What makes Back Against the Wall by Cage the Elephant notable?

This album helped establish Cage the Elephant as a significant force in the alternative rock landscape, achieving critical acclaim and notable chart success. It features the hit single 'Back Against the Wall,' which contributed to their rising popularity and cultural impact during the late 2000s. Released as the second studio album after their self-titled debut in 2008, 'Back Against the Wall' showcases Cage the Elephant's growing confidence and willingness to experiment with diverse sounds. At this point in their career, they were transitioning from a fresh band finding their footing to a group ready to solidify their unique identity within the alternative rock scene.

How many songs are on Back Against the Wall?

Back Against the Wall has 2 tracks, running approximately 6 minutes.

Back Against the Wall

Cage the Elephant · 2009

6 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock

A raw, energetic blend of garage rock and punk-inflected melodies that captures a sense of youthful defiance.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Back Against the Wall — This title track encapsulates the band's signature sound, blending catchy hooks with an anthemic chorus that speaks to themes of resilience and rebellion.
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Cover Me Again — This track highlights the band's ability to fuse introspective lyrics with an upbeat tempo, revealing their versatility while maintaining emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The record showcases energetic songwriting and solid production, but its short length limits deeper exploration.

What we noticed

The title track features a driving rhythm with aggressive guitar riffs and dynamic shifts in intensity, while the second track introduces a more melodic and reflective tone.
Both tracks utilize a call-and-response vocal style, enhancing the sense of urgency and engagement with the listener.
The first track ends with a sudden drop in energy, transitioning into the softer sound of 'Cover Me Again,' which contrasts sharply with its predecessor.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album helped establish Cage the Elephant's reputation in alternative rock.
Career context: Released as the second studio album after their self-titled debut in 2008, 'Back Against the Wall' showcases Cage the Elephant's growing confidence and willingness to experiment with diverse sounds. At this point in their career, they were transitioning from a fresh band finding their footing to a group ready to solidify their unique identity within the alternative rock scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Arctic Monkeys· The Black Keys· Tame Impala