Single Review: Imagine Dragons, ‘Shots’

I absolutely loved Imagine Dragons’ debut, Night Visions (click HERE for review), and I’m excited that a new album is on the way. The first single released off their upcoming album, Smoke + Mirrors, was ‘Gold‘ followed by ‘I Bet My Life.’ That track in particular has grown on me especially since it’s in the Jeep commercial. Out of the three singles released so far ‘Shots’ is my favorite.

From ‘I Bet My Life’ to ‘Shots,’ the themes seem similar as they are apologetic. ‘I Bet My Life’ is an apology for not listening to the person that was always there yet you left them alone even though you knew they had your best interests in mind.  In ‘Shots’ the lyrics are apologizing to a lover for doing them wrong and wanting them yet knowing you’re not good for them. It really doesn’t even have to be a lover it’s just really pushing people away and ruining what could’ve been. The lyrics are pretty easy to keep up with and sing along to because they’re not that complex.

Musically, the beat is infectious and reminds me of Coldplay. I really, really enjoy the music of this and could listen to that by itself. That’s one thing in particular that makes a song for me is being able to listen to the music and lyrics separately. Sometimes I get lost in the beat and could care less about the lyrics, but I really enjoy both separately. The beat adds a radio friendly fare to a song that could have been a ballad. This song could be slowed down in an acoustic version and sound just as amazing based off the lyrics. The music adds a carefree sound to lyrics that are a bit deeper. I would love to hear this song live.

It’s a great track that goes well with ‘I Bet My Life’, as noted, but with a track like ‘Gold’ I can tell there will be versatility on the album. I’m excited and I can’t wait to review it. I was late on the Imagine Dragons train with Night Visions, but this time I’m ready for their new material.

Smoke + Mirrors is available for preorder and will be released February 17th (expect a review). Listen to the track below plus check out the album trailer:

 

Imagine Dragons, ‘Radioactive’, Bows Out of Hot 100

As previously reported, Imagine Dragons, had set a record with their debut track, ‘Radioactive’. It surpassed Jason Mraz’s record for ‘I’m Your’s'(76 weeks) as it went into its 77th week on the chart at the end of February. 10 weeks later it bows out of the Hot 100 spot having spent 87 weeks on the chart. That is the longest feat in the charts 55 year history.

The song debuted on August 8, 2012 at #93 and has bowed out at #49 for the week of May 10th. For the week of May 17th the song would have ranked #50, but here’s why it did not make the cut:

“Descending songs older than 20 weeks are removed once falling below No. 50; as the song would’ve ranked below No. 50 on the current Hot 100, dated May 17th, it instead departs the tally.“

(via Billboard)

Lead singer, Dan Reynolds stated:

“It helps that the song blurs genre lines. It crept its way into more and more radio formats and kept sneaking up on people. That slow growth meant more time on the charts.”

If you haven’t listened to their debut album, Night Visions, in its entirety I suggest you do and be sure to check out MY TOP 5 here.

Imagine Dragons Break Billboard Hot 100 Record

Jason Mraz had been holding the longest streak on Billboard Hot 100 for his track, ‘I’m Yours’ staying on the charts for 76 weeks. That was in 2008-2009.

Imagine Dragons has broken that record with their debut single, ‘Radioactive,’ reaching its 77th week on the Hot 100.

Imagine Dragons’ lead singer, Dan Reynolds, shared with Billboard the groups reaction to breaking the record:

It’s unbelievable. There are few things more satisfying as an artist than seeing your music have longevity. But, we could never have expected to see one of our songs have legs like this. People seem to be connecting to it in personal ways, which is exactly what we hoped for. We’ve been out on the road and focused on touring for a long time. Somewhere along the way, we started to realize the song was taking on a life of its own.

The track debuted on the Hot 100 the week of August 8, 2012 at #93 and has been steadily climbing ever since.

Their album, Night Visions, is in its 76th week on the Billboard 200 soaring from #12 to #6 making it surpass 2 million copies sold to date.

January Favs

 

NEW MUSIC — Imagine Dragons x Kendrick Lamar, ‘Radioactive (Remix)’