Album Review: Imagine Dragons - "Smoke + Mirrors"

Imagine Dragons' name is indicative of their very essence: asserting a strong conviction in creativity with extreme application to the imagination. Their sophomore effort, "Smoke + Mirrors", is reminiscent of 2012's "Night Visions" in that no matter what critics have to say this album will, without a doubt, score a slew of major hits. Their sound, a infectious concoction of styles such as Coldplay-esque melodies, U2 inspired guitars, and EDM emphasized beats, displays a glaring zeal that earned them an $8 million Target spot during this year's Grammy's.

They haven't reinvented themselves, however, because although there are bits that sound like old school Imagine Dragons, "It Comes Back to You" and "Shots", the bulk of the album are songs that are a big leap forward. They took risks and pulled out all the stops, leaving no stone upturned, and even channeled their inner Muse on "Friction" and "I'm So Sorry" -- two songs that will undoubtably be a crowd pleaser when they set out on tour. There is a pleasant cacophony of sounds on this album that definitely complement a confident sophomore effort.

Listen to the stream below:

Natasha Marie

Follow @iNatashasNook
Follow @iNatashaMarie