Imagine Dragons, 'Radioactive' - Song Review - Audio Ink Radio Audio Ink Radio

Imagine Dragons, ‘Radioactive’ – Song Review

2013-02-05

Review by Anne Erickson

Imagine Dragons create drama and excitement with their dubstep-inspired jam, ‘Radioactive’

Las Vegas-based alternative indie rockers Imagine Dragons introduced their synth-based, alt-pop sound to the masses with their single “It’s Time” last year. The folk-y, indie-pop number quickly caught on and fought its way inside the Top 10 on Nielsen’s BDS Alternative Radio Chart. Now, Imagine Dragons are back with a new song, “Radioactive,” and it couldn’t be more different than their debut single.

While Imagine Dragons’ first single started off with lots of mandolin and a definite folk-feel, “Radioactive” really showcases the group’s ability to incorporate dubstep and dance-oriented music into their sound. The song starts out with a thick, heavy bass wub and strong beat, before frontman Daniel Coulter Reynolds’ post-apocalyptic lyrics kick in: “I’m waking up to ash and dust / I wipe my brow and I sweat my rust / I’m breathing in the chemicals / I’m breaking in, shaping up, then checking out on the prison bus / This is it, the apocalypse.”

The track explodes into the chorus, as Reynolds triumphantly announced, “Welcome to the new age … Whoa, whoa, I’m radioactive, radioactive!”

“Radioactive” is a hook-y, emotional, midtempo anthem that, unlike many of the so-called new alternative tracks out there, should appeal to everyone from alternative pop fans to hard rockers. The song, which appears on the band’s current album, “Night Visions,” carries the kind of drama and excitement that turns a simple song into something just a little bit greater.

Anne Erickson

Meet the expert - Author, writer and editor Anne Erickson is a Detroit-based reporter and radio host. She has written for the USA Today Network, Consequence.net, Blabbermouth.net, and many more. Anne holds a master's degree from Michigan State University. Contact Anne at anne@audioinkradio.com.