A Crow Left of the Murder...
Incubus · 1999
58 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock
A dynamic fusion of alternative rock and funk metal interwoven with introspective lyrics and complex rhythms.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Megalomaniac Start here — As the opening track and lead single, it introduces the album's themes of disillusionment and critique of power dynamics with aggressive instrumentation and biting lyrics.
-
→
Talk Shows on Mute — This track combines melodic elements with a haunting vocal delivery, illustrating the band's ability to blend introspection with social commentary about media culture.
-
→
Sick Sad Little World — The song stands out for its intricate structure and emotional depth, showcasing a darker tone that captures feelings of despair amidst societal chaos.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong musicianship and lyrical depth but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its length.
What we noticed
- Lyrically, the songs often explore themes of introspection and societal critique, with varying vocal delivery styles from melodic singing to aggressive shouting.
- The track 'Talk Shows on Mute' employs a quieter dynamic with a focus on atmospheric instrumentation before transitioning back to heavier sections.
- 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
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady mid-tempo engagement
- introspective lyrics for reflection
- dynamic soundscapes to explore
- for evening drives
Maybe skip if you
- seek instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Solidified Incubus's mainstream presence after the success of 'Make Yourself'.
- Themes
- media saturation· societal critique· personal struggle
- Moods
- Aggressive· Introspective
- Career context
- Released in January 1999, A Crow Left of the Murder... marked Incubus's fourth studio album, following their successful breakthrough record, Make Yourself. At this stage, the band was solidifying their sound and exploring deeper lyrical themes while transitioning to a more polished production style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Deftones· Faith No More· Red Hot Chili Peppers
Tracklist
- 1 Megalomaniac Start here 4:54
- 2 A Crow Left of the Murder 3:30
- 3 Agoraphobia 3:52
- 4 Talk Shows on Mute 3:49
- 5 Beware! Criminal 3:48
- 6 Sick Sad Little World 6:23
- 7 Pistola 4:23
- 8 Southern Girl 3:41
- 9 Priceless 4:07
- 10 Zee Deveel 3:52
- 11 Made for TV Movie 3:38
- 12 Smile Lines 3:59
- 13 Here in My Room 4:20
- 14 Leech 4:19
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Angel Dust
Faith No More
Both blend aggressive rock with eclectic influences and introspective lyrics, creating a dynamic sound.
De-Loused in the Comatorium
The Mars Volta
Shares a similar experimental approach with intense instrumentation and deep, personal themes.
Lateralus
Tool
Combines heavy rock elements with philosophical lyrics and complex rhythms, echoing emotional depth.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.