Cage The Elephant
by Cage the Elephant
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 86 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 76 out of 86
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 86
  3. Negative: 3 out of 86

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  1. AlM
    Sep 23, 2009
    9
    Critics are only critics because they lack the talent to be musicians. Ignore them at all times.
  2. stephanieh
    Jul 23, 2009
    8
    Rockin'! Something with an actual message, something real, something unique. A nice change from the manufactured pop, radio friendly crap that's been out for years. Critic reviews?? Ha! Proof again that the industry has lost the idea of real genuine talent and are completely out of touch with the consumer. Hello?? Who pays your salary?? Us. Slamming a group that is creative and Rockin'! Something with an actual message, something real, something unique. A nice change from the manufactured pop, radio friendly crap that's been out for years. Critic reviews?? Ha! Proof again that the industry has lost the idea of real genuine talent and are completely out of touch with the consumer. Hello?? Who pays your salary?? Us. Slamming a group that is creative and talented only turns me off more from the mags, reviews, and TV stuff you've been force-feeding us for years.… Collapse
  3. GeoffC
    Sep 3, 2009
    9
    Of course I heard their single "Ain't no Rest for the Wicked" on the radio. I downloaded the CD and was not disappointed ! The best way I can think to describe their sound is classic rock with blues, funk, and jazz thrown in. One of the best CD's I've heard in a long time.
  4. omgchrista
    Aug 26, 2009
    3
    Tolerable only if you're into G. Love-style rap-rock--and even if that's your favorite genre, you'll know it's been done before (better, in fact). If they don't start playing Cage the Elephant on the generic rock stations real soon, then I'll agree to eat my boot. They work on some level as an entertaining live group, but the record itself is flavorless and Tolerable only if you're into G. Love-style rap-rock--and even if that's your favorite genre, you'll know it's been done before (better, in fact). If they don't start playing Cage the Elephant on the generic rock stations real soon, then I'll agree to eat my boot. They work on some level as an entertaining live group, but the record itself is flavorless and weak. The self-titled album falls flat somewhere in the middle when Matt Shultz's vocals and the lyricality start to grow old, making each song seem like a carbon copy of the track before. They open for Silversun Pickups on their upcoming tour.… Expand
  5. cameronmorewood
    Nov 9, 2012
    6
    It's definitely scattershot, but there's some good stuff here.
  6. BrokenKnives
    Dec 15, 2014
    9
    I understand that the music we're saturated with today causes critics to be misled on what good music is. I can take the song and transpose it into a playable arrangement. Check. It has a base rhythm for all of the components of the song. Check. It is pleasing to listen to. Check. Critics are wrong about this band going nowhere. Check.
  7. MasonZ
    Dec 5, 2009
    5
    No more than 10 seconds into this album, CTE's classic rock roots are made apparent, which is neither a good thing or bad. The flaw with this record is that Cage the Elephant endeavor to do only what has been done by many artists many times before, often better, and without all of the sophomoric pretenses. Frankly, it's not enough to adequately hold one's interest over the No more than 10 seconds into this album, CTE's classic rock roots are made apparent, which is neither a good thing or bad. The flaw with this record is that Cage the Elephant endeavor to do only what has been done by many artists many times before, often better, and without all of the sophomoric pretenses. Frankly, it's not enough to adequately hold one's interest over the 40+ minutes of radio-friendly bullet points. Track "In One Ear" reeks with a teenager-like attitude that is honestly stifling at best. On occasion, they dip into the confessional when not mired in self-righteousness, such as in "Back Against the Wall," but the immaturity of their writing and lack of inventiveness ultimately makes the message hard to believe. Long story short, Cage the Elephant's eponymous debut is not worthless, but is in fact nothing special. Of course, this is just MY opinion, and I think Stephanie and Kimberly have something to say about that.… Expand
  8. KimberlyS.
    Jul 27, 2009
    9
    I agree with stephanie h, you said it sista! I think this band is awesome, let Matt say what's on his mind, so what!? If you don't like it, don't listen. Opinions are like A$$ holes, everybody's got one.
  9. MusicIsMyFriend
    Nov 16, 2010
    8
    It's just a fun album. A groovy sound with some decent musicians, it's an album that can be enjoyed upon first listen and whenever you want to listen to something that gets you moving along with the songs.
  10. ssramsay
    Jan 20, 2011
    8
    Saw these guys at summerfest in Milwaukee. Have no doubt this band is great and puts on an unbelievable show with so much passion.Do not just judge the band on "Wicked" which is a good track but the entire cd will blow you away.
  11. ReubenIsAGod
    Oct 13, 2013
    8
    One of the best latest bands of all time, truly amazing riffs and great vocals with hammering drums and breezy bass, The album is a true mix of blues,rock,grunge and indie just such an amazing album, downside probably the fact that the after a while the album get tedious and repetitive
  12. cheapycheep
    Jul 30, 2013
    9
    This album is made up of songs that will satisfy you on the first and thirtieth listen, providing you are a fan of classic rock. However a mark has to be taken off for having the mental age of 7. But move past the questionable singing and lyrics, this is a great album. 8.5/10
  13. cjgalvin5
    Jan 10, 2015
    9
    This record spills out relentless track after track. It may get old after a while but you will leave feeling like a true punk rocker. Cage the elephant at their rowdiest.
  14. muised
    Oct 25, 2015
    7
    Cage the Elephant is an energetic rock band that is based out of Bowling Green, Kentucky. The band was originally formed in 2006 by brothers Matt and Brad Schultz who sang vocals and played rhythm guitar. They were accompanied by their drummer Jared Champion and their current bass guitar player Daniel Tichenor. Nick Bockrath who currently plays lead guitar replaced original band memberCage the Elephant is an energetic rock band that is based out of Bowling Green, Kentucky. The band was originally formed in 2006 by brothers Matt and Brad Schultz who sang vocals and played rhythm guitar. They were accompanied by their drummer Jared Champion and their current bass guitar player Daniel Tichenor. Nick Bockrath who currently plays lead guitar replaced original band member Lincoln Parish in 2013. The Band Signed with the record label Relentless Records in 2007 after playing in the South By Southwest music festival. In 2009 Cage the Elephant released their debut self titled album “Cage the Elephant”.

    Cage the Elephant has a unique style that separates them from the rest. There vocal stylings and chord progression reminisce that of The Rolling Stones and The Red hot chili Peppers. On the record they combine hip hop and punk with different flashes of blues and funk. There songs “Free Love” and “James Brown” are examples of the concept in use. In songs like “Back against the Wall” and “Aint no rest for the wicked” there is more of a melodic acoustic feel that gives different dimensions to the band and the album. Overall, this record is a great listen if you are into punk fused with blues and funk.    … Expand
  15. Leogmlima
    Mar 12, 2018
    9
    The self-titled and first album by the band Cage the Elephant, brings a new kind of alternative rap indie rock music. With politics lyrics and a powerful guitar, the album is not all about the 4 singles ("Free Love", "In Yout Ear", "Ain't No Rest For the Wicked" and "Back Against the Wall"), all the records have your own story and show us the face of this awesome band.
  16. gerdenhese
    Oct 25, 2018
    8
    Cage the Elephant's debut album is ambitious, colorful, and bold. With hit tracks like "Back Against the Wall," "In One Ear," and "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked," lead singer Matt Shultz brings a chillingly emotional vocal essence to the track. On softer tracks such as "Lotus" and "Judas," the lyrical intensity remains, while still maintaining deep themes of love and mental health. TheseCage the Elephant's debut album is ambitious, colorful, and bold. With hit tracks like "Back Against the Wall," "In One Ear," and "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked," lead singer Matt Shultz brings a chillingly emotional vocal essence to the track. On softer tracks such as "Lotus" and "Judas," the lyrical intensity remains, while still maintaining deep themes of love and mental health. These vocals blend gorgeously with the post-grunge alternative instrumental accompaniment, which is extremely reminiscent of the likes of The Pixies. In my opinion, this remains Cage the Elephant's most unique and resonant album to date.… Expand
  17. antonialopezm
    May 4, 2021
    7
    It’s a really fun album, still very young and less refined than their other later works. It’s very “garage-rocky”, however it’s a little repetitive but cohesive.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. AllMusic
    80
    Cage the Elephant didn't exist until 2005, but as this self-titled album demonstrates, their ability to be influenced by alternative rock and classic rock simultaneously is a definite plus.
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  2. Billboard
    80
    The group's self-titled debut shows that it has more than one flashy single to offer.
    Read full review
  3. Drowned In Sound
    30
    It’s a fatal flaw that rears itself again and again as a bastardised version of blue-collar Americana is force-fed a mass-produced strain of bland modern rock throughout all eleven tracks.
    Read full review
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