Artist: Cage The Elephant Album: Thank You, Happy Birthday

Year: 2011
Duration: 44:45

Thank You, Happy Birthday - A Critical Overview of Cage The Elephant's Second Album

Cage The Elephant made an immediate impact on the music scene with their self-titled debut album in 2008. The Kentucky-based band has maintained their cult following ever since with a distinctive blend of garage rock, punk, and grunge. Their second album, Thank You, Happy Birthday, released in 2011, marked a significant evolution in their sound and was met with polarized reactions.

In this blog post, we'll delve into the history of Cage The Elephant and analyze the critical response to their second album, with a focus on the best songs, most innovative parts, and our expert critique.

Cage The Elephant started their journey in 2006, when several band members left Bowling Green State University and moved to London to pursue their passion for music. They signed with Relentless Records and released their debut album two years later, which earned them national attention and critical acclaim. Thank You, Happy Birthday marked a change in direction for the band. Their art rock influences were more apparent on this album, and they experimented with new sounds and vocal styles.

The album's opening track, Always Something, sets the tone with its jagged rhythms and throaty vocals. The song oscillates between calm and frenzy, showcasing the band's excellent control of dynamics. Aberdeen is another standout track, with its driving bassline and distorted guitar riffs. The chorus is memorable, and the lyrics reflect on the band members' depression and nostalgia.

As the album progresses, it becomes clear that Cage The Elephant experimented with various genres, including funk, blues, and even reggae. Shake Me Down features acoustic guitars and Rhodes piano, creating a serene atmosphere, while Indy Kidz is a raucous anthem with ska backing vocals. Rubber Ball has a hypnotic quality with its repetitive guitar riff and reverb-drenched vocals.

The most innovative parts of Thank You, Happy Birthday are the moments where the band blends genres and styles seamlessly. Right Before My Eyes starts as a delicate ballad before exploding into a hard-hitting punk song. Around My Head has a catchy ska riff that turns into a fuzzy guitar solo in the chorus. The album also features some unique vocal performances from lead singer Matt Shultz, such as the falsetto on Sabertooth Tiger and the frantic screams on Sell Yourself.

The critical response to the album was mixed. Some hailed it as a bold step forward for the band, while others criticized it for lacking cohesion and being too diverse. One review remarked that the album was an excellent record of the genre but not one that will change the world, while another called Cage The Elephant a band that deserves your attention and screams support.

In conclusion, Thank You, Happy Birthday stands as a crucial album in Cage The Elephant's discography and showcases their ability to evolve and innovate. While not every track is a classic, the album is packed with memorable moments and genre-bending experimentation. Cage The Elephant proved that rock music could be both introspective and electrifying, and this album remains a testament to their talent and vision.