CREDITS
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Writer: Samantha Mok
Less Than Stellar From Imagine Dragons IMAGINE DRAGONS BURST ONTO THE INTERNATIONAL SCENE WITH THEIR FIRST STUDIO ALBUM, “NIGHT VISIONS”.
By now, most listeners are likely familiar with rock newcomers Imagine Dragons. Formed between 2008 and 2009, the band collected accolades with their first four EPs. After filling in for Train at Bite of Las Vegas in 2009, Imagine Dragons quickly became local favourites among music fans in their home base of Las Vegas. By 2012, Imagine Dragons burst onto the international scene with their first studio album, “Night Visions”. In fact, just two weeks after it’s release, Night Visions peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 chart. After multiple hit singles, and a European/North American tour, Imagine Dragons returns with new releases from their forthcoming album “Smoke and Mirrors”. This particular single, “Warriors”, is intended to be released as a part of the deluxe edition of “Smoke and Mirrors”. However, “Warriors” was also released as a digital single in 2014 to promote the annual League of Legends video game tournament. “Warriors” is stylistically similar to the rest of Imagine Dragons catalog, drawing on their signature heavy guitar riffs and loops. This makes “Warriors” a song that holds to the band’s already established sound, echoing the melodies and style already thoroughly explored on their first album. However, fans of this sound will likely find the song to be one worth experiencing more than
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once. In terms of meaning, the lyrics leave something to be desired. The first verse discusses a subject who works while everyone else plays, creating an image of a person dedicated and willing to go the distance. The second verse references moving on into the afterlife, feeling accomplished and rewarded. With the tone of the first verse, the song may have been stronger exploring the struggle of someone who gives up fun for accomplishment, but instead skips over this struggle entirely in the second verse to talk about the life hereafter. With only two verses and a repeating chorus, the song structure also comes off as thin, or perhaps rushed. Seeing as the song was originally produced to promote the League of Legends tournament, it’s possible that a rushed construction is indeed the case. Additionally, the lyrics and instrumentals echo previous releases, bringing very few surprises for the listener. The song itself is enjoyable enough and will likely find success among listeners looking for simple high-energy tuned, but lacks deeper thoughts, multilayered meanings, or double entendres. Of course, Imagine Dragons is definitely more than a talented group, and their full catalog of music speaks to their skill and polish as both musicians and songwriters. However, this particular song may not be the best showcase of their full spectrum of work as refined artists.