S.C.I.E.N.C.E. cover

S.C.I.E.N.C.E.

Incubus · 1997

55 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A frenetic fusion of funk, rock, and metal that bounces between introspection and raw energy.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    A Certain Shade of Green — This track exemplifies Incubus's ability to blend catchy hooks with complex rhythms, showcasing both their lyrical depth and musical versatility.
  • →
    Redefine Start here — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with its dynamic shifts from serene melodies to explosive choruses, encapsulating the band's innovative sound.
  • →
    Magic Medicine — With its playful lyrics and funky grooves, this song showcases Incubus's capacity for experimentation while maintaining an infectious energy.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic rock with funk elements, creating a distinct sound that stands out in its era.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track, 'Redefine', and maintains a fast tempo through the first half before slowing down in the latter tracks.
  • The use of varied vocal styles, including melodic singing and aggressive shouting, creates a dynamic contrast throughout the record.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • gradual build to impactful conclusion
  • dynamic shifts in energy
  • exploratory themes of identity
  • engaging rhythms for active listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek standalone singles only

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Helped establish Incubus's reputation in the late '90s alternative rock scene.
Themes
societal norms· summer romance· introspective grooves
Moods
Dreamy· Chill
Career context
Released in January 1997, S.C.I.E.N.C.E. was Incubus's second studio album, following their debut Fungus Amongus. At this point in their career, the band was beginning to carve out a distinct sound that blended alternative rock with funk elements, establishing themselves as a unique voice in the burgeoning nu-metal scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Deftones· Faith No More· Red Hot Chili Peppers

Tracklist

  • 1 Redefine Start here 3:19
  • 2 Vitamin 3:13
  • 3 New Skin 3:51
  • 4 Idiot Box 4:07
  • 5 Glass 3:37
  • 6 Magic Medicine 3:03
  • 7 A Certain Shade of Green 3:11
  • 8 Favorite Things 3:10
  • 9 Summer Romance (Anti-Gravity Love Song) 4:25
  • 10 Nebula 3:49
  • 11 Deep Inside 3:55
  • 12 Calgone 16:03

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata