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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. 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.
  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. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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!!
  7. 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!
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. reinaldo
    Jun 23, 2017
    10
    What happens to critics? why they despise art?, Sure if it were an album with repetitive lyrics, about sex and drugs would have better rating, this industry is bad
  11. RonaldGarcia
    Jun 23, 2017
    10
    I can't understand to the critic, this album is wonderful, magical. They just wanna listen trap and commercial pop and that's the reason why they don't accept this great Imagine Dragons' work.
  12. 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 .
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. matthrz
    Oct 14, 2017
    10
    Imagine Dragons was really great with the first two albums, but this... this is FANTASTIC. Evolve has a lot of good writing and deserves better. One of the best albums of 2017.
  16. 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'.
  17. manningn15
    Jul 6, 2019
    10
    I loved their first two albums but this is the album is better than their first two. Dan Reynolds just continues to be stupendous and the bands writing is better than their first two albums. I love the very colorful cover. I love ever single song on the album but my favorites are Thunder, Walking the Wire, Believer, Whatever it Takes, Next to Me, and Mouth of the River. The music videosI loved their first two albums but this is the album is better than their first two. Dan Reynolds just continues to be stupendous and the bands writing is better than their first two albums. I love the very colorful cover. I love ever single song on the album but my favorites are Thunder, Walking the Wire, Believer, Whatever it Takes, Next to Me, and Mouth of the River. The music videos for Thunder, Believer, Whatever it Takes, and Next to Me were all awesome and visually spectacular. They are still one of my very favorite bands and one of my favorite musical artists of all time. A+.… Expand
  18. JhosepKingsley
    Jul 22, 2018
    10
    A jewel of the current pop rock and perhaps too advanced for its time because it did not receive the recognition of part of the professional criticism it deserves. A unanimous concept that will not bore you and that you will surely enjoy.
  19. 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).
  20. uddipta15
    Jul 28, 2019
    10
    Really good pop record. A wonderful evolution of the band while maintaining the Imagine Dragons flavour.
  21. AlwaysShining29
    Aug 6, 2020
    10
    (I’d give this album a 9,8/10, but I can’t add that exact rating so I’ve rounded it up to 10/10).

    I really like this album, there isn’t a song that I dislike. I like the combination of pop and rock, but some songs (Dancing In The Dark or Thunder) are not that catchy, so it doesn’t reach Smoke + Mirrors. Anyways, this album is a genius move.
  22. SelectInsect44
    Oct 5, 2021
    10
    Generally poppy, but it has some really deep songs like Believer, Rise Up or Mouth Of The River. It's my least favorite ID album, but it's only because I like the others even more. My favorite from this album has to be Walking The Wire
  23. WOLFGANG_
    Mar 20, 2021
    10
    Best band of the world i love imagine dragons they are so perfect all members i love u
  24. fariasjoaoo2015
    Jun 23, 2017
    9
    Anotha one! Great album by Imagine Dragons, go get that #1 boys! I'm proud of them because they know how to make great music with quality! People, don't care or critics in geral, go see our reviews... It is so much more speciallized than the critics one! xoxo
  25. 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
  26. 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.
  27. thejosefo
    Jun 27, 2017
    9
    I Don't Know Why 8/10
    Whatever it Takes 7/10
    Beliver 8/10
    Walking the Wire 9/10
    Rise Up 5/10
    I'll Make It Up To You 10/10 SO LIT AND FRESH
    Yesterday 4/10
    Mouth Of The River 8/10
    Thunder 9/10
    Start Over 3/10
    Dancing in The Dark 4/10

    Prom: 6.8
    Anyways a 9 haha
  28. KGL
    Jul 2, 2017
    9
    Pros:
    -Blends Of Indie Rock and 80s keyboard
    -Strong Vocals -Fun, catchy songs Cons: -Dancing In the Dark Would love to give this album a 10, but Dancing In The Dark is easily the worst Imagine Dragons song. I say this because in the song he sounds like a drunk, whiny man-child who can't decide if he wants to make a parody, or a serious track! But on the bright side,    Pros:
    -Blends Of Indie Rock and 80s keyboard
    -Strong Vocals
    -Fun, catchy songs

    Cons:
    -Dancing In the Dark

    Would love to give this album a 10, but Dancing In The Dark is easily the worst Imagine Dragons song. I say this because in the song he sounds like a drunk, whiny man-child who can't decide if he wants to make a parody, or a serious track!

    But on the bright side, everything else is stellar! If you're skeptical about buying, I recommend you do! I'm a long time Imagine Dragons fan and was not disappointed (if anything, impressed!)    … Expand
  29. Stefffan
    Aug 8, 2017
    9
    Reeeealllyy? 47/100 ??? This must be a joke. Top 5 album of 2017. for me. Maybe it's not epic as "Night Vision", but it's a highlight of rock/alternative music in 2017 and music in 2017 overall. Thunder & Whatever It Takes are my favorites.
  30. AbrahamBJ
    Oct 6, 2017
    9
    Alternative, with a little more lean to pop, Imagine Dragons latest release, the futuristic-titled Evolve, is certainly a step foward, but in a different direction which has many fans puzzeled and even dissapointed. Yet i find it a refreshing new sound which, of course for someone who doesnt hold much fondness for rock, enjoys rather immensly. "Thunder" is an amazing track which observesAlternative, with a little more lean to pop, Imagine Dragons latest release, the futuristic-titled Evolve, is certainly a step foward, but in a different direction which has many fans puzzeled and even dissapointed. Yet i find it a refreshing new sound which, of course for someone who doesnt hold much fondness for rock, enjoys rather immensly. "Thunder" is an amazing track which observes a futuristic twinge to it and "Whatever It Takes" and "I Dont Know Why" provides an entrance to a overall good album.… Expand
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
See all critic reviews »