not blame her, but till then he
will come home to her every night no matter what, because he feels so strongly.
The tracks sweetness comes out simply in the power of the statement “I’m coming
home to you, every night” that acts as the hook of the song and is given
gravitas by the layered vocals of Reynold’s, with Auto Tune being a minimal
product in this track that shows the tool can actually be used for good effect.
The electrifying production with its powerful guitar riffs after the bridge and
cool infusion of electro sounds makes for a really great track, and if you are
not feeling this song by the final chorus, where Reynold’s ad libs so greatly
with a powerful voice, then you are heartless.
4/5
Track 9- Bleeding Out
The group are seemingly the masters of the transition within
this record, as we once again go from a pure and quite happy state in the
previous number to a much darker atmosphere with this track that has become
something of a fan favourite. The greatest thing about the track is the
production, which is quite unique and sets the mood whilst remaining catchy.
The track features a prominent use of a bass drum that is a signature of the
group, giving the song an almost military like sound. However the track features
a jagged edge tone through the use of the heavy guitar chords that we recorded
and mixed separately, whilst the track also employs heavy synthesisers to get
us into this dark place. A tragic tale, the song centres around the end of a
relationship and the hurt that is felt, with this dark quality palpably being
recognised in the line “Cause I’m bleeding out”. This is vocally not one of the
strongest tracks for Reynold’s, as it sometimes feels like he gets lost in the
powerful production, but he still keeps his strong and also provides a nice
lilting tone in the chorus.
3.5/5
Track 10- Underdog
With this track comes the most attention grabbing and out
there song of the collection in terms of how the indie rock edge takes more of
a back seat for a very warped, electronic sound, although the rock elements are
still there. As the title would suggest, the track is focused upon Reynolds’
playing the role of this underdog who doesn’t have much luck, but loves the
role he is in. It’s a simple ideology that is a little repetitive and not as
catchy as some of the other tunes, but there is a nice, chilled element to the
track, which is really brought out through Reynolds’ vocal performance in which
he keeps things on a basic level. The production is definitely the main component
and best thing about this track, with the electro beats immediately grabbing
you in their weirdness right from the beginning and maintaining that this is
weird but kind of cool energy throughout.
3.5/5
Track 11- Nothing
Left to Say (includes Hidden Song “Rocks”)
The final track sets out to be an epic kind of conclusion to
the record from the moment the electronic production begins, and it draws
pretty close to doing so with its potent, I’m completely done ideology and bold
sound. Lyrically the track is all about the band telling this person (or
persons) that it is over and nothing else can be done or said, a strong message
that is given power by Reynolds’ gritty vocal tone. The tone of the track is
strong with its mix of the rock and electronic vibe, and it’s a powerful tone
that keeps you going right up until the end with the purely instrumental
section. The hidden track is a cool contrast with its questioning ideology and
ukulele instrumentation, and has a lightness that really allows for a twofold
finish to the record.
3.5/5
Final Review
Imagine Dragons are definitely a band that deserves all the
success that they are bound to achieve, as they create a record that is jam
packed with amazing tunes, most of which easily have single potential written
all over them. And this is because the band really delivers in terms of the
components that make a great tune, with Reynolds being the perfect frontman
with his passionate and powerful vocals, the lyrics always being both astute
and catchy but at the same time complex, ad each song has a unique flavour in
the production which really creates a great mixing of sounds, but when placed
side by side on an album it all comes together to create a cohesive and superb
debut album. One of the best albums of 2013, without a doubt.
9.5/10
Best Track-
Radioactive
Worst Track-
Amsterdam
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