Evolve
by Imagine Dragons
User Score
6.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 467 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 309 out of 467
  2. Mixed: 71 out of 467
  3. Negative: 87 out of 467
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  1. nickadue
    Jun 23, 2017
    10
    Ever since the release of Night Visions (10/10) in 2012 I have felt an almost spiritual connection to this bands music. Night Visions is one of my all time favorite albums. When Smoke & Mirrors (7.5/10) released a few years later I was intrigued by the bands change in style and their approach at being a bit more artistic. While I loved Smoke & Mirrors, it wasn't quite the caliber of NightEver since the release of Night Visions (10/10) in 2012 I have felt an almost spiritual connection to this bands music. Night Visions is one of my all time favorite albums. When Smoke & Mirrors (7.5/10) released a few years later I was intrigued by the bands change in style and their approach at being a bit more artistic. While I loved Smoke & Mirrors, it wasn't quite the caliber of Night Visions.

    What Imagine Dragons did with this new album, Evolve, was take the best parts of their Night Visions album and combine that style with their newer Smoke & Mirrors style. The result is one of my absolute favorite albums. There is so much power built into each song and a true concern shown for pleasing and giving fans what they want. This album is one I will be listening to for the rest of my life and is a true masterpiece to me.    … Expand
  2. WereSuricat
    Jun 30, 2017
    10
    wow i don't know why all this bad reviews. For me this third album its a gem. Didn't like very much the second. But the third with song like : walking the wire, Idon't Know, i'll make up to you, Mouth of the river and on the deluxe edition Not today.. For me, all this song are fantastic . For me, this album will be the album for my 2017 summer and surely more ;) a 10/10 :)
  3. will28
    Jul 15, 2017
    10
    Love this album, thunder and walking the wire have to be my favourite songs of the album. The only songs that i feel that fall short are 'Start over' and 'Dancing in the dark'.
  4. Joel_Freecheck
    Jun 23, 2017
    10
    Imagine Dragons don't create cohesive albums. Their albums are made up of songs they feel are significant for that time in their lives. Each song tells a story of a single moment and are not part of a plotline or storyline.

    Critics don't like this, but honestly Imagine Dragons are better because of it. Listening to one of their albums feels unique and diverse. EVOLVE is no different.    Imagine Dragons don't create cohesive albums. Their albums are made up of songs they feel are significant for that time in their lives. Each song tells a story of a single moment and are not part of a plotline or storyline.

    Critics don't like this, but honestly Imagine Dragons are better because of it. Listening to one of their albums feels unique and diverse. EVOLVE is no different.

    This album features standouts "I Don't Know Why", "Believer", "Thunder", "Start Over". It is incredible in it's own way.    … Expand
  5. wheretofindgui
    Jun 23, 2017
    10
    I really think that Imagine Dragons been renewed our vision about rock indie alternative and this album show it. I LOVED ALL SONGS. A mix of rock alternative, indie, eletro and others that works!
  6. sherlock765
    Jun 25, 2017
    10
    A fantastic album. It's no night visions but a definite improvement from smoke and mirrors. the best songs (almost all of them) portray the struggle of overcoming depression through perseverance and determination. i don't know why, believer, thunder, i'll make it up to you, rise up. start over are definite musts, each mixing their typical rock genre with a different edm flavor that makesA fantastic album. It's no night visions but a definite improvement from smoke and mirrors. the best songs (almost all of them) portray the struggle of overcoming depression through perseverance and determination. i don't know why, believer, thunder, i'll make it up to you, rise up. start over are definite musts, each mixing their typical rock genre with a different edm flavor that makes it irresistable to your ears. as fantastic as the album is, it does have two misfires. yesterday sounds like imagine dragons is having a blast but the nonsensical lyrics are hard to ignore and take away from the otherwise fun and uplifting song. i still don't understand why imagine dragons chose to end their album with dancing in the dark because it throws the album off the rails. i was so ready to give this album a full 10 out of 10 by i can't just because of this song alone. it's not bad, it just has nothing to do with the narrative, it almost sounds like it belongs on a different album. i was hoping start over was the end of the album that would leave listeners feeling energized and inspired. but instead we get this doozy of a track that is the not the best thing imagine dragons has ever done. overall evolve is a welcome change in imagine dragons already amazing discography. even if you're skeptical you should give it a listen. who knows? you may find your new favorite song.… Expand
  7. GlidingGnome108
    Jul 31, 2017
    8
    Definitely worthwhile for this is the 3rd album and the songs are good and takes you to another level. Songs like Whatever It Takes and I don't Know why are a gr8 jam and headbangers.I shouldn't say anything about BELIEVER as it shows its presence on The BillBoard. Songs like Rise Up and Yesterday gives you a feeling of On top of the world from Night Visions. Songs like Dancing in The DarkDefinitely worthwhile for this is the 3rd album and the songs are good and takes you to another level. Songs like Whatever It Takes and I don't Know why are a gr8 jam and headbangers.I shouldn't say anything about BELIEVER as it shows its presence on The BillBoard. Songs like Rise Up and Yesterday gives you a feeling of On top of the world from Night Visions. Songs like Dancing in The Dark were slow and steady. Also, Thunder is a good song Overall score is what you see.… Expand
  8. tomrchuchill02
    Nov 8, 2017
    8
    A good album in an un-peculiar way, with tones and beats that are not very used these days it disguises as a alternative rock album even if has some strange pop in it
  9. Braulio_Mora13
    Sep 19, 2018
    10
    Un excelente álbum con buenas canciones, después de "Smoke + Miroos" no fuera lo que esperaba, este álbum ha llenado todas mis expectativas sin duda alguna uno de sus mejores trabajos discográficos (10/10).
  10. NicklasW
    Jun 23, 2017
    6
    Even tho, I wasn't a fan of "Smoke + Mirrors" I was excited to see what they bring next and you can´t deny the wide range of genres they play on this, fairly short, Album; from Alt.Rock to Synth Pop and EDM to experimental Electronica, its well arranged in that regard. The Album starts with an EDM and Synth-Pop influenced Intro which fades nicely into the next tracks who are all quiteEven tho, I wasn't a fan of "Smoke + Mirrors" I was excited to see what they bring next and you can´t deny the wide range of genres they play on this, fairly short, Album; from Alt.Rock to Synth Pop and EDM to experimental Electronica, its well arranged in that regard. The Album starts with an EDM and Synth-Pop influenced Intro which fades nicely into the next tracks who are all quite strong and remember on "Night Visions"; with "Rise Up" as one of my personal favorites on the Album, ending the admittedly strong first half of the Album. Then the fall, the 2nd half felt completely flat. The Instrumentals, as well as the vocals, which were really powerful in the first half, felt really blend and mediocre. Most of these tracks just seem directionless and uninspired and let me to believe that they run out of ideas to fast, especially on the Album closer "Dancing In the Dark" which sounds like a Chainsmoker song with Dan Reynolds as feature.

    Best Songs: Whatever It Takes, Believer, Rise Up, Thunder
    Worst Songs: Yesterday, Dancing In The Dark, Start Over
    Maybe it will some day grow a little bit more on me like the single "Thunder" did, but as it stands right now I can only give a score of 6. I was just expecting more from the Album even though its first half was good.    … Expand
  11. Yanh
    Jun 23, 2017
    10
    Um dos melhores albuns do ano sem duvidas alguma. Thunder e Belive como carro-chefe do disco foram as melhores escolhas, Dancing in the dark tambem e uma das melhores e espero eu que seja a ser single. Imagine Dragons vcs me surpreenderam.
  12. emanual
    Jul 3, 2017
    10
    trapookadoo. this album was da best and i dont know how to describe it but be a believer and do whatever it takes to make sure you rise up and do your best, I dont know why but i wil make it up to you imagine dragons even if i am walking the wire or in the mouth of the river. not today. not today but if you do hear the thunder you better startover and start dancing in the dark. dont forgetrapookadoo. this album was da best and i dont know how to describe it but be a believer and do whatever it takes to make sure you rise up and do your best, I dont know why but i wil make it up to you imagine dragons even if i am walking the wire or in the mouth of the river. not today. not today but if you do hear the thunder you better startover and start dancing in the dark. dont forge to leevitate… Expand
  13. invincibleID123
    Jun 26, 2017
    8
    EVOLVE - Imagine Dragons
    1. I Don't Know Why 3.25/5: Heavy electro-pop synth track with a gloomy sci-fi intro which leads to a funky chorus
    2. Whatever It Takes 4.25/5: Rap verses, explosive chorus, solid bassline, we take whatever the dragons take. 3. Believer 4.5/5: layered by anthemic drum beats and loop acoustic guitar riffs, Evolve lead single has led us to a world where Night    EVOLVE - Imagine Dragons
    1. I Don't Know Why 3.25/5: Heavy electro-pop synth track with a gloomy sci-fi intro which leads to a funky chorus
    2. Whatever It Takes 4.25/5: Rap verses, explosive chorus, solid bassline, we take whatever the dragons take.
    3. Believer 4.5/5: layered by anthemic drum beats and loop acoustic guitar riffs, Evolve lead single has led us to a world where Night Visions and Smoke + Mirrors collide - dark and uplifting vibes; no doubt one of the best ID single which became their first top 15 hit in 3 years
    4. Walking The Wire 4.5/5: Is this Night Visions? Wow those prominent drums and damn hot vocal are back, as the song goes "We take what comes."
    5. Rise Up 3.75/5: Dan's incredibly powerful vocal has made this track a great highlight of the album, notably the "screaming" chorus, with ID signature drums has again brought back reminiscence of old-school dragons from the pre-Night Visions era; also the acapella bridge is impressive, yet unnecessary and inappropriate with the song's overall tune
    6. I'll Make It Up To You 4/5: the album's tone starts to alter at this moment to a poppier sound, but this is still a great The 1975-ish track with 80s-style synth pop accompanied with a light guitar outro, especially a fade-away ending that throws back fans to the 80s dance soft-rock era
    7. Yesterday 4/5: probably funniest song ever heard from the Dragons, joyful melody along piano riffs and clean electric guitar riffs as frontman Dan Reynolds delightedly scream at the chorus climax, "No tomorrow without a yesterday/ Here's to my future/ Goodbye to yesterday."
    8. Mouth Of The River 4/5: damn catchy chorus, powerful bassline and light guitar flicks deeply influenced from rock stars The Killers
    9. Thunder 3.5/5: catchy melody, featuring high-pitched chipmunk vocal in the pre-chorus, yet missing the actual thunder
    10. Start Over 2.75/5: did I just heard The Chainsmokers at the song intro? musically and lyrically bland dominated by electronic background music, definitely not a song one would expect from the Las Vegas quartets
    11. Dancing In The Dark 2.5/5: Again monotonous electro-pop sound and gospel verse, sorry but not a good ending for an album like this
    Recommended: Believer, Walking The Wire, Rise Up, Yesterday, Mouth Of The River    … Expand
  14. chanloh
    Jun 23, 2017
    10
    While this album didn't come across as impressive on the first listen, the songs grew on me over time. Got addicted in the end.

    Great job, and could see that there is a more polished/refined sound this time round. Indeed, less has translated to more. Really really loved "Rise Up", "I Don't Know Why", "Thunder", "Believer"... I get why people are not very satisfied with the album.    While this album didn't come across as impressive on the first listen, the songs grew on me over time. Got addicted in the end.

    Great job, and could see that there is a more polished/refined sound this time round. Indeed, less has translated to more. Really really loved "Rise Up", "I Don't Know Why", "Thunder", "Believer"...

    I get why people are not very satisfied with the album. They see that it appears to be boring. But I mean, it's really up to your own tastes and preferences. It just happens that I enjoy their music.

    For those first-time listeners, I wouldn't suggest judging this band solely on armchair critics, but to give it a listen yourself. And don't just listen to it once, like a fleeting memory in a faraway land. Listen to it a few times, then you can judge it appropriately for yourself. I remember dismissing and stopping a song once when I heard the opening rift, but it turned out to be a wonderful song in disguise after I listened.    … Expand
  15. Wendigoat
    Jul 17, 2017
    3
    Imagine Dragons continue to go there downward, pop-rock trend with Evolve. There isn't much distinction between many of the songs, they incorporate electronic music into their music in the most uninteresting of ways and do as little as they can to set themselves apart from other popular contemporaries. I wasn't expecting much but was still disappointed.
  16. felipemarco7
    Jun 23, 2017
    8
    Most of ID songs are like a joke that you don't get at the time, but then when you process them and you laugh and laugh, that's what happens with most of the songs in Evolve, but I'm not sure if I'm gonna get "Yesterday" anytime soon...

    Good Songs: I Don't know Why, Believer, Whatever it Takes, Rise Up (without THAT bridge), Mouth of the River and I'll Make it Up to You Bad Songs:    Most of ID songs are like a joke that you don't get at the time, but then when you process them and you laugh and laugh, that's what happens with most of the songs in Evolve, but I'm not sure if I'm gonna get "Yesterday" anytime soon...

    Good Songs: I Don't know Why, Believer, Whatever it Takes, Rise Up (without THAT bridge), Mouth of the River and I'll Make it Up to You

    Bad Songs: Dancing in The Dark and Yesterday    … Expand
  17. rafa_dm
    Aug 14, 2017
    6
    Me esperaba mucho más de este disco. Se han pasado al pop comercial, nada que ver con Smoke + Mirrors. Son canciones aburridas y parecidas entre sí. Aún así, hay algunas canciones que salvan un poco al disco.
  18. SailorSound
    Jun 23, 2017
    10
    This album is such a masterpiece, they did a amazing work in this. Keep in this way guys, that's the point. The voice, the instruments, all the things are in constantly sincrohnia.
  19. SeanVincent
    Jul 14, 2017
    4
    Whatever It Takes and Believer shows potential of this album but it was buried by other dull, boring and dreadful tracks. It's far from an evolution and very near to a terrible album.
  20. edipofuoriluogo
    Jun 23, 2017
    9
    This album is very well structured and has a lot of different sounds and vibes. Tracks like Rise up and I don't know why show the vocal qualities of Dan Reynolds. Yesterday is a song with a catchy vibe and musically interesting. The super singles Believer and Thunder are super catchy and thrilling. A great album, better than Night Visions.
  21. Tom_MS
    Jun 24, 2017
    3
    A marked decrease in quality since their last two albums, this bland collection of want-to-be hits disappoints. It opens with "I Don't Know Why", a song with lacking, generic lyrics and what has (if I'm speaking generously) an only okay tune. If your looking for the style of "I Bet my Life" or the energy of "I'm So Sorry" and "Friction", you'll miss it on this album. Songs like "Believer",A marked decrease in quality since their last two albums, this bland collection of want-to-be hits disappoints. It opens with "I Don't Know Why", a song with lacking, generic lyrics and what has (if I'm speaking generously) an only okay tune. If your looking for the style of "I Bet my Life" or the energy of "I'm So Sorry" and "Friction", you'll miss it on this album. Songs like "Believer", "Whatever It Takes", and "Rise Up" have a catchy, manufactured chorus that just repeats endlessly with, once again, no lyrical content. These songs as well as really this whole album seems to be a clear grab at regaining popularity after their last album.
    The few redeeming songs on this album include "Walking the Wire" and "Start Over" which are actually somewhat interesting and do not sound completely superficial, however, both still manage to mind-numbingly boring lyrically and musically.
    In conclusion, I miss the old stuff on "Night Visions" with actual songs like "Amsterdam", which yes aren't as sellable to advertisers, but is nevertheless what attracts long-time fans. "Smoke and Mirrors" experimented with energetic new styles with the previously mentioned "I'm So Sorry" and "Friction". This album, however, was re-manufactured.
    By the way, did anyone else notice the similarity between "Believer" and "Sucker for Pain"?    … Expand
  22. caonetfelix
    Jun 23, 2017
    10
    This is one of their best albums yet, probably second or third best actually. They have three very addictive songs in it. I really love whatever it takes and the bouncy tune that it has as well as a few chart toppers such as thunder and believer!!
  23. Vicost
    Jun 23, 2017
    7
    I'm still listening to it but so far so good, I've always liked Imagine dragons but i think this album is not as good as the others, whatever, I'll probably listen it for hours. Also is shorter than other albums, it only has 14 tracks which 4 of them we already have listened and one of them is a remix that has been heard before. By the way, i'm writing this while listening believer andI'm still listening to it but so far so good, I've always liked Imagine dragons but i think this album is not as good as the others, whatever, I'll probably listen it for hours. Also is shorter than other albums, it only has 14 tracks which 4 of them we already have listened and one of them is a remix that has been heard before. By the way, i'm writing this while listening believer and feeling bad because Imagine Dragons is my favorite band so they don't deserve bad critics. To sum up:
    - Good songs
    - Less songs than other albums
    - A remix, really?
    - Good cover and video clips
    - Recommended but it's not a masterpiece    … Expand
  24. Jai2506
    Jun 23, 2017
    7
    This is a album good, but not so much, it's different, and maybe that's why almost nobody liked it, just the fans, I hope and in their fourth album they do it better. Good Luck Imagine Dragons
  25. useless_world
    Jun 23, 2017
    2
    Evolve is the worst Album. Im totally disappointed. The only two good one are Believer and Thunder. I like the music from Imagine Dragons but with this is a total disaster. So 2 Points for Believer and Thunder.
  26. YT_Guyyy
    Jun 23, 2017
    2
    I'm not really a fan of Imagine Dragons, never been. They have some alright, catchy singles, and I've heard a couple songs from Smoke + Mirrors and Night Visions, and they were kinda OK, but not really all that impressive. So I wouldn't have listened to this album if it weren't for some of my friends telling me to listen to it. I thought why not, since at the time there hadn't been allI'm not really a fan of Imagine Dragons, never been. They have some alright, catchy singles, and I've heard a couple songs from Smoke + Mirrors and Night Visions, and they were kinda OK, but not really all that impressive. So I wouldn't have listened to this album if it weren't for some of my friends telling me to listen to it. I thought why not, since at the time there hadn't been all that many good albums released, and I was going to listen to pretty much anything, since I just wanted some good music. ANY good music from this year.

    I didn't really find it here. The songs are generally the same quality, not many standout songs in terms of quality. I Don't Know Why would probably be my favorite song, were I to pick one. Start Over and I'll Make It Up To You could maybe challenge for that title.

    The worst song on the other hand is hard to pick. Dancing In the Dark, Yesterday, Rise Up, Walking the Wire.

    The style is pretty similar to their previous material. Similar pop-rock and alternative rock. Maybe a little livelier and more pop. Not necessarily a bad thing, unless you do it badly.

    Overall I wasn't very impressed by the album. There were a few decent songs in here, but overall it's a pretty bad album.    … Expand
  27. MEAP933
    Jun 23, 2017
    10
    Evolve is a true masterpiece and is very well receiving of my score.
    The album contains must listen to songs such as Believer, Mouth Of The River and I Don't Know Why!
    It starts off extremely strong with I Don't Know Why and ends off strongly with Dancing In The Dark. It is a must listen to album and I hope that this inspires Imagine Dragons to create a sequel to Evolve and this is why    Evolve is a true masterpiece and is very well receiving of my score.
    The album contains must listen to songs such as Believer, Mouth Of The River and I Don't Know Why!
    It starts off extremely strong with I Don't Know Why and ends off strongly with Dancing In The Dark.
    It is a must listen to album and I hope that this inspires Imagine Dragons to create a sequel to Evolve and this is why I give this album a 10/10, keep up the good work boys!    … Expand
  28. HGorillaz
    Jun 23, 2017
    9
    EVOLVE (2017) - Imagine Dragons

    1. I Don't Know Why (7/10): Great use of synthesizers to create a sci-fi effect and mysterious atmosphere. 2. Whatever It Takes (8/10): Strong rap verses, solid bassline, great song. 3. Believer (9/10): Definitely the best song out of this album. Great choice from the band to make this song the lead single. 4. Walking The Wire (10/10): "Night Visions"    EVOLVE (2017) - Imagine Dragons

    1. I Don't Know Why (7/10): Great use of synthesizers to create a sci-fi effect and mysterious atmosphere.
    2. Whatever It Takes (8/10): Strong rap verses, solid bassline, great song.
    3. Believer (9/10): Definitely the best song out of this album. Great choice from the band to make this song the lead single.
    4. Walking The Wire (10/10): "Night Visions" atmosphere came back when listening to this song.
    5. Rise Up (8.5/10): Signature scream is back and a little bit of "Night Visions" element in the song.
    6. I'll Make It Up To You (9/10): No comment because it's so good.
    7. Yesterday (9/10): Cool song. No regret when listen.
    8. Mouth Of The River (9/10): Powerful drums.
    9. Thunder (7.5/10): Felt something's missing at the chorus.
    10. Start Over (6.5/10): Chainsmokers intro, something that a rock band should never use in a rock song.
    11. Dancing In The Dark (4/10): Worst track in the entire album, also one of the worst album closer ever to date (in my opinion).    … Expand
  29. TheNeedleDrops
    Jun 28, 2017
    4
    Bad album for top 40 listeners who want to feel alternative. It still baffles me how the grammys gave the rock album of the year to these dweebs over queens of the stone age.
  30. RussianFans
    Jun 24, 2017
    10
    Your albums are always beautiful . You Gods . Send **** all publications , people like this is important . Love the fans more important . We love You . fans from Russia .
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Awards & Rankings

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#16 Most Discussed Album of 2017
66
#66 Most Shared Album of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
47

Mixed or average reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. musicOMH.com
    Jun 26, 2017
    50
    There’s not enough quality across the whole of Evolve to convincingly make the case that Imagine Dragons actually have, or to attract an audience of new listeners. Evolve is a good idea, but in practise it turns out that it doesn’t really work.
    Read full review
  2. Rolling Stone
    Jun 23, 2017
    40
    Their [producers Mattman & Robin's] spacious productions are an odd fit for Dan Reynolds' tortured dude-isms.
    Read full review
  3. The Guardian
    Jun 22, 2017
    40
    Evolve sounds, almost impressively so, as though it’s been created with telly music coordinators in mind--and few others besides.
    Read full review
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