Since its over half-way through the semester and it's more important now than ever to keep it together. Feeling the pressure, I've been listening to Imagine Dragons so as to urge myself forward in the wake of homework piling up as well as the utter and absolute decay of my dietary and fitness habits. In times when I was especially overwhelmed, I would play the Imagine Dragons playlist on Spotify and walk around for a couple of minutes to hype myself up to take charge of my life— seize the moment. (Dorky, I know)
While I basically like all of their songs (excluding the ones that are overplayed, I'm looking at you "Thunder"!), there are five that have helped me the most.
Whether you're anxious about all the work you still have to get done before the end of the semester, or have bouts of negative thoughts in general, Dan Reynolds shouting lyrics should probably scare all those shitty thoughts away.
1. "Natural"
Even after listening to this song hundreds of times, it still gives me goosebumps. Out of all of the songs on this list, it's the one I instinctively turn to if I find myself needing encouragement to continue on towards my dreams.
2. "Warriors"
Like any good song to hype you up, "Warriors'" lyrics are in the second person. The refrain, "here we are, don't turn away now," along with its fast-paced beat really get a person's blood pumping and should inspire them to take action in their life.
3. "Amsterdam"
A favorite of mine since I was a sophomore in high school, "Amsterdam" is the most chill song on this list. The strong, consistent bass, as well as the light tones of the guitar, make me nostalgic of when I heard it for the first time all those years ago. The lyrics, "I won't wait much longer, 'cause these walls keep crashing down," are relatable for when we feel that whatever we do keeps "coming up short."
4. "Demons"
"Demons" tackles coping with pain. The opening lyrics, "When your dreams all fail," are on the nose when it comes to broaching the subject of failure. Of all the songs on this list, this one, I feel, is the most realistic. It doesn't sugar coat anything, the lyrics "I want to shelter you" alluding that maybe Dan Reynolds wanted to, but knew that talking about pain outright would be far more helpful to listeners.
5. "Believer"
From the outset, the lyrics, "I'm tired of the way things have been" and, "Don't tell me what I can be, I'm the master of my sea" should evidence the power this hype-song has. The beat is fast, and frustrated. It sounds like unwavering effort towards whatever the character's intentions are--towards their dreams.
Based in Las Vegas, Imagine Dragons' group members came from nothing. But they kept moving forward, no matter how bleak and have impacted millions of fans. Regardless if this list hyped you up or not, I hope you take action towards your desired future today and maybe even get as far as they did.
