Roots - Imagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons shot to fame after the release of 'Radioactive' from their debut album Night Visions, the album itself was just as highly talked about. Their second album did not disappoint, and I think I speak for everyone when I say we weren't expecting more. On social media the band were collecting photo's of people's roots under the hashtag #MYROOTS, their own profile pictures were turned black and for a while we were all a little confused and pretty excited. And out of nowhere, they released a single - Roots.

Honeymoon - Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey is an American singer, songwriter and actress. Her unique sound has won fans over in the past with singles like 'Video Games' and 'Summertime Sadness'. Musically she draws influence from the greats of every genre of music, which can be heard in her songs. I think this is especially true of Amy Winehouse, although the two are stylistically very different there is a lot of similarities bringing them together. Del Rey has released the title track of her new album 'Honeymoon'.

This Summer's Gonna Hurt Like A Motherf***er - Maroon 5

I'll admit, when I fist saw the title of their next single I was a little sceptical about where Maroon 5 were going. Since their first alum 'Songs About Jane' their sound has developed and changed massively, both winning and losing them fans.

Native - OneRepublic

'Native' is the third studio album from OneRepublic and it does not disappoint. For fans that have followed the band since the beginning, each album is a progression and 'Native' is no different. With that collection of talent it really is a beautiful thing.
Each song stands out, there is not a single thing I dislike about the album. The whole thing seems to say 'carpe diem', if I was to sum up the message from the album this would be what stands out. But more importantly, each song, although with a special meaning to the members who wrote it, is completely adaptable to the listener and their own thoughts and experiences.
Ryan Tedder, the lead singer of OneRepublic and the undercover King of Pop behind countless number ones, has pulled it out of the bag with the help of the other members of the band (Brent, Zach, Eddie and Drew). Not only are the melodies and lyrics beautiful, but his voice is like an angel. I honestly feel like OneRepublic is God's gift to man, the whole lot of them are incredibly talented and bring an individual and loved sound to the market.
One of my favourite features of the album has to be the cello, brought in by Brent Kutzle and performed flawlessly throughout; it is an amazing touch. Personally, without Brent and his cello, I don't think OneRepublic would be the same.
This album really showcases the band's talent, from feel good songs like 'I Lived' and 'Counting Stars' to songs that make your insides melt like 'Something's Gotta Give' and 'Au Revoir'. Each song is perfect in it's own way and I honestly couldn't choose a favourite. Like I said, Ryan Tedder's voice blows me away, some times I seriously doubt that a noise so pure could be someone's voice. Well, after seeing them live twice I can say that it does. (I will make at least one post on that at a later date!) The song's are instantly recognisable, 'Counting Stars' being a great example of this, you can't help singing along and dancing, no matter how bad your dancing is.
Definitely buy this album if you haven't already because it will knock your socks off. It is a must hear album and if you are a fan, you need to see these guys live; there is NOTHING like it. If you are one of the lucky few who live in one of the places where OneRepublic are visiting on their extended Native Tour, get out and buy tickets. If not, keep your eyes peeled because they are currently working on album no. 4 and if the rumours are to be believed then that should be arriving around November this year.

 

Fun Fact : Each animal represents one of the band members :D Think you can guess who is what?

Smoke and Mirrors - Imagine Dragons

I consider myself a massive Imagine Dragons fan, ever since I first heard 'Radioactive'. But when I heard the teaser for the 'Smoke and Mirrors' album (after pre-ordering the deluxe deluxe edition) I'll admit I was a little disappointed, I didn't get the sound and I thought it was too different from 'Night Visions'.
I haven't been more wrong. It's blown me away, I found myself loving every song, if I had to choose a least favourite it would actually be 'I Bet My Life', one that I had liked from the very beginning, before even ordering the album, because the other songs blow it out of the water. In my opinion 'I'm So Sorry' and 'Friction' are to of the most engaging tracks, they make me want to get up and go for a run. Then you have songs like 'Dream' and 'Release' which are so beautiful and you really get lost in the lyrics (which I may go into in another post). But just to funk it up, you have the quirky sound of 'Hopeless Opus' and 'Polaroid' which are completely unexpected, though still amazing.
This whole album reflects a massive range in sound, yet somehow manages to keep a consistency that makes it all fit together beautifully. And despite the fact that many people (like my mother) complained 'Night Visions' was too unlike 'Radioactive', I personally think that 'Smoke and Mirrors' brings a little of that magic present in 'Radioactive' into every song. My 8 year old sister has listened the whole way through once and on the second go round she is already singing along to every song and asking for it to get turned up. I count that as a win. An 8 year old, a 16 year old and a 43 year old all in love with the same album.
So, just to summarise; BUY THE ALBUM! You definitely won't regret it, the progression from 'Night Visions' and within the album itself is clear and certainly a step upwards. I can't wait to see what the guys from Imagine Dragons have planned for the next album.
More importantly, the band is soon to be on tour for this album. For those in the UK, this is in November and if, like me, you are desperate to go, you should definitely buy those tickets now because they are selling fast!

 

And in case you didn't know what the fabulous quartet look like, feast your eyes below!