Imagine Dragons self reflects with new album
September 22, 2021
Unlike many Americans, Dan Reynold, lead singer of Imagine Dragons, says that his favorite day of the week is Monday.
As a band, Imagine Dragons has not only written songs that have been featured in 116 sources, according to IMDb, but has written songs for various movies, such as “Ralph Breaks the Internet” and “Iron Man: 3″.
The band, nationally recognized for songs like “Believer,” “Natural,” and “Radioactive,” released their latest album on Sept. 3, 2021.
The album does not have one set mood, swinging wildly between situations that many listeners can relate to, but the idea of Monday as a new start, the best day of the week, is something many others would argue with.
The song “Monday” talks about love that is all-encompassing, featuring a grainy and staticky beat that supports the song like the lyrics promise to the listener.
The ‘new beginning’ of the album itself, “My Life,” features a piano solo that demonstrates how self-reflective the song is.
Though do be warned: “My Life,” like many songs on the album, mentions serious and triggering topics such as drugs and self-damaging tendencies.
“Giants” follows Reynolds’ addictions and attempts to break free from the numbness he found in himself. One concept that was striking was how he asked not to be glamorized like he expects to be.
One of the headliner songs of the album deals with grief in touching lyrics and clear, emotional vocals. “Wrecked” also features a recording of the late Alisha Reynolds, sister-in-law of Dan Reynolds and source of the grief-filled song.
The songs “Lonely” and “Easy Come Easy Go” both talk about loneliness but differ greatly in their presentation. “Lonely” follows a staccato beat with fast-paced lyrics which exemplify the fast-paced and destructive nature of being famous. The latter has a slower, guitar-based accompaniment that reflects the movement of people and how friends grow apart.
But sometimes “it’s okay to be not okay,” Reynolds said in the album’s eighth song, “It’s Okay.” The slow song with ensemble choruses pushes how people need to accept themselves, and that they are not broken. Sometimes, life has to be taken “just a day at a time.”
“Take a real good look, it’s a beautiful day,” Reynolds said. He advises to take in all the good things in the world and cut out the bad things, like toxic people. “No Time for Toxic People” is a higher-pitched song with advice for life.
Previously released songs “Follow You” and “Cutthroat” vary widely in terms of their messages of love and competition, slow and fast beats, and calm and screaming voices. Each has a variety of music videos viewers can watch to create a new understanding of the music.
A steady beat follows determination in “#1” as Reynolds talks about his own self-image and future. “I’m still my number one,” Reynolds said.
This album is a fantastic listen, though listeners must be aware of content should any of it be dangerous to them before considering the album.
The difference in moods and tones makes the album unique and attracts the listener’s attention with every song.