PW's Song Of The Week: SONG OF THE WEEK: 11/7/21

SONG: "Privilege"

ARTIST: Incubus

ALBUM: "HQ Live"

YEAR: 2012

PLACE OF ORIGIN: Calabasas, California

YEARS ACTIVE: 1991 - present

WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Privilege" is a song that appears to be about the freedom you have in America. Your privilege is that you are born free, but it's what you do with that freedom that gives your life true meaning. Sometimes the search for your purpose can feel like a chore. But should you stumble upon that purpose for yourself, and you put your time and energy into reaching that purpose, then your life can become enlightened. I chose the live version of "Privilege" for my song of the week. You can check out the original version on Incubus' 1999 album, "Make Yourself".

INCUBUS DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

1995 - Fungus Amongus (Stopuglynailfungus Music)

* peaked at #116 on the Billboard 200 on 11-25-00

1997 - S.C.I.E.N.C.E. (Epic/Immortal Records)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

1999 - Make Yourself (Epic/Immortal Records)

* peaked at #47 on the Billboard 200 on 9-9-00

* certified 2X platinum

2001 - Morning View (Epic/Immortal Records)

* peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200 on 11-10-01

* certified 2X platinum

2003 - Live At Lollapalooza 2003 (self-released)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2004 - A Crow Left Of The Murder (Epic/Immortal Records)

* peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200 on 2-21-04

* certified platinum

2004 - Live In Japan 2004 (self-released)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2004 - Live In Sweden 2004 (self-released)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2004 - Live in Malaysia 2004 (self-released)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2006 - Light Grenades (Epic/Immortal Records)

* peaked at #1 on the Billboard 200 on 12-16-06

* certified gold

2011 - If Not Now, When? (Epic/Immortal Records)

* peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200 on 7-30-11

2012 - HQ Live (Sony Music Entertainment)

* peaked at #100 on the Billboard 200 on 9-1-12

2017 - 8 (Island Records)

* peaked at #4 on the Billboard 200 on 5-13-17

MY THOUGHTS ON INCUBUS:

Incubus formed as a band back in 1991, hailing from Calabasas, California. The band formed when the members were still in high school. Early on, Incubus incorporated a lot of hip hop and electronic elements in there music. This was definitely prominent on their first two albums, 1995's "Fungus Amongus" and 1997's "S.C.I.E.N.C.E.". It was the band's next two albums that cemented them as bona fide, headliners. Starting with 1999's "Make Yourself". This album didn't exactly blow off into the stratosphere instantly. In fact, it was an acoustic version of the song "Pardon Me" that began to get serious radio play across the nation. If that song was the spark, the single "Drive" set the world ablaze! "Make Yourself" would eventually be certified double platinum. Their 2001 album, "Morning View", would also become certified double platinum, thanks to more hit singles such as "Wish You Were Here" and "Nice To Know You". The success of these two albums coincided with the band straying away from the hip hop/electronic elements and honing a more straight forward, melodic, alternative rock style. Success continued to follow the band with the 2004 release, "A Crow Left Of The Murder". 2006's "Light Grenades" became the first and only Incubus album to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 charts. It would be five years before Incubus released their next full length studio album, 2011's "If Not Now, When?". It would be an even longer gap till their next full length which was released in 2017. "8" would be the band's first album to be released through Island Records after the band's long relationship with Epic/Immortal Records. The band's most recent release was 2020's EP, "Trust Fall (Side B)". Incubus is a highly successful and influential alternative rock band. They have sold over 19 million albums worldwide. Their style is super melodic and vocalist Brandon Boyd is an excellent vocalist and songwriter. I first got into Incubus around 1999 when their "Make Yourself" album came out. I remember catching the "Pardon Me" video and I was intriqued with the band. Much like a lot of people, when I heard their acoustic version of that song I was hooked. I thought their acoustic version of "Drive" was incredible as well. I really fell in love with the band on their 2001 "Morning View" album. I just love "Wish You Were Here" which is probably my favorite song by the band. Incubus is just a top notch band. They've been a little sporadic lately with their releases, but these guys have always been super consistent musically. Great band!

SIMILAR ARTISTS:

Stone Temple Pilots

Chevelle

A Perfect Circle

Hoobastank

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TEN INCUBUS SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Wish You Were Here

2. Drive (acoustic version)

3. Megalomaniac

4. Pardon Me (acoustic version)

5. Nice To Know You