Imagine Dragons Definitely Have What It Takes

Las Vegas pride and joy Imagine Dragons put together a fine mesh of sound for "Whatever It Takes". Ben McKee's keyboard is swoon worthy and represents the heart and soul of what makes this song a winner. The video's underwater sequence leaves me nothing short of amazed. It's as if you'd drifted away to another dimension entirely yet primed to get stuff done. Lyrically lead vocalist Dan Reynolds weaves an incredible narrative that has definite hip-hop sensibilities. Just try to keep up if you can. You'll find yourself dizzy over lines like "Everybody circling, it's vulturous. Negative, nepotist. Or even "Whip, whip, run me like a racehorse, pull me like a ripcord, two different viewpoints of the same person, one is fast, the other mired in urgency, both equally entrancing. Ben knows his wordplay and is unafraid to unfurl it from every conceivable angle. He's juiced up and ready to make his mark in the world. Daniel Platzman makes his drums count each time he bashes the skins. It's controlled burning but a burn all the same. Over on lead guitar Wayne Sermon lays down an irresistible groove that mere mortals cringe at the sound of. Overall solid work from a guy who has paid his dues to be sure. Meanwhile bass player Ben McKee gives 110 percent and it shows. Real meat on those bones. As a unit Imagine Dragons has been on fire since the days of "Radioactive" and show no sign of slowing down for any reason. That's great because the boys just click. The boys know what works on an arena rock level and then let the masses in on the party they're throwing. "Whatever It Takes" shows the huge potential they have for a sustained career. They know what the audience wants and then gives it to them with gusto. Of course "Radioactive" put them on the map with its barnstorming approach and end of times urgency. "Whatever It Takes" meanwhile has a stripped down approach that lets the solid musicianship shine through. Each member plays out his role to perfection and the results are stunning. Imagine Dragons, like the city it hails from knows how to get attention and serves as a welcome distraction from tragic events like the concert massacre that cut so many productive lives short. In many aspects of life we need that distraction now more than ever.