underrated songs

10 Most Underrated Imagine Dragons Songs

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Imagine Dragons burst onto the mainstream scene in 2012 with their smash hit “Radioactive” and other big singles like “It’s Time,” “Demons,” and “On Top of the World.” Since then, the alt-pop band has consistently been releasing records and scoring more chart-toppers, garnering billions of streams and sales with tunes such as “Believer,” “Natural,” and “Whatever It Takes.” Underneath all these platinum-earning successes, Imagine Dragons has a plethora of pieces in their discography that unfortunately go overlooked. Today we’ll be covering our top 10 most underrated songs by Imagine Dragons, including 10 honorable mentions, spanning the entirety of their career. (If you know me, you know that I haven’t been the biggest fan of the band in recent years, but I certainly enjoyed their debut album and earlier material, so this list might be a bit biased, haha.)

Stick around for honorable mentions at the end!

10. “Tokyo” from It’s Time – EP  (2011)

Before Imagine Dragons signed to a record label, they self-released a few EPs with some songs that never quite made it on their debut album. “Tokyo” happened to fall into this category, and thus it went largely unrecognized by the band’s wider audience. But though it was never placed on an LP, “Tokyo” is still a fun little tune; it’s got a catchy chorus, a fun, danceable beat, and eclectic guitar refrains. “Tokyo” is bound to get stuck in your head, and it’s certainly an underrated track in the band’s catalog.

9. “Destination” from iTunes Session  (2013)

“Destination” is a tune that was released independently by the band, but was only officially released on their iTunes Session EP—no studio recording, just a live acoustic performance. The studio version of this song is fantastic and many fans hoped it would be included on the band’s debut record, but it never was. The fans were blessed with the acoustic version, however, which is just as good as the studio version in my opinion. The down-to-earth, stripped-back attitude really facilitates the sincere lyricism, and the lovely, raw vocal harmonies give the track a campfire sort of vibe. Since it was only officially released on this EP, “Destination” did not receive enough attention in my book.

8. “I Don’t Know Why” from Evolve  (2017)

I’m just going to come out and say it: I genuinely believe “I Don’t Know Why” heavily influenced 5 Seconds of Summer in the making of their hit single “Youngblood.” The hazy ambience, plucky guitar melodies, pounding bass lines, bombastic percussion, and sweeping synthesizers—it’s hard to not agree that the two songs are at least very similar in structure and instrumentation. Unfortunately, “I Don’t Know Why” didn’t climb the charts like “Youngblood” did, and I really don’t know why because it’s probably the best tune on Evolve. Before you take to the comments with your torches and pitchforks, keep in mind that 5SOS is my favorite band and I don’t blame them for taking inspiration from this song.

7. “Only” from Origins  (2018)

Origins was released practically out of nowhere, just a little over a year after Evolve. The band pushed the record by labeling it a “sister album” to Evolve, which makes sense considering their musical similarities, and I can tell that Imagine Dragons probably wanted to milk their 15 minutes of success a little longer. While Origins was indeed a step up from Evolve, it was still relatively underwhelming, but “Only” was definitely a track that stood out to me. The tinny synths are a bit annoying without the proper headphones/speakers, but the vocal melody of the chorus is catchy and memorable, and the interesting percussion timbres give the song some oomph.

6. “Amsterdam” from Night Visions  (2012)

Look, I know what you’re thinking. “This song isn’t underrated because it was released as a promotional single for Night Visions!!” Okay, yeah, but here’s my reasoning for including it on this list. “Amsterdam” was initially released on the It’s Time EP in 2011 and luckily made the cut for the band’s debut. It’s introspective and emotional, filled with apologies and impassioned vocal delivery, as well as some dreamy guitars, backing vocals, and a boisterous “breakdown” of sorts in the bridge. Personally, I think “Amsterdam” should’ve been a bigger hit; it’s quite possibly my favorite tune on Night Visions and has definitely held up over the years. It eclipses the band’s more grandiose anthems like “Radioactive” or “On Top of the World” in terms of lyrical and musical quality, but since it wasn’t as easily marketable for radio and commercials, it didn’t receive its due spotlight.

5. “I Was Me”  (2015)

“I Was Me” was unleashed as a one-off single for the One4 project with all proceeds going to the UN Refugee Agency to support fleeing refugees. The sparse instrumentation coupled with Dan Reynolds’ exposed vocals and emotive lyrics gives this tune a tinge of rawness and sincerity, detailing the struggles of losing your sense of self. However, despite its admirable cause and reflective songwriting, this tender tune is one of the more overlooked singles in the band’s discography.

4. “The River” from It’s Time – EP  (2011)

“The River” was first released on the It’s Time EP in 2011 and then re-released on The Archive EP in 2013… and then re-released again as a bonus track on a reissue of Night Visions. Yet after all these releases, “The River” still hasn’t gained its due recognition. The glistening guitars, misty cymbals, and whimsical vocals coat this track in a daydreamy feel. The lyrics offer a sense of yearning and escapism, and the layered vocal lines in the final chorus complete the song with a dazed feeling. “The River” is one of my personal favorites from Imagine Dragons, definitely deserving of more popularity.

3. “Leave Me” from It’s Time – EP  (2011)

Despite the rather questionable line “You’ve got to get a gun to make a woman run,” “Leave Me” is a stellar guitar-driven rock tune found on the It’s Time EP. The raucous distortion and granular vocal delivery make for a pulse-racing tune that is pure evidence of Imagine Dragons’ roots in the indie rock genre. It’s a shame this song flew under the radar, I would love to hear more like this from the band.

2. “Selene” from Hell and Silence – EP  (2010)

Like “The River,” “Selene” was released on one of the band’s earlier EPs, then released on The Archive EP, and finally released on a reissue of Night Visions. “Selene” first made its appearance on the Hell and Silence EP, published in 2010, and it now holds its place as a bonus track on Imagine Dragons’ debut, so it did garner some publicity. However, in my opinion, it warrants more. “Selene” is another passionate indie rock track with ardent vocals, fervent lyricism, rugged guitar melodies, and soaring synths; something about it conveys such emotion and feeling, you almost feel as though you’re intertwined within the track. It’s compelling and immersive and yet sorely underrated.

1. “Emma” from Hell and Silence – EP  (2010)

Finally, at our top spot is “Emma” taken from the Hell and Silence EP. Other than the fact that both of their titles are the names of women, “Emma” and “Selene” are fairly similar tunes: indie rock with some electronic flair thrown into the mix and poignant lyrics that are destined to suck you in. “Emma” is a scorching slow burn, and the blistering vocal performances in the bridge are suddenly contrasted when the band lightly glides right back into the dreamy chorus. The sense of longing in the lyrics is bolstered by the prolonged synth melody and enchanted guitars, a delectable composition that will have you hitting replay over and over. The simplicity of the lyrics offers even more contrast when paired with Dan Reynolds’ at times soft, at times intense choral delivery. Unfortunately, “Emma” was only featured on Hell and Silence (giving the EP its title, by the way) and never amassed its due attention. Nevertheless, I’ll keep spinning it and vouching for it until my ears get worn out.

Well, there you have it, the most underrated songs by Imagine Dragons! Tweet at us or let us know in the comments below what songs you think are overlooked!

Honorable Mentions:

15 Most Underrated Ed Sheeran Songs

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HEY! Are you looking for songs released after ÷ (Divide)? We’ve published a NEW list of Ed’s most underrated songs for the year 2023, from the end of ÷ (Divide) through the end of – (Subtract). Click here to see it!

Ed Sheeran, the lovable redhead from Suffolk, England, has become the modern-day mainstream poster child for the singer/songwriter genre through his soulful acoustic ballads and energetic hip-hop-influenced jams. Between lyrics of love, heartbreak, drinking, internal struggles, and familial issues, Sheeran is unquestionably recognized by many as one of the most genuine and heartfelt songwriters of the 2010s. He seems to get more and more popular with every release, but yet, many of his songs don’t garner their deserved attention. Here are our top 15 most underrated songs from this amiable musician! (Stick around for honorable mentions and unreleased songs at the end!)

15. “I Will Take You Home” from Bloodstream – Single  (2015)

Casual acoustic strumming and endearing libretto defines “I Will Take You Home,” which was released as part of the “Bloodstream” single in 2015. Between a harmonica solo and unique vocal layering, “I Will Take You Home” is an enjoyable, serene track that showcases Ed’s humble lyricism and simplistic attitude. It’s an entrancing song that easily allows the listener to relax and turn off the rest of the world.

14. “Shirtsleeves” from ×  (2014)

“Shirtsleeves” appeared as a bonus track on Ed’s 2014 full-length album ×, pronounced “multiply.” Ed has always worn his heart on his sleeve and that is clearly noticeable on “Shirtsleeves” … literally. The upbeat percussion creates a sense of energy while the guitar-commanding singer croons and whispers his feelings through metaphors related to water and drowning.

13. “Grade 8” from +  (2011)

Ed’s major label debut + was a game-changer in the singer/songwriter industry. His perfect mixture of hip-hop and acoustic consonance was something not many artists had consummated before, and it is incontrovertibly apparent on “Grade 8,” an animated cut from + ornamented with piano chords, buoyant percussion, and electric guitar accentuations. The chorus is addictive and yet also pleasingly sentimental.

12. “Touch and Go” from ×  (2014)

The opening riff of “Touch and Go” is nothing short of infectious. This tune has an insatiable groove that is simply undeniable. The vocal theme is catchy, especially in the chorus, and nonchalantly rolls off the tongue, which testifies to Ed’s songwriting and melodic sensibility. “Touch and Go” was attached as a bonus track for ×, causing it to not earn proper attention.

11. “Save Myself” from ÷  (2017)

Though our review of Ed’s third major label release was not extremely positive, “Save Myself” undoubtedly stands out as one of the best songs on ÷. The gentle piano melody coupled with Ed’s emotional vocal delivery bolsters the already poignant lyrics, making for a self-reflective tearjerker. The tune was included as a bonus track though it was initially intended to be an a-side, and it’s a shame it did not receive its due recognition.

Click here to read our full review of ÷!

10. “English Rose” from ×  (2014)

Another bonus track from ×, “English Rose” is an exceedingly unique song for Ed’s discography. Ed crafts a Mumford & Sons-esque stadium-rattler with a chugging, progressive percussion beat and folky attitude. “English Rose” features another harmonica solo, presumably the same one from (or at least very similar to) the aforementioned “I Will Take You Home,” among a full-sounding array of diverse instrumentation not typically exhibited on an Ed Sheeran tune, who is known for being a one-man band.

9. “You Break Me” from Want Some?  (2007)

“You Break Me” is the effervescent opening track from Ed’s recondite third long-player titled Want Some?. Unleashed on his parent’s independent art consultancy named Sheeran Lock at the young age of 16, Want Some? is Ed’s fourth non-major-label release and is mostly forgotten and overlooked by general listeners. “You Break Me” is authentic evidence of Ed’s early musical talent and euphonious potency that would eventually manifest itself on stages in sold-out stadiums across the globe. (Of course, we’re all enthused by Ed’s adorable “fetus” voice.)

8. “Even My Dad Does Sometimes” from ×  (2014)

Ed has always cited John Mayer as a notable inspiration for his career, and that is certainly obvious sonically on the deep cut “Even My Dad Does Sometimes” from ×. Featuring a downtrodden electric guitar melody and stirring piano refrains, “Even My Dad Does Sometimes” is a heartrending tune reminding the listener that it’s “alright to cry” and “shake” because it means we are human. Ed tells us it’s “alright to die” but to just hold on for today and live on no matter what. Being human means feeling emotions, which is exactly what this song makes us do.

7. “Gold Rush” from +  (2011)

On a more positive note, “Gold Rush” is an upbeat, singalong-ready tune that was included as bonus material on Ed’s major label debut titled +. The instrumentation is characterized solely by an acoustic and electric guitar, but the catchiness of the vocal melody renders this number to be more musically captivating and challenging to get out of your head. Ed has a way of crafting simple yet memorable, fun compositions that are irrefutable earworms.

6. “The Man” from ×  (2014)

A standard edition a-side from ×, “The Man” is a steady rap-inflicted tune that demonstrates Ed’s ability to create sensitive rap sequences which allow him to squeeze more lyrics into his arrangements. This track is one of Ed’s most personal and internally contemplative pieces, causing him to appear overcome during an intimate acoustic performance. “The Man” is a song of loss, heartache, self-disappointment, bitterness, sadness, and overall unhindered honesty, all attributes that most mainstream artists don’t typically delve into, which sets Ed apart from the bunch as a more introspective, heartfelt songwriter.

5. “Fire Alarms” from Songs I Wrote With Amy – EP  (2010)

“Fire Alarms” is a mellow yet spirited article from the Songs I Wrote With Amy EP released in 2010. Amy Wadge is one of the main remarkable songwriters that Ed has collaborated with on numerous tunes, including some of his most monumental hits like “Thinking Out Loud” and “Galway Girl.” “Fire Alarms” is carried by a propulsive acoustic guitar melody with electric strains sprinkled throughout and subdued percussion. The song gently develops and broadens with the repeated line “We are waving our lives away.”

4. “Nina” from ×  (2014)

Similar to “The Man,” “Nina” is another impassioned cut from × that attests to Ed’s expressive lyricism and unapologetic tendency to openly display his heart. “Nina” also testifies to his inclination to include personal details, which gives his music an exclusively intimate touch, like a page from his diary. The track is characterized by piano-directed assonance, fervent vocals, ebullient percussion, and deep guitar strumming.

3. “One Night” from Loose Change – EP  (2010)

The rich instrumentation and production quality paired with the catchy vocal cadences and interesting libretto makes “One Night” an intriguing and momentous song in Ed’s catalog. The repetitive chorus is bound to get stuck in your head, along with the electric guitar refrains dazzled throughout the mix. The verses are down-to-earth and overall entertaining to follow along with, like when Ed sings about needing money to purchase fast food but the person he’s with buys him “chips and cheese” so “she’s all [he] need[s],” or how she “turns [his] cheeks the color of [his] hair.” “One Night” distinctively substantiates Ed’s operatic ability and how he can craft lyrics that are both warmly thoughtful and amusingly charming.

2. “Runaway” from ×  (2014)

A song with a groove that Taylor Swift vehemently praised, “Runaway” is emphatically one of the catchiest, most rhythmic numbers on × with the production help of Pharrell Williams. On top of the musical efficiency, the lyrics illustrate a son’s struggle with his father’s alcoholism and inclination to abjectly run away from home, claiming he “love[s] him from [his] skin to [his] bones” but sadly doesn’t “wanna live in his home.” Ed further portrays his internal maturity by accepting that no one is perfect when he says, “None of us are saints; I guess that God knows that.” It’s a grim depiction but an honest, sincere emotional presentation of a real-life situation that many people experience and can subsequently relate to.

1. “Top Floor (Cabana)” from Hotel Cabana with Naughty Boy  (2013)

Oddly enough, our top pick is a collaborative project with Naughty Boy. The song is titled “Top Floor (Cabana)” from Naughty Boy’s 2013 full-length Hotel Cabana. “Top Floor” is a seemingly simple tune which opens up with sounds of a bustling city, allowing the listener to truly feel like they are in the moment and place the song attempts to set. Instrumentally, “Top Floor” is characterized by nothing more than Ed’s acoustic guitar and a soft backing piano. The lyrics are ardently captivating and strangely ethereal, painting a scene of an empty soul contemplating suicide—his “sweetest goodbye.” The delivery is overall chilling and arouses feelings of hopelessness and sorrow. The boisterous honking of car horns at the end and lack of worded closure causes the listener to wonder if the writer chose to fall from the top floor of the hotel. It leaves a sense of despondency and grief and a longing to aid the forlorn singer, which is an emotional connection that not many songs can accomplish. Despite this level of masterful songwriting and heartstring-tugging, the brief piece unfortunately did not gain its deserved attention.

Well, there you have it, the most underrated songs by Ed Sheeran! Tweet at us or let us know in the comments below what songs you think are overlooked!

Honorable Mentions:

10 Most Underrated Real Friends Songs

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Real Friends, one of the most eminent acts to come from the Chicago pop punk scene, is known for their raw emotional songwriting and catchy melodies. I’m sure we can all recall a tune from these guys, maybe “Summer” or “Floorboards,” but underneath their hits are some outstanding tracks that don’t receive the credit they truly deserve. Here’s our top 10 most underrated Real Friends songs!

10. “Eastwick” from The Home Inside My Head  (2016)

“Eastwick” is a steady, mellow tune characterized by leisurely guitars and impassioned vocals from Dan Lambton. The stirring lyricism completes the arrangement, making this sentimental piece fit right in with Real Friends’s musical catalog. The Home Inside My Head is one of their most well-rounded and mature releases to date, and “Eastwick” is surely proof of that progression in both libretto and musicality.

9. “I Had a Heart” from Punk Goes Christmas  (2015)

While we think the “Punk Goes” concept can be a bit aggravating at times, Real Friends managed to put out a stellar original tune for the Punk Goes Christmas album. “I Had a Heart” is an honest depiction of a heartbroken blue Christmas, detailing a sense of feeling lost and damaged during the most wonderful time of the year. This song is lead by upbeat acoustic guitars, lively percussion, and another ardent vocal performance.

8. “Old and All Alone” from Put Yourself Back Together  (2013)

Put Yourself Back Together is more than likely Real Friends’s most popular release, but “Old and All Alone” is still a fairly underrated track. “Old and All Alone” is angry, charged, and bitter with fiery lyrics and heated guitars. The melodious chorus is catchy and memorable, and the verses are clever yet cliché, but hey, isn’t that what Real Friends is kinda known for?

7. “Basement Stairs” from The Home Inside My Head  (2016)

“Basement Stairs” is undeniably addictive. The heartfelt lyricism coupled with the vehement musicianship certainly makes this catchy tune shine. Coated in nostalgia and candor, “Basement Stairs” is a genuine pop punk piece that doesn’t receive its due recognition buried in the middle of their latest long-player. It gets stuck in your head… Like, the home inside your head.

6. “Cheap Talk and Eager Lies” (2011)

“Cheap Talk and Eager Lies” was never released on an EP or album, but it is still nonetheless a fantastic track. It is an acoustic display of strength and self-support, namely seen in the lyrics, “I’m gonna keep getting up even when you keep trying to pull me down.” The sincerity is coalesced with a cheery melody that seems to prove the self-fortitude even more, acting as if the problem didn’t affect the writer anyway.

5. “Well, I’m Sorry” from The Home Inside My Head  (2016)

Okay, so we really liked The Home Inside My Head, alright? “Well, I’m Sorry” is another fabulous deep cut from this full-length. It’s sensitive and cultivated with lyrics that are accepting of past mistakes and understanding of unchangeable circumstances. The lively drum beat carries the song along with the energetic guitar melodies. “Well, I’m Sorry” is not just another filler track; definitely give it a listen!

4. “I Think I’m Moving Forward” from Maybe This Place Is the Same and We’re Just Changing  (2014)

The similes of this piece create clear imagery of identifying with an advancing train, detailing feelings of “moving forward” and getting over past issues. “I Think I’m Moving Forward” is an underrated cut from 2014’s debut long-player Maybe This Place Is the Same and We’re Just Changing. As the title suggests, this album is defined by emotional maturation and growth, and “I Think I’m Moving Forward” is a testament to that.

3. “Empty Picture Frames” from The Home Inside My Head  (2016)

Talk about a pop punk anthem! Next to “Mess,” “Empty Picture Frames” is one of the most spirited chants on this full-length. It’s catchy and animated and bound to get stuck in your head, yet it doesn’t sacrifice the ardent songwriting to accomplish this. This track goes hand in hand with “Basement Stairs” when discussing honesty and concession of selfishness, buoying those ideas as themes throughout the record.

2. “Spread Me All Over Illinois” from Maybe This Place Is the Same and We’re Just Changing  (2014)

“Spread Me All Over Illinois” from the long-player Maybe This Place Is the Same and We’re Just Changing starts out very mellow and soothing to the ears, but picks up momentum, erupting into the classic poignancy attributed to Real Friends. The libretto of this piece is again stipulating the emotional development of the writer, but this time depicting a sense of feeling lost and stuck in the past. The guitar melody of this song is absolute earcandy for the listener. There’s no doubt “Spread Me All Over Illinois” deserves more publicity.

1. “Isolating Everything” from The Home Inside My Head  (2016)

And finally, as our number one choice, “Isolating Everything” is severely overlooked and yet clear attestation of Real Friends refining their sound and growing as musicians and songwriters on their most recent release. “Isolating Everything” opens with a downtrodden guitar refrain before convulsing into the quick-tempo diapason that is inevitably memorable. The lyricism details many different concepts, from accepting the past to clearing up personal controversies. “Isolating Everything” is distinctly one of Real Friends’s most underrated songs and begs to be more acknowledged.

Well, there you have it, the most underrated songs by Real Friends! Tweet at us or let us know in the comments below what songs you think are overlooked!