In high school, I was what you could consider an Imagine Dragons mega-fan. I binged all of their music, and I loved it because it was a completely different style from anything I normally listened to. So when I found out they had released a new album, I was super excited. LOOM is the latest studio album from the band, and their first album release since 2022. It includes 10 incredible and energetic songs, and I felt like I was in high school again listening to each song. I was obsessed, so I think it's time we go over each song on this incredible album.
TRACKLIST
Wake Up
Nice to Meet You
Eyes Closed
Take Me to the Beach
In Your Corner
Gods Don't Pray
Don't Forget Me
Kid
Fire in These Hills
Eyes Closed (feat. J Balvin)
Imagine Dragons is a band that started releasing music in 2009 with their debut EP. So far, they have released seven studio albums, nearly 400 songs, and have had a decent handful of number-one hits. And on Spotify, they get an impressive 63 million streams every month. You may recognize the band from some of their most popular songs, "Believer", "Demons", and "Thunder". But now, they have a whole slew of new songs, so let's get right into each one!
Wake Up
The first song on this album is "Wake Up", which gave me a strong feeling of urgency and warning. From what I interpret, this song is meant to warn the listener of impending danger, and that assumption is only solidified by the repeated phrase, "wake up". I think as far as the first song on the album, this was a great pick. It's energetic, had me pumping my fist in excitement, and had me feeling nostalgic. I really loved this song, truly.
Nice to Meet You
Next up, we have "Nice to Meet You", a song about the desires of wanting to connect more with someone you're interested in, but that want being halted by that person's significant other. It's a feeling I know all too well. I once was interested in a girl who had a girlfriend, and that made connecting with her, even as just a friend, very difficult. So I would say I resonated with this song a lot, and it is another favorite on this list!
Eyes Closed
This next song is so incredible, energetic, and powerful. "Eyes Closed" is a song about showing resilience in the face of challenges, and having a want to face challenges head-on. That feeling is only solidified with the lyric "lock me up in a maze, turn out the light." I felt extremely empowered listening to this song, and felt like I could tackle any obstacle thrown my way. In my career field, I'm constantly facing changes and challenges that make me nervous, stressed, and have me second-guessing every decision I make. But I persevere, because it's my job. This song gave me that same feeling.
Take Me to the Beach
Personally, I don't find the beach a very relaxing place. However, to everyone else, the beach is considered a sanctuary where one can escape the problems in their life, even if only for a day. That's precisely what "Take Me to the Beach" is about! I could sense a feeling of frustration and stress in the lyrics, and a desperate longing to want to escape to the beach. I also noticed that there is a comparison between the beach and mountains that I feel was very interesting, but also very smart. They compared the beach to being this tranquil and carefree environment. Meanwhile, they compared mountains to the challenges and stressors one may face.
In Your Corner
I know Imagine Dragons doesn't usually make slow, emotional hits. However, I think this one could be a good contender. "In Your Corner" explores the feelings of longing and regret, particularly in a relationship. The lyrics demonstrate this sense of determination, almost like the singer is pleading for their loved one to notice that they are always on their side, through thick and thin. I think, even despite the energetic feeling this song gives off, it's still emotional and extremely impactful.
Gods Don't Pray
We're now at the halfway point in this album, and we have come to one of my top three songs. "Gods Don't Pray" is a song that projects this feeling of urgency to reject the traditional hierarchies and societal norms that we were raised to follow. It gives off a feeling of self-empowerment and defiance that I can confidently day I have not yet heard before in a song. As someone who is personally non-religious, I spent many years of my life coming to terms with what I now believe, especially since I grew up in an extremely religious family. So I truly connected with this song, and it very quickly made its way to my 'favorites' playlist.
Don't Forget Me
"Don't Forget Me" is another slower song that made me emotional, because I connected with it so much. This song is about the worry of being forgotten following a breakup or separation. I grew up in a military household, and so while I maybe can't relate to this on a romantic level, I can relate on a platonic one. I was always moving, always leaving my friends after only knowing them for two or three years. This song had the same kind of pace and feeling as one of their biggest hits "Demons", and I loved every second of it.
Kid
Similar to "Eyes Closed", "Kid" is a song about facing challenges head-on, and pulling yourself together when everything around you is crumbling apart. It was an empowering and motivational song that made me feel like I could also do anything so long as I pulled myself together and set my focus on the task ahead. The song emphasizes taking losses as wins, and using those losses to push you further and further. Focus on turning those losses into gains, that is what I took from this.
Fire in These Hills
This is another slower, sadder song that left me reflecting on my own life experiences. "Fire in These Hills" expresses a feeling of self-doubt and the longing for someone to comfort you and remind you that you are enough. I think the repeated shouted phrase "I don't think I'm strong enough" was immensely impactful to me. The lyrics push forward this feeling of extreme exhaustion, and the need for a change of pace, for a new sense of familiarity. I loved this song, and I was easily put in my top three.
Eyes Closed (feat. J Balvin)
Yes, this is technically the same song as before. However, this version features Columbian musical artist, J Balvin. You may recognize him from his popular hits, "Mi Gente" and "LA CANCIÓN". Honestly, I don't have a preference on which version I liked more. Both were incredible and each had their own unique moments. I will say, I loved the mix of languages in this song, it gave it an added depth, and I think it was the perfect way to finish off this album.
Overall, I think I can now confidently say this is my favorite Imagine Dragons album. LOOM is a masterpiece that I, personally, can't wait for everyone else to dive into. I loved the mix of energetic and emotional songs, and I felt like I could connect with each one in my own way, which I feel is a hard feat to accomplish. I can't wait for Imagine Dragons to release their next album, but for now, I'm going to savor every minute of LOOM. Go stream it everywhere, today!
Written By Isabel Mays
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