Rising singer-songwriter Grace VanderWaal served as their opening act, where she was able to warm up the stage thanks to her bubbly vocals and ukulele prowess.
They kicked off their set on an explosive note with an electrifying version of “Radioactive,” and they immediately broke into “It’s Time” and “Whatever It Takes.”
Front-man Dan Reynolds accompanied himself on piano for a stirring rendition of “Shots,” where he showcased his rich, rumbling vocals.
“Yesterday” was more laid-back and mellow, with a sultry vibe to it, and they picked up the pace with the mid-tempo “Walking the Wire,” which was lyrically and sonically moving.
From the first half of their set, “Next to Me” was the song that touched listeners and fans on an emotional standpoint, due to its heartfelt lyrics (about acceptance and self-worth) and optimistic nature. Reynolds interacted well with the audience, and made them feel a part of this live concert experience, just as much as the band onstage.
They made the audience leave their problems at the door, and made them feel free and liberated; moreover, there was a feeling of euphoria in the venue, where the band gave their fans a night of modern rock music to remember.
One of the highlight moments of the concert was when Reynolds belted out “I Bet My Life,” where everybody was singing the lyrics verbatim. The front-man proved that his voice and stage presence are an eighth world wonder. What makes Reynolds stand out as an exceptional lead singer is that he embodies his lyrics.
The fan-favorite tunes of the night included “Demons” and “Thunder,” the latter of which received a thunderous response indeed, and rightfully so. During “On Top of the World,” white balloons were lowered from the top of the venue, which resonated well with the Manhattan audience. They concluded an already spectacular show with their empowering hit, “Believer,” which was complete with confetti and excitement.
The Verdict
Overall, Imagine Dragons put on a high-octane show at Madison Square Garden in New York. Having had the privilege to review this band at least six times in the past, it is safe to say that this was their best show yet. The band gets better with age and experience, and they exuded a great deal of comfort onstage. They had their New York fans with them every step of the way, and they were spot-on the entire night. Their live set at The Garden garnered five out of five stars. Bravo.
To learn more about Imagine Dragons and their touring schedule, check out their official website.
