The album received mixed reviews from critics, and peaked at number six on the Billboard 200, selling 54,000 copies in its first week. It became the fourth highest debut album on the chart for the week of March 20, 2010. It also debuted at number 15 on the Canadian Albums Chart, which became its peak on the chart.
Lifehouse began working on the album with record producer Jude Cole in the fall of 2008, after the band had come off of the tour that supported their fourth studio album, Who We Are. The band worked on Smoke & Mirrors for over a year, recording thirty-five tracks, before settling on the twelve tracks that appear on the album.[1] During this time, the band collaborated with American singer-songwriter Kevin Rudolf on the album's lead single, "Halfway Gone" and with Daughtry's lead singer Chris Daughtry on the song "Had Enough".[2] In an interview with Billboard, Rudolf said, "I chose [to do] 'Halfway Gone' because Jason Wade is such a great writer, great singer, and great artist."[3]
In an interview with They Will Rock You, when asked about recording the song "Smoke & Mirrors", lead Lifehouse percussionist Rick Woolstenhulme, Jr. said:
"The very first track that we recorded for the album is the track called Smoke & Mirrors which ended up being the name of the album. That song is very Americana and almost Petty-esque in a way. For that song we literally came from the road and headed right into the studio and that was the first song that was brought to the table. It was cut in two or three takes."[4]
Smoke & Mirrors received mixed reviews from critics. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Allmusic gave a mixed review of the album, calling it ingratiating, but also commented on how the album would "never [form] anything amounting to any identity."[5]
Commercial performance
In the United States, the album debuted at number six on the Billboard 200, which became its peak on the chart.[12] It sold 54,000 copies in its first week, and became Lifehouse's fourth studio album to chart in the top ten.[13] The album remained on the chart for 20 consecutive weeks.[14]
Mitch Lerner – piano on "All In", "Nerve Damage", "It Is What It Is" and "In Your Skin"
Chris Murguia – guitars, Hammond organ on "Nerve Damage" and "Smoke & Mirrors", piano on "It Is What It Is", backing vocals on "Here Tomorrow Gone Today"
Jude Cole – guitars, backing vocals, synthesizer, keyboard on "Had Enough", bass on "From Where You Are"
Patrick Leonard – piano, synthesizer, synth bass, each for "All That I'm Asking For"
Florian Ammon – synthesizer on ""Everything" and "Near Life Experience"
Sonus Quartet – strings on "All That I'm Asking For"
