Is 8 a good place to start with Incubus?

Yes, 8 is recommended as a starting point for new Incubus listeners. A vibrant fusion of alternative rock and funk metal that captures a contemporary urgency with introspective lyrics and dynamic instrumentation. Released on April 21, 2017, '8' is Incubus's eighth studio album and marks their first release in six years since 'If Not Now, When?'. At this point, the band was re-establishing their sound after experimenting with various genres while also welcoming new producer Dave Sardy, which led to a refreshed approach in their music.

8 works well if you're into short, engaging listening sessions, thought-provoking lyrical themes and varied emotional landscapes.

How many songs are on 8?

8 has 11 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

8

Incubus · 2017

40 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant fusion of alternative rock and funk metal that captures a contemporary urgency with introspective lyrics and dynamic instrumentation.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Nimble Bastard Start here — This track exemplifies the album’s energetic vibe with driving rhythms and biting lyrics about self-empowerment that set the tone for the entire record.
→
Love in a Time of Surveillance — A standout track that critiques contemporary issues surrounding privacy and digital life, showcasing the band's ability to tackle relevant social themes through their music.
→
Undefeated — 'Undefeated' serves as an anthem of resilience, combining infectious hooks with empowering lyrics that resonate deeply within the context of personal challenges.
→
Glitterbomb — The song blends heavy instrumentation with sharp commentary on superficiality, effectively highlighting the juxtaposition between style and substance prevalent throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends alternative rock and funk metal with introspective lyrics but lacks strong cohesion across its tracks.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a more upbeat rhythm that shifts the energy.
Several songs incorporate layered guitar riffs and syncopated bass lines, creating a dynamic interplay between instruments.
The album closes with a gradual deceleration in tempo, particularly in the last two tracks, which focus on introspective themes.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

short, engaging listening sessions
thought-provoking lyrical themes
varied emotional landscapes
dynamic rhythmic shifts

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows the band's continued vitality after a six-year hiatus.
Themes: digital surveillance critique· superficiality in culture· personal empowerment· contemporary urgency
Moods: Introspective· Energetic
Career context: Released on April 21, 2017, '8' is Incubus's eighth studio album and marks their first release in six years since 'If Not Now, When?'. At this point, the band was re-establishing their sound after experimenting with various genres while also welcoming new producer Dave Sardy, which led to a refreshed approach in their music.
Stylistic neighbors: Deftones· Faith No More· Red Hot Chili Peppers