Cage The Elephant "Thank You Happy Birthday" | Review

Story by Jacob Fricke 

| Published Jan 18, 2011

Cage the Elephant surely can’t have expected the success that followed their self-titled debut album. The band’s unique sound was matched by their surprisingly revealing lyrics, and their success led them from playing shitty bars to headlining tours and massive radio play.

With their new album, “Thank You Happy Birthday,” the band seems to only be making the statement that they are not the Kings of Leon. Though they share a similar back story, Cage wants to assure listeners that they are, in fact, nothing alike.

No where is the more evident than through the first single, “Shake Me Down.” The song has no hint of subtlety, and is better for it. However, as the album progresses, it is quickly evident that the band lacks depth. Each song, though relentless in approach, ultimately leaves the impression that the band doesn’t know how to write anything else.

Despite this, the album is thoroughly enjoyable. Possibly the best thing that can be said is how much energy exerts from the album. Even if what the band is playing is repetitive or unoriginal, the sheer amount of force with which it is played is admirable.

There is no huge hit on this album. But there’s no truly bad songs, either. Cage the Elephant suffers from the proverbial sophomore slump, even though the potential for greatness simmers below the surface. If they can learn from this, their third album could be truly amazing.