With their distinctive sound and dynamic performances, Cage the Elephant has been a driving force in the rock music scene for over a decade. From the beginning of their career in Kentucky to their current status as a popular rock band, they have continuously pushed the boundaries of what it means to be a rock band. Even their debut album was a massive success, spawning numerous hits and helping the band gain a broad following.
One of the reasons Cage the Elephant has become such a success in the world of rock music is their ability to create catchy, anthemic songs that resonate with fans all over the world. In this article, we will be taking a look at the top five songs in Cage the Elephant’s catalog that helped bring rock into the mainstream. The following five hits showcase the band’s incredible talent and influence on the rock music scene.
5. In One Ear (2008)
Released in 2008 as the lead single off their self-titled debut album, ‘In One Ear’ peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart and became Cage the Elephant’s second number 1 single on that chart. After its release, the song also reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart.
‘In One Ear’ quickly gained attention for its infectious energy and rebellious lyrics. With its driving rhythm, scorching guitar riffs, and catchy chorus, the song is a bold declaration of independence and a refusal to be boxed in by others’ expectations. In many ways, ‘In One Ear’ has become an anthem for anyone who has felt misunderstood or marginalized.
4. Come A Little Closer (2013)
Written by lead singer Matthew Shultz and produced by Jay Joyce, ‘Come a Little Closer’ was released as the lead single from Cage the Elephant’s third studio album, ‘Melophobia.’ Shultz wrote the song after he woke up in a hotel in São Paulo and decided to watch the sunrise over the favelas. What inspired him was thinking that the makeshift housing looked like an anthill. This thought led the singer to wonder about the heartaches, joys, and life stories of every individual living there.
With its haunting and creative lyrics, ‘Come a Little Closer’ gives the listener chills. The music video for the song is also an interesting work. Directed by Matthew Shultz, it depicts the band members trying to escape from monsters on an alien planet and gives a psychedelic vibe with its colorful atmosphere. Following its release, ‘Come a Little Closer’ turned out to be a huge hit, topping the Billboard Alternative Songs chart in the US and peaking at number 2 on the Billboard Rock chart in Canada.
3. Shake Me Down (2010)
Released as the first single from Cage the Elephant’s second album, ‘Thank You, Happy Birthday,’ ‘Shake Me Down’ is a meditation on the search for meaning in life. Although the song explores the feelings of isolation, disconnection, and many other depressing aspects of everyday life, the chorus creates a contrast with its burst of energy and optimism.
Following its release, ‘Shake Me Down’ became Cage the Elephant’s most successful single in the UK. A huge chart success, it topped both the Canada Billboard Rock Chart and the US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs Chart. An interesting fact about ‘Shake Me Down’ is that the percussionist Jared Champion plays on a set of toy drums for a part of the song.
2. Cigarette Daydreams (2014)
‘Cigarette Daydreams’ was the second single released from ‘Melophobia.’ It was Cage the Elephant’s second number-one single from that album following ‘Come a Little Closer.’ With its gentle acoustic guitar, melancholic melody, and introspective lyrics, it’s safe to say that ‘Cigarette Daydreams’ is a departure from the band’s usual high-energy rock sound.
Lyrically, the song is a reflection of love, loss, and the passing of time, evoking a beautiful sense of melancholy in the listener. According to Matt Shultz, ‘Cigarette Daydreams’ was inspired by a personal experience, so he wrote the song effortlessly. After its release, ‘Cigarette Daydreams’ made it to the top of the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. It’s still one of Cage the Elephant’s popular songs, garnering critical acclaim and millions of streams online.
1. Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked (2008)
At the top of our list is Cage the Elephant’s timeless hit ‘Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked.’ Released as the band’s third single in 2008, the song became their best-selling single and first top 40 hit in the UK. After its reissue in the US the following year, ‘Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked’ proved successful by reaching number 6 on the US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs Chart.
With its lyrics, the song summarizes humanity in a nutshell, explaining why ‘wicked’ individuals follow the paths they follow. Years after its release, ‘Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked’ remains one of the most enduringly popular songs in Cage the Elephant’s catalog. Its popularity was bolstered by its use in popular media, including the video game Borderlands and the series ’13 Reasons Why’ and ‘The Vampire Diaries.’
