Imagine Dragons’ 11 Billion-Dollar Tracks
Imagine Dragons’ Billion-Stream Milestone: 11 Hits That Took Spotify by Storm
In a world where Anglo-Saxon countries love the word “billion,” it can feel underwhelming that in Spain, the equivalent is “thousand million.” Yet, whenever an artist hits that impressive figure—whether in their bank accounts or on streaming platforms—it’s always newsworthy. Forbes, Billboard, and Twitter accounts dedicated to streaming metrics are quick to highlight such achievements.
Imagine Dragons are no strangers to reaching this landmark. They currently boast 11 songs with over 1 billion streams on Spotify, just one less than Taylor Swift. This places the band in the top 10 most successful artists of all time on the platform, on par with global icons like Drake, Bad Bunny, The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, and Coldplay. In light of their upcoming tour, which will see Imagine Dragons perform at major stadiums in Madrid and Barcelona on June 28 and July 1, respectively, we take a look at these 11 smash hits that have defined their career.
1. Believer
The band’s biggest hit, Believer, has racked up 3.1 billion streams, making it the 11th most listened-to song of all time on Spotify, with a chance to break into the top 10 soon. Released in 2017 as part of the Evolve album, it’s a quintessential Imagine Dragons anthem—combining Queen-like epic choruses and Muse-inspired stadium rock. Lead singer Dan Reynolds wrote the song about his battle with arthritis, and the emotional toll of anxiety, depression, and performing in front of massive audiences.
2. Radioactive
Before Believer, there was Radioactive—a breakthrough hit from their 2012 debut album Night Visions. The song introduced audiences to the band’s love of percussion-heavy, crescendo-filled performances. This song about personal rebirth became a fan favorite, and Reynolds described it as “masculine,” a reflection of the energy they brought to their early shows.
3. Demons
From the same album, Demons showcased a softer side of Reynolds and the band. This introspective ballad confronts the inner struggles and personal “demons” that many face, with lines like “Don’t get too close, there’s darkness inside me.” It became a powerful anthem of vulnerability and has resonated deeply with fans worldwide.
4. On Top of the World
Another surprise hit from their debut album, On Top of the World stands out for its upbeat, tropical percussion and feel-good vibes. Its infectious melody and positive energy have made it a staple in their live performances.
5. Thunder
A career-defining hit, Thunder marked a shift in the band’s sound with the 2017 release of Evolve. This synth-heavy, playful anthem features finger snaps and unique vocal effects, and it became one of their most-streamed tracks. With a touch of Katy Perry’s Roar energy, it’s one of their catchiest songs to date.
6. Whatever It Takes
Whatever It Takes from Evolve secured a rare certification—6x Platinum in the United States—and has been featured in various sports video games. Its high-octane energy, driven by adrenaline-filled lyrics and a chaotic music video, helped cement its place as a sports anthem.
7. Natural
From their 2018 album Origins, Natural was the standout track. Produced by Mattman & Robin, it’s about overcoming adversity and finding oneself. The song’s pounding drums and almost a cappella segments create an epic, inspirational vibe that continues to captivate listeners.
8. Bad Liar
Despite its minimalist production, Bad Liar from Origins has become an unexpected hit. With its delicate piano intro and understated percussion, the song gained even more emotional weight thanks to co-writing credits from Reynolds’ then-wife, Aja Volkman, right before their split. The lyrics—“I lie badly, so you are free to go”—further fueled its poignancy.
9. Enemy
Featured on the soundtrack of Arcane (League of Legends), Enemy from Mercury Act 1 quickly became a fan favorite. Accompanied by rapper JID, the song’s hip-hop influences are a nod to the band’s earlier works. It stands as one of their defining tracks in recent years.
10. Bones
Bones, from Mercury Act 2, helped revive the band’s fortunes after the less successful first act. Boosted by Spotify playlists and viral TikTok trends, the song’s reflection on life and death struck a chord with both older fans and a younger generation discovering the band for the first time.
11. It’s Time
One of the first hits that catapulted the band to fame, It’s Time is a personal anthem for Reynolds. Known for shedding his shirt and waving the LGBTQ+ flag during performances, this song from their debut album marked the beginning of their massive global success.
As Imagine Dragons gear up for their stadium performances in Spain, these billion-stream hits serve as a testament to their enduring popularity and musical evolution.
