The new Imagine Dragons album was released on 2/17/15. I read the 2 star review in Rolling Stone and wondered, “huh?” Night Visions is possibly a top 20 album of the entire 2000’s, how could they have fallen off so far? Not to mention Rolling Stone has a weird rating system. Unless you are Bob Dylan, the Beatles, or Led Zeppelin, you rarely see a 5 star review. However, it’s equally rare to see 1 star review. 2 stars is pretty bad
With the opportunity to listen through the 13 tracks today…I was equally disappointed. I’m not a music guru but I know what I like quickly. The sound was no Night Visions. It was harder and the lyrics seemed less important. I can 180 quickly and I’ll continue to give the tracks more listens. Shots and I Bet My Life were above average releases but won’t carry the album. Polaroid and It Comes Back To You are my favorite tracks. The last 6 songs are all forgettable except Trouble.
Even though I believe it’s a step back from Night Visions, it’s still a good album and certainly not 2 stars. I named 5 tracks out of 13 that I would consider good. Most artists are lucky to get 2.
The “sophmore slump” is pretty standard for bands – especially if they have had some success of their debut. Usually more time between albums, more pressure and scrutiny regarding the follow-up – and often a need to “reinvent” or “validate” themselves with the 2nd release.
I can only think of 2 bands off the top of my head who had huge sophmore albums following very well recieved debuts:
Coldplay (Parachutes -> A Rush of Blood to the Head) & Oasis (Definetely Maybe -> What’s the Story Morning Glory).
Cue Imbemba Response.
Frankly I am not a fan of “Bet My Life”. I’ve heard one or two others, but nothing blew me away. Their cover of Blank Space by T-Swift though was good.