Loom by Imagine Dragons
It’s official: Imagine Dragons has entered their “let’s get introspective” era, and honestly? It suits them. Loom, their sixth studio album, is a sharp pivot from the sprawling Mercury – Acts 1 & 2, bringing a more focused and emotionally resonant sound. With only nine tracks, it’s a tight 28-minute ride, but don’t let the brevity fool you—this album packs more heart than a Hallmark marathon.
Imagine Dragons has never shied away from melodrama, and Loom dials that up but in an unexpectedly reflective way. It’s a more personal record, with Dan Reynolds clearly channeling his emotional baggage, and the band opting for a mix of familiar arena-rock energy with some surprising electro-pop twists. If you were hoping for a drastic reinvention, sorry to disappoint—but this is Imagine Dragons playing to their strengths, albeit with more nuance than we’ve seen recently.
The production on Loom is predictably big, but there’s a sense of restraint this time around, as if they’ve learned how to avoid drowning us in sound just for the sake of it. Songs like “Eyes Closed,” featuring J Balvin, mix bombastic pop hooks with a subtle reggaeton groove, proving the band can still surprise without abandoning their core sound. Mattman & Robin, long-time collaborators, helm the production and manage to balance the dramatic rock anthems with more stripped-down moments—giving us space to actually feel the music rather than be pummeled by it.
This is where Loom truly shines. Reynolds is in full self-exploration mode, and he’s not holding back. Tracks like “Don’t Forget Me” and “Fire in These Hills” are raw, pulling from the well of heartbreak and existential dread (as you do). But it’s not all doom and gloom—there’s hope in songs like “In Your Corner,” where the lyrics explore loyalty and support with a punchy optimism that contrasts nicely with the heavier themes. Overall, while some lyrics veer towards clichés, there’s enough sincerity to sell it.
“Eyes Closed” is easily the album’s crown jewel. Its upbeat energy and infectious chorus make it the song most likely to be stuck in your head for days. “Wake Up” kicks off the album with a bright, energetic vibe, while “In Your Corner” hits a sweet spot between introspection and catchiness. Then there’s “Gods Don’t Pray,” which might as well be the anthem for every kid with a rebellious streak—rock energy and thunderous drums included.
For an album that’s only nine tracks long, Loom surprisingly maintains a cohesive narrative, both musically and thematically. The pacing feels deliberate, with emotionally intense tracks like “Fire in These Hills” balanced by more upbeat offerings such as “Nice To Meet You.” However, there are a few moments where the repetition of themes (and sometimes choruses) might wear thin, but it’s far from album-breaking.
Listening to Loom feels like you’re sitting through a late-night therapy session with Reynolds as he processes grief, self-doubt, and the messiness of love. It’s deeply personal, and for that reason, it resonates more than some of the band’s earlier work. You might not walk away feeling “uplifted,” but you’ll certainly feel something—which is more than can be said for a lot of radio rock these days.
Loom strikes a balance between longtime fans who love the bombast of Evolve and Night Visions, and newer listeners who appreciate the pop polish that Imagine Dragons has been gravitating towards. It’s not their most experimental record, but it doesn’t need to be—there’s enough here to satisfy both camps. Just don’t expect it to win over the haters.
Imagine Dragons has managed to scale things back while maintaining their signature anthemic sound, resulting in an album that feels more intimate yet still stadium-ready. Loom isn’t groundbreaking, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s a solid entry in their catalog, and if nothing else, it’s proof that less can indeed be more.
