Depart From Me
by Cage
  • Record Label: Def Jux
  • Release Date: Jul 7, 2009
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. The Boston Phoenix
    88
    Confident non-jumpers shouldn't be concerned that this disc weeps with you're-always-dying-inside woe-is-my-love-life misery.
  2. RapReviews.com
    85
    The lion's share of Cage's fans will see this newly found exposure as Chris Palko taking steps towards getting his story out to a wider audience with this personal and quite exceptional release.
  3. The A.V. Club
    83
    He’s spent his Definitive Jux career transforming his pain into messy, impressionistic tragedy. The result isn’t just more satisfying, it’s often funnier, too.
  5. Urb
    80
    Depart From Me is a cohesive album of dark hip hop from an MC in top form.
  6. Alternative Press
    80
    He abetteed by vibrant backdrops full of guitar-driven samples, which push the disc closer to rock than hip-hop and keep the energy high. [Aug 2009, p.106]
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  7. NOW Magazine
    60
    Production by El-P, Aesop Rock and F. Sean Martin gives this album that trademark Def Jux feel, but the rock-driven direction of a few tracks may be a deal-breaker for fans of Cage’s earlier sound.
  8. AllMusic
    60
    Rabid fans won't mind much; just make sure you're sold on Hell's Winter before taking this bumpier ride through Cage's inner turmoil.
  9. PopMatters
    50
    The best stuff here shows Cage taking what he’s learned and moving out into the world at large to figure it out in all its alienating weirdness. But the rest of the album has him revisiting roads already traveled, holding back from truly stepping out.
  10. Pitchfork
    47
    Like the other white rapper he will never escape comparisons to, Cage exhausts the patience of even his faithful followers at times, and Depart From Me almost reads like a plea to whoever might be left checking for him in 2009.
  11. Tiny Mix Tapes
    20
    Rarely will one find a detractor when it comes to Cage’s sheer talent, but--thanks to sterile production and the replacement of hip-hop beats with rap-rock thrashings (“Beat Kids”) and corny, overdramatized hooks (“Captain Bumout”)--Depart From Me demonstrates an immaturity that will render Cage’s career difficult to reconcile.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. GreggJ
    Jul 11, 2009
    10
    Honestly I feel like this is one of the best CD's I've ever heard, I feel like the pitchfork guy has a deep hate for anything white Honestly I feel like this is one of the best CD's I've ever heard, I feel like the pitchfork guy has a deep hate for anything white rapper related.… Full Review »
  2. Aesopar
    Jan 10, 2012
    6
    A dark album like Cage's other work. However, Depart From Me is a much more flawed and experimental addition to Cage's discography than Hell'sA dark album like Cage's other work. However, Depart From Me is a much more flawed and experimental addition to Cage's discography than Hell's Winter. It feels pathetic at certain point. Like the track "Fat Guys Need An Anthem." Yet on other tracks, he does the Rap Rock genre really well. The album is definitely worth a listen because of how different it is, but Chris Palko's occasional moments of self-pity depart the record from being great.… Full Review »
  3. asylumspadez
    Nov 14, 2011
    6
    Not a bad album but its really different from what Cage has previously done and it doesnt really work out for most of the album. While a fewNot a bad album but its really different from what Cage has previously done and it doesnt really work out for most of the album. While a few tracks are enjoyabled, It doesnt really work for Cage.… Full Review »
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