Smoke + Mirrors
by Imagine Dragons
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 366 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 274 out of 366
  2. Mixed: 54 out of 366
  3. Negative: 38 out of 366
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  1. ashman2004
    Mar 7, 2015
    10
    Shots - The more you play it, the more you like it.
    Gold - Just addictive!
    Smoke & Mirrors - Underrated, catchy... I'm So Sorry - Less underrated, more catchy! I Bet My Life - Not my favorite, but it's everyone else's, so good enough. Polaroid - Gets better and better throughout the song. Friction - It's underrated, but great. The verse sounds a bit weird, though. It Comes Back To    Shots - The more you play it, the more you like it.
    Gold - Just addictive!
    Smoke & Mirrors - Underrated, catchy...
    I'm So Sorry - Less underrated, more catchy!
    I Bet My Life - Not my favorite, but it's everyone else's, so good enough.
    Polaroid - Gets better and better throughout the song.
    Friction - It's underrated, but great. The verse sounds a bit weird, though.
    It Comes Back To You - Unfortunately, this one took a long time to grow on me, but it's great-sounding now.
    Dream - Beautiful song, just beautiful.
    Trouble - A bit odd, but good.
    Summer - Not my favorite either, but I still like it.
    Hopeless Opus - Underrated, this isn't a filler!
    The Fall - Pretty good, takes a while to grow on you, but not as long as It Comes Back To You.
    Thief - This one's okay, I guess.
    The Unknown - All the songs are deep, but not as much as this one (that's a compliment!), and the barks aren't that bad.
    Second Chances - I don't like this one much.
    Release - Ugh, just ugh.
    Warriors - Almost as good as Battle Cry, very similar.
    Battle Cry - Amazing, underrated song, much better than the Transformers movie it was in.
    Monster - A bit like Warriors and Battle Cry, these songs are very similar, and all very good.
    Who We Are - Not the best intro, but good.    … Expand
  2. Guzaman
    Feb 22, 2015
    10
    S+M has what every album should have, variety of sounds. The songs are quite different between them, but they also have things in common, that make them able to be in the same album. Its not perfect, o course, but is a great album. What it make it strong is the rhythms and the voice of Dan, that gives it a particular kind of power that you couldn't get on another record. Its a step forwardS+M has what every album should have, variety of sounds. The songs are quite different between them, but they also have things in common, that make them able to be in the same album. Its not perfect, o course, but is a great album. What it make it strong is the rhythms and the voice of Dan, that gives it a particular kind of power that you couldn't get on another record. Its a step forward for Imagine Dragons, not a big one, but a good one. Maybe in what it failure is in some songs that doesn't have the "spark" that should, but in general, is very enjoyable.… Expand
  3. LuizFelipe
    Feb 28, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. you can not explain how this album was amazing, deserved to be universally acclaimed because they worked very well in it , is one of the real interesting albums of the current Rock , finally , he was very good for all… Expand
  4. blackvelvet
    Feb 19, 2015
    10
    I absolutely loved this album. Strong melody writing and captivating lyrics. Much better than what typically plays on the mainstream radio. The only problems lies in the publics need to generalize everything. The rock critic says it isn't rock. The hipsters say it isn't indie etc etc. How about we just stop trying to put everything in a box and enjoy a solid album? That would be nice.
  5. shawn41695
    Feb 19, 2015
    10
    Literally so amazed by this album! There are so many different sounds they incorporated that truly make it a unique album and I am still surprised that anyone could be hating on this. I've already listened to the album multiple times and haven't found a song I dislike and I don't think I'll get sick of them anytime soon, my favorites being Trouble and I'm So Sorry. Thank you guys for this :)
  6. MarianaBorges
    Feb 22, 2015
    10
    Smoke + Mirrors sounds amazing. Like Reynolds said, if you make your music sounds like that, people will wait it to sounds like that forever. I loved the songs and the history behind each one of them. The band worked a lot in this album and it needs to be considerated.
  7. fernandabrites
    Feb 22, 2015
    10
    Amazing! There is so many meaning this album in its lyrics and melodies. This album made me cry, smile, think about life in every songs. Imagine Dragons always surprising me. I loved this album.
  8. Wanessa
    Feb 22, 2015
    10
    esse segundo album deles é muito bom , as musicas são ótimas , e as letras também , minhas favoritas são I'm so sorry , dream , gold , the fall , fica dificil escutar escolher uma favorita , porque são musicas muito boas
  9. forplatzone
    Feb 22, 2015
    10
    I don't understand the hate, the album is amazing! Listen to Smoke + Mirrors, you won't regret. They are great songwriters and musicians. I loved the album since the first time I heard it.
  10. defruta
    Feb 22, 2015
    10
    I do not really know what to say about S + M, is perfect , and certainly this on my list of things I will take with me forever, but maybe I take all the albums. Yes I'm gonna thrill all time I to hear "dream" !!
  11. invincibleID123
    Nov 29, 2015
    10
    Shots - beautiful song brings some Coldplay influence
    Gold - so addictive, great guitar riffs
    Smoke And Mirrors - really chilled and relaxed to here, ending with an amazing guitar solo I'm So Sorry - STUNNING AND MIND-BLOWING I Bet My Life - meaningful lyrics with powerful melodies Polaroid - high potential to become a hit but IDK why they don't release this as single Friction -    Shots - beautiful song brings some Coldplay influence
    Gold - so addictive, great guitar riffs
    Smoke And Mirrors - really chilled and relaxed to here, ending with an amazing guitar solo
    I'm So Sorry - STUNNING AND MIND-BLOWING
    I Bet My Life - meaningful lyrics with powerful melodies
    Polaroid - high potential to become a hit but IDK why they don't release this as single
    Friction - sounds weird but really catchy, powerful chorus
    It Comes Back To You - okay, not really catchy but still fine to listen
    Dream - splendid melodies, good piano riffs
    Trouble - not catchy but sounds really positive
    Summer - soft melodies
    Hopeless Opus - love its chorus, really nice to listen to
    The Fall - at first it is really beautiful but I wish they cut the after-middle parts
    *BONUS
    Thief - sounds weird at first but awesome as you listen - deserve to be in the main album
    The Unknown - the lyrics are so deep and meaningful, love it
    Second Chances - not really catchy with me but it's fine
    Release - sounds like an acoustic song
    Warriors - a superb song for LOL, always make me chilled while listening to
    Battle Cry - reminds me The Linkin Parks, the best piece of a rubbish movie
    Monster - my fav song of Infinity Blade 3
    Who We Are - good instrumental, nice song to listen    … Expand
  12. shanno
    Mar 9, 2015
    10
    Smoke and Mirrors, the second debut album from the well known band Imagine Dragons, invites the listener to experie new sounds that tie the whole album together into a piece of uniqueness. Each song was written with pure meaning by the band themselves leaving Smoke and Mirrors to be one of the most honest, and true albums that I have personally ever listened to. The lyrics flow poeticallySmoke and Mirrors, the second debut album from the well known band Imagine Dragons, invites the listener to experie new sounds that tie the whole album together into a piece of uniqueness. Each song was written with pure meaning by the band themselves leaving Smoke and Mirrors to be one of the most honest, and true albums that I have personally ever listened to. The lyrics flow poetically and each word is sang with meaning and passion.
    The album starts off with a few of their well known songs such as “I Bet My Life” and “Gold,” which were previously released as singles and became popular to the public eye very quickly. Both songs sound entirely different, “Gold” giving off a more intense feeling while “I Bet My Life” feels more carefree and even incorporates a choir in the background to give the song an exclusive sound. Each song on this album is enjoyable for people with all different music preferences. The album shows a hint of rock, alternative, electronic, and uses a variety of instruments to create sounds you wouldn't hear on a daily basis. One minute you will be head banging, and the next minute swaying along to a completely different melody. Smoke and Mirrors is guaranteed to take you an enjoyable journey and leaving you eager to hear more by the end of each song.    … Expand
  13. brunasouzaz
    Dec 18, 2015
    10
    Um dos melhores albuns que ja ouvi, são tantas músicas boas em um lugar só que quando o album acaba a vontade de repetir novamente é gigantesca!!! Adorei
  14. Frank4453
    Jun 18, 2017
    10
    Easily one of the best albums I've listened to. Full of songs that will be stuck in your head for days at a time ranging from pop songs with deep lyrics to alternative rock anthems.
  15. manningn15
    Jul 6, 2019
    10
    This album is even better than their debut album. Dan Reynolds voice continues to be stupendous and the bands writing continues to get better. I love the really cool and original cover. I like all of the songs but I love Shots, I Bet My Life, Smoke and Mirrors, Gold, I'm So Sorry, and Hopeless Opus. The videos for the songs Shots and I Bet My Life were spectacularly done. They are stillThis album is even better than their debut album. Dan Reynolds voice continues to be stupendous and the bands writing continues to get better. I love the really cool and original cover. I like all of the songs but I love Shots, I Bet My Life, Smoke and Mirrors, Gold, I'm So Sorry, and Hopeless Opus. The videos for the songs Shots and I Bet My Life were spectacularly done. They are still one of my top 5 favorite bands and one of my favorite musical artists of all time.… Expand
  16. mariolanes7788
    Nov 9, 2018
    10
    My favorite album Imagine Dagons has done to date. barely over Night Visions. This was definitely something Special, Shots is an instant classic, Gold was good, Smoke and Mirrors sum up the album perfectly as it's sad and depressing with a light at the end of a tunnel which is what I think of when I think about this album. I'm So Sorry is a great song, I Bet My Life was beautiful in everyMy favorite album Imagine Dagons has done to date. barely over Night Visions. This was definitely something Special, Shots is an instant classic, Gold was good, Smoke and Mirrors sum up the album perfectly as it's sad and depressing with a light at the end of a tunnel which is what I think of when I think about this album. I'm So Sorry is a great song, I Bet My Life was beautiful in every way, Polaroid was also beautiful, Friction was a little off there norm but I have to say it was still amazing as it's intensity got to me and Dan Reynolds vocals really shined. It Comes Back To You is still one of my favorite songs from them to date it's just beautiful and to me very relatable. Dream is also beautiful, Trouble was amazing, Summer was also great, Hopeless Opus was when it took this album to a different level, it somehow grabs you with its very simple beat and it's lyrics are beautiful and it is definitely a masterpiece. Finally, the Fall which is one of my favorite songs it's just beautiful and really hits your soul and makes you feel what Dan Reynolds feels, it has an old way of grabbing you similar to Demons. Than you had the deluxe edition which didn't disappoint Thief was a very good song and don't wanna sound like a broken record but I am still trying to keep this short (Even thought it's like 2500 characters long) it was beautiful, The Unknown had an unknown feeling towards it, which might be why they called it the unknown it's lyrically beautiful, Second Chances it probably the worst song on the album but is still amazing, and finally release which is beautiful I always love hearing Dan Reynold and a guitar, I Was Me is still one of my favorite songs and release is very similar.

    Full Ratings:
    Shots 10/10
    Gold 8.5/10
    Smoke and Mirrors 9/10
    I'm So Sorry 9/10
    I Bet My Life 10/10
    Polaroid 10/10
    Friction 9/10
    It Comes Back To You 10/10
    Dream 9/10
    Trouble 9/10
    Summer 9/10
    Hopeless Opus 10/10
    The Fall 10/10
    Thief 9/10
    The Unknown 9/10
    Second Chances 8/10
    Release 10/10
    Complete Score : 158.5/170 (93.2%)
    (I still rate this a 10/10 as I always round up.)    … Expand
  17. uddipta15
    Jul 28, 2019
    10
    The best album by Imagine Dragons. A rollercoaster of emotions. From the majestic Shots to the epic closer The Fall.
  18. sebdev
    Aug 6, 2020
    10
    Their best album to this date, and their most "rock" oriented album as well. It is a natural evolution of what we got with its predecessor, but this time including even better lyrics and a more instrumental sound.
  19. AlwaysShining29
    Aug 6, 2020
    10
    This is the best album to ever exist, completely full of masterpieces, and I’d give it an exact 10/10 (or even more). I’m going to explain why.

    Right balance between pop and rock, interesting lyrics, catchy choruses in all 21 songs, a bunch of atmospheric songs... What can be better than that? I’d give every song above a 9,5/10 except Release (8,25/10). If it had more instruments and it    This is the best album to ever exist, completely full of masterpieces, and I’d give it an exact 10/10 (or even more). I’m going to explain why.

    Right balance between pop and rock, interesting lyrics, catchy choruses in all 21 songs, a bunch of atmospheric songs... What can be better than that?

    I’d give every song above a 9,5/10 except Release (8,25/10). If it had more instruments and it was slightly longer, it would also surpass that 9,5/10.    … Expand
  20. ayush__id
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Words can't tell what a pure masterpiece this album is. But what I can surely tell is Metacritic hates and despises Imagine Dragons. Every song has it's own story. Not a single skip. Top favs are Hopeless Opus, Dream, Smoke And Mirrors, Shots, Second Chances, Who We Are And The Fall.
  21. SelectInsect44
    Oct 5, 2021
    10
    Great album and glad they continued the greatness that’s Night Visions, everything here's great. It has nearly no average differences when compared to Night Visions, these two albums are kinda for each other. It’s a really close 2nd place in my ranking with Night Visions being first. Friction is my favorite from this album
  22. Firebreather_
    May 3, 2021
    10
    Simply a masterpiece, each song has a beautiful meaning
    A medida que vas escuchando las canciones, te vas identificando con cada una de ellas, la manera en la que Imagine Dragons quiere dar algún mensaje es increíble, no entiendo el por quéla baja calificación, en cuanto a letra Smoke + Mirrors es el mejor de los 4, Veremos si su quinto álbum logra ser igual de hermoso y maravilloso que el    Simply a masterpiece, each song has a beautiful meaning
    A medida que vas escuchando las canciones, te vas identificando con cada una de ellas, la manera en la que Imagine Dragons quiere dar algún mensaje es increíble, no entiendo el por quéla baja calificación, en cuanto a letra Smoke + Mirrors es el mejor de los 4, Veremos si su quinto álbum logra ser igual de hermoso y maravilloso que el resto    … Expand
  23. WOLFGANG_
    Mar 20, 2021
    10
    Best band of the world i love imagine dragons so much all members i love uuuu
  24. vectorvicter
    Jan 17, 2023
    10
    This album is easily the best imagine dragons album. It is experimenting all the way, but they do it right. I love this album so much to my heart, and shots and the fall are some of the best songs. Lesser to im so sorry, but still charming in it's own way. 10/10
  25. Crypticghost
    Jun 18, 2022
    10
    Smoke and mirrors is a beautiful masterpiece that makes you feel like your going on a journey with the band songs are well produced and different from each other
  26. SuperVideogamer
    Feb 18, 2015
    9
    I don't understand where all this hate for this fantastic album is coming from...Seriously, i don't get it. First off, the album starts off with the amazing (Soon to be my own official theme music) Shots! Then followed by the epicness that is Gold! and then next is Smoke and Mirrors, which is a song that puts your mind at eaze and...Man! It is so damn original! Especially the instrumental!I don't understand where all this hate for this fantastic album is coming from...Seriously, i don't get it. First off, the album starts off with the amazing (Soon to be my own official theme music) Shots! Then followed by the epicness that is Gold! and then next is Smoke and Mirrors, which is a song that puts your mind at eaze and...Man! It is so damn original! Especially the instrumental! I could stay here and make you read the review for every single song on the album, instead, i am just going to get to the point, This album is phenomenal! Every song is unique and powerful in their own wonderful way that is because it was written & produced by Imagine dagons! A band that has over 60 songs and managed keep them all different unlike most bands. , the lyrics, the instrumental every single song is a masterpiece and they don't need to curse at all! Ever! am not trying to sound like a fanboy or anything and this probably the worst review you've ever have read the reason is because i can't find words to describe songs like Polaroid, Friction, It Comes back to You, Dream etc. Pleasse take my word for it AND DON'T LET THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS GET TO YOUR HEAD!(THeY ALMOST FOOLED ME AS WELL), the album is worth a listen, not gonna lie atleast 2 need some work (Hopeless opus & Summer) but the rest is f cking fantastic! I hope this review will encourage to go take a listen, if you do, don't forget to check out bonus tracks: Thief, The Unknown, Second chances & Release.

    Final score 9/10: Slightly better and more creative than Night Visions in my opnion.    … Expand
  27. JPGomezOla
    Feb 24, 2015
    9
    Me ha "decepcionado" un poco, pues con Night Visions de presedente tenía puestas unas expectativas muy altas. Sin embargo, el album el genial. Dan Reynolds dijo en su momento que la gente pensaría que este album sería una evolución coherente para el grupo, y aunque eso no es muy cierto creo que no han hecho un mal trabajo. Todas las canciones me gustan, y no me arrepiento de haber compradoMe ha "decepcionado" un poco, pues con Night Visions de presedente tenía puestas unas expectativas muy altas. Sin embargo, el album el genial. Dan Reynolds dijo en su momento que la gente pensaría que este album sería una evolución coherente para el grupo, y aunque eso no es muy cierto creo que no han hecho un mal trabajo. Todas las canciones me gustan, y no me arrepiento de haber comprado la edición Super Deluxe. Mezclan muchos sonidos, muchos ritmos (y arritmias) en un solo album y en especial en una sola canción, pero eso creo que les añade un estilo único. Realmente no creo ver otras bandas en sus canciones, como U2 o Coldplay como dicen algunos, ni una falta de identidad. Simplemente, han evolucionado en una forma que pocos se esperaban pero que, francamente, no decepciona.… Expand
  28. Symptomnic
    Feb 17, 2015
    9
    Imagine Dragons has always been a spectacle of sound. This hasn't changed with the inclusion of their latest album , Smoke + Mirrors. A near perfect combination of contrasting and rather exceptional songs: with 21 songs on the full version of the album, they'd have to be. The majority of the songs are brilliant, with the exception of 1 or maybe 2, and they'll each get into your head withImagine Dragons has always been a spectacle of sound. This hasn't changed with the inclusion of their latest album , Smoke + Mirrors. A near perfect combination of contrasting and rather exceptional songs: with 21 songs on the full version of the album, they'd have to be. The majority of the songs are brilliant, with the exception of 1 or maybe 2, and they'll each get into your head with ease. Simply, especially evident in "I'm So Sorry", "Trouble" and "Friction", they portray a uniqueness of sound, and it wouldn't be far to say that all of the songs take on their own identity. Smoke + Mirrors is a heavy step forward from Night Visions, a good one, and there is an inevitability that Imagine Dragons will remain at the very top.… Expand
  29. diamonddave
    Apr 28, 2015
    9
    I was very surprised at how much the album grew on me and how much I really love it now! Tons of great songs and very little filler. Imagine Dragons has stepped up to the plate and delivered their best yet! Highlights from the album are "Shots", "Smoke and Mirrors", "I'm So Sorry", "Polaroid", "Friction", "It comes back to you", and "Dream", Many other good songs on here, but these are theI was very surprised at how much the album grew on me and how much I really love it now! Tons of great songs and very little filler. Imagine Dragons has stepped up to the plate and delivered their best yet! Highlights from the album are "Shots", "Smoke and Mirrors", "I'm So Sorry", "Polaroid", "Friction", "It comes back to you", and "Dream", Many other good songs on here, but these are the best ones. My top album of 2015 so far!… Expand
  30. V3N0M67
    Apr 6, 2015
    9
    Okay, seriously do NOT listen to any of these negative reviews for this album! If you are a person that has liked the sound of Imagine Dragons in the past, I have absolutely no doubt that Smoke + Mirrors will blow you away. Much more varied and adventurous that Night Visions, Smoke + Mirrors is a passionately produced and extremely well-rounded experience. Of course there are a couple ofOkay, seriously do NOT listen to any of these negative reviews for this album! If you are a person that has liked the sound of Imagine Dragons in the past, I have absolutely no doubt that Smoke + Mirrors will blow you away. Much more varied and adventurous that Night Visions, Smoke + Mirrors is a passionately produced and extremely well-rounded experience. Of course there are a couple of duds (looking at you, Gold!), but nothing can hold this beautiful piece of musicianship back! 9/10… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

22
#22 Most Discussed Album of 2015
71
#71 Most Shared Album of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
  1. AllMusic
    Feb 20, 2015
    70
    These guys are shameless and that's what makes them more fun than your average arena rockers.
    Read full review
  2. Boston Globe
    Feb 17, 2015
    70
    Evocations of everyone from Coldplay to Peter Gabriel to Queen remain intact, with that first band’s specter looming largest over the moody, dirge-y, electro-tweaked proceedings. The album hits its most interesting and feverish spike with the furtive yelps and rhythms of “Friction.”
    Read full review
  3. Billboard.com
    Feb 17, 2015
    50
    Smoke + Mirrors may seem too recycled and belabored to entice the unconverted, but the hints of hidden depths are a pleasant surprise.
    Read full review
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