Imagine Dragons- Smoke + Mirrors Review and Giveaway

Giveaway info below...A long overdue music review blog is here, folks.  Imagine Dragons is back and with what is only their 2nd studio album.  It's hard to believe that 2012's mega smash hit and record breaking album, Night Visions, was their first shot right out of the gate.  Their latest release, Smoke + Mirrors is a solid sophomore recording that introduces us to a wider musical range, yet stays true to why we fell in love with them just 3 years ago.  

Overall, it's clear that Imagine Dragons has a SOUND.  It's deep, it's ethereal, and it's melodic.  Lead vocalist, Dan Reynolds, is the main reason for this.  His vocals are poignant and unique, he can wail and he can flow, but mainly he stands out.  His vocal capacity runs the gamut on this release as he is not afraid to experiment.  

Some track insight:

I Bet My Life- Mumford-esque singalong.  Imagine Dragons foray into upbeat folksy pop.  If you listen closely you can hear an underlying Survivor-Eye of the Tiger riff.  

Dream- Heartbreaking and heavy piano and violin ballad with repeated "Everything's a mess" lyric.  Raw vocals, real lyrics.  Refreshing since much of the album leans on the lighter side.

Gold- Great track.  Hard beats with a deep bass line.  This is the one you'll be clapping and head banging to.  

Smoke + Mirrors- The title track doesn't disappoint.  Wide vocal range, very reminiscent of Chris Martin and Coldplay, especially in the falsetto.  

I'm So Sorry- Boarders on hokey, with funky guitar riffs and a classic arena rock chorus.  

Polaroid- not a huge fan of this track, very monotonous with a musical nursery rhyme tone.  

Overall a well rounded second studio album.  They were adventurous and tried new musical techniques while staying true to the electro rock that made them so popular.  

GIVEAWAY!!!  I am giving away the above gorgeous Imagine Dragons litho that was signed by the ENTIRE band!  This is a litho of their new Smoke + Mirrors album cover.  It's directly from their label, Interscope Records.  Check out my Instagram and Twitter for how to win!