Smoke + Mirrors
by Imagine Dragons
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
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  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Feb 11, 2015
    83
    Imagine Dragons will probably always sound too blustery to those allergic to stadium tricks, but Smoke’s big-tent charm makes stock rock-playbook moves feel refreshingly new.
  2. The Telegraph (UK)
    Feb 17, 2015
    80
    Lyrics and delivery suggest Imagine Dragons adhere to old-fashioned rock band idealism, but nothing is allowed to get in the way of a sparkling hook.
  3. Q Magazine
    Feb 11, 2015
    80
    Hits? Smoke + Mirrors bristles with them. [Mar 2015, p.116]
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  5. AllMusic
    Feb 20, 2015
    70
    These guys are shameless and that's what makes them more fun than your average arena rockers.
  6. Boston Globe
    Feb 17, 2015
    70
    Evocations of everyone from Coldplay to Peter Gabriel to Queen remain intact, with that first band’s specter looming largest over the moody, dirge-y, electro-tweaked proceedings. The album hits its most interesting and feverish spike with the furtive yelps and rhythms of “Friction.”
  7. Billboard.com
    Feb 17, 2015
    50
    Smoke + Mirrors may seem too recycled and belabored to entice the unconverted, but the hints of hidden depths are a pleasant surprise.
  8. Los Angeles Times
    Feb 17, 2015
    50
    Smoke + Mirrors puts across strong feelings, but it refuses to reveal how they work.
  9. New York Daily News (Jim Faber)
    Feb 17, 2015
    40
    Ultimately, the strategy backfires. The Dragons’ approach may help them conjure effective public environments, but they’re devoid of personal expression.
  10. musicOMH.com
    Feb 17, 2015
    40
    To be blunt, much of Smoke + Mirrors is horrible to listen to. And yet, one can’t help but admire the band’s ambition and, on occasions, their apparent lunacy.
  11. Rolling Stone
    Feb 17, 2015
    40
    The combination of self-pity, grandiosity and leaden spirituality can get trying. And all those attempts at musical worldliness can feel like stylistic tourism.
  12. The Observer (UK)
    Feb 17, 2015
    40
    Their second album is largely flat-packed stadium pop at its most anonymous.
  13. Consequence
    Feb 11, 2015
    33
    The problem lies in their vision, and the fact that it’s either too narrow or too cynical to take seriously.

Awards & Rankings

22
#22 Most Discussed Album of 2015
71
#71 Most Shared Album of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 366 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 274 out of 366
  2. Mixed: 54 out of 366
  3. Negative: 38 out of 366
  1. fernandabrites
    Feb 22, 2015
    10
    Amazing! There is so many meaning this album in its lyrics and melodies. This album made me cry, smile, think about life in every songs.Amazing! There is so many meaning this album in its lyrics and melodies. This album made me cry, smile, think about life in every songs. Imagine Dragons always surprising me. I loved this album.… Full Review »
  2. Prosmooth
    Feb 17, 2015
    5
    I've heard them sound like U2, Radiohead, Muse, and Coldplay. Will be nice when they sound like Imagine Dragons. Not on this album though. NoI've heard them sound like U2, Radiohead, Muse, and Coldplay. Will be nice when they sound like Imagine Dragons. Not on this album though. No idea what identity this band is striving for. A huge, messy, overproduced record.… Full Review »
  3. Alskiz
    Feb 17, 2015
    1
    The band's attempts to mask generic, flat songwriting with flavour-of-the-month quirks make them no better than Creed. Only this time it'sThe band's attempts to mask generic, flat songwriting with flavour-of-the-month quirks make them no better than Creed. Only this time it's indie, not alternative rock that's being ripped off.… Full Review »
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