Album Review: Tell Me I’m Pretty

Back in action two years after their 2013 album Melophobia, Cage the Elephant comes back in full force with their fourth album: Tell Me I’m Pretty (which was released on December 18 last year). While it has a lot less edge than its predecessor, Cage the Elephant shows a cooler, more intimate side with Tell Me I’m Pretty. It still has a lot of punch to it, like any Cage the Elephant record, but a lot of this album’s production accents the smoother sides of the band’s talent (full compliments to Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys with his production job).

After being around for quite some time, a lot of Cage the Elephant’s qualities have been honed down throughout this LP. The percussion on “Sweetie Little Jean,” which brings to mind a slightly darker version of the Beatles’ “She’s Leaving Home,” catches Jared Champion at his best. Similarly, “Cold Cold Cold” and “Trouble” show guitarist Brad Schultz’s wonderful knack for subtle and gripping licks and chords. As for vocalist Matt Schultz, he delivers some brilliant vocal performances – but his earnest emotion on “How Are You True” are by far the most captivating on Tell Me I’m Pretty. Immediately following “How Are You True” is my favorite song on the whole album, “That’s Right.” While it sounds like it’s straight out of a commercial, the guitar part is phenomenal on all levels.

In short, Tell Me I’m Pretty might as well be Cage the Elephant’s best record. Is it groundbreaking, however? Not entirely. For the band it’s a solid leap forward, but it lacks the extra kick to take them further in their own style and in the public eye. Nevertheless, if you want a modern rock album that’ll leave you with guitar riffs and rhythms in your head, definitely check out Tell Me I’m Pretty.