(Not) Just A Phase: On ‘Morning View’, Incubus reached the stars with god-tier songwriting

Between 1997 and 2001, alternative rock band Incubus released three of the best albums of their career – the trilogy of S.C.I.E.N.C.E., Make Yourself, and Morning View. A strong case could be made for either of these three albums as being their best, but all 3 are vital records because of how Incubus’ style evolved.

Morning View, while being the band’s most accessible record to date (in 2001, anyway), shows the band at their best, with vocalist Brandon Boyd taking center stage. Most of the heavier moments have been reigned in on the record in favor of melody, but don’t let that fool you into thinking they went soft here. Take a track like “Circles”, for instances. As the song moves along, it segues into an explosive alt-rock section that wouldn’t feel out of place on Make Yourself. While this and “Under My Umbrella” aren’t indicative of the rest of Morning View, it’s the more atmospheric songs that are immediate.

“Are You In” is a bubbly electronic-heavy alt-rock piece that serves as one of the highlights of the album, and there’s a reason why it’s a fan favorite – it’s a great track that the bass propels to fantastic results. This, “Just A Phase”, and album closer “Aqueous Transmission” are three of the best songs here, especially the latter. It’s almost 8 minutes long, and serves as arguably the cornerstone of the record with its emphasis on soundscapes, ambience, and even the use of a kokyu, a Japanese stringed instrument played with a bow. It’s these stylistic choices that make Morning View such a timeless album.

The singles are obvious strongpoints, too. “Wish You Were Here” might well be the band’s most well-known track, but it’s anthemic for a reason. The relatability of wishing your loved one (or partner) was with you at a given moment is a timeless, yet powerful motif when it comes to lyrics. There’s also “Echo”, which echoes the summer beach vibe of Morning View in a huge way. Did we mention this isn’t a singles album, though? Lacking any discernible filler, it’s songs like “Blood On The Ground” that really elevate Morning View to god-tier status. Another song that’s perhaps reminiscent of Make Yourself, it’s the push-pull lyrics – with an overarching theme surrounding the lyrics “by saying less today, I will gain more” – that provide real empowerment for the listener to live a more positive life. Granted, these sorts of lyrics aren’t anything new, but they’re delivered with an honesty and passion that’s truly refreshing. And also timeless.

It could be said that Morning View is the sound of a secluded beach at sunrise, come to life. That’s not an inaccurate statement. While lacking much of the band’s heavier moments, Morning View is also the band’s most dynamic work overall – and an absolute must-listen for any fan of music.