Description
Incubus – Make Yourself – Double Vinyl Records
Released on October 26, 1999, Make Yourself is the third studio album by Incubus, and the record that launched them into mainstream success. While their previous album, S.C.I.E.N.C.E. (1997), was heavily rooted in funk-metal, turntablism, and experimental rock, Make Yourself saw the band refining their sound, blending elements of alternative rock, metal, and electronic music into something more accessible while retaining their originality. This shift allowed Incubus to reach a much wider audience, with singles like “Drive,” “Pardon Me,” and “Stellar” becoming radio staples in the early 2000s.
With this album, Incubus found the perfect balance between aggression and melody, fusing their signature funk-infused rhythms with atmospheric guitar work and introspective lyrics. Produced by Scott Litt (known for working with R.E.M.) and the band, Make Yourself introduced a more mature and polished sound, moving away from their earlier nu-metal tendencies while still maintaining a sense of experimentation.
Compared to the chaotic and genre-hopping nature of S.C.I.E.N.C.E., Make Yourself is more structured, melodic, and emotionally resonant. It still features heavy guitar riffs and funky basslines, but incorporates a greater emphasis on melody, atmospheric textures, and introspective lyrics.
While Make Yourself contains some heavy, distortion-driven tracks, it also leans into dreamy, introspective moments, showcasing the band’s growing ability to write songs that connect on both an emotional and sonic level.
Track Highlights & Breakdown
“Privilege” – The album kicks off with pounding drums and a chugging guitar riff, setting the stage for the aggressive yet melodic approach Incubus takes throughout the record.
“Nowhere Fast” – A blend of funky rhythms, shimmering guitar tones, and introspective lyrics, making it a standout deep cut.
“Consequence” – One of the more moody and brooding tracks, with a hypnotic bassline and a sense of tension in its buildup.
“The Warmth” – Featuring spacey, ethereal textures and a powerful message of self-empowerment, this song highlights Boyd’s unique lyrical perspective.
“When It Comes” – A dynamic track that switches between subdued verses and explosive choruses, showcasing the band’s ability to play with contrast.
“Stellar” – One of the album’s most iconic tracks, a dreamy, love-infused song that features spaced-out guitar effects and a soaring chorus.
“Make Yourself” – The title track carries a strong message about self-empowerment and taking control of one’s destiny, set to an upbeat, riff-heavy arrangement.
“Drive” – The biggest hit from the album, this acoustic-driven anthem of self-reflection became an instant classic, pushing Incubus into the mainstream.
“Clean” – A funk-infused, groove-heavy track that echoes some of their earlier work while feeling more refined.
“Battlestar Scralatchtica” – An instrumental jam showcasing DJ Kilmore’s skills, filled with jazzy, funky improvisation.
“I Miss You” – A soft, introspective ballad that stands out for its delicate guitar work and poetic lyrics.
“Pardon Me” – A fiery, emotionally charged anthem that captures Boyd’s frustration and need for reinvention, featuring one of Incubus’ most recognizable choruses.
“Out from Under” – The album closes on a heavy yet groovy note, bringing together all the elements that define Incubus’ sound on this record.
Each song on Make Yourself contributes to the album’s overall sense of personal growth, self-awareness, and transformation. The lyrics on Make Yourself explore themes of individuality, self-discovery, and breaking free from societal constraints. Brandon Boyd’s songwriting is more introspective than before, tackling ideas. Boyd’s lyrics are abstract and poetic, yet deeply relatable, making them one of the defining aspects of Incubus’ music.
Upon release, Make Yourself was met with positive reviews but grew into a massive commercial success, eventually being certified double platinum in the U.S.. It marked Incubus’ transition from an underground alt-metal act to mainstream rock giants, with “Drive” reaching #1 on the Modern Rock charts and becoming their most recognizable song.
The album was crucial in shaping the alternative rock sound of the early 2000s, influencing other bands that blended rock, funk, and atmospheric elements. It also set the stage for Incubus’ even bigger follow-up, Morning View (2001), which refined the style introduced on Make Yourself.
Songs like “Pardon Me,” “Stellar,” and “Drive” remain staples in Incubus’ live shows, and the album itself is still considered one of the defining alternative rock records of its era.
Make Yourself represents Incubus at a pivotal moment in their career, bridging their experimental past with their more polished, mature future. It’s an album that balances aggression and melody, personal introspection and anthemic energy, making it a defining record of late-’90s alternative rock.
For fans of alternative rock with a touch of funk, introspective lyrics, and dynamic songwriting, Make Yourself remains a must-listen. Whether you’re drawn to the radio-friendly charm of “Drive”, the spaced-out romanticism of “Stellar”, or the hard-hitting energy of “Pardon Me,” there’s something on this album for everyone.
Double album, gatefold jacket on 180 Gram vinyl
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Epic Records
Song List
Privilege
Nowhere Fast
Consequence
The Warmth
When It Comes
Stellar
Make Yourself
Drive
Clean
Battlestar Scralatchtica
I Miss You
Pardon Me
Out From Under
