Editing The War on Drugs (section)

== Commercial Breakthrough ==

"Lost in the Dream" (2014) achieved the commercial and critical success that previous albums had prepared. The album, recorded during a period of personal difficulty for Granduciel that included anxiety and depression, channeled these experiences into music of rare emotional power. Songs including "Red Eyes" and "Under the Pressure" demonstrated how production sophistication could serve emotional expression, their extended running times creating space for musical development that shorter formats could not achieve.<ref name="reynolds"/>

The album's success proved that audiences existed for ambitious rock music during an era when guitar bands had retreated from mainstream prominence. Its combination of accessibility and depth—hooks that caught attention immediately alongside textures that rewarded repeated listening—established a template that subsequent albums would elaborate. Critical acclaim translated into commercial performance that validated years of work while expanding their audience.<ref name="petrusich"/>

"A Deeper Understanding" (2017) won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album, confirming mainstream recognition for music that emerged from independent scene values. The album continued developing their signature sound, its production even more elaborate while maintaining the emotional core that distinguished their work. The Grammy recognition, for an album that made few concessions to commercial pressures, demonstrated that quality could achieve industry validation alongside artistic respect.<ref name="reynolds"/>