Grammy-winning alternative collective Imagine Dragons release “Machine,” their third advance single from their fourth studio album, ‘Origins.’

“‘Cause I’ve been wondering / When you gonna see I’m not for sale / I’ve been questioning / When you gonna see I’m not part of your machine / Not a part of your machine.” A new Imagine Dragons album is arriving sooner than later.  After releasing their Grammy-nominated third studio album, Evolve, in 2017, Dan Reynolds and company return a little more than a year later with their fourth studio album, Origins.  In advance of Origins, the band released singles “Natural”, “Zero” (from the motion picture Ralph Breaks the Internet), and the record at hand, “Machine.”

“Machine” clocks in at a respectable length, just crossing the three-minute mark.  The sound is characterized by its hard-nosed drum programming, and its overall heaviness and intensity. Dan Reynolds serves up unique vocals initially, definitely a change of pace from what listeners are accustomed to.  Notably, his approach is much more restrained on the verses.  The lyrics are relatively familiar, including the following first verse gem:

“All my life been sittin’ at the table

Watching them kids, they’re living in a fable

Looks, luck, money and never left a-wishin’

Now it’s ‘bout time to stand up and petition.”

The second verse is written in the same style, and again, isn’t far-fetched from the band’s music of the past.

“I’m not scared of what you’re gonna tell me

No, I’m not scared of the beast in the belly

Fill my cup with endless ambition

And paint this town with my very own vision.”

Soon enough, the powerful, shouted vocals of Reynolds take over.  Besides those signature pipes, the guitars ‘roar’ on the chorus, excerpted at the top of the critique. The sound is definitely boisterous.  The tonal center makes the most sense on the chorus, where it’s a bit more nebulous and unsettled on the verses.  Also, worth noting is the instrumental section – a nice break from the vocals, as well as a change of pace.

Final Thoughts

Does “Machine” spell ‘greatness’ for Origins? Eh, not necessarily.  This record will woo some, but likely won’t be for everybody.  Personally, I like aspects of it, but I’m not completely sold on it when it’s all said and done.  Still, there’s something here, and it’s worth a listen, maybe two.

Imagine Dragons » Origins » Interscope » Release: 11.9.18

Photo Credit: Interscope