Smoke + Mirrors
by Imagine Dragons
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
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  1. Kranitoko
    Feb 17, 2015
    7
    Whilst Imagine Dragons still continue to become a massive success around the world, their latest album, Smoke + Mirrors is a mixed bag of treats.

    The first half of the album is near flawless. Shots, Gold and I Bet My Life are all clear hitters, considering they were all released as singles. Something about these three songs just mesmorises you. Still in the first half, we also have I'm    Whilst Imagine Dragons still continue to become a massive success around the world, their latest album, Smoke + Mirrors is a mixed bag of treats.

    The first half of the album is near flawless. Shots, Gold and I Bet My Life are all clear hitters, considering they were all released as singles. Something about these three songs just mesmorises you. Still in the first half, we also have I'm So Sorry, which is a weird one, but also quite a catchy song. What sort of starts out punk rock turns country rock but it works so well. Smoke + Mirrors, the title song, has a chilled song, though i'm not sure about the unesscity of the "phil collins smashing on drums" part... Obviously there is no phil collins in ID but youll know what i mean when you listen to the song. We then move onto Polaroid, which is a peculiar one. Reminds you of a sort of song you'd hear teenage chavs listening to in the park, but when it gets to the chorus, it changes completely.

    Unfortunately, this is where the remaining half of the album loses itself. Friction starts off indian drums to backstreet boys in an odd way. After that it doesnt know where to go. I mean the song is still alright but its an unsure tone.
    It Comes Back To You almost starts as if "cha-chingaling" is about to play. It has some deep lyrical meanings. Not as deep as adele of course but deep.
    Dream is a song that is what it says it is. Its like a song youd want to float with in a dream. Out of the last half of the album, this is the best song.
    Trouble for me just doesnt quite hit the mark itself, but i wonder if it was sung live it might be a completely different song. It seems like it could be.
    Summer just doesnt quite work as the sting ruins it.
    Hopeless Opus has that sort of "frayrajacka" ring to it to begin with. The song is, again, one of the good ones to the disappointing last half.
    The Fall is long.... 6 minutes to be exact, and a lot of it is just intrumental so perhaps it was a chance to give the other three a chance to shine?

    Because i bought the deluxe edition, it came with 8 bonus songs.
    The bonus songs are also a mixed bag of treats. Thief is actually great and one of those songs you may start accidentally singing if you have it up loud enough.
    The Unknown is... Well... Difficult to describe. It has that "Rocks" ring to it from their last album.
    Second Changes could have been something good when it gets to the "when i get older" part. It sounds like it could go into a huge set piece but the whole song itself remains chilled and calm.
    Release is a bit ruined at the end. It just cuts out. Obviously that was intended but it didnt do the song justice. The song also felt like a bit of a throwaway, as if they wrote it and just wanted to add an extra song for the heck of it.
    Then we have Warriors, another single, made for league of legends. Its a really great song and one you would scream and shout along with. The song ends just slightly too early though.
    Battle Cry is next, onviously another single for Transformers 4. While the movie was garbage, the song itself will remind you of, of course, Linkin Park but in a good way.
    Monster has lyrics that work so well for itself and really does sound like this should have been on the main album and not as a bonus song. Of course it was made for Infinity Blade 3 which might explain why, but i kind of hope they sing this song live more than some of the others on their album.
    Finally we have Who We Are, another song I hope they sing more often. Its a catchy tune that you might, suffice to say... Strut to. Haha.

    Just from writing this review, im starting to see a pattern. Some of the songs will remind you of their last songs, and ive also noticed they do use the word "gold" in most of their songs, so ID seem to like Gold that much haha

    As a final note, ive found some of the somgs have their big beginning, then 2/3rds of the way in, the tone changes, and then goes back to where it was. Not sure why they did this often but hey ho.

    The album is still good but its a shame that, for me, the bonus songs were better than the last half of the actual album. However the first half I cannot fault much. Except the drumming in smoke and mirrors.

    Still, i cant wait to listen to them live when i see them in cardiff in november :)    … Expand
  2. Nahil
    Mar 24, 2015
    8
    I really liked this new direction. It was by no means perfect, but I truly appreciate that they're pushing themselves and trying a host of new things. Also, the songwriting is really good on this album as a whole. The other reason I feel the need to round up and give this an 8, is just the fact that I had a really fun time with it. They delivered 13 really good songs that I feel likeI really liked this new direction. It was by no means perfect, but I truly appreciate that they're pushing themselves and trying a host of new things. Also, the songwriting is really good on this album as a whole. The other reason I feel the need to round up and give this an 8, is just the fact that I had a really fun time with it. They delivered 13 really good songs that I feel like I'll be listening to for a while longer. Can I ask for too much more?… Expand
  3. shanno
    Mar 9, 2015
    10
    Smoke and Mirrors, the second debut album from the well known band Imagine Dragons, invites the listener to experie new sounds that tie the whole album together into a piece of uniqueness. Each song was written with pure meaning by the band themselves leaving Smoke and Mirrors to be one of the most honest, and true albums that I have personally ever listened to. The lyrics flow poeticallySmoke and Mirrors, the second debut album from the well known band Imagine Dragons, invites the listener to experie new sounds that tie the whole album together into a piece of uniqueness. Each song was written with pure meaning by the band themselves leaving Smoke and Mirrors to be one of the most honest, and true albums that I have personally ever listened to. The lyrics flow poetically and each word is sang with meaning and passion.
    The album starts off with a few of their well known songs such as “I Bet My Life” and “Gold,” which were previously released as singles and became popular to the public eye very quickly. Both songs sound entirely different, “Gold” giving off a more intense feeling while “I Bet My Life” feels more carefree and even incorporates a choir in the background to give the song an exclusive sound. Each song on this album is enjoyable for people with all different music preferences. The album shows a hint of rock, alternative, electronic, and uses a variety of instruments to create sounds you wouldn't hear on a daily basis. One minute you will be head banging, and the next minute swaying along to a completely different melody. Smoke and Mirrors is guaranteed to take you an enjoyable journey and leaving you eager to hear more by the end of each song.    … Expand
  4. ashman2004
    Mar 7, 2015
    10
    Shots - The more you play it, the more you like it.
    Gold - Just addictive!
    Smoke & Mirrors - Underrated, catchy... I'm So Sorry - Less underrated, more catchy! I Bet My Life - Not my favorite, but it's everyone else's, so good enough. Polaroid - Gets better and better throughout the song. Friction - It's underrated, but great. The verse sounds a bit weird, though. It Comes Back To    Shots - The more you play it, the more you like it.
    Gold - Just addictive!
    Smoke & Mirrors - Underrated, catchy...
    I'm So Sorry - Less underrated, more catchy!
    I Bet My Life - Not my favorite, but it's everyone else's, so good enough.
    Polaroid - Gets better and better throughout the song.
    Friction - It's underrated, but great. The verse sounds a bit weird, though.
    It Comes Back To You - Unfortunately, this one took a long time to grow on me, but it's great-sounding now.
    Dream - Beautiful song, just beautiful.
    Trouble - A bit odd, but good.
    Summer - Not my favorite either, but I still like it.
    Hopeless Opus - Underrated, this isn't a filler!
    The Fall - Pretty good, takes a while to grow on you, but not as long as It Comes Back To You.
    Thief - This one's okay, I guess.
    The Unknown - All the songs are deep, but not as much as this one (that's a compliment!), and the barks aren't that bad.
    Second Chances - I don't like this one much.
    Release - Ugh, just ugh.
    Warriors - Almost as good as Battle Cry, very similar.
    Battle Cry - Amazing, underrated song, much better than the Transformers movie it was in.
    Monster - A bit like Warriors and Battle Cry, these songs are very similar, and all very good.
    Who We Are - Not the best intro, but good.    … Expand
  5. HollowCentral
    Sep 22, 2015
    8
    A better album than Night Visions, with more songs that fans are sure to love. However, it doesn't flow like an album should. It seems that Imagine Dragons are better at creating hits than at creating albums, but it's still a good attempt. Hopefully they can dig out of this ditch with a little time.
  6. Guzaman
    Feb 22, 2015
    10
    S+M has what every album should have, variety of sounds. The songs are quite different between them, but they also have things in common, that make them able to be in the same album. Its not perfect, o course, but is a great album. What it make it strong is the rhythms and the voice of Dan, that gives it a particular kind of power that you couldn't get on another record. Its a step forwardS+M has what every album should have, variety of sounds. The songs are quite different between them, but they also have things in common, that make them able to be in the same album. Its not perfect, o course, but is a great album. What it make it strong is the rhythms and the voice of Dan, that gives it a particular kind of power that you couldn't get on another record. Its a step forward for Imagine Dragons, not a big one, but a good one. Maybe in what it failure is in some songs that doesn't have the "spark" that should, but in general, is very enjoyable.… Expand
  7. diamonddave
    Apr 28, 2015
    9
    I was very surprised at how much the album grew on me and how much I really love it now! Tons of great songs and very little filler. Imagine Dragons has stepped up to the plate and delivered their best yet! Highlights from the album are "Shots", "Smoke and Mirrors", "I'm So Sorry", "Polaroid", "Friction", "It comes back to you", and "Dream", Many other good songs on here, but these are theI was very surprised at how much the album grew on me and how much I really love it now! Tons of great songs and very little filler. Imagine Dragons has stepped up to the plate and delivered their best yet! Highlights from the album are "Shots", "Smoke and Mirrors", "I'm So Sorry", "Polaroid", "Friction", "It comes back to you", and "Dream", Many other good songs on here, but these are the best ones. My top album of 2015 so far!… Expand
  8. V3N0M67
    Apr 6, 2015
    9
    Okay, seriously do NOT listen to any of these negative reviews for this album! If you are a person that has liked the sound of Imagine Dragons in the past, I have absolutely no doubt that Smoke + Mirrors will blow you away. Much more varied and adventurous that Night Visions, Smoke + Mirrors is a passionately produced and extremely well-rounded experience. Of course there are a couple ofOkay, seriously do NOT listen to any of these negative reviews for this album! If you are a person that has liked the sound of Imagine Dragons in the past, I have absolutely no doubt that Smoke + Mirrors will blow you away. Much more varied and adventurous that Night Visions, Smoke + Mirrors is a passionately produced and extremely well-rounded experience. Of course there are a couple of duds (looking at you, Gold!), but nothing can hold this beautiful piece of musicianship back! 9/10… Expand
  9. CharlieBetterIs
    Jan 13, 2016
    8
    01. Shots - 100/100
    02. Gold - 100/100
    03. Smoke And Mirrors - 85/100 04. I'm So Sorry - 100/100 05. I Bet My Life - 85/100 06. Polaroid - 90/100 07. Friction - 95/100 08. It Comes Back To You - 85/100 09. Dream - 85/100 10. Trouble - 90/100 11. Summer - 95/100 12. Hopeless Opus - 80/100 13. The Fall - 80/100 14. Thief - 100/100 15. The Unknown - 90/100 16. Second Chances -    01. Shots - 100/100
    02. Gold - 100/100
    03. Smoke And Mirrors - 85/100
    04. I'm So Sorry - 100/100
    05. I Bet My Life - 85/100
    06. Polaroid - 90/100
    07. Friction - 95/100
    08. It Comes Back To You - 85/100
    09. Dream - 85/100
    10. Trouble - 90/100
    11. Summer - 95/100
    12. Hopeless Opus - 80/100
    13. The Fall - 80/100
    14. Thief - 100/100
    15. The Unknown - 90/100
    16. Second Chances - 60/100
    17. Release - 95/100
    18. Warriors - 95/100
    19. Battle Cry - 80/100
    20. Monster - 95/100
    21. Who You Are - 95/100
    Média: 89/100

    Smoke + Mirrors é um ótimo álbum. Mesmo com seus pontos baixos e sendo o "tapete" do Night Visions, ele deve ser escutado pela sua incrível sonoridade, além da diversificada instrumentalidade, lirismo diversificado e a ótima voz de Dan.    … Expand
  10. 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 with deep lyrics to alternative rock anthems.
  11. uddipta15
    Jul 28, 2019
    10
    The best album by Imagine Dragons. A rollercoaster of emotions. From the majestic Shots to the epic closer The Fall.
  12. GiaccoU
    Feb 17, 2015
    6
    They definitely changed and evolved from their last album, it feels like Smoke + Mirrors should be a huge thing (and the first half it certainly starts it well), but it ends up disappointing.
  13. 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. Imagine Dragons always surprising me. I loved this album.
  14. SuperVideogamer
    Feb 18, 2015
    9
    I don't understand where all this hate for this fantastic album is coming from...Seriously, i don't get it. First off, the album starts off with the amazing (Soon to be my own official theme music) Shots! Then followed by the epicness that is Gold! and then next is Smoke and Mirrors, which is a song that puts your mind at eaze and...Man! It is so damn original! Especially the instrumental!I don't understand where all this hate for this fantastic album is coming from...Seriously, i don't get it. First off, the album starts off with the amazing (Soon to be my own official theme music) Shots! Then followed by the epicness that is Gold! and then next is Smoke and Mirrors, which is a song that puts your mind at eaze and...Man! It is so damn original! Especially the instrumental! I could stay here and make you read the review for every single song on the album, instead, i am just going to get to the point, This album is phenomenal! Every song is unique and powerful in their own wonderful way that is because it was written & produced by Imagine dagons! A band that has over 60 songs and managed keep them all different unlike most bands. , the lyrics, the instrumental every single song is a masterpiece and they don't need to curse at all! Ever! am not trying to sound like a fanboy or anything and this probably the worst review you've ever have read the reason is because i can't find words to describe songs like Polaroid, Friction, It Comes back to You, Dream etc. Pleasse take my word for it AND DON'T LET THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS GET TO YOUR HEAD!(THeY ALMOST FOOLED ME AS WELL), the album is worth a listen, not gonna lie atleast 2 need some work (Hopeless opus & Summer) but the rest is f cking fantastic! I hope this review will encourage to go take a listen, if you do, don't forget to check out bonus tracks: Thief, The Unknown, Second chances & Release.

    Final score 9/10: Slightly better and more creative than Night Visions in my opnion.    … Expand
  15. blackvelvet
    Feb 19, 2015
    10
    I absolutely loved this album. Strong melody writing and captivating lyrics. Much better than what typically plays on the mainstream radio. The only problems lies in the publics need to generalize everything. The rock critic says it isn't rock. The hipsters say it isn't indie etc etc. How about we just stop trying to put everything in a box and enjoy a solid album? That would be nice.
  16. Wanessa
    Feb 22, 2015
    10
    esse segundo album deles é muito bom , as musicas são ótimas , e as letras também , minhas favoritas são I'm so sorry , dream , gold , the fall , fica dificil escutar escolher uma favorita , porque são musicas muito boas
  17. defruta
    Feb 22, 2015
    10
    I do not really know what to say about S + M, is perfect , and certainly this on my list of things I will take with me forever, but maybe I take all the albums. Yes I'm gonna thrill all time I to hear "dream" !!
  18. 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. No idea what identity this band is striving for. A huge, messy, overproduced record.
  19. Symptomnic
    Feb 17, 2015
    9
    Imagine Dragons has always been a spectacle of sound. This hasn't changed with the inclusion of their latest album , Smoke + Mirrors. A near perfect combination of contrasting and rather exceptional songs: with 21 songs on the full version of the album, they'd have to be. The majority of the songs are brilliant, with the exception of 1 or maybe 2, and they'll each get into your head withImagine Dragons has always been a spectacle of sound. This hasn't changed with the inclusion of their latest album , Smoke + Mirrors. A near perfect combination of contrasting and rather exceptional songs: with 21 songs on the full version of the album, they'd have to be. The majority of the songs are brilliant, with the exception of 1 or maybe 2, and they'll each get into your head with ease. Simply, especially evident in "I'm So Sorry", "Trouble" and "Friction", they portray a uniqueness of sound, and it wouldn't be far to say that all of the songs take on their own identity. Smoke + Mirrors is a heavy step forward from Night Visions, a good one, and there is an inevitability that Imagine Dragons will remain at the very top.… Expand
  20. gameboy673
    Feb 18, 2015
    6
    The songs themselves aren't that bad, but Smoke + Mirrors doesn't have any cohesion as an album. It seems like Imagine Dragons may not have hit a sophomore slump as much as a sophomore identity crisis.
  21. LuizFelipe
    Feb 28, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. you can not explain how this album was amazing, deserved to be universally acclaimed because they worked very well in it , is one of the real interesting albums of the current Rock , finally , he was very good for all… Expand
  22. nelsoza
    Feb 18, 2015
    8
    There are a few conversations I'm having with myself when listening to this album. The first is whether I like the album or not. Yes. Without a doubt I love this album, what I look for in an album is diversity. I want to be able to discern each song from each other within a couple seconds. This helps show the range of the artist which still keeping the composed environment of an album. IThere are a few conversations I'm having with myself when listening to this album. The first is whether I like the album or not. Yes. Without a doubt I love this album, what I look for in an album is diversity. I want to be able to discern each song from each other within a couple seconds. This helps show the range of the artist which still keeping the composed environment of an album. I think S+M does this really really well. There is such a contrast between Shots and Gold that really shows the gamut of emotion for the rest of the album.

    The second conversation is whether this is an improvement from Night Visions. I wouldn't say it's an improvement as much as a side step. NV has a really strong first half with an okay second half, all the hits are in the front and I think that really made the album seem to drag at the end with so much energy expended in the beginning. This album address that by spreading them out more evenly, all the way down to Hopeless Opus. The Fall I think was an appropriate finish that is nice and soft that brings back to reality as it dims.

    The last conversation is a little different, this album will help define (to me) whether they are better or worse than AWOLNATION. To me, these two artists are the Fall Out Boy and Panic! of 2012 and they are both releasing their sophomore album in 2015. These second albums will help me decide which one I like more. Because when I heard Megalithic Symphony I was blown away, then came Night Visions which was fantastic in it's own right and destroyed AWOL in the market. As much as I am enjoying Smoke + Mirrors, it's putting me on edge on whether it keeps me coming back to Imagine Dragons or spend more time with AWOL.

    For the sake of the score, I'm basing it off the the first two conversations. Its a great diverse album by itself. And I'm glad that it's not worse than Night Visions, its a lateral move in a better direction.    … Expand
  23. shawn41695
    Feb 19, 2015
    10
    Literally so amazed by this album! There are so many different sounds they incorporated that truly make it a unique album and I am still surprised that anyone could be hating on this. I've already listened to the album multiple times and haven't found a song I dislike and I don't think I'll get sick of them anytime soon, my favorites being Trouble and I'm So Sorry. Thank you guys for this :)
  24. brockcheese
    Feb 18, 2015
    6
    This album is certainly their best yet, although that is not really saying much, considering the quality of their previous work. The production of this album is much messier than before, which has both positives and negatives. For one, it sounds fresh and new compared to their previous style which was just a retread on power anthems and christian rock. However, this also works against theThis album is certainly their best yet, although that is not really saying much, considering the quality of their previous work. The production of this album is much messier than before, which has both positives and negatives. For one, it sounds fresh and new compared to their previous style which was just a retread on power anthems and christian rock. However, this also works against the album because some parts of the song are incredibly annoying to listen to, especially the ending of The Fall. Overall this is a messy album that has its high points, but ultimately comes down to about as much a failure as their previous work.… Expand
  25. 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 + 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.
  26. 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's indie, not alternative rock that's being ripped off.
  27. jyo_tirmaya
    Feb 17, 2015
    4
    Imagine Dragons will be so irrelevant in one or two years that it hardly seems necessary to write a review for them. Of course, being nominated for a Grammy and losing didn't help matters much. I just hope they haven't given up their day jobs.
  28. Mab_987
    Feb 20, 2015
    6
    Unfortunately, Imagine Dragons followed up their acclaimed breakthrough hits with a confused unfocused mess. Some great bits of experimentation, some that don't work out as well, some mediocre radio grabs, etc. Textbook case of the sophomore slump following the fantastic Nigh Visions, though worth a listen for the better moments.

    (If you wanna see a longer in-depth track-by-track    Unfortunately, Imagine Dragons followed up their acclaimed breakthrough hits with a confused unfocused mess. Some great bits of experimentation, some that don't work out as well, some mediocre radio grabs, etc. Textbook case of the sophomore slump following the fantastic Nigh Visions, though worth a listen for the better moments.

    (If you wanna see a longer in-depth track-by-track review, look up "Spin It Reviews" on YouTube.)    … Expand
  29. wsacramoni
    Apr 17, 2015
    8
    Strong album..........................................................................................................................................
  30. himynameisart
    Feb 18, 2015
    5
    Huge fan of their first album, this one is very MEH! feels rushed and soulless, it lacks those hooks from their first album. Very disappointing. Guess their best work is behind them.
  31. lucas24
    Feb 17, 2015
    6
    Imagine dragons é uma ótima banda pra seu estilo. o album é bem interessante mas, o conjunto não me conquistou todo. Shots sem duvida é perfeita! Creio que terá uma nota maior que o NV.
  32. Clucktastic
    Feb 20, 2015
    4
    The album is hard to listen to. As The Dragons try to cover a variety of different styles, the flow of each messy song to another seems like a mishmash of half-cooked songs thrown together. It feels like they were trying to make every song sound different, but they're all overproduced and unrelated.

    Best song: Shots

    Worst song: Polaroid
  33. JPGomezOla
    Feb 24, 2015
    9
    Me ha "decepcionado" un poco, pues con Night Visions de presedente tenía puestas unas expectativas muy altas. Sin embargo, el album el genial. Dan Reynolds dijo en su momento que la gente pensaría que este album sería una evolución coherente para el grupo, y aunque eso no es muy cierto creo que no han hecho un mal trabajo. Todas las canciones me gustan, y no me arrepiento de haber compradoMe ha "decepcionado" un poco, pues con Night Visions de presedente tenía puestas unas expectativas muy altas. Sin embargo, el album el genial. Dan Reynolds dijo en su momento que la gente pensaría que este album sería una evolución coherente para el grupo, y aunque eso no es muy cierto creo que no han hecho un mal trabajo. Todas las canciones me gustan, y no me arrepiento de haber comprado la edición Super Deluxe. Mezclan muchos sonidos, muchos ritmos (y arritmias) en un solo album y en especial en una sola canción, pero eso creo que les añade un estilo único. Realmente no creo ver otras bandas en sus canciones, como U2 o Coldplay como dicen algunos, ni una falta de identidad. Simplemente, han evolucionado en una forma que pocos se esperaban pero que, francamente, no decepciona.… Expand
  34. GoldenPlague
    Feb 23, 2015
    5
    I honestly don't know how to feel about the new album -- I understand they've 'evolved' as musicians, but I expected Smoke + Mirrors to be on par, or better than the previous release. There are a few good tracks, like "I Bet My Life", but overall I can't help but say I'm a little disappointed.
  35. brunasouzaz
    Dec 18, 2015
    10
    Um dos melhores albuns que ja ouvi, são tantas músicas boas em um lugar só que quando o album acaba a vontade de repetir novamente é gigantesca!!! Adorei
  36. americanbeauty
    Jan 16, 2016
    7
    Não entendo como muita gente não gosta deste álbum, é maravilhoso - mesmo sendo tapete do Night Visions -, tendo uma sonoridade maravilhosa e uma incrível diversividade instrumental como esta, o álbum é fantástico.
  37. teqkira
    Jun 19, 2016
    5
    O Imagine Dragons já é grande conhecido de todo mundo, apareceu e ganhou visibilidade logo quando surgiu com “It’s Time”, o primeiro single de seu disco de estréia, o Night Visions de 2012, produzido pela banda em conjunto com Alex Da Kid. O disco estreou em 2º lugar na lista da Billboard e ficou no topo dos charts de rock de vários países. Daí pra frente foram colhendo os frutos dosO Imagine Dragons já é grande conhecido de todo mundo, apareceu e ganhou visibilidade logo quando surgiu com “It’s Time”, o primeiro single de seu disco de estréia, o Night Visions de 2012, produzido pela banda em conjunto com Alex Da Kid. O disco estreou em 2º lugar na lista da Billboard e ficou no topo dos charts de rock de vários países. Daí pra frente foram colhendo os frutos dos singles seguintes como “Demons” e o super hit “Radioactive”.

    Após o sucesso da Into The Night Tour, que teve seu encerramento num show incrível e cheio de energia no Lollapalooza Brasil do ano passado, a banda deu uma pausa nas atividades para começar as gravações de seu segundo disco, o Smoke + Mirrors, que teve boa parte do seu material escrito enquanto a banda estava na estrada com a turnê.A faixa escolhida para ser o carro chefe do novo álbum foi “I Bet My Life” que apesar da letra sensacional (que Dan explicou ser sobre a sua relação com os pais), não trouxe grandes mudanças ou evolução na sonoridade da banda. O single seguinte foi a maravilhosa “Gold”, que é impecável em todos os sentidos e a grande responsável pela decepção que foi o disco.

    Depois da abertura “Shots” e a já citada “Gold”, chega a faixa que dá nome ao álbum, a primeira que começa com uma ambientação muito boa e chega num refrão gritado que não mantém o fôlego. Em seguida, em “Im So Sorry”, vem uma esperança com o instrumental pesado pra cantar bem alto o que talvez seja uma das melhores frases do disco e que cresce para um solo de guitarra que acaba antes de chegar aonde deveria e novamente quebra o clima.

    O Smoke + Mirrors segue nesse clima de músicas épicas, com instrumentais que crescem e ficam prestes a estourar no clímax, mas que no fim das contas não chegam em lugar nenhum. Além de boa parte dele me dar a impressão de já ter escutado aquelas músicas em algum lugar. Talvez isso tudo seja causado pela pressão em fazer um novo álbum logo para aproveitar o hype colossal que foi colocado em cima deles e por esse material ter sido produzido em grande parte ainda com os integrantes da banda imersos no clima do “Night Visions”.

    Pra não falar só de defeitos, posso destacar a “Friction” e quase no fim, “Hopeless Opus” que me arrepiaram todo e conseguiram dar uma salvada no disco. Além de tudo, não há como negar que a produção do disco melhorou muito em termos técnicos, o que é um avanço, já que o disco foi praticamente inteiro escrito e produzido pela banda, contando com a ajuda de Alex Da Kid somente em duas faixas.

    Apesar do disco de estúdio ter sido esse banho de água fria, sei que ao vivo eles conseguem dar um gás absurdo nas músicas, além de trazer os hits do trabalho anterior pra animar mais ainda seu púbico e mostrar que são mais que só um truque de fumaça e espelhos.    … Expand
  38. chanloh
    Jun 23, 2017
    9
    I felt this album had a darker undertone than its predecessor and had more rock-ish songs this time round ("You can't fight the friction!").

    Also loved how there are two sides to "Shots" - Light instrumentals but dark lyrics. It's like dark and embracing the light, and setting the stage for the colour in Evolve!
  39. 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.
  40. MarianaBorges
    Feb 22, 2015
    10
    Smoke + Mirrors sounds amazing. Like Reynolds said, if you make your music sounds like that, people will wait it to sounds like that forever. I loved the songs and the history behind each one of them. The band worked a lot in this album and it needs to be considerated.
  41. forplatzone
    Feb 22, 2015
    10
    I don't understand the hate, the album is amazing! Listen to Smoke + Mirrors, you won't regret. They are great songwriters and musicians. I loved the album since the first time I heard it.
  42. invincibleID123
    Nov 29, 2015
    10
    Shots - beautiful song brings some Coldplay influence
    Gold - so addictive, great guitar riffs
    Smoke And Mirrors - really chilled and relaxed to here, ending with an amazing guitar solo I'm So Sorry - STUNNING AND MIND-BLOWING I Bet My Life - meaningful lyrics with powerful melodies Polaroid - high potential to become a hit but IDK why they don't release this as single Friction -    Shots - beautiful song brings some Coldplay influence
    Gold - so addictive, great guitar riffs
    Smoke And Mirrors - really chilled and relaxed to here, ending with an amazing guitar solo
    I'm So Sorry - STUNNING AND MIND-BLOWING
    I Bet My Life - meaningful lyrics with powerful melodies
    Polaroid - high potential to become a hit but IDK why they don't release this as single
    Friction - sounds weird but really catchy, powerful chorus
    It Comes Back To You - okay, not really catchy but still fine to listen
    Dream - splendid melodies, good piano riffs
    Trouble - not catchy but sounds really positive
    Summer - soft melodies
    Hopeless Opus - love its chorus, really nice to listen to
    The Fall - at first it is really beautiful but I wish they cut the after-middle parts
    *BONUS
    Thief - sounds weird at first but awesome as you listen - deserve to be in the main album
    The Unknown - the lyrics are so deep and meaningful, love it
    Second Chances - not really catchy with me but it's fine
    Release - sounds like an acoustic song
    Warriors - a superb song for LOL, always make me chilled while listening to
    Battle Cry - reminds me The Linkin Parks, the best piece of a rubbish movie
    Monster - my fav song of Infinity Blade 3
    Who We Are - good instrumental, nice song to listen    … Expand
  43. UnholyDuq
    Mar 23, 2015
    2
    I get bands tend to change, I cannot pinpoint what has really changed about Imagine Dragons but the sound is so different from Night Visions. I can't enjoy any of the songs. This album is incomparable to the masterpiece of which is Night Visions. I still love Imagine Dragons but I can't get into this album. I'll stick with Night Visions.
  44. Jarody
    Mar 16, 2018
    9
    The second studio album by Imagine Dragons does everything their first album did, but better. It has some tracks that are even more outstanding than those off the first album, and some of the instrumentation is absolutely outstanding, especially from the Electric Guitar. My only real complaint about this album is that the band were clearly unsure on what direction to take, which isThe second studio album by Imagine Dragons does everything their first album did, but better. It has some tracks that are even more outstanding than those off the first album, and some of the instrumentation is absolutely outstanding, especially from the Electric Guitar. My only real complaint about this album is that the band were clearly unsure on what direction to take, which is evidently clear from the abnormally wide range of genres on this record.
    Favourite Tracks- Shots, Friction, Gold, Smoke and Mirrors, Hopeless Opus, Dream, I'm So Sorry
    Least Favourite Tracks- Summer    … Expand
  45. 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, 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.
  46. PabloBird22
    Jan 4, 2017
    9
    these guys and his songs are always amazing, sometimes when i go out, i put his song in my car and his music always relax me, Imagine dragons have a enjoyable music album
  47. Joel_Freecheck
    May 29, 2020
    7
    Their sophmore effort feels underdeveloped but still packs a decent punch. "Dream" and "I'm So Sorry" are wonderful tracks.
  48. mrdr4gon
    Nov 15, 2017
    5
    WAY too similar to their debut, far too samey across the album itself, and full of empty, vacuous songwriting. A couple of highlights manage to scrape this back up to average.
  49. 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 a few listens to it i can say it's a great album.
  50. sasscardigan
    Jul 25, 2017
    9
    Totalmente diferente al primer álbum, pero mucho mejor. Smoke and Mirrors tiene letras bellísimas, sonidos nuevos excelentes y muy entretenido también. Hay altibajos, probablemente en algunas canciones, pero la calidad de otras realmente equipara lo bueno de este álbum.
  51. manningn15
    Jul 6, 2019
    10
    This album is even better than their debut album. Dan Reynolds voice continues to be stupendous and the bands writing continues to get better. I love the really cool and original cover. I like all of the songs but I love Shots, I Bet My Life, Smoke and Mirrors, Gold, I'm So Sorry, and Hopeless Opus. The videos for the songs Shots and I Bet My Life were spectacularly done. They are stillThis album is even better than their debut album. Dan Reynolds voice continues to be stupendous and the bands writing continues to get better. I love the really cool and original cover. I like all of the songs but I love Shots, I Bet My Life, Smoke and Mirrors, Gold, I'm So Sorry, and Hopeless Opus. The videos for the songs Shots and I Bet My Life were spectacularly done. They are still one of my top 5 favorite bands and one of my favorite musical artists of all time.… Expand
  52. spacebear1
    Jan 2, 2018
    7
    Imagine Dragon's Smoke + Mirrors is a fantastic second album from this fantastic band. This album, just like the previous, perfectly blends various genres into one album and it's sounds perfect.
  53. mariolanes7788
    Nov 9, 2018
    10
    My favorite album Imagine Dagons has done to date. barely over Night Visions. This was definitely something Special, Shots is an instant classic, Gold was good, Smoke and Mirrors sum up the album perfectly as it's sad and depressing with a light at the end of a tunnel which is what I think of when I think about this album. I'm So Sorry is a great song, I Bet My Life was beautiful in everyMy favorite album Imagine Dagons has done to date. barely over Night Visions. This was definitely something Special, Shots is an instant classic, Gold was good, Smoke and Mirrors sum up the album perfectly as it's sad and depressing with a light at the end of a tunnel which is what I think of when I think about this album. I'm So Sorry is a great song, I Bet My Life was beautiful in every way, Polaroid was also beautiful, Friction was a little off there norm but I have to say it was still amazing as it's intensity got to me and Dan Reynolds vocals really shined. It Comes Back To You is still one of my favorite songs from them to date it's just beautiful and to me very relatable. Dream is also beautiful, Trouble was amazing, Summer was also great, Hopeless Opus was when it took this album to a different level, it somehow grabs you with its very simple beat and it's lyrics are beautiful and it is definitely a masterpiece. Finally, the Fall which is one of my favorite songs it's just beautiful and really hits your soul and makes you feel what Dan Reynolds feels, it has an old way of grabbing you similar to Demons. Than you had the deluxe edition which didn't disappoint Thief was a very good song and don't wanna sound like a broken record but I am still trying to keep this short (Even thought it's like 2500 characters long) it was beautiful, The Unknown had an unknown feeling towards it, which might be why they called it the unknown it's lyrically beautiful, Second Chances it probably the worst song on the album but is still amazing, and finally release which is beautiful I always love hearing Dan Reynold and a guitar, I Was Me is still one of my favorite songs and release is very similar.

    Full Ratings:
    Shots 10/10
    Gold 8.5/10
    Smoke and Mirrors 9/10
    I'm So Sorry 9/10
    I Bet My Life 10/10
    Polaroid 10/10
    Friction 9/10
    It Comes Back To You 10/10
    Dream 9/10
    Trouble 9/10
    Summer 9/10
    Hopeless Opus 10/10
    The Fall 10/10
    Thief 9/10
    The Unknown 9/10
    Second Chances 8/10
    Release 10/10
    Complete Score : 158.5/170 (93.2%)
    (I still rate this a 10/10 as I always round up.)    … Expand
  54. MacsMusic
    Jan 15, 2018
    9
    Lyrically, this album is dark, original, and great, for the most part. The slow, thought-provoking songs and the loud rock songs alike are memorable and both have great stuff. "Dream" has dark, memorable, amazing lyrics. It sounds AMAZING in concert. "Trouble", "Gold", "I'm So Sorry", and "Polaroid" are very good lyrically. They are dark, full of hopelessness, and original. Musically, thisLyrically, this album is dark, original, and great, for the most part. The slow, thought-provoking songs and the loud rock songs alike are memorable and both have great stuff. "Dream" has dark, memorable, amazing lyrics. It sounds AMAZING in concert. "Trouble", "Gold", "I'm So Sorry", and "Polaroid" are very good lyrically. They are dark, full of hopelessness, and original. Musically, this album is great. "It Comes Back to You" has great pre-chorus music. I could listen to it on repeat for hours. The nightmarish part on the title track gives the song character and makes it original and unforgettable. "Gold" and "I'm So Sorry" have excellent rock music that I personally love. "I Bet My Life" is the weakest song from this album, surprisingly. Overall, this is a great album musically and lyrically.… Expand
  55. DanMartinez
    Mar 19, 2018
    9
    Are you looking for songs that change your point of view in humanity?
    That's what Smoke + Mirrors is for
  56. NolanLundgaard
    Apr 10, 2020
    7
    Smoke + Mirrors by Imagine Dragons: 6.37

    Shots: 0.75 Gold: 1 Smoke And Mirrors: 1 :) I’m So Sorry: 1 :) I Bet My Life: 1 :) Polaroid: 0.75 Friction: 0.5 It Comes Back To You: 0.75 Dream: 0.75 Trouble: 1 :) Summer: 1 :) Hopeless Opus: 0.75 The Fall: 0.75 Thief: 1 The Unknown: 0.5 Second Chances: 0.25 Release: 1 :) Warriors: 0.5 Battle Cry: 0.5 Monster: 1 Who We Are:    Smoke + Mirrors by Imagine Dragons: 6.37

    Shots: 0.75
    Gold: 1
    Smoke And Mirrors: 1 :)
    I’m So Sorry: 1 :)
    I Bet My Life: 1 :)
    Polaroid: 0.75
    Friction: 0.5
    It Comes Back To You: 0.75
    Dream: 0.75
    Trouble: 1 :)
    Summer: 1 :)
    Hopeless Opus: 0.75
    The Fall: 0.75
    Thief: 1
    The Unknown: 0.5
    Second Chances: 0.25
    Release: 1 :)
    Warriors: 0.5
    Battle Cry: 0.5
    Monster: 1
    Who We Are: 1 :)

    16.75/21 ~ .798 -> 6.37

    Imagine Dragons’ sophomore album manages to be a good one despite being woefully inferior to their first. Smoke + Mirrors plays it safe and is less explosive and energetic than Night Visions and is therefore less exciting. Even though the score is almost a full point and half less than its predecessor, it is still a fair attempt at a good album, even though it leaves something to be desired. That being said, S+M still contains a few really good songs, Trouble and I Bet My Life to name a couple. Second Chances was the only song that I wasn’t sure about, as it seemed like it was building but went nowhere and the high voices were meh. In fact, that’s how a chunk of the album was: not up to snuff. Although, it still did well enough to get a 7, so I can’t say too much about its downsides. While Smoke + Mirrors wasn’t as good as Night Visions, it was still a good listen. Highlights: Gold, Smoke And Mirrors, I’m So Sorry, I Bet My Life, Trouble, Summer, Thief, Release, Monster, and Who We Are.    … Expand
  57. Codeling
    Aug 7, 2021
    7
    It's a very good album. Actually it is the last good Imagine Dragons LP.
    Best songs: Friction
    Worst songs: -
  58. sebdev
    Aug 6, 2020
    10
    Their best album to this date, and their most "rock" oriented album as well. It is a natural evolution of what we got with its predecessor, but this time including even better lyrics and a more instrumental sound.
  59. AlwaysShining29
    Aug 6, 2020
    10
    This is the best album to ever exist, completely full of masterpieces, and I’d give it an exact 10/10 (or even more). I’m going to explain why.

    Right balance between pop and rock, interesting lyrics, catchy choruses in all 21 songs, a bunch of atmospheric songs... What can be better than that? I’d give every song above a 9,5/10 except Release (8,25/10). If it had more instruments and it    This is the best album to ever exist, completely full of masterpieces, and I’d give it an exact 10/10 (or even more). I’m going to explain why.

    Right balance between pop and rock, interesting lyrics, catchy choruses in all 21 songs, a bunch of atmospheric songs... What can be better than that?

    I’d give every song above a 9,5/10 except Release (8,25/10). If it had more instruments and it was slightly longer, it would also surpass that 9,5/10.    … Expand
  60. 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. 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.
  61. PhoenixReveiws
    Mar 23, 2021
    7
    This was a hit or miss album. Some were good some were less so. The song the whole album is named after usually should be the biggest hit, but it's barely memorable. Although, there are some really good ones in there.

    Good:
    I'm So Sorry
    I Bet My Life
    Dream
    Gold
  62. SelectInsect44
    Oct 5, 2021
    10
    Great album and glad they continued the greatness that’s Night Visions, everything here's great. It has nearly no average differences when compared to Night Visions, these two albums are kinda for each other. It’s a really close 2nd place in my ranking with Night Visions being first. Friction is my favorite from this album
  63. Firebreather_
    May 3, 2021
    10
    Simply a masterpiece, each song has a beautiful meaning
    A medida que vas escuchando las canciones, te vas identificando con cada una de ellas, la manera en la que Imagine Dragons quiere dar algún mensaje es increíble, no entiendo el por quéla baja calificación, en cuanto a letra Smoke + Mirrors es el mejor de los 4, Veremos si su quinto álbum logra ser igual de hermoso y maravilloso que el    Simply a masterpiece, each song has a beautiful meaning
    A medida que vas escuchando las canciones, te vas identificando con cada una de ellas, la manera en la que Imagine Dragons quiere dar algún mensaje es increíble, no entiendo el por quéla baja calificación, en cuanto a letra Smoke + Mirrors es el mejor de los 4, Veremos si su quinto álbum logra ser igual de hermoso y maravilloso que el resto    … Expand
  64. WOLFGANG_
    Mar 20, 2021
    10
    Best band of the world i love imagine dragons so much all members i love uuuu
  65. vectorvicter
    Jan 17, 2023
    10
    This album is easily the best imagine dragons album. It is experimenting all the way, but they do it right. I love this album so much to my heart, and shots and the fall are some of the best songs. Lesser to im so sorry, but still charming in it's own way. 10/10
  66. Crypticghost
    Jun 18, 2022
    10
    Smoke and mirrors is a beautiful masterpiece that makes you feel like your going on a journey with the band songs are well produced and different from each other

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. AllMusic
    Feb 20, 2015
    70
    These guys are shameless and that's what makes them more fun than your average arena rockers.
    Read full review
  2. 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.”
    Read full review
  3. 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.
    Read full review
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