Top 10 Incubus Songs

Photo: Sulinh LaFontaine, Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons

Our Top 10 Incubus songs list looks at a band that came together in 1991. Brandon Boyd, Mike Einziger, and Jose Pasillas met in high school in Calabasas, California. Alex Katunich and Gavin Koppell later united the band. But would be replaced by Chris Kilmore and Ben Kenney. Incubus fits into many music genres; alternative rock, hard rock, Nu metal, and more. Their first album, Fungus Amongus, was released in 1995. It included ten songs that were recorded from 1993 to 1995. Their first album was energetic, quirky, aggressive, and a little vulgar. Incubus has a large variety of styles, from ballads to almost a pop feel, to heavier stuff. There are many people who feel that they were a very underrated band.

We are going to look at ten of the top Incubus songs. Of course, people have their own opinions, so some of these songs may or may not be on other top ten lists.

# 10 – Anna Molly

It comes from the Light Grenades album that came out in 2006. In December of that year the song peaked at number sixty-six on the top one hundred billboard charts. The album, however, was at the number one spot on the Billboard top 200. Anna Molly is an upbeat song with killer guitar playing. As they sing this song, it sounds more like they are saying “anomaly” than Anna Molly. Brandon is singing about finding the perfect girl for him, one that is unlike any other or stands out. This is the basic definition of anomaly, so the interpretation is very popular.

# 9 – Megalomaniac

An extremely popular choice with Incubus fans across the globe. Megalomaniac was on their first greatest hits album, Monuments and Melodies. It was released in 2009, but the song was being played in 2004. The song won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance and was also nominated for an MTV Music Award, and an iHeart Radio music award. It has a killer guitar solo at the beginning of the song, makes it sound like it may be on the ‘harder’ side. But once Brandon sings, it is on the mellow side and gets a little more intense with the chorus. As with all Incubus songs, everyone can relate to most of their lyrics throughout their life.

# 8 – Just a Phase

At number eight on our top 10 Incubus songs list is a song from one of their most popular albums entitled Morning View which was released in 2001. Another extremely fantastic guitar solo at the beginning of the song. Just a phase speaks to so many people in their life. An issue that is bugging you and you just wish you could get rid of it, or should have taken care of it sooner. Whether it be a poor relationship, issues with a family member, a friendship that has grown or fallen apart. It is a powerful song that can mean many things to the people who listen to it. Incubus has a way of singing about the different situations that we go through in life. They hit it right on the head with their powerful lyrics and stunning guitar solos.

# 7 – Promises, Promises

From the album If Not Now, When? released in 2011. It is yet another powerful song that hits home for many people. It has a great beat, lyrics that hit the nail on the head, and a video that ties it all together perfectly. The asking of the special person in your life, to not make you any promises. No one wants to get hurt when a promise is broken. So if you never make promises, and your significant other doesn’t make you promises, then maybe no one will get hurt. I enjoyed listening to this song for the first time. Relaxing, very truthful, and beautiful. Sitting here upset, for other reasons, and it calmed me down. Very well done and something I will definitely listen to many more times.

# 6 – Nice to Know You

Another song from the popular Morning View album. A little harder than some of the other songs on the list. There is a very large range of interpretation about this song. Many meanings to hundreds of Incubus fans. I liked the beat; it is catchy. I don’t feel it is overly “hard” and it is a very nice blend of all instruments. The chorus is a little more in depth (harder) than the rest of the song. But again, wonderful balance and great vocals. Incubus puts their whole heart and soul into all of their music. Recording songs that are going to hit home with so many people.

# 5 – Dig

This comes off of the album Light Grenades and in 2007 was number 94 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. This is an extremely powerful song that I can definitely relate to, many times in my 49 years. “We all have something that digs at us”. That is most definitely the truth. Whether it be one time in your life or 100 times, there is always something or someone that just digs away at us and tries to break us down. I feel they put the song together well, and hits home within the first few lines. I have listened to this song when I have been on a hard road; whether it be with a boyfriend, a family member, or just a friend. It is a song that gives you peace and clarity on all situations that you may be facing.

# 4 – Pardon Me

From the album Make Yourself, which was released in 1997. This is one of my all-time favorite Incubus songs. I love the beat, the guitar, and the lyrics have fit life situations on a couple of occasions. When I have just had enough of the day, enough of the bs that is going on in the moment; I can turn on this song and it takes all away. It another one of those songs that hits home on so many levels and so many occasions. You tire of people’s crap and you have risen above it and to your own things. If you have never heard this song, it is definitely worth a listen or twenty.

# 3 – Love Hurts

Another great hit off of their Light Grenades album. This song is absolutely beautiful, in so many ways. It is like he is reflecting on his own life as a boy. He puts so much feeling into his vocals and the lyrics that it really hits your heart strings. There is no elaborate meaning or interpretation to this song. It is simple, Love Hurts. It doesn’t matter what kind of love it is; it hurts but can also make you feel alive. I am very shocked that this one was so underrated and not thrown all over the radio. I consider it one of their best songs. Everything from the vocals, to the lyrics, to the guitar and other instruments was just outstanding.

# 2 – Drive

This song was number nine on the Billboards Top 100 songs in July 2001. The album Make Yourself, released in 1999 and peaked at number forty-seven in September 2000. “Whatever tomorrow brings, I’ll be there with open arms and open eyes”. Incredible song. The lyrics have always tugged at my heartstrings. The guitar solo is one fire and the lyrics are just unbelievable, sang with a ton of feeling and heart. Incubus got me hooked with this song. It gives you the confidence to face whatever tomorrow is going to bring you. Never give up on what is coming your way, never lose site of those things that life puts you through. Everything is hard, there are many decisions to make, but you will get through everything if you embrace it with open arms. Kicking song!

# 1 – Wish You Were Here

From the album Morning View, this song released in August 2001. I interpret the song as being peaceful and comfortable and hoping others could take part in that enjoyment. This is the 3rd song by Incubus that I fell in love with. Love the lyrics, the rhythm, Brandon’s voice is powerful and amazing. It is a song that you can listen to, no matter what is going on in your life. You always wish that someone was there with you. It isn’t necessarily a love song; it is a song about wishing that you were with friends, family, other loved ones. You just want everyone to enjoy the happiness that you are enjoying. What could be better than having everyone in your life as happy as you are at the same time? Nothing!

Incubus is an outstanding band that has been together since 1991, and they are still rocking it today! They have a huge style range with the lyrics and vocals drawing you in, no matter what song you are listening to. There is a deep message in most of their songs that everyone can relate to in their lives. If you have never listened to Incubus, do so, now! They are a rocking group of guys that knows how to make some ripping music and rock it.