Imagine Dragons, J Balvin Come Together on “Eyes Closed” Remix: Watch

Imagine Dragons have released a remix of their new single “Eyes Closed” with an unexpected guest: Colombian reggaetón star J Balvin, who raps in Spanish and delivers some of his best lyrics in recent memory.

The pairing brings added edge, bass and an increased touch of menace and grit to an anthemic track. The original 'Eyes Closed' is vintage Imagine Dragons with its strong, can-do lyrics and uplifting motto: 'I can do it with my eyes closed'. It also retains the melodic essence of the band, but takes it further, adding some industrial production and even a touch of beats and rap.

J Balvin's involvement kicks things into high gear with a more aggressive attitude. “Eyes Closed” is about coming back from the dead, stronger than before (“I've been broken down and beat down, but I'm still catching up,” sings Dan Reynolds).

For Balvin, who has had a string of setbacks, the message is particularly apt and he takes on the challenge with gusto and courage, rapping over Imagine Dragons' rock beats and delivering lines like: “La tormenta no ha podido sacudir mis palmas […]Los que dieron la espalda se les vio la falda […] Si la fe es creer antes de ver, parcero, yo no nací pa perder” (The storm has shaken my palms; those who turned their backs on me showed their true colors […] if to have faith is to believe before you see, parcero, I was not born to lose.'

Check out the video for his “Eyes Closed” remix featuring Balvin below.