Night Visions
by Imagine Dragons
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 432 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 358 out of 432
  2. Mixed: 47 out of 432
  3. Negative: 27 out of 432
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  1. Tvpfreek
    May 10, 2013
    10
    Apparently Metacritic only gathered the mostly negative reviews of this album. However, you will not hear anything quite like Imagine Dragons. They manage to blend everything from rock to hip hop to folk to pop with such ease that the listener doesn't have a chance to fully realize how much thought has gone into each and every moment. Night Visions is a well-crafted, challenging andApparently Metacritic only gathered the mostly negative reviews of this album. However, you will not hear anything quite like Imagine Dragons. They manage to blend everything from rock to hip hop to folk to pop with such ease that the listener doesn't have a chance to fully realize how much thought has gone into each and every moment. Night Visions is a well-crafted, challenging and exciting debut album from a band that should be around for quite some time.… Expand
  2. sherlock765
    Jan 12, 2018
    10
    the best imagine dragons has ever offered. form smash hits like radioactive and demons to more unknown gems like underdog and hear me this album must be listened to from start to finish.
  3. mike4444
    Dec 30, 2013
    10
    This is probably one of the best albums of the year. Radioactive, It's Time, Demons, On Top of the World... It's all so good. Imagine Dragons has a huge expectation to fulfill in my eyes now.
  4. N1T3W4TCH3R
    Mar 9, 2015
    10
    The album contains great songs with amazing melodies and great vocals. I won't lie I honestly didn't care about them until I heard their music more and more know I love their music.
  5. Jarody
    Mar 16, 2018
    8
    The first studio album from Alternative/Rock band Imagine Dragons is a relatively strong first album, it has great vocals and decent instrumentation, along with a couple really excellent tracks. Although that being said the lyrical prowess of this album is very clichéd and is not really anything to get excited about.
    Favourite Tracks- Bleeding Out, Demons, Radioactive, It's Time, Hear Me,    The first studio album from Alternative/Rock band Imagine Dragons is a relatively strong first album, it has great vocals and decent instrumentation, along with a couple really excellent tracks. Although that being said the lyrical prowess of this album is very clichéd and is not really anything to get excited about.
    Favourite Tracks- Bleeding Out, Demons, Radioactive, It's Time, Hear Me, On Top Of The World
    Least Favourite Tracks- Every Night, Amsterdam    … Expand
  6. MaddoxWhite
    Apr 25, 2021
    9
    So many classics on here.

    Radioactive.
    Demons.
    The underrated Amsterdam.

    These songs are amazing.
  7. JacobWaites
    Jun 12, 2013
    10
    Absolutely underrated band. Saw the guys live and was blown away by their musicianship. Night Visions is a strong debut album and I can't wait to hear what these guys put out next.
  8. radioheader
    Jun 9, 2013
    10
    Great album. I've read countless positive reviews on it and am curious why metacritic is choosing these mixed reviews to display. For a debut album from such a young band I walked away thoroughly impressed after listening to it and have only grown more fond of it with time.
  9. Bbbomber
    May 30, 2013
    8
    I don't understand how this album got such a low score. Most of the songs are amazing and more importantly, different. Working Man, Bleeding Out, On Top Of The World and It's Time are some of the best songs I've heard in a very long time. Sure they do have a few bad songs on the album but the good outweighs the bad by a mile
  10. Pedro
    Jul 23, 2013
    8
    "Night Visions" has a new and fresh sound which distinguishes it from other generic records around, but the band plays safe with similar compositions through the album, which makes the album consistent, but nothing risque. "Radioactive" is the track pick here, having a different sound than we would normally expect from the band.

    Other track picks here are the other singles, "Bleeding    "Night Visions" has a new and fresh sound which distinguishes it from other generic records around, but the band plays safe with similar compositions through the album, which makes the album consistent, but nothing risque. "Radioactive" is the track pick here, having a different sound than we would normally expect from the band.

    Other track picks here are the other singles, "Bleeding Out" and "Tiptoe".    … Expand
  11. Pinglu50
    Mar 19, 2015
    10
    Night Visions is a perfect example of alternative indie album that doesn't have a single song that you could say "uhh, I don't like it". The Deluxe Version of the album is also incredible.
  12. lawgiver28
    Mar 5, 2014
    10
    This album literally saved my life. I was in the throes of depression and thinking of a second attempt at suicide. Thank god that Nothing Left To Say/Rocks came over my iHeartRadio, sung by a band that I never heard of at the time, Imagine Dragons. After hearing this song and its relatable message at the time, I dug down deep into finding who Imagine Dragons was, and I bought their albumThis album literally saved my life. I was in the throes of depression and thinking of a second attempt at suicide. Thank god that Nothing Left To Say/Rocks came over my iHeartRadio, sung by a band that I never heard of at the time, Imagine Dragons. After hearing this song and its relatable message at the time, I dug down deep into finding who Imagine Dragons was, and I bought their album right off the bat. The music and lyrics in this album are real things, real emotions that I've felt over the years. I'm happy to have discovered this band, and that they put this album out there. The messages in every song are real, and even the sad songs can make you feel happy and so much better. I'm going to my second Imagine Dragons concert for this album next week. The music contained within is timeless.… Expand
  13. 4smodeu2
    Feb 19, 2015
    10
    This album is absolutely fantastic. It's this album that got me really into Imagine Dragons, because this is exactly what I like -- alternative pop-rock. It also blends influences from all over the EDM/pop/R&B generes. If you like OneRepublic, Bastille, Simon & Garfunkel, Arcade Fire, The Killers, Coldplay, Mumford & Sons, Neon Trees, WALK THE MOON, Foster the People, or Fun., check outThis album is absolutely fantastic. It's this album that got me really into Imagine Dragons, because this is exactly what I like -- alternative pop-rock. It also blends influences from all over the EDM/pop/R&B generes. If you like OneRepublic, Bastille, Simon & Garfunkel, Arcade Fire, The Killers, Coldplay, Mumford & Sons, Neon Trees, WALK THE MOON, Foster the People, or Fun., check out this group. If you're tired of ridiculously synthesized sounds interspersed with random men yelling about sex, check out this group. If you can... you now what? Just check out this group. Go stream the album.… Expand
  14. gabrimoreschi
    Jun 21, 2013
    10
    I think this album couldn't be better. Sounds, atmosphere, voices. They're all fantastic. I love this album and I love Imagine Dragons. I can't understand why it has such a low score, they'd deserve more.
  15. mchlkirk77
    Nov 27, 2013
    10
    Imagine Dragons have produced a true, raw, brilliant rock cd, and the fact that they are from my city, Las Vegas, makes me appreciate them even more. I have loved the cd for awhile and I just saw them perform live on the American Music Awards, and I have to say, Imagine Dragons are the real deal, and so passiontae about their music and what they do so much respect for this Las VegasImagine Dragons have produced a true, raw, brilliant rock cd, and the fact that they are from my city, Las Vegas, makes me appreciate them even more. I have loved the cd for awhile and I just saw them perform live on the American Music Awards, and I have to say, Imagine Dragons are the real deal, and so passiontae about their music and what they do so much respect for this Las Vegas band!!!!!!!!!… Expand
  16. Knicksfan7
    Aug 6, 2013
    10
    I slept on this album for way too long. My friend suggested i check it out so I went ahead and did so. I loved this album, I literally listened to it 5 times in a row when I first checked it out. To this day it seems to just be getting better and better. While the lyrics aren't the strongest at some points all the songs are still great. Dan Reynolds (lead singer) was quoted saying heI slept on this album for way too long. My friend suggested i check it out so I went ahead and did so. I loved this album, I literally listened to it 5 times in a row when I first checked it out. To this day it seems to just be getting better and better. While the lyrics aren't the strongest at some points all the songs are still great. Dan Reynolds (lead singer) was quoted saying he wanted the listener to feel empowered and good about themselves as they listen to this album and that's exactly how I feel every time I listen. It's truly beautiful. Night Visions was an almost perfect debut album for Imagine Dragons, they certainly have a bright future for sure. 10/10… Expand
  17. dharma
    Jun 30, 2013
    8
    One of the better alternative bands out there, Imagine Dragons sounds like a mixture between Coldplay and the Killers (also originating from Nevada). Their songs are catchy and while many will think that they are too 'pop', there is enough artistry going into their arrangements that made them sound different than any alt bands out there.
  18. Mab_987
    Jul 4, 2013
    9
    Popular music has gotten a lot better since about 2011, and Imagine Dragons are a great example of that. I’d say the main attractor of the band, despite very well-done instrumentation, is singer Dan Reynolds’ booming, powerful & emotive voice, fitting well with the often-personal lyrical content. He’s just got a certain tone & inflection that makes you care about everything this guy hasPopular music has gotten a lot better since about 2011, and Imagine Dragons are a great example of that. I’d say the main attractor of the band, despite very well-done instrumentation, is singer Dan Reynolds’ booming, powerful & emotive voice, fitting well with the often-personal lyrical content. He’s just got a certain tone & inflection that makes you care about everything this guy has to say. He’s basically this decade’s Brandon Flowers, but not in a way that feels derivative. The instrumentation only helps add to the effect, with styles ranging from arena rock to synth-pop to indie rock. Still, this doesn’t make Night Visions feel any less like it’s written & recorded by a band rather than a solo artist with a revolving backing band. Each song is simply ridden with soaring catchy melodies that are begging to be screamed along to in a live setting. Maybe it’ll come off cheesy to some but whatever, opinions. I love a band that can create an infectious melody & dress it with just the right amounts of meaning, musicianship & simplicity, and that’s exact what Imagine Dragons does. 12 times. 15 times if you count the bonus tracks I decided to listen to. In my mind that’s pop music done right in a nutshell. I feel I should single out a few songs in particular. Such as Radioactive’s subtle dubstep elements in the verses & creative exaggerated smelling after the line “I’m breathing in the chemicals”. It shouldn’t really work on paper but somehow it does. Or It’s Time’s simple yet effective mandolin riff & anthemic chorus. Or Amsterdam’s jangly indie-rock guitar leads. Or Underdog’s bright, buzzing synths that I’d almost expect to find on a Matt & Kim or Passion Pit album. Or the justified 6+-minute length of monumental closer Nothing Left to Say. Or the unusual Vampire Weekend-meets-Temper Trap sound of Rocks. Or bonus track Cha Ching (Til We Grow Older)’s remarkable ability to make me take the phrase “cha-ching cha-ching cha-chingaling” seriously in a song. The beautifully tortured Demons is probably my favorite song here, and I really hope it’s the next single. If there’s one minor complaint to be found with this album it’s that the nice quietly-beginning & emotional Bleeding Out is soon clogged up in the mix with unneeded sounds. Basically Centipede Hz Syndrome. Also the use of a drum machine in the first few seconds of Hear Me, only to switch to real drums shortly after was a rather odd choice. And even though this is in a way a compliment, I really wish bonus tracks Working Man, Fallen & Cha Ching were released in the standard edition. Other than that though this is a fantastic debut album by a band that I hope stays in the mainstream for a while. I made a comparison between the singer of this band and Brandon Flowers, and in a way I think Imagine Dragons could do similar positive things for popular music in the 2010’s that The Killers did in the 2000’s. Let’s just hope their next album does just as well, if not better.

    Top 5 tracks: Demons, Radioactive, It’s Time, Nothing Left to Say, Working Man
    Rating: 90/100    … Expand
  19. cryhardhumor
    Nov 18, 2015
    5
    Lyrically wise the band is strong, but aside from a one or two standout tracks the album falls victim to sloppy production and a lack of tonal consistency.
  20. titansandrome
    Jun 12, 2013
    10
    Finally a band with real instrumentation and talent is able to break into the mainstream. I don't agree with the critics on this at all, though the album doesn't seem to have a lot of reviews period, which is probably what contributes to the "mixed" over all view. As far as I can see, or hear, this band is absolutely groundbreaking and fresh. The album is sonically interesting, the lyricsFinally a band with real instrumentation and talent is able to break into the mainstream. I don't agree with the critics on this at all, though the album doesn't seem to have a lot of reviews period, which is probably what contributes to the "mixed" over all view. As far as I can see, or hear, this band is absolutely groundbreaking and fresh. The album is sonically interesting, the lyrics are captivating and the overall the album flows well. 10 out of 10 for me.… Expand
  21. JacksReviews
    Nov 5, 2013
    7
    'Night Visions' is a fantastic virgin outing for Imagine Dragons, featuring a steady flow of well-produced tracks throughout.

    For the best tracks, we start off the chart-topping 'Radioactive', a fairly courageous synth-pop/dubstep/rock mashup with impressive production quality and wonderful lyricism. Following this are 'It's Time' and subsequently 'Demons', our first glance at the    'Night Visions' is a fantastic virgin outing for Imagine Dragons, featuring a steady flow of well-produced tracks throughout.

    For the best tracks, we start off the chart-topping 'Radioactive', a fairly courageous synth-pop/dubstep/rock mashup with impressive production quality and wonderful lyricism. Following this are 'It's Time' and subsequently 'Demons', our first glance at the diversity of the tracks after our dubstep/rock pie, we get a wonderfully upbeat tune with stunning vocals. 'Demons' follows up from this and is arguably one of the best tracks; it's very reminiscent of a Coldplay ditty, a mainstream pop-rock song featuring a wonderful, upbeat tune and fantastic vocals/lyricism.

    While none of the album is really filler, I feel some resentment towards much of the tracklist; tunes such as 'Cha-Ching (We Grow Older)', 'America' and 'Hear Me' are wholly forgettable and do not standup to the superior production quality the aforementioned tracks, alongside those such as 'Bleeding Out' and 'Nothing Left To Say/Rocks'.

    Overall, the album is quite irritating; while we're presented with a lot of gems, there are many just 'average' tracks that really bring the overall album quality down. It's definitely worth a listen, just don't feel obliged.

    7/10, B    … Expand
  22. Galletonn
    Nov 25, 2013
    7
    This album has a lot of what I love of Alternative and Indie Rock music. I don't know how critics can put it most negative reviews, it's so good, there are song that are killer songs, others are normal but i like it so much the album in general, the sound is so excellent, fresh, original, wear and amazing, also the lyrics. Imagine Dragons is unique, you will never find another band like this.
  23. remyplambert
    Sep 17, 2013
    6
    Debuting major album by the emerging star band of Imagine Dragons. Featuring many hit songs that have plastered radio stations and billboard charts over the past year, it shows many great songs that are fun and easy to listen to it. Only major criticism is that you get tired of it quickly due to the large similarities between songs, they tend to just blend together. Good album overall
  24. KingdomHeart
    Dec 17, 2013
    7
    Alex Da Kid managed to do something quite interesting to fuse dubstep, hip-hop and folk music on a an indie rock album, most things work in Night Visions, despite some fairly generic moments on the album.
  25. RickFlairbombed
    Oct 30, 2013
    2
    Here is an example of band that tries to take every single trend in music, throw it together on a canvas, and see what happens. There's dubstep, arena rock, emotional lyrics, chorus chants. Problem is that none of it works. Night Visions quickly becomes tiresome to listen to, and was a chore to finish. People claim this band is original, but how original is really taking Mumford & SonsHere is an example of band that tries to take every single trend in music, throw it together on a canvas, and see what happens. There's dubstep, arena rock, emotional lyrics, chorus chants. Problem is that none of it works. Night Visions quickly becomes tiresome to listen to, and was a chore to finish. People claim this band is original, but how original is really taking Mumford & Sons lyrics/emotional wringing, Florence & the Machine's rhythm, and hip hop beats and seeing if it works as a whole?
    Everything in modern day radio is either a hollow gesture of personal introspection or something danceable. Both styles are tiresome, and Imagine Dragons gives us the worst of both worlds. Radioactive is just silly, what with an unnecessary guitar intro, unnecessary dubstep effects, and esoteric, generic lyrics. The vocal verse melody for demons is just atrocious. The latter half pushes for more anthems, but it's all the same without any surprises. One album that the critics generally nailed.    … Expand
  26. cameronmorewood
    Aug 13, 2013
    5
    Imagine Dragons are similar to the Foo Fighters, but they use a wider variety of sound effects and suffer from a noticeable lack of lyrics. (There's a lot of oh-ing and ah-ing to fill in the gaps).
  27. bamazap
    Nov 5, 2013
    10
    Night Visions is the best thing that has happened in Alternative Rock for awhile. Recently, the trend in alternative rock has been to release very formulaic albums, banally keeping the status quo and refusing to risk rocking the boat. Enter Imagine Dragons. The new Las Vegas band, with nothing to lose, puts out Night Visions and reminds us all why we listen to alternative rock. The albumNight Visions is the best thing that has happened in Alternative Rock for awhile. Recently, the trend in alternative rock has been to release very formulaic albums, banally keeping the status quo and refusing to risk rocking the boat. Enter Imagine Dragons. The new Las Vegas band, with nothing to lose, puts out Night Visions and reminds us all why we listen to alternative rock. The album opens with the smash hit "Radioactive," setting the tone for the whole album. Imagine Dragons experiments with a diverse array of styles throughout the album, but the whole retains this volatile and energized feel. "It's Time" is probably the band's best work so far, but the anthemic "Demons," the more honest "Amsterdam," and the ecstatic, almost Jamacian-sounding "Top of the World" all shine in their own way. "Hear Me" is one of the less-recognized gems on the album, full of more emotion than perhaps any other song on the album. The rest of the tracks aren't quite as notable, but none of them feel like filler. The work as a whole is amazing, something that can be said about few albums. If for any reason, a complaint could be made that "rocks" was an unnecessary bonus track. It makes the last track incredibly long when heard individually, and "Nothing Left to Say" finishes the album quite well.… Expand
  28. CJSlikesturtles
    May 19, 2013
    4
    I may be the minority here, but I find this album to have only like one or two OKAY songs, but the rest of them, are pretty much otherwise forgettable. Most of them are almost just the same formula, really a mediocre LP.
  29. Eclectic_Listen
    May 5, 2013
    3
    An album that came into the world on the wave of a hit single. After the opener track "Radioactive," one should expect an ocean of sameness and gimmicky, formulaic tracks. Truly conventional and disappointing.
  30. khutch
    Nov 7, 2013
    7
    Imagine Dragons is a generic band, one can find several equal and even better than them, but despite sounding nothing innovative, do the expected work very well, It's Time is soulful and is undoubtedly the best of the cd next of Amsterdam.
    Imagine Dragons have a lot to learn yet, but Night Visions opened doors showing a good band charismatic and simple.
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
53

Mixed or average reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Q Magazine
    Apr 24, 2013
    40
    It takes alt-rock drama and boy-band syrup and bolts on some fun.-size arena-singalong choruses. [May 2013, p.103]
  2. musicOMH.com
    Apr 24, 2013
    40
    Unfortunately Night Visions is so safe and middle of the road that it leaves you with the same hollow feeling that Las Vegas can, without the dizzying high and sensual assault that got you there in the first place.
    Read full review
  3. Sputnikmusic
    Apr 24, 2013
    50
    There are a lot of cosmetics present to cover up the band’s shortcomings, but not even the most epic posturing and glossy production can hide this record’s blemishes.
    Read full review
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