Imagine Dragons has consistently released music since their debut album "Night Visions" in 2012, but with a decade of experience under their belt, the music-making process and the lyricism have vastly changed.
According to Variety, the four-membered band decided to go past their usual process, and got further and explore more feelings and emotions for their double album, "Mercury-Acts 1 & 2."
The double album in itself is a new concept for the band. Lead singer Dan Reynolds acknowledged that it was going to be a feat, "It was really evident right in the beginning that there were two themes to the record, and it was too much to put into on."
And so they enlisted the help of Rick Rubin. Rubin is a critically acclaimed and famed producer, who produced for several of the industry's biggest names like Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mick Jagger, Black Sabbath, and more.
Rubin jumping on to produce the double album proved to be a smart move not only commercially, but also for Reynolds himself.
"Rick really pushed me to evolve as a lyricist," he shared. "I'm a really private person, and have a hard time being vulnerable."
He then explained how he managed to turn his weakness into a success. "That was one of my greatest weaknesses. As the years would go by, I'd see that I was kind of hiding behind a wall of metaphors."
This is evident in Imagine Dragon's latest releases, which explore more complex emotions using more profound lyrics.
That includes Reynold's struggles with his mental health, religious conservatism, as well as the grief of losing a friend, and while he was a bit hesitant to let loose of his emotions, the multi-hyphenated producer demanded it of him.
"Rick wants honesty, so I'd say this was by far the most honest record," Reynolds continued.
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Exploration
Aside from his projects with Imagine Dragons, Reynolds also worked on several other projects, including music for "Spector," a Showtime series about infamous record producer, Phil Spector.
Reynolds shared the exciting news that he worked on the score and soundtrack for the series.
Through this, he was able to tap into more emotions because he was also reportedly dealing with a rough breakup with his wife Aja Volkman while he worked on the "Spector" project.
"I am saddened to say that after many beautiful years together Aja and I have separated," he had announced on social media. "Being great parents to our children is our number one priority. Thank you for always supporting us with love and care for all these years."
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