by Imagine Dragons have become one of the biggest rock bands in the world by delivering explosive anthems filled with soaring vocals, arena-ready hooks, and lyrics that inspire and empower.
[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]
Since bursting onto the scene in 2012 with their smash hit “It’s Time,” Imagine Dragons have continued dominating the charts while evolving their sound across three smash studio albums.
Let’s ride the thunderous success of Imagine Dragons’ career by exploring their most explosive chart-topping hits and the stories behind them. Strap in for a wild ride through their greatest songs!
“It’s Time” Blasts Off (2012)
In 2012, Imagine Dragons introduced themselves with “It’s Time,” an explosively catchy track built on propulsive kick drums and clapping rhythms. The song’s driving melody matches the urgency in singer Dan Reynolds’ raspy vocals as he sings anthemic lyrics like “it’s time to begin, isn’t it” and “it’s time to start living.”
Upon its release, “It’s Time” immediately shot up the charts, peaking at #15 on Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs chart. Its success landed the band a record deal and kicked their career into high gear right out the gate. It remains a signature song fans sing along to passionately at shows.
Going “Radioactive” (2012)
The lead single from Imagine Dragons’ debut album Night Visions, “Radioactive” utterly electrified rock music upon its release. Built on throbbing, distorted bass and drums, the song features one of Reynolds’ most soaring vocal performances as he belts out the darkly cathartic chorus.
Mixing rock intensity with hip hop production and electronic flourishes, “Radioactive” created a bold new sound that took over airwaves in 2012. The song peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and ruled rock radio. It also earned the band their first of three Grammy awards to date. “Radioactive” stands tall as one of the most impactful rock hits of the decade that blew the roof off for Imagine Dragons.
Spreading “Demons” (2013)
In 2013, Imagine Dragons released “Demons” as the third single from their debut album. A more emotionally vulnerable rock ballad, “Demons” finds Reynolds wrestling with inner darkness and weakness. His painfully honest lyrics and the song’s stripped-down arrangement helped it instantly connect with listeners.
Not only did “Demons” become Imagine Dragons’ second top five Billboard Hot 100 hit, it also topped Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs and Alternative Songs charts simultaneously. Few songs have managed to bridge the gap between alternative and mainstream rock the way “Demons” did. It elevated them to the top of the rock world and became a fan favorite.
Betting It All With “I Bet My Life” (2014)
After dominating the charts with their first album, expectations ran high for Imagine Dragons’ follow-up Smoke + Mirrors in 2015. Lead single “I Bet My Life” delivered everything fans wanted and then some from the band.
Built around Reynolds’ emotional commitment to his loved ones, “I Bet My Life” pairs introspective lyrics with one of Imagine Dragons’ most anthemic choruses yet. Driving percussion, bright guitar riffs, and Reynolds’ dynamic vocal shifts make it a larger-than-life arena rock anthem. True to form, it blew up at radio, becoming the band’s third #1 hit on Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs chart.
Taking The “Shots” (2015)
Packed with surging synthesizers and an EDM-influenced rhythm, “Shots” brought Imagine Dragons’ pop and electronic influences to the forefront more than ever. The lyrics celebrate living freely in the moment as Reynolds declares, “this is the golden age of something good.” It proved to be the golden age of Imagine Dragons’ popularity too.
Their second single from Smoke + Mirrors, “Shots” shot right up the charts just like its name implies. Another #1 Billboard Hot Rock Songs smash, the huge pop crossover hit also peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and scored the band their second Grammy nomination.
Becoming “Believers” (2017)
After a brief hiatus following their rise to stardom, Imagine Dragons returned in 2017 with their most personal album yet, Evolve. Lead single “Believer” finds Reynolds working through self-doubt while affirming the power we all have to carry on. These uplifting themes resonated widely with fans.
Backed by the band’s most stylistically diverse production yet, “Believer” dominated radio playlists for months. It gave Imagine Dragons their first #1 smash on the Billboard Hot 100 while topping both the Hot Rock Songs and Alternative Songs charts too. If there were any non-believers left, this hit single converted them for good.
Riding The “Thunder” (2017)
The second single from Evolve, “Thunder” saw Imagine Dragons continue their evolution by incorporating gospel and R&B influences into their alternative rock sound. Lyrically, Reynolds delivers an empowering message about finding your voice again after going through tough times.
Carried by its massive, soul-stirring chorus and Reynolds’ fiery vocals, “Thunder” stormed up the charts soon after its release. It became the band’s fourth #1 single on Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs chart while launching into the top five of the Billboard Hot 100 as well. Its cathartic energy made “Thunder” an instant fan favorite that still ignites arenas during live shows.
The Verdict: Explosive Chart Dominance
Across three smash albums, multiple stylistic evolutions, and dozens of songs, Imagine Dragons have demonstrated a mastery of crafting explosive alt-rock anthems that resonate emotionally with millions.
It’s no surprise Imagine Dragons have tallied over 75 million in equivalent song sales, made Billboard chart history, and won some of music’s top awards, including three Billboard Music Awards, a Grammy, and an American Music Award.
From the percussive power of early smashes like “It’s Time” and “Radioactive” to the bold experimentation heard on later hits like “Believer” and “Thunder,” Imagine Dragons’ commitment to sonic and lyrical intensity is unmatched. They’ve earned their place among music’s most explosive hitmakers.As their catalogue of arena-shaking smashes continues to grow, so too does Imagine Dragons’ ambition. One can only imagine what this fiery band still has in store. But their chart-topping legacy is already set in stone.
[/bg_collapse]
