Imagine dragons evolve group. Review of the album "Evolve" by Imagine Dragons. Do you think Evolve makes the Imagine Dragons repertoire stronger? Why yes or why not
Today, June 23, 2017, the event expected by millions of fans finally took place - a new, already third album called “Evolve” (ƎVOLVE) went on sale.
True, as in Lately usually happens with releases popular groups, the album "Evolve" was leaked online a few days before the official release date. Supposedly pirates. Although, most likely, this is just a standard one used music producers a promotional feature designed to warm up the excitement in the community of fans and muses in advance. critics and everyone else who wouldn’t mind talking about performers “victimized by pirates.” Sami imagine Dragons At the time of writing this article, they have not yet commented on the “drain” incident.
Regarding the actual content of “Evolve”– the new album of the group calling to “imagine dragons”, then, as expected, it did not disappoint. The team worked seriously on the material, which may not be called “the evolution of Imagine Dragons” (this is how vocalist and band leader Dan Reynolds expressed it in numerous interviews), but it certainly can be progress.
Not only “imagine dragons”, but also “evolve” with them
Imagine Dragons' new album "Evolve" consists of 11 tracks (three more are included in the Deluxe Edition).
When listening to the record, we are greeted with the same musical and vocal grandeur, which has already become a signature feature. Imagine Dragons, which still doesn't get boring because it's implemented differently in each song.
This time, the Dragons combined their signature rock anthems with elements of hip-hop, R&B and electronic dance music. And the experiment was a success - this musical hodgepodge makes the record truly memorable.
Standout drum parts with the constant bass drum, as always, give the songs a power that sometimes becomes decisive for perception. Rocking rhythms, regularly replaced by melodic ones, have also not gone away.
Most tracks work the first time. But some still had to be re-listened to in order to decide on an assessment.
« IDon'tKnowWhy" . At first it seemed like a rather weak choice for the opening track of the album, but repeated listens made it clear that the song about “dangerous love” and “false trust” was not chosen by chance. It points to one of the key themes of the record. This is hardly Dan Reynolds' story, because... Everything seems to be fine with his wife.
The sound of the track turned out to be too “light” for me, but the emotions conveyed by Dan’s vocals compensated for this, and instead of a “three” a solid “four” emerged.
« WhateverItTakes" – another “B” track that made me nervous that the entire Imagine Dragons “Evolve” album would be so measured (fortunately, all the other songs refute this assumption).
The composition tells the story of a “victim of the system” - a person who realizes that he was narcissistic and lived by values that are not at all important; for him, overcoming life's difficulties and humiliations is a way “feel the adrenaline in your veins” and make your way to the top; He is also working on something he can really be proud of - trying to return to the world a way of thinking that has long been lost. Apparently, the text is autobiographical.
« Believer" – this is a “five” with three pluses. Undisputed hit, which is most likely destined to become another business card Imagine Dragons - along with Radioactive. This song lets us know just how cool and flexible Dan Reynolds' vocals can be.
The meaning of the words underlying the track is also very good. On the one hand, it seems trivial. But still, fighting pain and life’s obstacles, moving forward no matter what, believing in one’s strengths is always a relevant topic.
The song was released as a single in early March. But still ranks No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Rock Songs, slightly ahead of "Heavy" and "Heathens" Twenty One Pilots. And this situation has persisted for 15 weeks.
« WalkingTheWire" – another leading track in the “Evolve” album, thanks to divine verses and a real rock choir (yes, a strong “five” again).
The tightrope walking at height described in the song can be understood as walking on the edge of what is permitted (by law, moral standards and so on.); or as the desire to “stay on your feet”, no matter what and be prepared for anything, including falling from a rope. Although you don’t have to look for hidden subtext, but simply listen to a beautiful monologue about selfless love.
"Rise Up"– here Reynolds once again very emotionally talks about something personal:
I was always ready for change
Walking the streets with strangers
Turning the pages of my life (Get up, Get up!).
The more I wander, the less afraid I am.
And the more I achieve, the more I fade away.
In general, it is difficult to describe in words - you just need to listen. "Five".
« I'llMakeItUpToYou" - again love lyrics, this time about a promise to “do everything for you.” Thanks to a peculiar synthetic musical accompaniment and the atmosphere he created, it turned out “good.”
It is quite symbolic that the new Imagine Dragons album “Evolve” contains a song called « Yesterday". This is undoubtedly a tribute to one of the group's idols - The Beatles. This, of course, is not a cover of the Beatles’ composition of the same name, but references to the work of “ Fab Four“You can hear notes in the sound and even in places in the vocals.
A very cool experiment that talks about “farewell to the past”, in which there was a lot of searching for one’s role in life and wasted time. I especially liked the simple, but very appropriate keyboard parts. "A plus."
« MouthOfTheRiver" . I would dare to call the fuzz guitar intro present at the beginning of the track the best rock thing on the Imagine Dragons album “Evolve”. The rest of the sound is also good, but more standard for the group. But still this is clearly an “A”.
Upon a superficial reading of the text, it may seem that there is something completely religious here:
I want to live this life
Live the life of a believer.
I want to bow to the floor.
With everyone else who wants to be someone.
But I like to dig deeper (sometimes even where it is not intended by the author). Therefore, I see here the same person, disillusioned with his past sinful and narcissistic life, who wants just a little love and quiet life no enemies. Or is it, on the contrary, just banter in which believers are an allegory of people who do not want to stand out from the crowd and go beyond the boundaries established by the majority. I don't know which option to choose...
« Thunder" is another atmospheric, catchy hip-hop hit, thanks in large part to the inventive percussion (5++).
As for the lyrics of the song, this is a kind of spit in the eyes of Dan (and possibly Sermon, McKee and Platzman) to those who are in past life, laughed at his dreams of becoming a big star. Now he smiles from the stage, and they continue to sit in their “limited box,” “squelching with a broken nose.”
"Start Over" The title of the song immediately makes it clear what it is about - the desire to start over, to restore relationships that were destroyed due to the fault of the one who sets out the lyrics. Almost like all the other love lyrics in the Imagine Dragons album, “Evolve” does not amount to more than a “B”.
« DancingInTheDark" - a very unusual composition. Everything about it is unlike the usual style of the “dragons” - the sound, the processed vocals, and the atmosphere they create. An excellent trip-hop experiment, which perhaps not everyone will understand, but I still think this track is one of the most successful on the album.
Its text describes something like this: a girl (possibly already an ex) swaggered in public with the name of her famous guy, which caused his displeasure, since he prefers to “dance in the dark” alone than to expose himself. At the same time, he leaves her the opportunity to join his “dancing in the dark,” perhaps thus testing her feelings.
The following three tracks are only found on the Deluxe Edition of Imagine Dragons' "Evolve" album.
« Levitate» – just a great, emotional song, listening to it with eyes closed you really go flying among the clouds.
Choral "La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la" combined with the bass drum, it chills you to the bone. "A plus."
It was released last year and has already managed to make its mark as a soundtrack to the fantasy drama “Passengers.”
The lyrics about a star showing the way suggest that the song may be dedicated to Reynolds' wife, Aja Volkman. Well, or in general - the image of a person whose love does not allow him to go astray.
« NotToday" – a truly soulful track, which is the soundtrack to the film “Me Before You”. Everything is beautiful here - the vocals, the words, and the musical accompaniment.
This song could be great if it was just sung to acoustic guitar. But the dragons went further - they added piano and strings to the background, which once again proved that if they take on any direction, they squeeze it to the maximum.
"Believer (Kaskade Remix)" – this is still the same “Beliver”, but with a slightly different, more electrified and slightly dubstep musical approach. Overall, it’s a pretty good alternative for ears tired of endlessly listening to a song on repeat, which for many, long before the release of the album “Evolve,” had become one of the most beloved in Imagine discography Dragons.
As you know, The content of Imagine Dragons' album "Evolve" mainly revolves around three axes– love experiences; farewell to the past, in which a lot of time was spent searching for oneself and questionable values; fighting obstacles, which makes you stronger. I hope this is all inspired by the personal experiences of Reynolds and other band members (yes, I'm so naive), and not just trendy topics designed to “pinch” the souls of listeners.
"Dragons" don't let you down!
Let ID and are accused of making music for the masses, but if they do it in a way that can appeal to music lovers with completely different tastes, then - why not? And with this album Imagine Dragons have shown that they are ready to go beyond genre labels and stop clinging to the tastes of listeners and just write music that interests them.
In general new album Imagine Dragons' "Evolve" turned out to be very strong and catchy, with a slight fluctuation in the level of tracks from “good” to “excellent” and even “excellent plus”.
It's my opinion. And yes – I have a “praising” review here again! Well, excuse me, I don’t write (yet) about music that I don’t like :)
Here are some well-known music publications are not so favorable to the new Imagine Dragons album. For example, on the NME website there is a two-paragraph “review” with a rating of 3 out of 5.
The Guardian gave the album “Evolve” 2 stars out of 5, calling it “lifeless electronic arena rock.”
It seems that some critics, when giving ratings, are either biased towards the work of Imagine Dragons, or simply fall into the category of people who do it according to the principle “it’s not heavy metal, it means it sucks.” Well, okay, that's their right and their opinion.
I think time will dot the i’s and the band’s fans will help him with this. And they, by the way, are for the most part indescribably delighted with “Evolve”.
And finally logical conclusion of the review of the album “Evolve” by Imagine Dragons: among the grades I gave to each track there are ten “fives” and four “fours”, which give an average result of “excellent with a minus” or “good with a plus” (whatever you prefer).
If you do not like the opinion expressed in the article, you can always express your dissatisfaction in the comments below.
Well, if on the contrary, you liked the review, I will be glad if you take a minute to write a few words about it.
Thanks for reading.
See you soon on the pages of RockHit!
Last updated: August 9th, 2017 by RockStar
Imagine Dragons Evolve Song List
Evolve – third studio album American rock band Imagine Dragons was released to the public on June 23, 2017 via Kidinakorner and Interscope Records. After touring around the world in conjunction with the release of their previous album Smoke + Mirrors in 2015, Imagine Dragons have announced they will be taking a hiatus. The first teaser for the new album appeared on September 13, 2016, and over the next four months the band published hint messages on their Twitter account. On February 1, 2017, the song "Believer" was released as the lead single of the new album. Music video for the track appeared on March 7, 2017 and was stylized as a boxing match between the frontman Dan group Reynolds and famous actor Dolph Lundgren. On April 27, 2017, the song Thunder was released as the second single. On October 6, 2017, the composition Whatever It Takes was released - intense beats change to rhymed recitative, sharply flowing into a colorful chorus with a bright arrangement and expanded metaphors. Evolve is a significant departure from Imagine Dragons' previous efforts, being the band's most optimistic album. It covers the evolution of the band and is a step towards a new, vibrant and expansive view.
Discussion round table: review of the album “Evolve” IMAGINE DRAGONS - translation of material from Atwood Magazine
Journalists from Atwood Magazine discuss Imagine Dragons' third album "Evolve" - the passion, energy and sincerity that play big role in showcasing a brighter and more mature sound.
Do you think Evolve makes the Imagine Dragons repertoire stronger? Why yes or why not?
Lawrence: I think Evolve makes their repertoire more diverse because... the sound is very different from their previous albums. Their previous pop hits, Night Visions and Smoke + Mirrors, were filled with hard rock riffs and arena rock melodies. Evolve combines catchy aspects with more alternative, pop-sounding melodies. This album gives us a new, connected sound and I think it will be well received by the fans.
Urooj: I believe it strengthens their repertoire. Walking here, I kept a few of their comments from the interview in mind, thinking about why this album was so different from Smoke + Mirrors, where it came from, and what they wanted to say when making this album. I think Evolve is a representation of the development and growth of a band that maintains their integrity but allows for their differences. For some, Evolve may be seen and understood as an album coming from a different headspace. It was lifted from something dark, hard and self-confident to something brighter, more hopeful, as if the foundation of the band's entire work had been found.
It often happens that by the second or third album an artist seems to have forgotten who he is and what he wanted to create, but Imagine Dragons created some truly bouncy, soaring (even powerful) tracks for our blessed summer morning hours when things around us seem to be at their best. gloomy. The group has not lost itself and we understand what they wanted to create for us. I think the album is very true to the men behind it - men who have realized their suffering (collectively and individually) and have come to a point where they can truly let go of the cares of the world and soar, just like their songs . It feels personal, a little raw but logical, giving evidence of who they are now and what brought them here.
Another note, I also noticed an indie rock influence where “Yesterday” sounds like something that could have been made by Bleachers.
Natalie: I think Evolve Imagine Dragons showcases what they do best; create uplifting rock anthems that can be both explosive and radio-friendly. Evolve shows their ability to experiment and have fun working within the musical niche they have created for themselves.
Mitch: Imagine Dragons has always had a multi-dimensionality to their craft, and I think Evolve successfully showcases the best in this dynamic developing group– so yes, it definitely makes their repertoire stronger. And not only that, it pushes them further than they've ever gone and captures our attention, forcing us to experience all the precisely calibrated ups and downs while enjoying the mix instrumental music and electronic inserts, as well as stellar lyrics, delivered by a determined Reynolds.
Imagine Dragons have already established themselves as an anthemic heavy rock-pop band, so I enjoy the way they have developed, expanded and reworked their music on this album, pushing the limits and, so to speak, exceeding all expectations. Reynolds takes vocal risks, Wayne Sermon expands the territory of his guitar solos. Drummer Daniel Platzman—and indeed the entire band—uses electronic manipulation in every direction. Pulsating rock anthems go hand in hand with sweet ballads and hip-hop-pop songs... and of course, it's clear that Imagine Dragons are enjoying every moment of their creativity.
Imagine Dragons describe Evolve as their "most vibrant" album. Does positivity really shine through the album, and if so, how?
Lawrence: There really is positivity in the album, and there are numerous bright and uplifting songs. In the past, Imagine Dragons has only had one or two standout songs, but in Evolve I counted four... debatable. “Whatever It Takes,” “ “, “Rise Up” and “Start Over” are all pure summer tracks. It's very interesting to see bright songs from an alternative group, since some of their hits are full of dark and heavy melodies (Radioactive, I'm So Sorry).
Natalie: Evolve is by far the band's most optimistic album. Compared to Smoke + Mirrors, which I personally found quite sad and consumed by darkness, Evolve feels freer. They go back to the roots of Night Visions, but do it in a much more fun way.
Mitch: The juxtaposition between Smoke + Mirrors and Evolve couldn't be more obvious. I think more than anything else, Evolve demonstrates the band's ability to show off their talents and variety of technical skills while still maintaining deliciously catchy pop hooks. I love rocking out to “Start Over” and “Yesterday” – they are unlike anything I could have imagined from Imagine Dragons 2-3 years ago. It's as if the band simply threw out all creative formulas and waited for pure inspiration. And in doing so, they seamlessly combine sounds, meanings and feelings that come together to not just tell a story, but their story. Either way, the struggle to maintain personal relationships that manifests itself on the apologetic track “I’ll Make It Up to You” feels lighter and freer than anything else on Smoke + Mirrors.
Call it positivity, comfort, vibrancy, or “evolution”... Whatever it is, Imagine Dragons is in this moment they simply bask in the adoration of their fans, and we, as listeners, will absorb the warmth, lightness and passion that their songs radiate.
Urooj: I definitely think Evolve is much brighter in terms of lyrics, feeling and sound compared to their previous jobs. I also think it has a lot to do with the band's personal journey through moments of experience to a point where they can look back and see how much they've grown. I really think the album title is very apt and reflects the honesty of the songs themselves. It truly shows the evolution of Imagine Dragons, who seem to get bigger, brighter and better with each new album.
Tracks like " Walking the Wire" and "Rise Up" are very uplifting, and "" literally oozes energy... while other tracks take the listener into softer territory, such as "Levitate" and "Not Today", adding texture to the album. Since Dan Reynolds announced minimalism as the main component of the album, it is important to note that the album does not feature too many instruments and sounds - the music remains simple and yet powerful.
More than anything else, the album embraces the band's evolution and is a step towards a new, vibrant and expansive outlook, best reflected in the album's powerful anthems (Thunder, Rise Up, Believer, Walking the Wire).
Which song did you enjoy the most musically, and which is simply your favorite?
Lawrence: Musically, I was most captivated by ““. The classic layering of lead singer Dan Reynolds' gorgeous voice makes the melody sound louder, and the song will be well received in sports arenas, game events of all kinds, on long car rides, and in all sports locker rooms around the world. I think I counted 4 different layers during the catchy chorus... amazing. And my favorite song is “Walking the Wire” because it really shows the maturity of the band. It is catchy, moderately pop, and at the same time completely thoughtful and emotional.
Mitch: I think “Walking the Wire” and “I’ll Make It Up to You” are two of the best reflections of the latest “iteration” of Imagine Dragons, so to speak. Both songs feel deceptively simple, generating that incredible energy that bridges the band's "old" sound with the new without sacrificing lyrics or depth. I thought the band's latest effort was a little tired at times, but these songs sound new and fresh, bright and inspiring. I also love the band's other anthems, and Reynolds' impassioned vocals seem tailor-made for them... but "Walking the Wire" takes it all to the next level. new level. She charges listeners with an obsession that flows from the group to the audience.
Urooj: My favorite song is definitely "Walking the Wire". This is a very powerful song - it's full of fierce hope and passion that makes it stand out on the album. It's about making that impossible thing possible - walking on wires, looking down and realizing the beauty of things, letting go of your fears and singing along with them (even if your singing is terrible, because who can out-sing Dan, right?)
Musically it is quite simple, but it has such power that it is difficult to resist its charm. One blink of an eye, and you are already nodding to her rhythm. She lights up the whole album, I swear to you. She also reminded me of One Republic (in general outline) and especially their song “Say All I Need” with its soaring chorus and sense of confidence. I've been listening to this song on repeat all week.
Musically, I was very impressed with “Rise Up,” which builds into another powerful emotional beat with a slightly different vibe to Walking the Wire. Dan's vocals slide from loud music to quiet, I can almost feel all the things the band went through to get here. The guitar intro reminded me a lot The music Script. I really like the rhythm and simplicity of the sound - not too many elements. The emphasis on Dan's voice before the chorus hits makes this the perfect intro. The bridge is a very nice surprise, the drums are removed and we get a very dreamy set of sounds to complement the chorus.
As soon as I heard “Thunder” I was immediately hooked. The rocking vocals, laid back beats and percussive noise that jumps into the chorus make for a very smooth and enjoyable listen. I also like the progression through the chorus from something light and simple to something more complex sounding. An electric guitar bridge gives way to a gorgeous, choral Thunder as the song reaches its highest peak. You won't be able to resist the urge to sing along - the perfect anthem for the non-conformist thunder children. I love how the electric guitar completes the song - very nicely done.
Natalie: I really, really like “I’ll Make It Up To You,” partly because it has some of the 80s vibes to it, which is very unusual for Imagine Dragons, and also because the chorus is very catchy. It was very surprising to hear such a syntactic song from them, but I like it. This is retro at its best.
Do you have any favorite lines from songs?
Lawrence: Musically, “Believer” resonated with me the most. The classic layering of vocalist Dan Reynolds' gorgeous voice makes the tune boom, and will be great in sports arenas, game events, long car rides, and sports locker rooms around the world. I think I counted 4 different layers during the catchy chorus... amazing. And my favorite song is “Walking the Wire” because it really shows the maturity of the band. It is catchy, moderately pop, and at the same time completely thoughtful and emotional.
There's nights we had to just walk away
And there’s tears we’ll cry, but those tears will fade
It’s a price we pay when it comes to love
And we'll take what comes, take what comesThere are nights when we should just leave
And there are tears that we will shed, but the tears will go away
This is the price we pay for love
And we will accept what will happen, we will accept what will happen."Walking the Wire"
Urooj: You can trust Imagine Dragons to create some truly cool songs, and you will receive them. I've selected a few of my favorite lines. There will probably be more when I listen to the songs again:
Like a prayer that only needs a reason
Like a hunter waiting for the season
I was there, but I was always leaving
I believe it, but I was never breathing
The more I stray, the less I fear
And the more I reach, the more I fade away
Darkness right in front of me
Oh, it’s calling out, and I won’t walk away.Like a suppliant who just needs a reason,
Like a hunter waiting only for the season,
I was there but I always left
I believe it, but I never breathed
And the longer I stand, the less I'm afraid,
The more I achieve, the more I leave behind
There's darkness right in front of me
She's calling and I won't leave.
Natalie: I like “I was lighting before the thunder” simply because it feels so big and impressive.
Mitch: I love what I've already said, and every time I listen, something new catches my ear. However, two songs remain the best for me, and they sit very well at the top of the album. “I Don’t Know Why” is the perfect album opener for Evolve, and its delightful lines, filled with potential and excitement, seem to set the pace for everything to follow. They open the album by inviting us to put ourselves in Reynolds' shoes, to walk in his shoes, and to experience those intimate moments ourselves:
We could be strangers in the night
We couldn't be closer if we tried
We could be faces in the crowd
We could be passing in the shadows
Loving the risk of being found
When we're caught in the headlightsWe could be strangers in the night
We would like to pass by in the shadows,
We could be closer if we tried
When a ray of light catches us,
We could be faces in the crowd
We could pass by in the shadows
We love to risk being found
When we are caught by a ray of light.
Two passages stand out to me in the rap anthem “Whatever It Takes.” Reynolds' timing is fast, biting, smart and provoking - moving everything forward, musically and thematically. The second text is absolutely beautiful in how directly it reveals itself. The passion shines through Reynolds' lines, I love these stanzas for their honesty, melodic application of rhythm and sheer heaviness.
Always had a fear of being typical
Looking at my body feeling miserable
Always hanging on to the visual
I wanna be invisible
Looking at my years like a martyrdom
Everybody needs to be a part of 'em
Never be enough, I'm the prodigal son
I was born to run, I was born for thisAlways afraid to be ordinary
Looking at my body and feeling despair,
Always paying too much attention to appearance,
I wish I could be invisible.
I perceive the past years as torment,
Everyone has to go through this
I'll never rest, I'm the prodigal son
I was born to run, I was born to do this.
Hypocritical, egotistical
Don't wanna be the parenthetical, hypothetical
Working onto something that I’m proud of, out of the box
An epoxy to the world and the vision we've lost
I'm an apostrophe
I’m just a symbol to remind you that there’s more to see
I’m just a product of the system, a catastrophe
And yet a masterpiece, and yet I’m half-diseased
And when I am deceased
At least I go down to the grave and die happily
Leave the body of my soul to be a part of me
I do what it takesHypocritical, selfish
I don't want to be unfounded
Working on something I can be proud of, going beyond
Reassembling this world, returning the lost vision
I am an apostrophe
I'm just a symbol to remind you that there is more
I'm a product of the system, a disaster
And I am a masterpiece, although half-forgotten
And when I'm gone
At least I'll go to my grave happy
Let the soul leave the body and become a part of me
I do everything possible for this.
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