Unpeeled
Cage the Elephant · 2017
79 min · 21 tracks · alternative rock
An intimate collection of stripped-down performances revealing raw emotion and lyrical depth within alternative rock's eclectic framework.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cry Baby Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked — This track stands out as it encapsulates the band's gritty storytelling style while transitioning beautifully into an acoustic arrangement that enhances its thematic depth.
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Cold Cold Cold — The reimagining of this song allows listeners to experience the emotional undercurrents in a more subdued context, highlighting the band’s lyrical prowess.
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Shake Me Down — As a fan favorite, this song's acoustic version provides a fresh perspective on its energetic original, demonstrating the band's ability to adapt their sound while maintaining emotional intensity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong reinterpretations but lacks a cohesive flow due to its live nature.
What we noticed
- Several songs are presented in a slower tempo compared to their original versions, emphasizing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The instrumentation is minimal, often relying on acoustic guitar and piano, which creates an intimate atmosphere throughout the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- intimate acoustic listening experience
- dynamic flow with peaks
- reflective late-night moods
- emotional storytelling journeys
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A live album showcasing the band's range, not a primary entry or breakthrough.
- Themes
- intimate performances· gritty storytelling
- Career context
- Released in January 2017, Unpeeled is Cage the Elephant's first live album, following their commercially successful studio album, Tell Me I'm Pretty. This album captures the band's evolution as they shift from high-energy performances to a more introspective and acoustic-driven sound, showcasing their versatility.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Arctic Monkeys· The Black Keys· Tame Impala
Tracklist
- 1 Cry Baby Start here 4:15
- 2 Whole Wide World 3:25
- 3 Sweetie Little Jean 3:26
- 4 Spiderhead 3:34
- 5 Take It or Leave It 3:24
- 6 Too Late to Say Goodbye 3:52
- 7 Punchin’ Bag 3:25
- 8 Shake Me Down 3:26
- 9 Telescope 3:51
- 10 Instant Crush 5:09
- 11 Trouble 4:02
- 12 Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked 2:59
- 13 Rubber Ball 3:55
- 14 Aberdeen 2:53
- 15 Golden Brown 3:57
- 16 Cold Cold Cold 3:27
- 17 How Are You True 4:39
- 18 Come a Little Closer 3:45
- 19 Back Against the Wall 3:45
- 20 Cigarette Daydreams 3:26
- 21 Right Before My Eyes 4:40
What to play next
Social Cues
2019
Continues the emotional depth while introducing a more polished sound.
Tell Me I'm Pretty
2015
Sets the stage for the acoustic intimacy found in Unpeeled.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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