• Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Dec 18, 2015
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 16
  2. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. Jan 7, 2016
    80
    The band are operating in an ever more overcrowded field, but their songwriting has never been sharper.
  2. Dec 16, 2015
    80
    With the release of Melophobia in 2013, listeners saw Cage create a new identity; Tell Me I'm Pretty takes that change further by exploring new avenues and soundscapes, and it's better for it.
  3. Mojo
    Dec 9, 2015
    80
    It's a welcome upgrade, more considered yet catchier. [Jan 2016, p.98]
  4. Q Magazine
    Dec 9, 2015
    80
    Matt Shultz has never sung more convincingly, but these are big, ideas-drenched songs, packed with beguiling twists and turns. [Jan 2016, p.108]
  5. Dec 9, 2015
    80
    Other than the production, Tell Me I’m Pretty sits very much in the same league as Melophobia--a confident, eclectic rock record with heaps of personality and charm.
  6. Dec 18, 2015
    75
    These songs are effective as standalones and the album does gel into a cohesive statement, but for a group whose identity was finally coming into focus on Melophobia, Cage The Elephant’s signature sound here is obscured.
  7. Dec 22, 2015
    70
    These guys aren't just reliving classic sounds, they're giving them a frantic sense of dread that's perfect for our own dislocated, paranoid times.
  8. Dec 18, 2015
    70
    Despite the clear connections, it's not completely derivative. Cage the Elephant are maturing and their songs have a new heft to them, which may drive away some old diehards but will certainly attract new followers.
  9. Uncut
    Dec 9, 2015
    70
    Not pretty, necessarily, but pretty good. [Jan 2016, p.75]
  10. 70
    Add one of 2015’s swooniest ballads in Trouble and you’ve got an album that’s not exactly pretty, but is definitely a keeper.
  11. Dec 22, 2015
    67
    While Cage the Elephant deliver a well-rounded record, this one’s not enough to vault them multiple steps ahead.
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 101 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 81 out of 101
  2. Negative: 6 out of 101
  1. Dec 18, 2015
    10
    powerful lyrics and themes in each song, very different from their usual but utterly beautiful all the same. each song is sung with passionpowerful lyrics and themes in each song, very different from their usual but utterly beautiful all the same. each song is sung with passion and drive, you can tell they worked very hard on this album. Would very much recommend to any fans. Full Review »
  2. Dec 21, 2015
    4
    Very underwhelming, especially compared to Melophobia. I had my suspicions with Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys producing this album andVery underwhelming, especially compared to Melophobia. I had my suspicions with Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys producing this album and unfortunately they came to fruition. The increasingly neutered direction that the Black Keys sound has taken is now a part of Cage the Elephant's sound. Very little experimentation is demonstrated, the melodies are not too unique or memorable, it is just a rather forgettable album. Stick to your own band Dan. Full Review »
  3. May 20, 2018
    10
    A perfect album for a passer-by and fans as well. Catchy instrumentals, worthy lyrics - this album is a huge earworm. One of the year's best.