By Ella Mahan
Exec. Arts Editor
On June 30, 2021, the well-loved pop-rock band Imagine Dragons announced the release date of their fifth album titled the “Mercury – Act 1,” which would be September 3, 2021.
Dan Reynolds (lead singer), Wayne Sermon (guitarist), Ben McKee (bassist), and Daniel Platzman (drummer) are the faces of the incredibly successful band. The incredibly talented team of four, centered the theme of the album around two ideas; the first being looking inward, and the other looking outward.
The album does exhibit strong senses of loss and agony due to defeat; however, there is a clear underlying theme of celebration repeatedly alluded to throughout the entirety of the album. As for what the album is celebrating, Reynolds claims the upbeat tone in some songs is representing the wonder of life.
The lead singer appears to have had a large impact on the theme of the album, drawing the name of “Mercury – Act 1” from the word “mercurial,” meaning fleeting or changeable. In the past and in current times, Reynolds has struggled with his mental health. His emotions constantly change and his happiness can be fleeting at times. The name of the album is derived from his own personal emotions, in addition to the variety and unpredictableness of the styles of songs on the “Mercury – Act 1” album.
While the tone of the album strays from the bands’ typical genre, it is refreshing to hear something so vulnerable coming from the four. At times throughout the album, it felt as though Reynolds was directing his singing openly towards his audience and fans. Reynolds mentions that this conversational, honest tone was important to him, as he does not want to “sugar coat” the present or past states of his life.
The first song on the album titled “My Life,” carries a ominous cadence throughout the song. The very first line reads as, “Can I wish on a star for another life? ‘Cause it feels like I’m all on my own tonight.” The hopeless tone of the line remains throughout the remainder of “My Life.” Reynolds continuously references his wish to “be someone else.”
The chorus of “My Life” is condescending and questions the quality of his life thus far. This song represents the “looking inward” aspect of Reynold’s theme of the album.
In contrast, the second to last song on the album titled “No Time for Toxic People” takes a more positive outlook on his life and the beauty that makes it up. Reynolds sings how he has not time for toxic people and how it is a beautiful day outside, stating he will “keep it that way,” referencing the action of cutting out toxic people from his life. This song represents looking outward on the future of his life as opposed to introspection.
All in all, the album is very well written and produced. It is very unique from Imagine Dragons’ typical genre, which is refreshing to hear. The authenticity and vulnerability that shines through Reynolds’ singing is relatable for the audience as well.
“Mercury – Act 1” was released on Sept. 23, 2021 and can be streamed on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.
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