• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Vinyl Chapters

Vinyl Chapters

The Stories Behind The Music

  • Home
  • About
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • News
  • Submit
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Cart
Home » articles » Imagine Dragons: Mercury – Act 1 – Review

Imagine Dragons: Mercury – Act 1 – Review

September 7, 2021 by Zoë Andrea-Lykourgou

Imagine Dragons

Varied in its approach and unapologetic in its candidness, Imagine Dragons’ latest album Mercury – Act 1 is a breath of fresh air.

You’d be hard-pressed to find an album as musically, lyrically and emotionally intense as this one. Imagine Dragons present a record of sincerity and vulnerability with Mercury – Act 1, the title of which is based on the adjective ‘mercurial’, giving some indication of the album’s tone and themes: ‘changeable; volatile; erratic’. It’s sentimental, gritty, and emotionally charged with some stunning lyrical choices.

Several songs on the record stand out for one reason or another, one of which is the sensationally smooth Lonely. The vocal counterpoint coupled with the acoustic guitar riff throughout this track is something else entirely and, if you’re anything like me, it’ll have you singing ‘Sometimes I can get a little, I can get a little lonely’ for days.

Imagine Dragons - Mercury - Act 1

Elsewhere, the single Wrecked is without a doubt one of the most poignant songs on the album. Written after lead vocalist Dan Reynolds lost his sister-in-law to cancer, the track reveals a more vulnerable side with sublime, delicate harmonies and a passionate, raw chorus. Speaking of the song and of his sister-in-law, Reynolds says, ‘She was … a beacon of joy and strength for everyone she met. Her sudden passing has shaken me in ways that I still am unable to express. … it was the first time in my life that I had witnessed death in this way. It sealed into my mind the fragility of life and finality of this all.’

Giants is another example of the heavy subject matter that is addressed throughout this album. A song about the difficulties of becoming sober, Reynolds does not hold back in his efforts to convey the sense of struggle that forms a central theme throughout the track, with a powerful vocal performance and forthright lyrics: ‘Sleepin’ with giants, I’m tip-toein’ quietly / Feelin’ it all, it’s sobriety’.

All in all, there is considerably little to dislike about Mercury – Act 1. It’s an explosive, no-holds-barred record with plenty to offer in all aspects that maintains the listener’s attention right the way through. If anything, it’s certainly an album that will have you falling more and more in love with each listen.

Score: 4/5

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: Review

About Zoë Andrea-Lykourgou

Aspiring broadcast journalist with a degree in Japanese and an eclectic taste in music. Hobby pianist and singer.

Reader Interactions

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Primary Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Search

Subscribe

Subscribe to our Newsletter

* indicates required

Recent Posts

Charlie Puth

Charlie Puth: Charlie – Review

Calvin Harris

Calvin Harris: Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2 – Review

JP Hoe

New Music Fridays – 5th August 2022

Footer

Navigation

Home

About

Reviews

Features

News

Submit

Contact Us

Shop

Search

Recent Posts

  • Taylor Swift: Midnights – Album Review
  • Charlie Puth: Charlie – Review
  • Calvin Harris: Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2 – Review
  • New Music Fridays – 5th August 2022
  • Hayley Kiyoko: Panorama – Review

Social Media

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Affiliate Disclosure

Vinyl Chapters is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. In doing so, this helps us continue providing free content. It does not increase the price for you in any way.

Copyright © 2023 Vinyl Chapters | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Editorial Team