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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  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.
prev
Page:

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
See all critic reviews »