Make Yourself

Incubus | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 26, 1999)
• Original Release Date: October 26, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B0000296JB
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (546 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,517 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #6 in Music > R&B > Funk > Metal
  • #8 in Music > Rock > Funk Rock
  • #18 in Music > Rock > Rap Rock

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Young, aggro, and from Los Angeles--it's tempting to put Incubus in the already crowded category populated by Korn, System of a Down, and their other loud and heavy brethren. But that would sell Incubus short, because Make Yourself, the quintet's sophomore album, is a strong progression beyond their 1997 debut, S.C.I.E.N.C.E.. More like Faith No More than Limp Bizkit, Incubus still have that teen-mosh appeal, though the songwriting and instrumentation on Make Yourself is diverse and thoughtful, both lyrically and musically. "Drive" is an easygoing, slightly trippy acoustic-based outing, while oddball scratching (courtesy of DJ Chris Kilmore) and trip-hop funkiness make "Battlestar Scralatchtica" aptly titled. "Nowhere Fast" is vaguely 311-ish with a reggae tinge and lovely melodic interludes, in contrast to the furious intensity of "Out from Under," which gives Make Yourself a surprisingly cohesive diversity that's hard to categorize. Ultimately, singer Brandon Boyd is not a vocal genius, but lyrically and in performance, he's sensitive, charismatic, and unique. Ditto for the 13 cuts that make up Make Yourself. --Katherine Turman

Product Description

Includes an enhanced component. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This band makes me wish I was younger, March 18, 2002

By 

Brian W. Fullford (Jacksonville, FL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Make Yourself (Audio CD)

The beauty of high school and college is that you get exposed to new ideas. Music is one of the most powerful mediums to get those ideas. Unfortunately we often are subjected to lyricists with no depth who, simply because they have a microphone and a guitar, fancy themselves as the second coming of Bob Dylan. Now that I am approaching my mid-30's with a family, though the style of music I enjoy hasn't changed, the content of it has. I remember hearing Pardon Me and thinking the song was OK. The next step was to Stellar which I thought was a very well written, well produced song. Still I wasn't taken enough to purcase the disc. When "Morning View" came out, I was totally absorbed in Wish You Were Here, so "Morning View" became my first Incubus spin. After reading many reviews about the "selling out" of the band or the "softening" of the band, also many criticisms of the lyrical content, on the new disc and how much better this disc and "Science" were, I felt the need to give in and start my Incubus collection.

I can understand where the sentiment came from. "Make Yourself" comes across as more of an anti-establishment album. A majority of the songs seem to present themselves as anthems for "making yourself" in light of all the "establishments" around us in either a direct or non-direct way. The music also, not suprisingly, is a bit harder. Though it is hard to spin a disc for the kids with f-bombs popping up periodically, the lyrics that are presented are sincere and very worthy of attention. The best part is that it does not come across as some "fight the power" soap box preaching. There is a sense of responsibility of the individual within the songs: not some request to rise up without any real direction as to why. And a special note, Battlestar is a great song: perfect for summer or a party. If you are new to Incubus via "Morning View", this disc is a must. There was a review for View that mentioned you could see Incubus evolving through what they are musically putting out. I can honestly say I can see it. I look forward to my next Incubus purchase to hear where they came from. I also look forward to seeing them when they come to Jacksonville. I only wish my son were old enough to go with me. ENJOY INCUBUS.

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incubus' best album to date!, April 16, 2000

By 

Rob Reeves (Atlanta, Ga United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Make Yourself (Audio CD)

Let me get this down first: Incubus is the most unique band I've ever heard. Their music has all sorts of influences from funk to metal. Out of all the albums they have made, this one is the best. The music is higher-quality, it isn't as sloppy as S.C.I.E.N.C.E. was. (Though SCIENCE is a great album too) The songs are much more mellow and softer than their older albums- some people might not like this, but I like change.

My favorite songs are: "Privilege"- Awesome guitar work, this song is pretty heavy.

"Nowhere Fast"- This song is slow then gets fast in parts. Brandon sings really well in this song.

"Stellar"- Ahh. This song is relaxing. It's quite beautiful. It's one of their softest songs.

"Clean"- Another nice, heavy song.

"Pardon Me"- Their hit single. If you haven't heard it then you must be hiding under a rock or something.

The rest of the songs are fantastic but these are my favorites. Please note that there is a new DJ for this album and frankly I like him more than the old one. Also, there is one instrumental track, "Battlestar Scralatchtica."

Personal Note to Incubus: Keep up the fantastic work, and I can't wait for your next album. I'm sure it will be amazing. I hope you guys last for a long time cause you're in a class of your own.

31 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE BEST ALBUM OF 1999, February 17, 2000

By 

"stoneycow311" (Tallahassee, Fl) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Make Yourself (Audio CD)

Though endlessly compared to the vocal stylings of Mike Patton (Faith No More), Incubus stands firmly on its own and gets 5 stars for their originality, intensity, and sincerity. These guys are great live and refuse to be seen/heard anywhere without giving it %110. Unlike thoughtless puppet bands run by a "giant green head" whose sheep masses will one day wake up and put them in check like Dorothy did the OZ, incubus' roaring yet growing whisper is something genuine and fresh to look forward to. With honest intimate tracks like "Drive," "Make Yourself," "The Warmth", "I Miss You," the diversity of "Pardon Me," "Nowhere Fast," and "Stellar", Make Yourself comes out to be a well-rounded album both lyrically and musically. Fans of previous material can expect a little from thier S.C.I.E.N.C.E days, but Make Yourself forces old fans to grow with a band that is still exploring and introduces the new to an eclectic style. Though sounding more "studio-produced" than previous albums, it only adds to the quality of the music, never diminishing or shadowing but capturing the raw energy that has sustained them and will continue to seperate them from other bands for years to come