Welcome, music lovers and lyric enthusiasts. Are you ready to embark on a wild ride through the dynamic, eclectic world of Cage The Elephant.
In this thrilling article, we’re counting down the 10 best tracks from these beloved indie-rock prodigies. So, buckle up and prepare to be captivated as we explore their evolution from gritty, Southern garage rock beginnings to genre-defying, anthemic foot-stompers.
Expect some hidden gems, personal favorites, and unexpected twists in our journey to unveil the ultimate Cage The Elephant playlist that’ll leave you craving more.
Let’s dive right in, shall we?
1. “Cigarette Daydreams” (2013)
🎵 Song Name: Cigarette Daydreams
🧑 Artist: Cage The Elephant
💿 Album: Melophobia
📅 Release Date: 2013
🕒 Song Duration: 3 minutes 29 seconds
“Cigarette Daydreams” is a standout track from Cage The Elephant’s 2013 album Melophobia. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of longing and nostalgia, as the narrator reflects on a past relationship with a “sweet” yet “mean streak” partner.
The chorus highlights the search for answers and a desire to find peace of mind in a turbulent emotional state. The song’s appeal comes from its bittersweet, anthemic quality that resonates with listeners who have experienced similar emotions.
Its catchy melody and memorable lyrics make it one of Cage The Elephant’s best songs, showcasing their knack for creating emotional and introspective indie rock gems.
2. “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” (2009)
🎵 Song Name: Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked
🧑 Artist: Cage The Elephant
💿 Album: Cage The Elephant (Expanded Edition)
📅 Release Date: 2009
🕒 Song Duration: 2 minutes 55 seconds
As one of Cage The Elephant‘s best songs, “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” from their 2009 album Cage The Elephant (Expanded Edition), has captivated listeners for years. The song’s lyrics narrate three different scenarios where the protagonist encounters people justifying morally questionable actions, all accentuated by an infectious chorus that chants, “There ain’t no rest for the wicked, money don’t grow on trees.”
Its thought-provoking lyrics and memorable melody make it a standout track that remains relevant a decade after its release.
3. “Come a Little Closer” (2013)
🎵 Song Name: Come a Little Closer
🧑 Artist: Cage The Elephant
💿 Album: Melophobia
📅 Release Date: 2013
🕒 Song Duration: 3 minutes 49 seconds
Brimming with energy and introspection, “Come a Little Closer” by Cage The Elephant has captivated listeners since its release on the 2013 album Melophobia. This sublime track explores themes of personal growth and the transient nature of relationships.
The lyrics “At first you were my father / And now I love you like a brother” show the dynamism of human connection. The catchy chorus, “Come a little closer, then you’ll see / Things aren’t always what they seem to be,” illustrates the power of perception and embracing change.
Additionally, the infectious tunes effortlessly blend gritty rock with an ethereal atmosphere, contributing to the song’s lasting appeal. Ultimately, “Come a Little Closer” stands out as one of Cage The Elephant’s best songs, skillfully conveying complex emotions through its lyrics and sonic textures, leaving a significant impact on listeners.
4. “Trouble” (2015)
🎵 Song Name: Trouble
🧑 Artist: Cage The Elephant
💿 Album: Tell Me I’m Pretty
📅 Release Date: 2015
🕒 Song Duration: 3 minutes 46 seconds
Released in 2015, “Trouble” is a standout track from Cage The Elephant’s album Tell Me I’m Pretty. This irresistible indie rock anthem captivates listeners with its catchy melody, emotive lyrics, and raw vulnerability.
In “Trouble,” the band reflects on the challenges that come with life, love, and the struggle to maintain sanity amid chaos. The powerful chorus, “Trouble on my left, trouble on my right, I’ve been facing trouble almost all my life,” highlights the constant conflicts and personal battles one faces, while seeking solace in love. The line, “My sweet love, won’t you pull me through?” conveys a longing for the strength and support found in love during trying times. “Trouble” resonated with fans for its emotive, introspective lyrics wrapped in a catchy, almost hypnotic rhythm.
The song’s lasting impact cements its place among Cage The Elephant’s finest works.
5. “Cold Cold Cold” (2015)
🎵 Song Name: Cold Cold Cold
🧑 Artist: Cage The Elephant
💿 Album: Tell Me I’m Pretty
📅 Release Date: 2015
🕒 Song Duration: 3 minutes 34 seconds
“Cold Cold Cold” is a standout track from Cage The Elephant’s 2015 album, Tell Me I’m Pretty. The song dives into feelings of emotional numbness and searching for help.
Lyrics like “I’ve been breathing air, but there’s no sign of life” and “My heart feels cold as ice” reveal a longing for human connection, while the repeated plea, “Doctor, can you help me? ‘Cause I don’t feel right” highlights a cry for help. Its chilling melody and relatable struggle captivate listeners, making “Cold Cold Cold” one of Cage The Elephant’s best and most unforgettable songs.
6. “Social Cues” (2019)
🎵 Song Name: Social Cues
🧑 Artist: Cage The Elephant
💿 Album: Social Cues
📅 Release Date: 2019
🕒 Song Duration: 3 minutes 39 seconds
“Social Cues” by Cage The Elephant is a standout track from their 2019 album, Social Cues. The song tackles the pressures of fame and the struggle with public perception.
With lyrics like “I think it’s strange when people say / You’re the next big thing, you’ll never fade”, the song explores the expectations placed on artists in the music industry. One reason “Social Cues” truly stands out is its relatable message and its impact on listeners.
Many people can identify with feeling weighed down by others’ opinions and expectations, making this song a powerful anthem. With catchy hooks and thought-provoking lyrics, “Social Cues” is undeniably one of the best Cage The Elephant songs, showcasing the band’s ability to create songs that resonate with large audiences.
7. “Telescope” (2013)
🎵 Song Name: Telescope
🧑 Artist: Cage The Elephant
💿 Album: Melophobia
📅 Release Date: 2013
🕒 Song Duration: 3 minutes 48 seconds
Dive into the world of introspection and self-discovery with Cage The Elephant’s haunting track, “Telescope” from their 2013 album, Melophobia. The song paints a vivid picture of a person filled with self-doubt and a fear of facing the truth. Telescope tells a story of a character observing themselves through a telescope, examining their isolated life and the walls they have built up.
The captivating lyrics speak to the universal human experience of introspection and the struggles in finding one’s purpose. The song creates a strong impact on listeners as it resonates with the feeling of loneliness and anxiety that many experience when faced with the uncertainty of life. “Telescope” has become one of Cage The Elephant’s best songs due to its thought-provoking lyrics and powerful message, reminding us not to waste our precious time and to be brave in the search for meaning.
8. “Black Madonna” (2019)
🎵 Song Name: Black Madonna
🧑 Artist: Cage The Elephant
💿 Album: Social Cues
📅 Release Date: 2019
🕒 Song Duration: 3 minutes 47 seconds
“Black Madonna” by Cage The Elephant, from their 2019 album Social Cues, is a captivating tune that captures the essence of yearning for genuineness in a world of pretense. The lyrics tell a story of a person escaping a superficial life in LA, only to find things aren’t actually different in New York.
With phrases like “Don’t you forget what goes up must come down” and “Call me when you’re ready to be real”, the song sheds light on the importance of staying grounded and true to oneself. This narrative resonates with listeners who may be seeking real connections and honesty in their lives. One of Cage The Elephant’s best songs, “Black Madonna” encapsulates the band’s signature sound, with its catchy riff and unforgettable chorus.
The impact of this song lies in the way it blends introspective lyrics with an upbeat rhythm, providing a perfect blend for those seeking deeper meaning in music. Overall, “Black Madonna” is a testimony to the band’s ability to create compelling and engaging tunes.
9. “Spiderhead” (2013)
🎵 Song Name: Spiderhead
🧑 Artist: Cage The Elephant
💿 Album: Melophobia
📅 Release Date: 2013
🕒 Song Duration: 3 minutes 43 seconds
“Spiderhead” by Cage The Elephant is a standout track from their 2013 album, Melophobia. It revolves around the themes of mental struggle, confusion, and ultimately, resilience.
With lyrics like “Either I’m in heaven, or I’m in hell / Am I losing my mind here? ‘Cause I can’t tell,” the song delves into the inner turmoil of the narrator. Listeners can relate to the feeling of battling inner demons, making it an impactful song. The catchy and upbeat instrumentation, combined with the poetic and thought-provoking lyrics, makes “Spiderhead” one of the best Cage The Elephant songs.
The chorus, “Spiders in my head, spiders in my mind, / You may take my eyes, but baby, I’m not blind” emphasizes the idea of overcoming personal obstacles and gaining clarity despite adversity.
10. “Shake Me Down” (2011)
🎵 Song Name: Shake Me Down
🧑 Artist: Cage The Elephant
💿 Album: Thank You Happy Birthday
📅 Release Date: 2011
🕒 Song Duration: 3 minutes 31 seconds
“Shake Me Down” by Cage The Elephant, from their 2011 album Thank You Happy Birthday, stands as one of their best songs for its captivating mix of raw emotion, nostalgic vibes, and profound lyricism. The song seemingly tells a story of overcoming obstacles in life and embracing change, with lines like “I’ll keep my eyes fixed on the sun,” symbolizing hope and optimism amidst turbulent times.
Its impact on listeners lies in its relatability, echoing the universal experience of finding resilience and strength in the face of adversity. With its memorable melody and poignant lyrics, “Shake Me Down” leaves a lasting impression on fans, solidifying its place among Cage The Elephant’s finest.
Alex is a man of many talents. He’s been playing music since he was young, and has been the main content writer at Tone Start for the past few years. Alex loves to play around with different styles of music and enjoys listening to anything from country to classical.