Imagine Dragons has finally released their new album "LOOM." Their last album, "Mercury," was released back in 2022. This new album is filled with emotion and heartbreak, Dan Reynolds emphasized on his Instagram. "I found myself lost in a wave of emotions and didn't know how to express them," Reynolds said in his post. He expressed his emotions through music and made an incredible album with his band.
This album, according to their website, "marks the best body of work they've ever made" and is about the path of self-discovery. Since they haven't been on tour in the last two years, fans are anticipating a tour following this record.
Highs
The highs within this album are the emotion shown in these songs. The pain that was endured is shown especially in the songs "Don't Forget Me" and "Fire in These Hills." The beginning of "Fire in These Hills" is powerful and full of the pain of believing that he is never going to be enough. This shows the true heartbreak one has within themselves. The raspiness in Reynold's voice is strong and full of pain. It was incredible hearing this side of music from the band.
The band's more cheerful song "Wake Up" is another highlight. It is one of their regular releases. It maintains its lively and infectious quality throughout the entire album. "Eyes Closed" is another song with an enthusiastic chorus and a lot of high beats. Because of its strong vibe, this song is their most well-known. It's so powerful and positive that it gives one an adrenaline rush.
The song "In Your Corner" is another highlight; its words are both thoughtful and energetic. It tells the tale of someone's sorrow upon losing a loved one. There's the sense of being misinterpreted, but yet being in that person's corner at all times. The combination of the insightful lyrics and the lively backing music makes this one my personal favorite.
"Gods Don't Pray" is the final song that stands out; it has a rock fusion sound. It has all of the band's trademark raspiness, which is usually fantastic. It has an adrenaline-like atmosphere, much to the ambiance of "Eyes Closed." The song's drums are amazing and powerful, staying true to their signature sound.
Lows
There are minimal lows when it comes to this album, which deals with two songs "Kid" and "Nice to Meet You." The album's "Kid," which is more repetitious and without a true narrative, is one of its darker moments. Although the song has a nice beat, something is lacking. It seems focused more on this generation's kids, which is a positive message. It also seems intense. It simply isn't up to par with the other tunes.
"Nice to Meet You" is another low point as it has received the most repeat plays on Apple Music. It has, in my opinion, been overdone on most platforms and suffers from the same repetitiveness issue. Simply put, the entire song is one big beat with no real plot.
Verdict
This is an album worth listening to considering Imagine Dragons took a new direction with their songs by adding more emotion to them. It shows the new self-discovery of going through hardships.
Rating: 8.5 out of 10.
Mariam Fakhreddine is a film and theater reviewer for The Eastern Echo. She has worked as a news and features reporter for The Echo for two years.
