Customer Reviews

Make Yourself

5 star:		(402)
4 star:		(92)
3 star:		(16)
2 star:		(25)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

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.

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.

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

oh please yalls- I loved SCIENCE and my favorite band is tool- but just because incubus add sum more melodies and slow down a bit doesnt make them automatic sellouts- its refreshing coz im getting sick of the monotonous heavy 3 chord bands like limp bizkit and such. yu have to listen to this album with an open mind- i think the vocals and lyrics are really well done- ok ya- i miss you is a bit cheesy but it has a good sound- -this is one of those CDs you can listen to all the way through without skipping over stuff- i love all the songs- battlestar is an awesome d&b track that rocks- i love incubus for their unique sound and all the diversity they incorporate in their music- this cd will appeal to incubus fans and attract newer listeners as well- give them a break people- just because theyre trying new stuff doesnt make them sellouts- and if they get some radio play outta this- good for them

While not as musically accomplished as their major-label debut, "S.C.I.E.N.C.E.," Incubus shows that they have an intense imagination and real feeling with "Make Yourself." Every single song is a different musical experience, and the entire album makes for a worthy purchase. "Privilege" opens it up with a catchy punk riff and lyrics that call for self-awareness. "Nowhere Fast" seems to center around the odd guitar soup that Mike Eizeiger can cook up, and the same goes for "The Warmth." The real treats start coming next. "Stellar" is one of the most progressive-sounding love songs in years, and you'll be humming the chorus of "Make Yourself" for hours. "Drive" is a lovely acoustic number about the choices one makes that shows that Brandon Boyd certainly doesn't have to yell to be heard. Battlestar Scralachtica shows off Incubus' DJ Kilmore and 2 guest DJs from Jurassic 5 in a "Dueling Banjos"-style scratchfest. "I Miss You" is a pretty crooner, once again showing that Boyd certainly isn't lacking in vocals. "Pardon Me," well you've all probably heard it by now, and, along with "Out From Under," provides a solid, punchy closer to the album. Overall, an alt/progressive rock triumph that belongs in anyone's collection alongside Incubus' other works.

Incubus: The only band I can listen to at any given moment during a day, no matter what mood I'm in, and still enjoy (Weezer, maybe as well). "Make Yourself" is so artistically and musically beyond almost every band they are often compared to. A lot of this is owed to vocalist Brandon Boyd. Unlike most nu-metal bands from the mid to late 90's, he doesn't scream. He has a great singing voice and (gasp) writes mature and positive lyrics. Whereas there was really no underlying message behind "S.C.I.E.N.C.E." or "Fungus Amongus," "Make Yourself" takes the concept album route. Although not as intricate and detailed as something Pink Floyd would do, this album is like a journey through the life of someone who gradually starts to lose hope, but keeps their head up above water the whole time. There are some songs that feel extremely out of place, "Stellar" and "I Miss You" being the key points here (Great songs, mind you, but they just seem kind of misplaced). The addition of DJ Kilmore is definetly a good thing that Incubus have going for them this time around. DJ Lyfe's scratching on S.C.I.E.N.C.E. was good and all, but it was really only utilized for sound effects and vocal samples, whereas Kilmore blends in with songs and adds a certain flavor to them that they would otherwise feels empty without (Imagine the infamous "Drive" without that little "doompa-doomp" sound and you'll see what I mean). Overall, as always with Incubus, they have found a way to improve over time. Just as this is technically better than S.C.I.E.N.C.E. (Even though that remains my favorite), their current release Morning View takes things one step further. I myself am very proud of Incubus. They have achieved TASTEFUL pop-radio success. I personally feel that they have yet to abandon any of their true fans and I know that the album they release after Morning View will blow me away.

Make Yourself is one of my favorite cd's and i absolutly cannot stop playing it! You can play it straight through without skipping any tracks- i cant even pick a favorite song because i like them all too much. Brandon Boyd has such a good voice that it gives me the shivers. The lyrics are quirky and Brandon shows of his vocabulary, which is something you dont hear alot. Some might argue that all the songs sound the same but if you listen to it more than once you'll see how unique each song is- Incubus puts the perfect blend of vocals instruments and other effects (including a whale song in The Warmth) into every song. You'd have to be crazy not to buy this CD- its definatly worth the cash. I can't say enough about them!!

I personally rate the tracks like this (1-5)-> Privelege- 4 Nowhere Fast- 5 very catchy, great lyrics Consequence- 4 The Warmth- 5 ohh shivers! (i'd bet that they'll release this one) When it comes- 4 Stellar- 5 its overplayed now but its still an awesome song Make Yourself- 5 i catch myself singing this all the time Drive- 5 slower and more mellow Clean-5 you have to give this one a chance- it starts off slow but when you get into it...ohh more shivers Battlestar Scralatchtica- 3 its a cool track but it doesnt really fit in with the rest of the cd I Miss You- 5 a slower love song w/ really sweet lyrics Pardon Me- 5 its been played out but its an awesome song When it comes- 4 a little more agressive but good

This album is unbelievably excellent. Never have i heard such original and unique rock, over the last decade. The best way to describe this album would probably be "melodic rock." Each song is completely different from the next, and has its own style and vibe. This is an album that you can listen to completely from beginning to end, except maybe for one song (Battlestar Scralatchtica), which is basically just an instrumental/scratching track. The songs all seem to break the mould of typical rock, with strange effects, record scratching (which sounds good and isn't overdone like in a lot of other bands), interesting and sometimes off-beat drumming, and awesome bass and guitar riffs. Brandon Boyd's voice is also another selling point. He has one of the best voices i've heard in recent times. He is able to reach both high and low notes, and experiments with different paced singing in various songs (eg "Pardon Me"). The thing about Incubus, is that they never overdo anything. They provide the bare essentials, with just the right amount of bells and whistles, so that at the end, you are only left with the goodness that you need, and no other unnecessary garbage. This is definitely the best Incubus cd out of "Make Yourself," "Morning View," and "A Crow Left of the Murder." Therefore, if you already like Incubus, you will love this cd, and if you are interested in seeing what they have to offer, this is probably the best album to start with. Go and buy this album, if you're looking for something a little different. You won't be disappointed!

the most important album of the 90s. Incubus aren't my favorite band of all time (that spot goes to Weezer, Incubus aren't far away) but they are one of my favorites and this cd, although shows change, also shows progress. The guitar work on this is some of the best stuff i've ever heard and Brandon Boyd is just a phenomenal vocalist.

But Incubus are going places, that airplay they have now is going to greatly increase and they are going to be big. This band will probably be looked back at as the most important band to come out of the 90s because they are just one of those bands that is for everybody.

This record although different from their other 2, which i like better without disrespect to this one, is a funky ambient alternative rock piece which ranges from love ballads to screaming chaotic anthems (Don't worry, Brandon doesn't have an annoying scream)

Tracks like "Out From Under" my favorite on the disc, the triumphant final anthem and the current single "Drive" a well written acoustic piece give this work it's own feel. "Stellar", "Privilege", "Nowhere Fast", and the song that defines their new sound "Pardon Me" and the trippy ballad "The Warmth" make this album so great.

I can't stress how downright flat out cool Incubus are, I can't wait to see them but until then i have my cds, which are in a class of their own as far as good music goes.

So Maybe my title statement is a little over-rated, but seeing as i am a 16 year old "man" with my horomones pulling me in more directions than my body knows how to move. This CD along with other herbal remedies has helped, in more ways than one. When first hearing this CD, you will stick with the traditional songs like stellar, and move on to songs like pardon me and drive. After you have owned the CD for a while you will realize that every single song on the CD is not only excelently preformed and arranged by the band, but the lead singer, brandon boyd, doesnt sing about "doing it for the nookie" or anything of that nature, his lyrics are uplifting and they make alot of sense! ... can you believe it? Believe and "experience the warmth"