To begin, this album is nothing like Night Visions. For those unfamiliar, Night Visions has a unique, authentic sound that separated the band from other alternative bands in the late 2012/early 2013 period. Named the “Year’s Biggest Breakout Band of 2013” by MTV, the band saw their rise after their hit “Radioactive” topped the charts and received endless plays on radio stations around the nation. Singles then followed from Night Visions, including “It’s Time,” “Demons” and “On Top of the World” respectively. Finally, after three years and extensive touring for Night Visions, Imagine Dragons released Smoke + Mirrors.

I’ll admit, my first overall impression of this album was negative. When I first heard “Shots” and “Gold” I thought to myself, what has this band come to? I was disappointed, but nonetheless I gave it some time and really sat down and began listening. The phrase “never judge a book by its cover” also applies to music. Never judge an album by one or two songs, a lesson I learned that from this extraordinary album.

Like I said, if you are a relatively big Imagine Dragons fan and you haven’t heard any songs off of this new record, don’t go into it with the same expectations as you did with Night Visions, or any songs off of their EPs for that matter. The sound is completely different; it’s basically its own sound, separate from the unique sound Night Visions offers. The choruses are moderately catchy, and the overall tone is positive and soothing to the ear. It’s one of those albums you can listen to all the way through, if your patience level is in check. The album has an even mix of slow and fast-paced songs. The use of synth is a little over-the-top, but the band is known for their elaborate use of instruments. There are at least 20 instruments going on at the same time in most of their songs.

In short, regardless if you love Imagine Dragons, you are not guaranteed to love this album.

Favorite: “It Comes Back to You” and “Dream”

Least Favorite: Haven’t Found One Yet