@@strikerbowls791 if it had been published by itself, the streams it got would have gone 100% to the "single" that it would have originally been. But now that's its been added to the album, those streams are going to give the album an unearned boost that is ALMOST entirely specific to the audience for the show Arcane and less about the audience for the newest Imagine Dragons album.
Brad thank you so much for your insight. It's genuinely so relieving to hear you draw the important line in the sand; where this music is tremendously easy to listen to and enjoy from an average persons perspective, but the reality is that it is coldly and callously engineered by a team to appeal to the lowest common denominator, and then given to a band to puppeteer. I always appreciate your insights into music so much
I've always been a huge Imagine Dragons fan. They were one of the earlier bands I got into back when I was first really starting to branch out. I understand the criticisms against them, but they've always been special to me. For a top 40 band, they're way more diverse than people give them credit for, and have some pretty unique genre-fusions, especially on Smoke + Mirrors. I'll admit, they got a bit more generic with Evolve and Origins (which is where the hate for them seemed to peak), but with the Mercury era, it feels like they're getting back on track. Act 1 seemed to emphasis more physical instrumentation, more abrasive vocals, and just a darker, murkier tone. They started to feel like an actual band again, and were willing to push more boundaries in some ways (especially with Dull Knives, Giants, and Cutthroat). Sure, it had some corny moments, but I was overall very happy with it. Now Act 2, oh boy. I got high as balls last night and it was an experience to say the least. I was so high I couldn't tell what was terrible, what was brilliant, what was so-bad-its-good, or if it was all those things at once. But then the album would hit with some genuinely beautiful moments like TDKYLID, Crushed, and Ferris Wheel, ext. It was a mind fuck, but I had a fun time. I'm kinda afraid to listen again sober, cause I don't know what I'll actually think. Anway, love your content Brad. You always bring lot of personality and unique perspective, even if I vehemently disagree sometimes, peace. PS, weird side note, but "They Don't Know You Like I Do" reminds me lot of a Yoko Uno song "Nobody Sees Me Like You do"
You know, I did not like you at first brad, but I came to respect your honesty, and I love your humor. As a imagine dragons fan, I am glad you enjoyed this more. I hope you keep being honest and funny 👍
@@krusher181 I'm not OP, but also an Imagine Dragons fan. I actually listen to acoustic music a lot. The genres I usually listen to are in no particular order: world music (especially old East-Prussian), Celtic folk, indiepop/folkpop/folkrock and alternative rock. I dislike smooth vocals, unless they're particularly high-pitched, powerful or odd/interesting (like many types of world music). I don't care about how produced a song is as long as the style (acoustic, bombastic and/or raw/emotional) and vocals suit me. Dan's vocals just hit that spot, that little slightly uncomfortable twinge that makes music interesting. To me, Imagine Dragons can get away with some very generic stuff because the vocals will make it sound better than any similar songs, while artists like e.g. Katy Perry and OneRepublic need to write a real banger to even end up on my playlist.
@@krusher181 Based on my experience on the Imagine Dragons Subbreddit, their taste in music is all over the place. A lot of them like TOP and Bastille as you might expect, but I've also seen love for Radiohead and whatnot. As an ID fan myself, I like all kinds of music. Ive been getting into Guided by Voices lately, who's pretty lofi. Also Screaming Trees older stuff is pretty lofi/garage sounding. Unless you mean like lofi hip hop/downtempo, which in that case I like Bonobo, Joji, and Moby.
I respect the criticism! I don't agree with everything you say but I did find some things you said to be something I overlooked. Especially the part when they put enemy in a re-release as the first song! I am a huge fan of imagine dragons, and I love this album! Was an roller-coaster of feeling when listening through it! Hope they make more songs that is a bit more your cup of tea! Have a great day! 😊
It would be cool to see you react to Smoke and Mirrors some day. It’s my personal favorite album from them and I’d be interested to hear your reaction to that one regardless of if you like it or not
@@iwannabetheunknown I've never heard him talk about Demons but for some reason a lot of critics hate it for being 'fake deep'. But you just know if Billie Eilish wrote the song the same critics would be calling it one of the best songs of the year
@@iliketrains3495 whaaat😱 why I have never come across anything like that all I have seen is ppl loving the song like gold ..maybe ur right ..i don't wanna call them critics lol
Imagine Dragons is a guilty pleasure for me so I was awaiting act - 2 given how much I enjoyed act - 1, and I think act - 1 edges act - 2 by just a little bit since I do think act - 1 does capture more of what mental health is really like, but I did enjoy a good amount of the sounds from act - 2. FAVS (Act - 2): Sharks, Sirens, Crushed, Higher Ground, Peace of Mind FAVS (Act - 1): Wrecked, #1, Giants, Dull Knives, Monday, Easy Come, Easy Go For Act - 2, 5 - 6.5/10 For Act - 1. 7 - 8/10 For both together, 6/10
your laugh and your vids always make my day go from a red headphones to smiley ball ive been away from my computer for awhile so i have so many hours of bradtaste vids to catch up on im excited
I also dislike their habit of adding bonus tracks to the beginning of their albums when they should tack them on the end. Although Next To Me was a way better opening track for Evolve than I Don't Know Why was.
I like your “only revolutions” profile pic. That record is perfect front to back. I saw biffy clyro a few months ago in a small 500 cap club. It was incredible. Biffy clyro changed my life so it’s always cool seeing another fan!!
I personally think that Waves is one of their best songs. It has a very deep meaning for me that I won't discuss in the realm of the TH-cam comments but it is about living your life to the fullest and the acceptance of death.
@@krusher181 Well it is deep. It’s about two of his friends who passed away (one who died in a car accident and another who committed suicide) and Dan wasn’t there for them both when they passed. The song’s message is to cherish your loved ones before it’s too late.
This album was solid. It had some pretty solid songs, and definitely felt like it captured the tone of Act 1 while still being its own thing. Symphony and Waves are especially awesome.
I have friends who enjoy them and they all say its just about the vibe. They don't give a shit about lyrics or dig into the music so long they can vibe to it in the background
Im Willing to Sit through This, Evolve, Night Visions, Smoke and Mirrors, Origins, and Mercury Act 1 lol. Im a Huge Imagine Dragons Fan. I actually Watched ur video just to have an Excuse to Listen to the New Album AGAIN! lol. But Im gonna Like the video since even tho U criticised alot. U gave ur honest opinion! :)
The comment sections for this and the act 1 video are surprising, i didn't know there was this many passionate Imagine Dragons fans let alone any honestly The comments defending the pair of albums have more heart and passion put into them than the music itself and i find that a bit funny
It’s because Mercury is their most personal album ever where Dan writes about his depression, grief of his dead loved ones, healing, and love for his wife. Even if there are duds like I’m Happy, they clearly put more effort into this record than their previous.
@@iliketrains3495 it’s just my opinion, I don’t care if anyone else shares it. I’m chill. Sorry if my manner of speech is offensive… I know I’m a music snob, it’s not something I’m trying to hide.
@@krusher181 and its wholesom to see u replying to every comments that speaks negative about the band lol..seems like ur getting some pleasure out it..
It just feels like such a corporate bastardisation of a concept album series. They have a few cute ones thrown in but all the other stuff just brings it down so far. I know its stupid to do comparisons between two very different artists but the Act series by The Dear Hunter just blows this out of the water for me, and shows how interesting a concept series like this can be... idk just wanted to shout them out cause I don't think lots of people have heard of them. Good vid tho Brad xx
I thoroughly enjoy this record, to be honest. I've been a big fan of Imagine Dragons since night visions. Smoke + Mirrors is 100% still my favorite album by them and relates to me to most. Evolve was a bit hit or miss and Origins was not good. Mercury has reignited what I really loved about them. Obviously, I understand why so many people don't like them but I think this new record is actually quite good. Favorites: Sirens, I Don't Like Myself, Crushed, Sharks, Blur, Waves, TDKYLID Least Favorites: I'm Happy, Continual, Take It Easy Overall for Act 2 feeling a strong 7 or light 8
Two things: 1. What was wrong with I'm Happy and Take It Easy? Both of those songs are good imo. 2. I like Origins. Bullet In A Gun sucks, but every other track is either ok or excellent.
@@jeremyusreevu237 im happy I just didn’t like, and take it easy same thing, just not my musical style. Also production on im happy was just not good imo. Also it’s funny you say that because bullet in a gun is one of my favorites from origins
Peace Of Mind is my favorite tracks off of the whole Mercury project. It's this groovy pop song that really makes any song before Ferris Wheel sound bad or is Sharks, which Sharks is a good single off of this back half of the Mercury project. The whole Mercury project is a good 4.5 or 5/10, I like a good bit of songs off of the first half, though they're more of a junk food to me. Though the second half has a pretty slow, but strong, back half that Imagine Dragons albums choose not to have or is something like Love off of Origins, a song that doesn't work as a closer. I would rank the Mercury project higher then Evolve, Origins, and also Smoke + Mirrors (as I never heard S+M before), though I still think Night Visions is the Imagine Dragons album that I'd enjoy the most.
I really love imagine dragons. I also really loved act 2 and didn’t really care for act 1 at all. That being said I think that there was some really insightful commentary here. I will say their current one foot in one foot out trying to be different, meaningful, and to tell a story while also trying to be mainstream at the same time comes off very odd.
i feel like the corny, generic sound of imagine dragons is where i find the charm of it each time, are the songs Good? no not particularly but the odd song they release i just love, its almost impossible to explain but there is this charm to imagine dragons, a charm i’ll keep coming back to each album just incase there is that one or 2 songs that i adore, in this case its sirens, i adore it and its by far my favourite from both acts 1 and 2, i find the song sweet and it just sounds nice, im not imagine dragons biggest fans, far from it, but i just love that song and i love the charm that imagine dragons has, all be it generic and shallow
I think he was only the executive producer of the Mercury albums, on the tracklisting it lists a whole bunch of producers, with Rubin only appearing once on each album (and on Act 1 it was fucking Cutthroat)
@@iliketrains3495 And if I remember correctly on Act 2 it's Continual. I like Rick Rubin for his work with Linkin Park and System Of A Down but in Mercury he's striving for working on the worst songs from both albums.
i really enjoyed this album... damn am i the only one who enjoyed his screaming bits... i really find this to be high on my list of their albums. 1 being night visions and evolve second. i really think this album is my 3rd fav album from them.
My favourite imagine dragons song to listen to (not the best one but my favourite) is digital off of origins. It’s just completely insane. If any of you haven’t heard it or forget what it sounds like, I encourage you to go back to it.
Rating (Mine) Bones: 5/10 I don't like myself: 6/10 Blur: 7.5/10 Waves: 7/10 Sharks: 7/10 Take it easy: 2.5/10 Symphony: 7.5/10 Peace of mind: 9/10 Sirens: 8/10 Continual: 4/10 I wish: 4.5/10 Tied: 5.5/10 They dont know you like I do: 8/10 Im happy: 6.5/10 Crushed: 6/10 Ferris wheel: 5.5/10 Higher ground: 7.5/10 Younger: 7.5/10 Overall of the album 7.5/10
liked their first two albums mostly, though the next two had were okay with a few decent tracks, but this mercury act 1 and now 2 projects have had one song on each album that i find not absolutely terrible lol. i think this band just gotta retire at this point
I've only ever seen that truck advert on your videos and yet somehow my brain is recognising it as if it's a true memory. Like "ah yeah that's totally what that sounds like".
After the album “Origins” I was out. I haven't even finished listening to Mercury yet, night visions was great. the song Thunder was a kick in my face I hope they've made enough money at some point and can make normal good music again back to the roots please
I saw the front man, Dan, was on a podcast not long ago (Lex Friedman) and just had to listen to it, because this band is a question I can't answer. I had to hear the person (or, one of them) behind the music. Surprised to say, Dan was likeable, nice, and had some insightful things to say, whether about the process of creating things, or about mental health. Imagine Dragons is still absolute garbage, though. But now I feel able to view them as 'something I don't like' instead of 'people who are less than because they create things I don't like', So cheers for personal growth, I guess. Anyway, appreciate you Brad
i've always known dan was a likable dude since i was a child and actually enjoyed imagine dragons, but it does not forgive how bad i think their music is nowadays lol
Advice for life. Not liking something doesn't make it bad, just as liking something doesn't make it good. There are majorities and minorities, sometimes you are part of one or the other. But the most important thing for you should be your own criteria. Never seek to change someone's opinion about what they like 🥶
i've realized its all a matter of perspective, with everything. it's whatever you focus on that makes it good or bad for you. i personally love imagine dragons, i find them decent. still prefer the older stuff though, don't really know why 😂
I find Imagine Dragons music feels like it was created by executives who did a bunch of market research to know what will make a bunch of money. But there's no soul. That said, I absolutely love Sharks. A LOT.
I’m very mixed on this album. I feel like they could’ve cut some of the tracks like Crushed, Higher Ground, and the trash that is I’m Happy. Also the mixing could be improved on songs like Take It Easy. (Note I’m not the biggest fan of Sharks) However, I personally love the themes of depression and grief on I Don’t Like Myself, Waves, I Wish, Blur, They Don’t Know You Like I Do. And songs like Symphony, Younger, and Ferris Wheel are fun.
I just cannot deal with lyrics that are so in your face. Imagine Dragons could benefit from showing and not telling. It's sad, because I actually dug a lot of Night Visions. Nothing Left To Say did a better job portraying depression than anything on their past few albums.
As someone who didn't have access to western music (or rather wasn't allowed to listen) growing up, I will forever be grateful for Imagine dragons for opening up the doors of the world of rock to me. As i aged and explored this genre more and discovered more bands, i've fallen out of love for this band. I go back evrytime they release new stuff, hoping i'll like it but i get disapppointed everytime. Mercury actually made me realise they're actually a band for kids. Their fanbase consists mainly of teenagers, girls and gays. That explains why i liked them so much in my teens. That being said, radioactive, demons and it's time will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Can you make an extended version of yuh yuh freestyle or maybe drop an ep with similar songs? I was very inspired by YYF after my first listen, no other artists make songs that are like that, so please?
I'm somewhat a fan of ID. I've enjoyed a couple of their songs but they tend to follow the same scheme with some of these albums. Some good hits scattered with a lot of filler to finish the album. Now just to me it feels like Act 2 did not copy this. At most Bones and Sharks were good but I just couldn't get behind this album.
I can definitely say this album got a lot better in the second half. Yea I would never call it ground breaking, in fact it's the exact opposite. But hey sometimes I'm in the mood for generic slock.
@@doodoopoo it’s not generic Slock lmao listen to ajr or turn on the last few Weezer albums or hell even evolve by imagine dragons, ppl love to throw these words around without actually understanding music theory or how music works lmao
I've said it many times, and I'll say it again. Imagine Dragons and a bunch of these other mainstream bands are for casual listeners who want to hear highly produced and simple music. I'll never find this stuff interesting in the slightest (as it seems with Brad, too), so I'll let the casuals enjoy it.
@@moonillusions832 Imagine dragon's is soo more than the few songs that get Overplayed on radio. To be frank Their popular hits are just garbage & not even 20% of their talent. They have TONS of Hidden gems.
@@ravijake2117 That's the sad part. But I wish that they actually make hits that are both pleasing and well produced. Something that makes them show growth and not just for the sake of catchy songs
Imma be honest i dont like ID either but the original comment makes me think the person behind the keyboard is a neckbeard. Sounding elitist af calling people "the casuals" 💀
As an Imagine Dragons fan, I can say that I'm happy he actually listens to their albums and not just judge from the hits. I also hate how Enemy is track 1. now, Like My Life was the prefect intro and now it ISN'T!
The past few imagine dragons albums have had such hit or miss songs. Some of these songs are deep and amazing and some of them are the most corny surface level shit imaginable.
I Don't Like Myself is so flaccid and boring. There's a song by GIRLI with the exact same title and although some lyrics can induce an eye-roll, the chorus is infinitely more emotional and hard hitting than anything I've heard here.
I feel like a lot of Imagine Dragons songs have elements that would've worked great if they were just meshed together more tastefully, something just isn't clicking in the execution tho
The problem came after the sophomore album Smoke + Mirrors, they watered down their sound and lyrics so much in a desperate attempt to get into the mainstream again. (Smoke + Mirrors is their best album by far, but didn't perform well in the charts) The problem is that they watered down the things so much that is annoying as hell 'cause you can see that they don't even tried
@@LucasSilva-zk2jv Smoke + Mirrors was their only #1 here in the UK (where they've never been all that big), but yeah it's their only album that didn't really produce a big hit
@@LucasSilva-zk2jv i agree so much, i feel as though recent albums lean too much on pop when the rock part is what i enjoyed. if that makes sense? whatever feel night visions gave is what i wish they would go back to more often.
Imagine dragging your patience for just 3 extra songs more then a traditional deluxe album is what buddy here is trying to say with a dead joke at the time of this upload and even now.
Not surprised you weren't fond of the album, also not surprised you would still enjoy it somewhat more than Act 1. That's fine, but, Blur being the only song listed in least favorites? Why? :(
I wouldn't say Imagine Dragons are entering AJRcore territory yet, but instead Saint Motelcore. Not dissing Saint Motel either, I like Saint Motel, but I cannot deny that they are the safest pop band I listen to.
I will agree that imagine dragons are moving in a bad direction, but I’ll always remember the good days of the first album. I used to like this band a lot and now I just laugh at how bad it is. Also my taste has just evolved to better things.
LOL like you could do any better. Post a song on your youtube channel or whatever and let's see. Then you can start complaining. just, do you even have a life? and that is indeed a serious question not an attempt to roast you
@@sebbepvp1207 if you think there is nothing better than this mediocre band then I question your taste and if you have a life. I’m just not into their music anymore. Their music is for middle school boys, which is what I was at the time. I grew up and stopped listening to them.
@@sebbepvp1207 YOU DONT NEED TO MAKE MUSIC TO HAVE GOOD TASTE IN MUSIC. And tbh I could do better, 100%. But your idea of what’s good isn’t the same as mine… DO YOU SEE THE ISSUE? You don’t need to be a chef to dislike food. Same thing.
Whoever said "Nine Centimeter Nails" that was fucking gold.
More like Nine Millimetre Nails
@atidzhetopova5259 I'd be a fan of 9 millimeter nails cause that's the length of my nail 😏
Has Imagine Dragon's really said "I live until I die" in more than one song?!
Yup
Higher Ground and I’m Happy
I can't believe people let that slide. When I heard it I rushed here to see
@@goldenstarmusic1689 Every single song is anime main character music
@@User-jp1sj 😂😂😂 you should go check out "im so sorry" by them it's got boss battle vibes
Imagine dragons should unironically make public domain music lmao
With how forgettable these last 2 albums have been in my opinion, yeah
insane comment
I hate that royalty-free McLeod/Monstercat trash has bled into modern music, or is it vice-versa, I don't care
@@zenksren8206You did NOT just call macleod TRASH 😡 🤬
@@zenksren8206do you want imagine dragons to make public domain songs or not?
How are you gonna put Blur in the worst section, they made Song 2
no that was oasis get it right
Blur is a great song
IKR Blur slaps. Worst song is easily I’m Happy.
@@benhlogs nah you're thinking of pulp actually
@@joelowry1323 wait maybe it was elastica or suede
Brad singing "Treat You Better" with "Truce" in the background was absolutely terrifying
I didn't even noticed at first 😂
It’s just absurd that enemy was thrown into the album
Even to their fans can see right through the cop out and streaming boost they are doing there
How does it boost streams?
@@strikerbowls791 it boosts album streams by being on the album…
@@strikerbowls791 if it had been published by itself, the streams it got would have gone 100% to the "single" that it would have originally been. But now that's its been added to the album, those streams are going to give the album an unearned boost that is ALMOST entirely specific to the audience for the show Arcane and less about the audience for the newest Imagine Dragons album.
@@Novelette22 They have over 22 billion streams on Spotify. I think they're doing fine
Yeah, they obviusly put them there for the boost.
At least, now new public can meet them again with this álbum and, why not, still being relevant 🤙
Brad thank you so much for your insight. It's genuinely so relieving to hear you draw the important line in the sand; where this music is tremendously easy to listen to and enjoy from an average persons perspective, but the reality is that it is coldly and callously engineered by a team to appeal to the lowest common denominator, and then given to a band to puppeteer. I always appreciate your insights into music so much
Well, I know from a music perspective they're flat and simple, but they're good to listen to. And that's what matters to me at least
Boardroomcore
I love how wrong you are
@@zenksren8206 Truckcore
I've always been a huge Imagine Dragons fan. They were one of the earlier bands I got into back when I was first really starting to branch out. I understand the criticisms against them, but they've always been special to me. For a top 40 band, they're way more diverse than people give them credit for, and have some pretty unique genre-fusions, especially on Smoke + Mirrors. I'll admit, they got a bit more generic with Evolve and Origins (which is where the hate for them seemed to peak), but with the Mercury era, it feels like they're getting back on track.
Act 1 seemed to emphasis more physical instrumentation, more abrasive vocals, and just a darker, murkier tone. They started to feel like an actual band again, and were willing to push more boundaries in some ways (especially with Dull Knives, Giants, and Cutthroat). Sure, it had some corny moments, but I was overall very happy with it.
Now Act 2, oh boy. I got high as balls last night and it was an experience to say the least. I was so high I couldn't tell what was terrible, what was brilliant, what was so-bad-its-good, or if it was all those things at once. But then the album would hit with some genuinely beautiful moments like TDKYLID, Crushed, and Ferris Wheel, ext. It was a mind fuck, but I had a fun time. I'm kinda afraid to listen again sober, cause I don't know what I'll actually think.
Anway, love your content Brad. You always bring lot of personality and unique perspective, even if I vehemently disagree sometimes, peace.
PS, weird side note, but "They Don't Know You Like I Do" reminds me lot of a Yoko Uno song "Nobody Sees Me Like You do"
Completely agree on every level. You just described my feelings and more haha
Exactly how I feel about twenty one pilots, even though they might not be as hated
I wish I could enjoy it like you do. Awesome post my guy. Respect.
getting high and listening to imagine dragons sounds like the worst thing ever
I respectfully disagree. But hey, good on you for enjoying something I find to be putrid garbage. That’s an accomplishment
You know, I did not like you at first brad, but I came to respect your honesty, and I love your humor. As a imagine dragons fan, I am glad you enjoyed this more. I hope you keep being honest and funny 👍
Do you like any lo fi music? I always wonder if their fans enjoy music that isn’t suuuper over produced
@@krusher181 I'm not OP, but also an Imagine Dragons fan. I actually listen to acoustic music a lot. The genres I usually listen to are in no particular order: world music (especially old East-Prussian), Celtic folk, indiepop/folkpop/folkrock and alternative rock.
I dislike smooth vocals, unless they're particularly high-pitched, powerful or odd/interesting (like many types of world music). I don't care about how produced a song is as long as the style (acoustic, bombastic and/or raw/emotional) and vocals suit me. Dan's vocals just hit that spot, that little slightly uncomfortable twinge that makes music interesting. To me, Imagine Dragons can get away with some very generic stuff because the vocals will make it sound better than any similar songs, while artists like e.g. Katy Perry and OneRepublic need to write a real banger to even end up on my playlist.
@@krusher181
Based on my experience on the Imagine Dragons Subbreddit, their taste in music is all over the place. A lot of them like TOP and Bastille as you might expect, but I've also seen love for Radiohead and whatnot. As an ID fan myself, I like all kinds of music. Ive been getting into Guided by Voices lately, who's pretty lofi. Also Screaming Trees older stuff is pretty lofi/garage sounding. Unless you mean like lofi hip hop/downtempo, which in that case I like Bonobo, Joji, and Moby.
Imagine dragons have real fans?
@@jsghetler I thought they were all npcs
I respect the criticism! I don't agree with everything you say but I did find some things you said to be something I overlooked. Especially the part when they put enemy in a re-release as the first song! I am a huge fan of imagine dragons, and I love this album! Was an roller-coaster of feeling when listening through it! Hope they make more songs that is a bit more your cup of tea! Have a great day! 😊
It would be cool to see you react to Smoke and Mirrors some day. It’s my personal favorite album from them and I’d be interested to hear your reaction to that one regardless of if you like it or not
If I'm not mistaken he said he's heard their whole discography and It's Time is the only song he likes out of all of them
@@iliketrains3495 what about demons ...that's like one of the best songs i have ever heard :(
@@iwannabetheunknown I've never heard him talk about Demons but for some reason a lot of critics hate it for being 'fake deep'. But you just know if Billie Eilish wrote the song the same critics would be calling it one of the best songs of the year
@@iliketrains3495 whaaat😱 why I have never come across anything like that all I have seen is ppl loving the song like gold ..maybe ur right ..i don't wanna call them critics lol
omg smoke and mirrors is sooo good
also one of the most beautiful album art ive ever seen
"I don't like myself" is like the most generic fake emo ever
what makes this worse is that they HAVE done that kind of thing better
Imagine Dragons is a guilty pleasure for me so I was awaiting act - 2 given how much I enjoyed act - 1, and I think act - 1 edges act - 2 by just a little bit since I do think act - 1 does capture more of what mental health is really like, but I did enjoy a good amount of the sounds from act - 2.
FAVS (Act - 2): Sharks, Sirens, Crushed, Higher Ground, Peace of Mind
FAVS (Act - 1): Wrecked, #1, Giants, Dull Knives, Monday, Easy Come, Easy Go
For Act - 2, 5 - 6.5/10
For Act - 1. 7 - 8/10
For both together, 6/10
Now that I let it sit with me, Act - 2 is like a 4 - 5/10.
@@dez-m sharks carried act 2 imo
That’s some weird math right there
@@matejmatthewbures6300 lol indeed
your laugh and your vids always make my day go from a red headphones to smiley ball ive been away from my computer for awhile so i have so many hours of bradtaste vids to catch up on im excited
I also dislike their habit of adding bonus tracks to the beginning of their albums when they should tack them on the end. Although Next To Me was a way better opening track for Evolve than I Don't Know Why was.
I like your “only revolutions” profile pic. That record is perfect front to back. I saw biffy clyro a few months ago in a small 500 cap club. It was incredible. Biffy clyro changed my life so it’s always cool seeing another fan!!
I personally think that Waves is one of their best songs. It has a very deep meaning for me that I won't discuss in the realm of the TH-cam comments but it is about living your life to the fullest and the acceptance of death.
I dunno if I’d call that deep…
@@krusher181 Well it is deep. It’s about two of his friends who passed away (one who died in a car accident and another who committed suicide) and Dan wasn’t there for them both when they passed. The song’s message is to cherish your loved ones before it’s too late.
As long as you enjoy it I wouldn't come at you OP. Like what you like.
A good song, one of the best in Act 2, but there are certainly better songs they've got, with even deeper meanings. (especially from S+M)
i loved that song as well, it reminds me of their older style that i inexplicably love, the "night visions" style i guess lol
This album was solid. It had some pretty solid songs, and definitely felt like it captured the tone of Act 1 while still being its own thing. Symphony and Waves are especially awesome.
happy you liked it Jeremy
Jeremy bruh i think i disagree with you on everything but im happy you liked it
Man, Jeremy, your the best. Maybe my favorite TH-cam person ever that isn’t a TH-camr.
Satan himself can release an album and you would love it
you know, when you make a point Jeremy- i just can’t argue with it
No way people in the comments here actually like Imagine Dragons. Like I‘m not even mad. I simply don’t believe.
I have friends who enjoy them and they all say its just about the vibe. They don't give a shit about lyrics or dig into the music so long they can vibe to it in the background
@@SirMaski Understandable honestly.
@@oetproductions8101 yeah. As a writer, I can't help but pay attenton to the lyrics but I get the appeal of the music.
i actually do, at least older songs like "the fall"
BELIEVER, BELIEVER
Im Willing to Sit through This, Evolve, Night Visions, Smoke and Mirrors, Origins, and Mercury Act 1 lol. Im a Huge Imagine Dragons Fan. I actually Watched ur video just to have an Excuse to Listen to the New Album AGAIN! lol. But Im gonna Like the video since even tho U criticised alot. U gave ur honest opinion! :)
You Imagine Dragons fans seem like nice people. That’s all I’ll say
@@krusher181 Genuinely one of the nicest fandoms fr
The comment sections for this and the act 1 video are surprising, i didn't know there was this many passionate Imagine Dragons fans let alone any honestly
The comments defending the pair of albums have more heart and passion put into them than the music itself and i find that a bit funny
It’s wholesome and cute. Good on them for liking this weird cotton candy crap
It’s because Mercury is their most personal album ever where Dan writes about his depression, grief of his dead loved ones, healing, and love for his wife. Even if there are duds like I’m Happy, they clearly put more effort into this record than their previous.
@@krusher181 Okay we get it you hate them
@@iliketrains3495 it’s just my opinion, I don’t care if anyone else shares it. I’m chill. Sorry if my manner of speech is offensive… I know I’m a music snob, it’s not something I’m trying to hide.
@@krusher181 and its wholesom to see u replying to every comments that speaks negative about the band lol..seems like ur getting some pleasure out it..
nothing will ever top the minions album
what about Shrek 2: The Album?
"Nine centimeter Nails" 💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀
It just feels like such a corporate bastardisation of a concept album series. They have a few cute ones thrown in but all the other stuff just brings it down so far. I know its stupid to do comparisons between two very different artists but the Act series by The Dear Hunter just blows this out of the water for me, and shows how interesting a concept series like this can be... idk just wanted to shout them out cause I don't think lots of people have heard of them. Good vid tho Brad xx
I thoroughly enjoy this record, to be honest. I've been a big fan of Imagine Dragons since night visions. Smoke + Mirrors is 100% still my favorite album by them and relates to me to most. Evolve was a bit hit or miss and Origins was not good. Mercury has reignited what I really loved about them. Obviously, I understand why so many people don't like them but I think this new record is actually quite good.
Favorites: Sirens, I Don't Like Myself, Crushed, Sharks, Blur, Waves, TDKYLID
Least Favorites: I'm Happy, Continual, Take It Easy
Overall for Act 2 feeling a strong 7 or light 8
Two things:
1. What was wrong with I'm Happy and Take It Easy? Both of those songs are good imo.
2. I like Origins. Bullet In A Gun sucks, but every other track is either ok or excellent.
@@jeremyusreevu237 im happy I just didn’t like, and take it easy same thing, just not my musical style. Also production on im happy was just not good imo. Also it’s funny you say that because bullet in a gun is one of my favorites from origins
Peace Of Mind is my favorite tracks off of the whole Mercury project. It's this groovy pop song that really makes any song before Ferris Wheel sound bad or is Sharks, which Sharks is a good single off of this back half of the Mercury project.
The whole Mercury project is a good 4.5 or 5/10, I like a good bit of songs off of the first half, though they're more of a junk food to me. Though the second half has a pretty slow, but strong, back half that Imagine Dragons albums choose not to have or is something like Love off of Origins, a song that doesn't work as a closer. I would rank the Mercury project higher then Evolve, Origins, and also Smoke + Mirrors (as I never heard S+M before), though I still think Night Visions is the Imagine Dragons album that I'd enjoy the most.
My coworker would not stop playing this album at work and I'm emotionally scarred...
I actually love the breakdown at the end of Cutthroat. If the entire song was like that, it could have been amazing
I really love imagine dragons. I also really loved act 2 and didn’t really care for act 1 at all. That being said I think that there was some really insightful commentary here. I will say their current one foot in one foot out trying to be different, meaningful, and to tell a story while also trying to be mainstream at the same time comes off very odd.
Everything in Brad's life seems to lead back to Demondice now
i feel like the corny, generic sound of imagine dragons is where i find the charm of it each time, are the songs Good? no not particularly but the odd song they release i just love, its almost impossible to explain but there is this charm to imagine dragons, a charm i’ll keep coming back to each album just incase there is that one or 2 songs that i adore, in this case its sirens, i adore it and its by far my favourite from both acts 1 and 2, i find the song sweet and it just sounds nice, im not imagine dragons biggest fans, far from it, but i just love that song and i love the charm that imagine dragons has, all be it generic and shallow
The songs are great
@@strikerbowls791 no they’re not they’re uber generic and over produced. But I can respect OP’s opinion
That title is smooth af brad, not even gonna cap
Video edit is fucking hilarious. Brad you are a legend!! Love your videos since 2018!
"Symphony" is a war crime
Are people aware of the fact that Rick Rubin produced these albums? It’s crazy that he made these albums & Blood Sugar Sex Magik by The Chili Peppers
Wow I really wish I didn’t know that
Ikr and Make Believe by Weezer too smh, what happened?
Oh so that’s why it’s produced like some weird algorithm of pop music. He became a really weird producer over time
I think he was only the executive producer of the Mercury albums, on the tracklisting it lists a whole bunch of producers, with Rubin only appearing once on each album (and on Act 1 it was fucking Cutthroat)
@@iliketrains3495 And if I remember correctly on Act 2 it's Continual. I like Rick Rubin for his work with Linkin Park and System Of A Down but in Mercury he's striving for working on the worst songs from both albums.
1:29 love how someone said Soul Glo.
i really enjoyed this album... damn am i the only one who enjoyed his screaming bits... i really find this to be high on my list of their albums. 1 being night visions and evolve second. i really think this album is my 3rd fav album from them.
The screaming caught me off the guard the first time, but now I love blasting it in my car
Brad’s rendition of I don’t like myself sounds like it could be a new mgk track
Symphony sounds so much like "The Very First Christmas to Me" from the Spongebob Christmas special.
Don't insult SpongeBob, that episode is a classic
My favourite imagine dragons song to listen to (not the best one but my favourite) is digital off of origins. It’s just completely insane. If any of you haven’t heard it or forget what it sounds like, I encourage you to go back to it.
Agreed. Digital slaps.
I loved it at first. Now, hell no 😂 But, I get it
loved that one was well
11:46: They actually made a future bass song in 2022. Wow.
Rating (Mine)
Bones: 5/10
I don't like myself: 6/10
Blur: 7.5/10
Waves: 7/10
Sharks: 7/10
Take it easy: 2.5/10
Symphony: 7.5/10
Peace of mind: 9/10
Sirens: 8/10
Continual: 4/10
I wish: 4.5/10
Tied: 5.5/10
They dont know you like I do: 8/10
Im happy: 6.5/10
Crushed: 6/10
Ferris wheel: 5.5/10
Higher ground: 7.5/10
Younger: 7.5/10
Overall of the album 7.5/10
Too harsh
I love imagine dragons but I think you you have very valid points
'nine centimeter nails' in the chat, im dying
brad, you just dont get it. how can this get a 3/10 with lyrics so PROFOUND like "i'll live until i die" and "i'm happy"?
liked their first two albums mostly, though the next two had were okay with a few decent tracks, but this mercury act 1 and now 2 projects have had one song on each album that i find not absolutely terrible lol. i think this band just gotta retire at this point
They got popular and learned all the wrong lessons.
I've only ever seen that truck advert on your videos and yet somehow my brain is recognising it as if it's a true memory. Like "ah yeah that's totally what that sounds like".
After the album “Origins” I was out. I haven't even finished listening to Mercury yet, night visions was great. the song Thunder was a kick in my face
I hope they've made enough money at some point and can make normal good music again back to the roots please
Release a video with the quality of the intro and I'll still watch
I was at a festival where they played the day this album was released and they didn’t play a single song from Mercury Act 2.
The one in Stockholm?
@@lancepyron8078 yeah. I forgot to say new releases because they did play Bones and Higher.
Well, I hope that changes before they get back to the US. That sucks that it was called part of the "Mercury Tour" and they didn't play any new songs.
I skipped a bit ahead and landed in the Ford truck ad section and thought it was actually a Ford truck ad
I saw the front man, Dan, was on a podcast not long ago (Lex Friedman) and just had to listen to it, because this band is a question I can't answer. I had to hear the person (or, one of them) behind the music.
Surprised to say, Dan was likeable, nice, and had some insightful things to say, whether about the process of creating things, or about mental health. Imagine Dragons is still absolute garbage, though.
But now I feel able to view them as 'something I don't like' instead of 'people who are less than because they create things I don't like',
So cheers for personal growth, I guess.
Anyway, appreciate you Brad
i've always known dan was a likable dude since i was a child and actually enjoyed imagine dragons, but it does not forgive how bad i think their music is nowadays lol
Advice for life. Not liking something doesn't make it bad, just as liking something doesn't make it good. There are majorities and minorities, sometimes you are part of one or the other. But the most important thing for you should be your own criteria. Never seek to change someone's opinion about what they like 🥶
Yes. Yes to all of this.
exactly! if everyone in the world had the same opinion it would be quite boring
i've realized its all a matter of perspective, with everything. it's whatever you focus on that makes it good or bad for you.
i personally love imagine dragons, i find them decent. still prefer the older stuff though, don't really know why 😂
I find Imagine Dragons music feels like it was created by executives who did a bunch of market research to know what will make a bunch of money. But there's no soul.
That said, I absolutely love Sharks. A LOT.
please please PLEASE listen to Hell and Silence EP PLEASE it's one of my all-time favorites
I’m very mixed on this album. I feel like they could’ve cut some of the tracks like Crushed, Higher Ground, and the trash that is I’m Happy. Also the mixing could be improved on songs like Take It Easy. (Note I’m not the biggest fan of Sharks)
However, I personally love the themes of depression and grief on I Don’t Like Myself, Waves, I Wish, Blur, They Don’t Know You Like I Do. And songs like Symphony, Younger, and Ferris Wheel are fun.
I just cannot deal with lyrics that are so in your face. Imagine Dragons could benefit from showing and not telling.
It's sad, because I actually dug a lot of Night Visions. Nothing Left To Say did a better job portraying depression than anything on their past few albums.
Loving the intros lol
I loved the album so much, but it's good to me hear those acid comments xd. New sub
bradley clicking his spacebar is so recognizable
I LIVE UNTIL I DIEEEEEEEEEEE
BLUR WITH THE SNARE SAMPLE haHAHHAhASHDFHDSFHVEDWHFVF
As someone who didn't have access to western music (or rather wasn't allowed to listen) growing up, I will forever be grateful for Imagine dragons for opening up the doors of the world of rock to me. As i aged and explored this genre more and discovered more bands, i've fallen out of love for this band. I go back evrytime they release new stuff, hoping i'll like it but i get disapppointed everytime. Mercury actually made me realise they're actually a band for kids. Their fanbase consists mainly of teenagers, girls and gays. That explains why i liked them so much in my teens. That being said, radioactive, demons and it's time will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Can you make an extended version of yuh yuh freestyle or maybe drop an ep with similar songs? I was very inspired by YYF after my first listen, no other artists make songs that are like that, so please?
I'm somewhat a fan of ID. I've enjoyed a couple of their songs but they tend to follow the same scheme with some of these albums. Some good hits scattered with a lot of filler to finish the album. Now just to me it feels like Act 2 did not copy this. At most Bones and Sharks were good but I just couldn't get behind this album.
I can definitely say this album got a lot better in the second half. Yea I would never call it ground breaking, in fact it's the exact opposite. But hey sometimes I'm in the mood for generic slock.
If you think anything abt Dan Reynolds’s is generic you couldn’t be more wrong
@@gunnar4915 why talk about anything they quite literally just gave you a clear example
@@doodoopoo it’s not generic Slock lmao listen to ajr or turn on the last few Weezer albums or hell even evolve by imagine dragons, ppl love to throw these words around without actually understanding music theory or how music works lmao
@@gunnar4915 ? you just said evolve is generic
@@doodoopoo it’s a generic synth pop record correct
Imagine all the Dragooooooons
Liviiiiiiing for todaaaaaaaaayyyy
YES! SOMEONE ELSE THINKS "FERRIS WHEEL" IS A NICE GUY SONG!!!!!
I've said it many times, and I'll say it again. Imagine Dragons and a bunch of these other mainstream bands are for casual listeners who want to hear highly produced and simple music. I'll never find this stuff interesting in the slightest (as it seems with Brad, too), so I'll let the casuals enjoy it.
I bet u only have heard Thunder, believer, radioactive from them right. And u feel like U know them completely. That tells who's Casual Listener is.
@@ravijake2117 It's all uninspiring, mainstream music. I don't hold their material highly. There are much better bands aI'd rather listen to.
@@moonillusions832 Imagine dragon's is soo more than the few songs that get Overplayed on radio. To be frank Their popular hits are just garbage & not even 20% of their talent. They have TONS of Hidden gems.
@@ravijake2117 That's the sad part. But I wish that they actually make hits that are both pleasing and well produced. Something that makes them show growth and not just for the sake of catchy songs
Imma be honest i dont like ID either but the original comment makes me think the person behind the keyboard is a neckbeard. Sounding elitist af calling people "the casuals" 💀
As an Imagine Dragons fan, I can say that I'm happy he actually listens to their albums and not just judge from the hits. I also hate how Enemy is track 1. now, Like My Life was the prefect intro and now it ISN'T!
The past few imagine dragons albums have had such hit or miss songs. Some of these songs are deep and amazing and some of them are the most corny surface level shit imaginable.
i honestly agree on both levels
"dan reynolds is the white noel gallagher" has to be the greatest comment I've ever read
The Ford truck advert makes me laugh every time I see it.
this just in: guy gets shocked that he has different music taste than others
Imagine Dragons really pulled a plastic bag moment in "blur"
What's the sample playing when he moves on to the next song?
Really love the new reviews Brad! Keep em coming brother!
22:09 YES I KNEW YOU’D CATCH THAT
I Don't Like Myself is so flaccid and boring. There's a song by GIRLI with the exact same title and although some lyrics can induce an eye-roll, the chorus is infinitely more emotional and hard hitting than anything I've heard here.
Bones is funnily enough one of my guilty pleasures
I literally can't watch video with anything higher than 360. So hearing "oh I'm so sorry it's only 720p" it's just sad on every position level
I feel like a lot of Imagine Dragons songs have elements that would've worked great if they were just meshed together more tastefully, something just isn't clicking in the execution tho
The problem came after the sophomore album Smoke + Mirrors, they watered down their sound and lyrics so much in a desperate attempt to get into the mainstream again. (Smoke + Mirrors is their best album by far, but didn't perform well in the charts) The problem is that they watered down the things so much that is annoying as hell 'cause you can see that they don't even tried
@@LucasSilva-zk2jv Smoke + Mirrors was their only #1 here in the UK (where they've never been all that big), but yeah it's their only album that didn't really produce a big hit
@@iliketrains3495 Shots, Friction and Hopeless Opus slap so hard
@@LucasSilva-zk2jv i agree so much, i feel as though recent albums lean too much on pop when the rock part is what i enjoyed. if that makes sense? whatever feel night visions gave is what i wish they would go back to more often.
Imagine dragging your patience for just 3 extra songs more then a traditional deluxe album is what buddy here is trying to say with a dead joke at the time of this upload and even now.
brad, had you listen to kill or be killed of Muse? (of the new album)
Honestly really enjoyed these last 2 albums, redemption arc from Origins.
The reason people listen to bones is becau-
*I can't stop, I can't stop*
Why did they deep fry their songs on this track it baffles me, it's like they saw a deep fried meme and thought people want to actually listen to this
Not surprised you weren't fond of the album, also not surprised you would still enjoy it somewhat more than Act 1. That's fine, but, Blur being the only song listed in least favorites? Why? :(
the boys song is imagine dragons?
16:33 It really makes you Imagine Dragons
Brad please listen to Titus Andronicus-The Monitor
It is easily the most ambitious and arguably the best album of the 2010s
Imagine Dragons with the poor man's "Six degrees of inner turbulence"
Their music sounds as if it was made by an Alphabet AI system in its prototype stage.
Bro waves is literally about 2 dear friends of Dan reynolds who past away one killed himself and the other died in a car crash but okay
I wouldn't say Imagine Dragons are entering AJRcore territory yet, but instead Saint Motelcore. Not dissing Saint Motel either, I like Saint Motel, but I cannot deny that they are the safest pop band I listen to.
They'd need a few more FIFA features if they were to become Saint Motelcore lol
the part of the cover art over brads head makes it look like he has a discolored man bun
I will agree that imagine dragons are moving in a bad direction, but I’ll always remember the good days of the first album. I used to like this band a lot and now I just laugh at how bad it is. Also my taste has just evolved to better things.
"Also my taste has just evolved to better things."
I see what you did there.
LOL like you could do any better. Post a song on your youtube channel or whatever and let's see. Then you can start complaining. just, do you even have a life? and that is indeed a serious question not an attempt to roast you
@@sebbepvp1207 if you think there is nothing better than this mediocre band then I question your taste and if you have a life. I’m just not into their music anymore. Their music is for middle school boys, which is what I was at the time. I grew up and stopped listening to them.
@@sebbepvp1207 YOU DONT NEED TO MAKE MUSIC TO HAVE GOOD TASTE IN MUSIC. And tbh I could do better, 100%. But your idea of what’s good isn’t the same as mine… DO YOU SEE THE ISSUE?
You don’t need to be a chef to dislike food. Same thing.
@@sebbepvp1207 this comment is why kids shouldn’t be on TH-cam smh
I just want to know, what kind of music he listen to
"Hey, that's me!" - Scooby Doo 2002
3:17 Brazilian in the chat
i think doing every video from now on in the style of that intro could be an effective way to avoid copyright issues