Night Visions by Imagine Dragons
Reynolds, D., et al. (2012). Night visions. [Audio CD]. Alex Da Kid, et al. Santa Monica, CA: KIDinaKORNER.
Plot Summary
Night Visions is a very dark, pessimistic album.
Radioactive: The apocalypse has come, the world is ash and dust, and a new age has started.
Tiptoe: No one sees you sometimes, but that’s okay because it gives you the opportunity to tiptoe a little closer to what you want.
It’s Time: Times have changed, but it’s important not to change who you are, even if it is not what others want to expect.
Demons: The protagonist wants to protect those he cares about in his life, but there is a demon inside his soul that might come out and harm others.
On Top of the World: Sometimes life is difficult, and you think you’ve hit the bottom, but you can climb out of that hole, and live life like you’re on top of the world.
Amsterdam: Life is difficult, and sometimes you wait for your successes, but you have to keep on waiting for life to be okay.
Hear Me: The protagonist wants someone to really hear and listen to him. He loves someone, but the other person does not quite understand love’s importance.
Every Night: The protagonist knows he is not good enough for those he loves, and he arrives home every night expecting to be sent away.
Bleeding Out: Someone messed up and is trying to repent and help the other person if it’s the last think he does. Or it could be about vengeance and hurting each other.
Underdog: Protagonist feels he is just like his father who was perpetually the underdog, and he is trying to decide if he can be satisfied with that.
Nothing Left to Say: The protagonist is questioning his life and self worth as he anticipates committing suicide.
Critical Evaluation
Night Visions is a predominately alternative rock and indie rock album with dubstep, folk, hip-hop, and pop influences just to keep things interesting. The album begins with a deep breath and a bang, as “Radioactive” takes over with a throbbing beat reminiscent of a rap number and dubstep. A mellower, synth, and pop-influenced track follows, but Imagine Dragons soon returns to a rhythm clapping, catchy hit single “It’s Time.” A maudlin song follows where music is secondary to the powerful lyrics and voice of lead singer until the refrain when hard beats return. “On Top of the World” is practically jaunty compared to the next three tracks. If a song could be described as ethereal, the opening to “Amsterdam” would be a lead example. The album returns to its clap-heavy beat in “Bleeding Out.” Dubstep influences return for the next song, then quickly shifts to one appropriate for a creepy cemetery scene in a movie, or an old episode of “Buffy.” The entire album is brilliantly produced with a great compilation of tracks that alternate between sounds and emotions for a thrill-ride of a listening experience.
Reader’s Annotation
A dark album that deals with failing to reach your potential, suicide, and hopelessness, but with a catchy beat that will appeal to the masses.
About the Author
Imagine Dragons includes four members, Dan Reynolds-frontman, Wayne Sermon-guitarist, Ben McKee-bassist, and Daniel Platzman-drummer. The four were playing at clubs and bars in Las Vegas, making ends meet, but just barely. The band explains that Las Vegas is not known for its music scene, and bands can make a simple living playing in casinos and bars. However, they also have to compete with big name shows and gambling. Reynolds says the turning point came when they played at O’Sheas, the cheapest bar in the area, and received a standing ovation at 3 am.
Imagine Dragons released three EPs independently and toured, finding a small, but loyal, following. In 2012, their Continued Silence EP was released with the single It’s Time that won the group an MTV VMA for Best Rock video. Night Visions, their full-length debut was released in 2012 under the label KIDinaKORNER. Except for Reynolds, all band members attended Boston’s Berklee College of Music, and they credit their education for their technical skill and precision. The album’s title comes from their experiences of writing and recording late in the night, as their visions became reality.
Genre
Alternative/Rock
Indie rock
Curriculum Ties
N/A
Booktalking
N/A
Reading Level/Interest Level
RL: N/A
IL: 9th grade and up
Challenge Issues
Possible challenge issues include dark themes of suicide and helplessness.
In my defense file, I would include the following:
1) Library Mission Statement
2) Library Selection Policy approved by any or all of the following individuals—principal, school board, district librarian OR library manager, city council, mayor.
3) Library Bill of Rights adapted from CSLA Bill of Rights, AASL Bill of Rights and/or ALA Bill of Rights
4) Reviews, both positive and critical, from respected sources such as School Library Journal, VOYA, Booklist
5) Rationale for CD inclusion for titles anticipated to be controversial, frequently challenged, or created when a CD is challenged including: summary, audience, purpose, controversial issues and how they are handled
6) How the CD fits within Common Core Standards or State Standards
7) Reconsideration form for challenger to complete—include a section asking which part was of particular concern, if the entire CD was listened to, and what other similar titles are suggested instead
8) Student reviews from those who have listened to the CD and either enjoyed or disliked the CD and why.
Why Included
Imagine Dragons is leading in the Rock and Alternative Top 100 music lists. They have a recently sold out tour, and are on their way to the top. They’re also a new personal favorite of mine.
Others in the Series
N/A
References
Interscope Records. (2012). Bio. Retrieved from http://www.imaginedragonsmusic.com/bio/default.aspx
Reynolds, D., et al. (2012). Night visions. [Audio CD]. Alex Da Kid, et al. Santa Monica, CA: KIDinaKORNER.
Plot Summary
Night Visions is a very dark, pessimistic album.
Radioactive: The apocalypse has come, the world is ash and dust, and a new age has started.
Tiptoe: No one sees you sometimes, but that’s okay because it gives you the opportunity to tiptoe a little closer to what you want.
It’s Time: Times have changed, but it’s important not to change who you are, even if it is not what others want to expect.
Demons: The protagonist wants to protect those he cares about in his life, but there is a demon inside his soul that might come out and harm others.
On Top of the World: Sometimes life is difficult, and you think you’ve hit the bottom, but you can climb out of that hole, and live life like you’re on top of the world.
Amsterdam: Life is difficult, and sometimes you wait for your successes, but you have to keep on waiting for life to be okay.
Hear Me: The protagonist wants someone to really hear and listen to him. He loves someone, but the other person does not quite understand love’s importance.
Every Night: The protagonist knows he is not good enough for those he loves, and he arrives home every night expecting to be sent away.
Bleeding Out: Someone messed up and is trying to repent and help the other person if it’s the last think he does. Or it could be about vengeance and hurting each other.
Underdog: Protagonist feels he is just like his father who was perpetually the underdog, and he is trying to decide if he can be satisfied with that.
Nothing Left to Say: The protagonist is questioning his life and self worth as he anticipates committing suicide.
Critical Evaluation
Night Visions is a predominately alternative rock and indie rock album with dubstep, folk, hip-hop, and pop influences just to keep things interesting. The album begins with a deep breath and a bang, as “Radioactive” takes over with a throbbing beat reminiscent of a rap number and dubstep. A mellower, synth, and pop-influenced track follows, but Imagine Dragons soon returns to a rhythm clapping, catchy hit single “It’s Time.” A maudlin song follows where music is secondary to the powerful lyrics and voice of lead singer until the refrain when hard beats return. “On Top of the World” is practically jaunty compared to the next three tracks. If a song could be described as ethereal, the opening to “Amsterdam” would be a lead example. The album returns to its clap-heavy beat in “Bleeding Out.” Dubstep influences return for the next song, then quickly shifts to one appropriate for a creepy cemetery scene in a movie, or an old episode of “Buffy.” The entire album is brilliantly produced with a great compilation of tracks that alternate between sounds and emotions for a thrill-ride of a listening experience.
Reader’s Annotation
A dark album that deals with failing to reach your potential, suicide, and hopelessness, but with a catchy beat that will appeal to the masses.
About the Author
Imagine Dragons includes four members, Dan Reynolds-frontman, Wayne Sermon-guitarist, Ben McKee-bassist, and Daniel Platzman-drummer. The four were playing at clubs and bars in Las Vegas, making ends meet, but just barely. The band explains that Las Vegas is not known for its music scene, and bands can make a simple living playing in casinos and bars. However, they also have to compete with big name shows and gambling. Reynolds says the turning point came when they played at O’Sheas, the cheapest bar in the area, and received a standing ovation at 3 am.
Imagine Dragons released three EPs independently and toured, finding a small, but loyal, following. In 2012, their Continued Silence EP was released with the single It’s Time that won the group an MTV VMA for Best Rock video. Night Visions, their full-length debut was released in 2012 under the label KIDinaKORNER. Except for Reynolds, all band members attended Boston’s Berklee College of Music, and they credit their education for their technical skill and precision. The album’s title comes from their experiences of writing and recording late in the night, as their visions became reality.
Genre
Alternative/Rock
Indie rock
Curriculum Ties
N/A
Booktalking
N/A
Reading Level/Interest Level
RL: N/A
IL: 9th grade and up
Challenge Issues
Possible challenge issues include dark themes of suicide and helplessness.
In my defense file, I would include the following:
1) Library Mission Statement
2) Library Selection Policy approved by any or all of the following individuals—principal, school board, district librarian OR library manager, city council, mayor.
3) Library Bill of Rights adapted from CSLA Bill of Rights, AASL Bill of Rights and/or ALA Bill of Rights
4) Reviews, both positive and critical, from respected sources such as School Library Journal, VOYA, Booklist
5) Rationale for CD inclusion for titles anticipated to be controversial, frequently challenged, or created when a CD is challenged including: summary, audience, purpose, controversial issues and how they are handled
6) How the CD fits within Common Core Standards or State Standards
7) Reconsideration form for challenger to complete—include a section asking which part was of particular concern, if the entire CD was listened to, and what other similar titles are suggested instead
8) Student reviews from those who have listened to the CD and either enjoyed or disliked the CD and why.
Why Included
Imagine Dragons is leading in the Rock and Alternative Top 100 music lists. They have a recently sold out tour, and are on their way to the top. They’re also a new personal favorite of mine.
Others in the Series
N/A
References
Interscope Records. (2012). Bio. Retrieved from http://www.imaginedragonsmusic.com/bio/default.aspx
RSS Feed