Demons

The harmony of 'Demons' is built entirely on the I-V-vi-IV progression in Eb major, one of the most ubiquitous cycles in modern pop and rock. What makes it effective here is how the production and arrangement create dynamic contrast over a static harmonic foundation — the song's emotional arc is driven by texture and vocal delivery rather than chord changes. The constant return to the Ab (IV) before resolving to Eb (I) gives each cycle a gentle plagal quality that reinforces the song's bittersweet, confessional tone.

"Demons" was co-written by Imagine Dragons members Dan Reynolds, Wayne Sermon, and Ben McKee alongside producer Alex da Kid and songwriter Josh Mosser. The song emerged during the sessions that produced both the Continued Silence EP and the Night Visions album, with Reynolds channeling deeply personal themes about inner struggles and the fear of revealing one's true self to a loved one.

"Demons" is the emotionally raw centerpiece of Imagine Dragons' debut album Night Visions (2012), blending arena-ready production with deeply personal lyrics about hidden flaws and inner struggles. Produced by Alex da Kid, the track became one of the best-selling rock downloads in history, spending 61 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaking at number six.