Make Yourself

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.


THE BEST ALBUM OF 1999   February 18, 2000
32 out of 37 found this review helpful

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


c'mon ppl   November 30, 1999
31 out of 39 found this review helpful

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


Incubus' best album to date!   April 17, 2000
Rob Reeves (Atlanta, Ga United States)
22 out of 24 found this review helpful

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.


Ah, how I love this CD   June 11, 2002
Mr. Censored (Maine)
12 out of 14 found this review helpful

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.