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Smoke + Mirrors
by
Smoke + Mirrors Image
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 366 Ratings

  • Summary: The second full-length release fro the Las Vegas rock band was produced with Alex Da Kid.
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Top Track

I'm So Sorry
About time for anyone telling you off for all your deeds No sign the roaring thunder stopped in cold to read No time Get mine and make no excuses... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
  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. Q Magazine
    Feb 11, 2015
    80
    Hits? Smoke + Mirrors bristles with them. [Mar 2015, p.116]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. 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.
  4. Los Angeles Times
    Feb 17, 2015
    50
    Smoke + Mirrors puts across strong feelings, but it refuses to reveal how they work.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 67
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 67
  3. Negative: 3 out of 67
  1. ayush__id
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Words can't tell what a pure masterpiece this album is. But what I can surely tell is Metacritic hates and despises Imagine Dragons. EveryWords can't tell what a pure masterpiece this album is. But what I can surely tell is Metacritic hates and despises Imagine Dragons. Every song has it's own story. Not a single skip. Top favs are Hopeless Opus, Dream, Smoke And Mirrors, Shots, Second Chances, Who We Are And The Fall.… Expand
  2. Frank4453
    Jun 18, 2017
    10
    Easily one of the best albums I've listened to. Full of songs that will be stuck in your head for days at a time ranging from pop songs withEasily one of the best albums I've listened to. Full of songs that will be stuck in your head for days at a time ranging from pop songs with deep lyrics to alternative rock anthems.… Expand
  4. 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.… Expand
  5. will28
    Jul 15, 2017
    9
    Although this album is different from Night Visions it is a great album to listen to. It took me awhile to warm up to this album but after aAlthough this album is different from Night Visions it is a great album to listen to. It took me awhile to warm up to this album but after a few listens to it i can say it's a great album.… Expand
  6. Mutaxe
    Feb 18, 2015
    8
    Night Visions was probably the best album of it's year in my opinion and it had numerous unbelievably great and catchy tunes. Smoke + MirrorsNight Visions was probably the best album of it's year in my opinion and it had numerous unbelievably great and catchy tunes. Smoke + Mirrors does not achieve as many catchy melodies and true hits such as 'Demons', but it still has awesome moments and I will probably be listening to this for a good long while.… Expand
  7. Blanche
    Aug 11, 2017
    7
    Smoke + Mirrors is an uplifting, cool catalogue of indie pop and rock which is spread across several differing moods. Be it upbeat, unwindingSmoke + Mirrors is an uplifting, cool catalogue of indie pop and rock which is spread across several differing moods. Be it upbeat, unwinding or even invigorating, this album delivers in most fronts. Some songs fall flat, some are even a bit cringy, but generally the record makes for a good listen and something I'll pop in my headphones every now and then.… Expand
  8. All_ButTrU4
    Aug 24, 2022
    0
    Yikes. Sounds like if chris martin couldn't sing or write songs. Tell me at least one sing here that isn't derivative, empty or boring.

See all 67 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

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

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