Imagine Dragons have released a brand new single, ‘Wrecked’, which sees the famed rockers return with a new sound and emotionally charged direction.
The single was released via record company Kidinakorner, founded by British songwriter and producer Alex da Kid, alongside its major partner, Interscope.
The new single is the band’s latest release since ‘Follow You’ and ‘Cutthroat’, both were released on 12th March 2021. The former clinched the number one spot on Mediabase’s Alternative Radio chart as well as Billboard’s alternative airplay chart. The release has become the band’s fasted climb to the top of the Billboard chart. Prior, the group’s fasted climb was 2018’s ‘Natural’, and before was ‘Believer’ released in 2017. ‘Follow You‘ was written as a love song, following the theme of imperfect love, inspired by the singer’s own love story with his wife.
‘Cutthroat’ was equally as successful, with a music video that saw actress Olivia Munn take center stage as an annoyed customer at the DMV. The group also used actors in the video for ‘Follow You’ which featured stars of ‘Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ and real-life couple, Rob McElhenney and Katlin Olson. Billboard had this to say about the release: “Cutthroat’ “invites head-banging in line with its jittery, pseudo-industrial stomp,”
The new single, ‘Wrecked‘ is said to mark a new direction for the band, written by frontman Dan Reynolds, Wayne Sermon, Ben McKee, and Daniel Platzman. The song tells the story of grief and loss, whilst providing an incredibly intimate insight into the human soul. The track was penned shortly after the passing of Reynold’s sister-in-law, who was sadly lost to cancer.
In the press release, Reynolds speaks deeply regarding the pain felt when a great loss is suffered and how the tragedy impacted the single’s emotional message which explores the inner turmoil that accompanies such loss. The singer also discusses how music has helped him through such devastation, acting as a safe place for the artist. “She was the brightest light. A beacon of joy and strength for everyone she met. Her sudden passing has shaken me in ways that I still am unable to express. I was with her and my brother when she passed, and it was the first time in my life that I had witnessed death in this way. It sealed into my mind the fragility of life and finality of this all. I’ve watched my brother face something that no one should have to. But I’ve also seen his faith bring him hope in a future with her. I can only hope for the same, This song was my way of dealing with it all, as music has always been my refuge. No longer being a man of fervent faith, I can only hope that she hears it somewhere in a place where she is healed and no longer in pain. This song is my wish for an eternity with those that I love.”
Imagine Dragons have often been attributed to the resurgence of the ‘rock band’ during the 2010s. With 40 million album sales and 50 million song sales, they became the best-selling band of the 2010s. ‘Believer’, ‘Thunder’ and their best-known single ‘Radioactive’, are responsible for their larger sales. The band started independently releasing material after their formation in 2009, shortly after were signed to their present major label. The group’s debut ‘Night Visions’ released in 2012, reached number 2 within the Billboard 200 chart, and peaked at number 1 within the Billboard Alternative and Rock album charts. The album sired three singles, the most successful being ‘Radioactive’ which peaked at number 1 on several Billboard charts and became the most-streamed song on Spotify in 2013. The single also earned the group their 2014 Grammy award and nomination. Three more studio albums followed suit, the most recent album being ‘Origins’ released in 2018.
With a loyal fanbase that grew with the band’s success, the group’s new single and direction are sure to be met with great support. Unfortunately, UK fans will have to wait to see ‘Wrecked‘ live, due to their only live appearance being in Spain.
Click here to download/stream the new single.
