Customer Reviews

S.C.I.E.N.C.E.

5 star:		(176)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Ok, I'm going to do the kind of review where i do a review of each song.

1-Redifine: a great opener to the cd, and it really grows on you. the scratching effects from dj lyfe gets annoying after a while, though (3/5).

2-Vitamin: definately one of the best songs on the cd, it's got a great melody (5/5).

3-New Skin: the best song, hands down (5/5).

4-Idiot Box: good, but could have used a little more "heavyness". the intro's the best part (3/5).

5-Glass: i really like the chorus, and it's a good track (4/5).

6-Magic Medicine: slowest track, but still pretty good. it mixes a bunch of beats (2/5).

7-A Certain Shade Of Green: the 2nd best after new skin. the riff is awesome (5/5).

8-Favorite Things: i haven't really listened to this track totally, but i've liked what i've heard (4/5).

9-Summer Romance (blah blah): the best slow song on here. good "jazzy" type of song (5/5).

10-Nebula: one of the heaviest on the cd, and the little interlude parts of it are really cool (4/5).

11-Deep Inside: a soft song that's pretty heavy in some parts. good guitar by michael (4/5).

12-Calgone: the heaviest on the cd, and the most diverse. blends all their styles into one song. the ending part is really cool (4/5).

Hidden Track: 11 minutes of cool noises and experiments. totally awesome (5/5).

Enhanced CD Part: weird. But the best ECD i've seen without doing just music videos (4/5).

All Together: 5/5.

incubus is my favorite band out of all the "new" bands coming out (even though their first cd-The Fungus AmongUs-came out in 95). if you haven't heard them yet, try them out. They are a different type of band with a really unique sound.

I remade my review, 'cause the older one didn't do this album justice. When S.C.I.E.N.C.E. came out in 1997, there was nothing else like it. No band had captured the unique musicality and funkiness like Incubus. Fungus Amongus and Enjoy set the precedent, and Make Yourself couldn't live up. Here's a track-by-track:

1.)Redefine: 9/10-Great opener. Shows off Brandon skillish rapping ability right out of the gate. Sweet bass solo, too. The song is also an original way of expressing the whole 'you can't change me' attitude.

2.)Vitamin: 8/10-It's okay. It has a nice buildup in the beginning, but loses much of Redefine's momentum.

3.)New Skin: 10/10-This song was a hit for a reason. Patton-like rapping, lots of bongos, and a raw, heavy, riff at lightspeed. That's great.

4.)Idiot Box: 8/10-Good lyrics-very true. The slow groove is good for the song, although it makes it very boring.

5.)Glass: 10/10-That's funky right there at the beginning with the cool twangy guitar thing. The song builds into a great chorus. However, the language is very strong.

6.)Magic Medicine: 7/10-An entertaining little instrumental, but "Battlestar" is much better.

7.)Certain Shade Of Green: 1000000/10-This song kicks ... The explosive main riff rocks. The lyrics are humorous, and the scratching by Kid Lyfe is so well-timed and crisp, the song wins the cake and prize for my fave Incubus song.

8.)Favorite Things: 9/10-A nice little song that for some reason everyone enjoys.

9.)Summer Romance[Anti-Gravity Love Song]: 8/10-Lounge-ish type dance ballad that really showcases Brandon's vocal talent. Sax solo is great.

10.)Nebula: 3/10-The only bad song on here. The singing is done in the stupidest way, and the middle of the song is just insane to the point where the song ...

11.)Deep Inside: 10/10-Funkadelic! This sounds like a polished FA track, and houses an incredible solo from Mike at the end, plus a humorous and well-timed line from Brandon. Great song.

12.)Calgone: 10/10-Starts off real bad, and then blows up into a screaming rapmetal frenzy. Slows down again, and alternates between a myriad of styles until the hilarious, expletive-ridden climax.

13.)Hidden Track: 10/10-12 minutes of funny episodes filled with sound effects and gags to last a lifetime. Wonderful!

There's also an ECD with some cool stuff, making this an unbelievably complete record from one of the most innovative new bands out there: Incubus! Not nu-metal at all, the closest working categorization would be jazz/hip-hop-infused funk-metal.

This Incubus album is arguably there best, and i feel the best way to review this album is by individually rating each of the brilliant 12 tracks on this CD.

Redefine-A funky, fast paced opener. Good lyrics, great scratches/samples by DJ Lyfe and some funky bass in the middle of the track. 8/10

Vitamin-One of the CD's best tracks. Once again Brandon's lyrics seep into your thoughts, while musically it shifts from mellow to heavy ending with a great climax.9/10

New skin- The song i have heard the most but it is still a favorite. Brandon's singing has great variety while the great drumming, heavy guitar riff and excellent use of samples/scratches makes this song something special. 10/10

Idiot Box- Not one of the best songs but still a welcome edition to this album. It starts off with a heavy riff and turns into another funky slab of trademark Incubus. 6.5/10

Glass- A good heavy song, Brandon's lyrics and vocals showcase his brilliant songwriting/singing ability, while the music is tight with the perfect balance and a mix of heavy and funky tunes.7/10

Magic Medicine- Features a fast, repetitve, manufactured drum beat with samples over the top. Okay for what it is but it doesn't grab me like the other songs. 5/10

A certain shade of green- Awesome guitar riff, twangy bass, great percussion and very good samples from DJ Lyfe. The lyrics are very well written. They also have a good video of this track. Definately a personal favorite. 9.5/10

Favorite things- Good variation on this track. The violins add a new flavour to the Incubus sound. 7.5/10

Anti Gravity love song- The song that is probably the most different from the other tracks. The guitar sound is amazing, saxophones are also used. It is the most mellow of tracks. 6/10

Nebula- From the CD's most mellow track to arguably its most heavy. Great lyrics, great chorus, and a very good climax, where the music is at its heaviest while Brandon laughs insanely over the top. 9/10

Deep Inside- Another track showcasing the great musical talent of the Incubus boys. A large part of this track is reasonably mellow, but towards the end it erupts with both Brandon's vocals and the music turning heavy. Good stuff. 9/10

Calgone- The last of the tracks is, like the first track a fast paced, catchy piece and an appropriate end to this brilliant album. The music is quite heavy while the lyrics are pretty humorous. 7.5/10

I'll admit it right away. I did not have the foggiest idea who Incubus was until the single "Pardon Me" was released off 1999's Make Yourself. But it didn't take long for me to realize that I was in love with this band, and so, of course, S.C.I.E.N.C.E. is now a permanant fixture in my CD player.

Those who know Incubus only from Make Yourself and Morning View may not recognize them here. The rap-metal category they now shun defined their sound a mere four years ago, when S.C.I.E.N.C.E. was released. This album is considerably harder and perhaps a bit less refined than their current radio-friendly singles are. That, and the fact that several of the songs deal with themes unacceptable on the radio until Afroman came along, are probably why so many of us did not know Incubus prior to Make Yourself.

While the band was young and unproven, they still managed to create a work of art. As a matter of fact, it is the youthful discontent and idealism that makes this album so great. Songs like "Vitamin" and "Idiot Box" are not only musically intriguing, but poignant social commentaries. S.C.I.E.N.C.E. has more of a jazz/funk influence than the newer albums, as evidenced in "Glass," "Summer Romance" and "Deep Inside."

After S.C.I.E.N.C.E., lead singer Brandon Boyd got a shave, lost the dreads, and became a heartthrob (whether intentionally or not is anyone's guess.) Besides the physical change, the music changed to feature his outstanding voice. Also, the band acquired a new DJ following this album, giving Incubus the distinct sound they have today. However, the social commentary and staunch idealism seem to diminish with each progressive album. I love the Incubus that MTV has recently discovered, but no collection would be complete without this milestone record. Incubus is one of the few bands whose past is as promising as its future.

One of the benifits of working at a CD store was the ability to discover cool new bands by picking out a CD I've never heard of before and throwing it over the store's stereo system. That's how I discovered Incubus. I'd heard of them before in passing, and one day while closing the store I decided to give them a listen. The first two songs made me think that this was a decent band, quite talented, musically tight, experimental...and then came New Skin. My jaw hit the floor. The song was so cool that I almost cried. After a few more listens to the CD at closing, I was totally hooked. I didn't get paid for another few days and was broke, but I loved the CD so much that I snuck it home one night and taped it, then returned it the next day (I did buy the CD afterwards...sheesh! :) ). While bands like Faith No More and the Red Hot Chili Peppers may have pioneered the "funk metal" genre, Incubus have perfected it to an art on their sophmore release. Brandon Boyd's vocals are stunning, DJ Lyfe's turntables effects are incredible...in fact, the entire band is solid. The CD rips from the funky heaviness of New Skin and A Certain Shade Of Green to the experimental Redefine and Nebula...it even has a funky porn-style love song (Summer Romance (Anti-Gravity Love Song))! Probably the coolest thing about this album is that you can tell how much fun they had making it, and that adds to the fun you have listening to it. It's too bad that their newest release Make Yourself, while still a great CD from a great band, seems to have lost the experimental, fun, and funky edge that S.C.I.E.N.C.E. contains.

SCIENCE is a work of genius. It's definitely more playful and experimental than Make Yourself, and it tends to veer off the funk sound they had down pat with Fungus Amongus and Enjoy Incubus. Since Im what you'd call a new Incubus fan, after listening to the laidback Make Yourself, and the funny-light hearted moments in FA, this sci-fi sounding album was a change of pace. This is true music-when you buy it, you don't listen to it, you revel in its brilliance. Here's a track by track review:

Redefine-This is a good song, but I think Vitamin would've made a better opener. It doesn't have a steady beat, and the vocals are sort of funky, but you'll learn to adjust. I love it when they go KAPOW! Vitamin-This is ripped from a sci-fi film, I tell ya. I could just picture "Im born-Im alive" being whispered as the title credits of a badass sci-fi film scrolled. It's so good, and it's addictive chorus rules. New Skin-Perhaps the biggest hit on the CD, it's too basic to be their best. I love the lyrics, and the sample in the middle is pretty weird. The beat is too rough, but the chorus is great. Idiot Box-I love how it starts off, really funky, then it goes into a fullout rock song with Brandon going, "kapow!" (he seems to do that a lot) Then it settles back into a funky melody. The lyrics are almost jazz-like, and his lyrics on TV are pretty cool. (at first I thought I'd hate it because he doesn't like the greatest invention ever made-but the lyrics are surprisingly clever) I love the middle of the song, how it gets funky again, then switches back into a rock song. Glass-When I first went through the CD, it was my favorite track. It's easy to see why. It's guitar riff and drum beat is infectious-and the sample that keeps going "Why?" is cool. The lyrics are the most easiest to remember, as I found myself humming the beat and lyrics at school. The chorus is totally different, but the lyrics are just as infectious as the music. Magic Medicine-The drum beat is obviously not the work of Jose, and although it has some cool moments, it good for maybe a listen or two. It's not as good as "Battlestar" or even the song at the end of the SCIENCE. (however, I like it when the sample goes: "isnt that hippo fat?") A Certain Shade of Green-This is easily the BEST song on here, miles ahead anything on FA and EI, and better than some of the tracks on MY. The guitar riff is similar to "Glass", so is the drum beat, but it doesn't repeat as much as "Glass", and it changes a lot. The verse-chorus switch-off is good, and the lyrics rock. The middle of the song is the best, when Brandon says "Green/What are you waiting for?/A written invitation?" it gets really funky, then switches back to its infectious beat it has down so great. I love this song. Favorite Things-Probably my least favorite real song on here, at least FT has its moments. The guitars and effects during the verse are really cool, and the chorus is cool, with the drums going full speed. Summer Romance-Although the lyrics in the booklet don't really suggest anything x-rated, Brandon's, uh, panting vocals, and it's hollowed sound make it sound so porno-ish. The chorus gets really Ben Folds Five-ish, it's easily the best part of the song. It's a good song, but really, you gotta wonder what they were thinking when they wrote it. Nebula-This is my second favorite song. It starts with an incoherent sample, then the drums kick in full speed, like in "Nowhere Fast." Then, just when you think it couldn't get any faster-Brandon starts yelling, and then the guitars and drums rock full blast. The beat calms down a bit, but Brandon sings his heart, singing about an Orgasmatron(!). Then it slows down, giving it a very epic feel. Then, similar to the beginning, the drums go full speed, but Brandon sings slowly. It all rocks so much, it sounds so cool. Then it rocks full blast, and some guy talks about "such as found in...nebula". Is that Brandon laughing in the middle of the track? It sounds so evil. Deep Inside-This is the funkiest track on SCIENCE, sounding like a polished FA track. Brandon even sings with the accent that is used most in FA. It sounds really laid back, then it gets to the chorus where it rocks so hard. Then it slows down a bit. Although not my favorite track, it's so cool because I love the funky parts. (and when they go-"where the f*** are we?) Calgone-I love this song so much. It plays out like a movie. It starts out slow, with a story of a police car pulling over Brandon. It's about one bad day. Then, just like a movie, it picks up, and then Brandon goes on a full-blast rant about triple-A, and aliens. It's so funny when he goes, "butt butt butt". Then it slows down, and the drums get really band-like. "The day sucked the hardest ever" are so funny. Then it sounds like your average rock song, when he sings the chorus. Then it's back to soiled sheets, and flying aboard a space ship. The drums get back in a band-like melody, and the chorus plays again. There's about four types of song in this one kickass five minute track. The lyrics are the funniest on here, and it climaxes so great. Then the band talks about almost erasing the song, which is funny at first, because it's such a stop in the aciton. A good song. Hidden track-It's ok, like MM, has weird samples.It sounds like a teacher or something. SCIENCE rules. BUY IT NOW!

Incubus's first full-length effort is, without a doubt, one of the most musically accomplished releases of the decade. Incubus successfully melds the diverse sounds of metal, rock, jazz, funk, blues, and DJ scratching into one not-easily accessible, but highly intriguing listen. The opening "Redefine" sets the metal pace, but the album really picks up with the wonderful blends that are "Vitamin," "New Skin," "Idiot Box," and "Glass." "Different Shade of Green" is one of the funnest, most radio-friendly tracks, while "Favorite Things" uses multiple hooks along with tough-love lyrics to make an attractive package. The closing tracks are a treat as well. "Summer Romance" is a jazzy crooner with a surprisingly catchy saxophone solo. "Nebula" mixes hard hits with trippy interludes to keep the listener hooked, while "Deep Inside" reminds fans of the very funk-rock fusion that made their EP, "Enjoy Incubus," such a listening treat. The album closes with "Calgone," that mixes just about every style of music, and this is followed by almost 20 minutes of various sonic experiments that seems overwhelming at first. Brandon Boyd croons and screams with authority while Mike Eizenger squeaks away some very inventive, Morello-esque sounds out of his guitars. Overall, S.C.I.E.N.C.E. is a thouroughly enjoyable listen, and a must for anyone that even has an inkling of interest in inventive, progressive, and catchy music.

Back in December of 1997, I was going to see 311 live, and I saw this band named Incubus who I had never heard of on the ad, and I didn't expect much from them. Boy was I wrong. They completely blew me away, and just ruined 311's performance for me, they were so good. I immediately went and bought the cd, and it is amazing. Like the other people said, fans of Faith No More will really like this, as will fans of Korn, Limp Bizkit, deftones, etc. They are pretty heavy, but they add excellent funk bass lines, awesome drum grooves, and very interesting DJ tricks. Fortunately, none of these things overshadow the best part of this group, the singer. He is amazing, his voice is crystal clear and perfectly balances the heaviness with his dynamic voice and strange,yet cool lyrics. This is definetly a cd that you should own if you dont already, because it will be one that never leaves your cd player.

Adventurous is probably the best one word description to give this album. Straight up heavy riffing one track, smooth jazz riffs the next. Amid all this musical chameleaon act, the album still holds together extremely well. Incubus goes from the hard rock of Favorite Things to the jazzy lounge music-like Summer Romance to Nebula, which is just insanity at its finest! And that's what makes this CD so great - you get a little bit of everything. The band's energy remains high throughout, and it really shows. Take a listen, you won't regret it.

Yeah, you heard me. This is their best. On this album, the songs are much heavier than the newer ones and they have a lot of funk influence mixed in with the metal influence. Don't get me wrong, Make Yourself is a great album and I still love the slower Incubus songs but this is just their best album. I was glad to hear that their upcoming tour's setlist will be made up of mostly songs from SCIENCE. This is just an all around great record along with anything else Incubus has ever done. This is the album that showcases their talent and creativity the most.