Released: Jul 12, 2011
Genre: Alternative Rock
Label: Epic
Number Of Tracks: 11
Incubus have a sound all their own, yet always seem to be experimenting and trying new things. "If Not Now, When?" is no exception, and although the album drags on at times, there are still memorable tracks.
If Not Now, When?
Reviewed by:
Barrol.Rell, on july 12, 2011 2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Sound: Incubus' first album since 2006's "Light Grenades" (although one could argue that 2009's "Monuments And Melodies" had enough unreleased material to be considered a standard album on its own), it is essentially free of any of the "heavier" tracks every previous Incubus album has come to offer. Guitarist Mike Einziger had this to say: "Over the years, we've become less and less aggressive as far as our music goes. There's always moments of that aggression, but this album is pretty free of that". He hit the nail on the head - this is the Incubus you would blare outside of the girl (or guy?) you love's house at 2 a.m. Through a black boombox. I mean this in both good and bad ways; as far as albums go, this is the most emotionally consistent. However, as an album, it falls short fairly fast, and by track 5 I was pretty bored with it. Of course, Incubus can do no wrong by my standards, and the album is by no means listenable. However, it wasn't until the second part of "In The Company Of Wolves" that I became truly interested in the album again: the album changes pace quickly during the transition on this song to a very dark, almost bluesy feel. "Switchblade", the next track on the album, is an upbeat, fast-paced catchy song that immediately becomes one of the highlights of the album, with its almost Prince-like qualities. The penultimate and first single off the album, "Adolescents" returns to the original sound of the first tracks, but the interesting guitar work that Mike Einziger creates causes this track to stand out more than the others. The final track, "Tomorrow's Food", ends the album in the same way it started - good, but nothing I consider special, and definitely not up to par with the previous Incubus albums. // 7
Lyrics and Singing: Lyrically, the album falls short in many ways. Brandon Boyd has always been a personal favorite lyricist of mine, but his witty, philosophic lyrics have been replaced by sappy, slightly cliched love analogies. What's worse is, at times they feel like they don't fit in quite right with the melodies, especially in "Friends And Lovers", where he sings "Because in the end, we are friends and lovers"; it feels forced, and it shows. "Defiance" is one of the better tracks lyrically: "And there's an absence today of defiance / a most awaken inclination / and your elegant aberration" (This all-acoustic track also feels the most like older Incubus, notably 2001's "Morning View"). "In The Company Of Wolves" also stands out as a strong example that Boyd isn't done writing great lyrics; "Infinity it falls, in feathery folds but she bites like loveless eyes / but with her belly full she called this rite of passage / it was the longest night of my life", although a huge part of it is how the line is delivered. None of the lyrics in any of the songs are "bad", far from it in fact, but the listener won't quite feel as challenged by the writing as they would come to expect from Incubus. // 6
Impression: As a fan of Incubus since 1997's "S.C.I.E.N.C.E.", I have watched Incubus grow, trying out multiple genres of music. They have a sound all their own, yet always seem to be experimenting and trying new things. "If Not Now, When?" is no exception, and although the album drags on at times, there are still memorable tracks, the big standouts being "In The Company Of Wolves", "Switchblade", and "Defiance". Unfortunately, there are no real heavy jams that have shown up in all albums prior to this one, and the lyrics feel sub-par compared to his other works (perhaps because they focus on one emotion, "love", more than any other, causing it to appear redundant by the 5th or 6th track). "In The Company Of Wolves" and "Switchblade" change up the tone in the final stretch of the album, but I can't help feel that the album is just a bit too monotonous. Still a pretty decent album. // 7
If Not Now, When?
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on february 08, 2012 1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Sound: Simple... Relaxed (for a nice change of pace) Incubus fans for the most part are always expecting the same. Thrashing guitars and heavy beats. Incubus does this well "but" also demonstrates that they are true musicians who are not afraid to take a detour every so often. "If Not Now, When?" is a mellower version of Incubus that demonstrates the maturity and creativeness and abilities of the band. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: In the "Company Of Wolves" lyrics are stunning. For the most part I have never been disappointed with lyrics in this band's music. Boyd's style in my opinion is one that is refined, intelligent and very creative. He's very articulate which add that certain sense of class and sophistication to his character. Then on the flip side, when he cuts loose he really knows how to appeal to the senses of the rougher side. // 9
Impression: I can truly say that most bands are stuck on one style. Incubus is very interesting that they take a step outside the box every so often. When I read other reviews and comments that instantly discredits this band or speaks poorly of them such as "they suck because they changed their style"; it makes me angry. They will continue making good music to appeal to their loyal fan base, but also will try to expand their fan base. Why condemn them for trying to expand their horizons? // 10
If Not Now, When?
Reviewed by:
Cloudeater7, on august 03, 2011 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: Incubus continues to release albums that have different musical qualities than their previous creations. If Not Now, When? does not break this pattern. I would actually say this album is one of the bigger steps they have made in producing a new sound, which is more "pop" than they've ever sounded. This is not technically a bad thing, but I think a large portion of their fans will be disappointed by this new sound. I personally like the new sound. I definitely wouldn't mind a few faster, biting songs, but this album allows space to breath and it is refreshing.
As far as sound quality goes, this album is absolutely stellar. It's sonically their best album. I have always loved Incubus, but something with the mixing/producing of their albums has always bothered me. Not enough bass, muddy instrument tone, I'm not sure... All I know is, on this album whatever was bothering me before is not present. This album is definitely a great vinyl album/headphone album! // 9
Lyrics and Singing: Lyrically, this album is extremely hit or miss. Some lyrics are pure poetry, where some are cheesy. Brandon is a master poet but some songs just don't click with me. (Will explain more below)
Vocally though, this album is amazing. Every album Brandon's vocal ability improves upon the last. // 7
Impression: As I previously stated, this is Incubus' most mellow and poppy album, as well as musically their most beautiful album. That said, at the end of this album you are still left with an empty feeling that you didn't get to rock out in classic Incubus fashion. Following is my track-by-track opinion -
01. If Not Now, When?: the best track on the album, easy (in my opinion). Every instrument fits perfect, vocally and lyrically amazing. As always, every person has a different musical taste, but for me, the lyrics really speak to me. I recommend checking out the live studio version of this song on YouTube, it is truly beautiful.
02. Promises, Promises: at first I thought this song was meh, but it has started to grow on me. This song is very pop, almost Elton John-ish. The lyrics are pretty neat and the tell a story I think most listeners could relate to.
03. Friends And Lovers: this song takes a lot of heat in other reviews for being very cliche and cheesy, but this is actually one of my favorite songs on the album. The piano is great. "I've seen the porcelain shell/Your exoskeleton/And I feel like we walk well together" - great little snippet.
04. Thieves: great instrumental track. But I feel the lyrics and vocal melody bring this song down. "Or must I be a god-fearing, white American?" - The melody right here just disrupts the flow of the song for me personally and the lyrics are very cliche. I don't love or hate this track.
05. Isadore: awesome song. One of the highlights of the album. I little bit hard to explain this in words, you're just going to have to listen to this yourself. This song reminds me of Drive, but the lyrics tell a love story. I expect this song to be a fan favorite for the album. I can't wait to see how this song evolves for live performances.
06. The Original: another one of my favorites. The section where the lyrics are "girl you're the original" bothered me during the first few listens because it seemed to change the flow of the song, but maybe that's just me. Aside from that this song is beautiful. "You effortlessly ring that bell" gives me chills, every time. Fantastic song instrumentally as well.
07. Defiance: acoustic track. Great guitar, weak lyrics and vocals. I wish Brandon would rewrite these lyrics and change the melody, because the song had great potential. Not a bad song, but I feel as if Mike had envisioned a different vocal melody when he wrote the guitar for this track.
08. In The Company Of Wolves: when I read the title of this track I thinking I would finally get to rock out, but I was surprisingly mistaken, not in a bad way per se. This song has two distinct sections. The first is mellow and almost a little boring, but not bad. The second section is definitely the stand out section and is totally awesome. As it is often said, this song is very Pink Floyd, which is definitely welcome. Lyrically the whole track is great, but definitely fits better in the second section. Saw this live in Santa Barbara and it blew my mind.
09. Switchblade: definitely a change of pace for this album, very upbeat and interesting, but after several listens this track started to annoy me. Some people my love this track but, it's not my cup of coffee. Lyrics are great and for the first time in the album are easily the highlight of the song.
10. Adolcents: solid track. Heaviest (if it can be called heavy) of the album. I can't really pick out anything that I absolutely love or hate, but this song is good and I enjoy it.
11. Tomorrow's Food: just okay. Wish the album could end on a more memorable tune. All of the songs, good or bad, up to this point have always felt like Incubus, but this is the exception... This song just lacks that Incubus feel. I guess the best way to describe this song is by stating the fact that I never intentionally select this track and if it comes up, I skip it.
Overall, this album is beautiful, but it has it's "huh?" moments and moments where I am left disappointed. If at first you don't like this album, I highly recommend listening to it with a pair of quality headphone to experience the truly great sound of this album.
MUST LISTENS - If Not Now, When?, Promises Promises, Friends and Lovers, Isadore, The Original, In The Company of Wolves. // 8
Of course, Incubus can do no wrong by my standards, and the album is by no means listenable.
What?
Regardless, solid overview of the album. I've only ever listened to Light Grenades, but this sounds like a nice dreamy ride. Anyone interested in such calm, almost ambient music should check out Devin Townsend Project's Ghost. It's a wicked album.
It took me a whole month to really give this a good listen. Initially I thought the CD was ok, but after a long time of listening, I keep noticing more and more that I like. I recommend giving it a few listens before really judging it. I would have initially given it between a 6-7, but now I'd say between 8/8.5...I really enjoy Brandon's vocals on this album also
If there's anything to be said about this album is that it's a grower. You HAVE to give it time to sit and soak. I love Incubus but I was very disappointed with it when I first listened to it, ( and after the 2nd and 3rd listen) but every once in awhile I'd come back to it and now I absolutely love it. If you truly love Incubus, then you'll like this album. It's definitely different from anything else they've done, but, that's Incubus for ya!
It took me a whole month to really give this a good listen. Initially I thought the CD was ok, but after a long time of listening, I keep noticing more and more that I like. I recommend giving it a few listens before really judging it. I would have initially given it between a 6-7, but now I'd say between 8/8.5...I really enjoy Brandon's vocals on this album also
Reading this gives me hope of still buying it ^^, just i'm afraid this might turn out to be exactly like thousand suns cause i pretty much enjoyed that album also.
If there's anything to be said about this album is that it's a grower. You HAVE to give it time to sit and soak. I love Incubus but I was very disappointed with it when I first listened to it, ( and after the 2nd and 3rd listen) but every once in awhile I'd come back to it and now I absolutely love it. If you truly love Incubus, then you'll like this album. It's definitely different from anything else they've done, but, that's Incubus for ya!
I hope you are right! Incubus is my favorite band, and I love how their CDs always grow on you, there is just so much depth. I have made it through this one probably 8 or 10 times, and it still hasnt hooked me yet, but time will tell... They just write such good rock songs!
Symphonica :
Of course, Incubus can do no wrong by my standards, and the album is by no means listenable.
What?
Regardless, solid overview of the album. I've only ever listened to Light Grenades, but this sounds like a nice dreamy ride. Anyone interested in such calm, almost ambient music should check out Devin Townsend Project's Ghost. It's a wicked album. / quote |
I got confused too lol. Think he meant it was average for the first half.
It took me a whole month to really give this a good listen. Initially I thought the CD was ok, but after a long time of listening, I keep noticing more and more that I like. I recommend giving it a few listens before really judging it. I would have initially given it between a 6-7, but now I'd say between 8/8.5...I really enjoy Brandon's vocals on this album also
On a random note (try not to flame people) this is what happened to me with A Thousand Suns (Linkin Park for those of you who don't know). After giving it a few listens from start to end it grew on me.
Reading this gives me hope of still buying it ^^, just i'm afraid this might turn out to be exactly like thousand suns cause i pretty much enjoyed that album also.
i never get it why people say that they are always "experimenting" and there´s a new sound on every album. I dont aggree with that at all, S.C.I.E.N.C.E was different but all the others album are the same and this one is also. So to say that this album "is completely different from anything they´d done" is bullshit
Definitely a grower which for me are usually the best albums. I admit you go through the tracks hoping for a rocker at times but that aside, if you forget or stop hoping for a rocker and appreciate the album for what it is I personally think the music is amazing and great vocals as usual.
i never get it why people say that they are always "experimenting" and there´s a new sound on every album. I dont aggree with that at all, S.C.I.E.N.C.E was different but all the others album are the same and this one is also. So to say that this album "is completely different from anything they´d done" is bullshit
No, it's not bullshit because plenty of hardcore Incubus fans are confused by this album since it has a chill, slow, deep, rich, ambient sound. They've always had these elements trickling into their sound. The sound on this album is much different than any album as a whole they've put out. I've loved all their albums and enjoy this one as well, even though I've only listened to it a few times. Once again, it makes me wonder why fans bitch about a band that changes directions. It's boring to hear a band keep doing the same thing, even though to me Incubus has always been diverse on each record.
i never get it why people say that they are always "experimenting" and there´s a new sound on every album. I dont aggree with that at all, S.C.I.E.N.C.E was different but all the others album are the same and this one is also. So to say that this album "is completely different from anything they´d done" is bullshit
So explain to me how Make Yourself is the same as A Crow Left Of The Murder? Or how Morning View is the same as Light Grenades? Have you actually LISTENED to those albums? Or the new one??? It sounds to me like you haven't....
i never get it why people say that they are always "experimenting" and there´s a new sound on every album. I dont aggree with that at all, S.C.I.E.N.C.E was different but all the others album are the same
and this one is also. So to say that this album "is completely different from anything they´d done" is bullshit
Have you actually listened to every Incubus album? There is definitely a change with every release. They've gone from a crazy heavy Funk hybrid sound, to an almost Nu Metal sound, then to a more generalized alternative rock sound. A Crow Left of the Murder was a big game changer, and a great one in my opinion. since then, they've progressively mellowed out more and more. This new album, which i got this morning and have been listening to nonstop, is definetly a different one. Its not something i would heard come outta Incubus 10 years ago when i first heard them.
Well, this morning before work, i received the email instruction to download from Incubus. i listened to it all day through work and have been since I've gotten home. I agree with others, it's definitely an album that you have to let soak in. it took me about 2 listens to get into it and i have to say, I love it. Now, is it my favorite album? No. I'll say that my favorite always will be A Crow Left of the Murder, but i can find something I love about every album, even the crazy ass Fungus Amongus. In the 10 or so years that I've listened to them, I've never been disappointed really.
Of course, Incubus can do no wrong by my standards, and the album is by no means listenable.
What?
Regardless, solid overview of the album. I've only ever listened to Light Grenades, but this sounds like a nice dreamy ride. Anyone interested in such calm, almost ambient music should check out Devin Townsend Project's Ghost. It's a wicked album.
+1000. I was listening to DT while reading this review hahaha
This is actually a really enjoyable album, but in a very different way than usual Incubus. You can really just sit down and listen to this one and take in all of the textures and sounds that mold the albums identity. It definitely is "lush" as Brandon described it. Don't go in expecting a rock album, just go in with an open mind and hopes of a chance to listen to Incubus from a different perspective. The album adds to the spectrum of sounds Incubus can create, and while I honestly don't think it's their best album, it's quite enjoyable and listenable. But mega hardcore fans of S.C.I.E.N.C.E probably won't be impressed (then again, those fans haven't been impressed since 1999, so there isn't much a surprise for them). Enjoy!
i gotta be honest ive had the album for a good month or two and only a few songs have caught my attention. adolescents is definately the best song, considering its the only one with guitar and drums and bass (basically anything other than brandons vocals which drown out the music completely). when i got to the song switchblade i was dissapointed, then the song brought a very upbeat pace and i thought that there may have been a turning point, then once again i was let down by brandons flaming homosexual lyrics "light like a feather, bright like a dying star..." i got a few smiles from the album, but we should have seen this coming since light grenades. i give the album a five outta ten
Well, this morning before work, i received the email instruction to download from Incubus. i listened to it all day through work and have been since I've gotten home. I agree with others, it's definitely an album that you have to let soak in. it took me about 2 listens to get into it and i have to say, I love it. Now, is it my favorite album? No. I'll say that my favorite always will be A Crow Left of the Murder, but i can find something I love about every album, even the crazy ass Fungus Amongus. In the 10 or so years that I've listened to them, I've never been disappointed really.
Agree with everything said here. My favorite Incubus album is definitely ACLOTM but I love each of their albums for different reasons. You have to separate them from each other. This album is no different. It's honestly a really good album and it really adds some depth to their catalogue. Last week they livestreamed a bunch of concerts and they played a few songs off of the new album (while actually ending the week by playing the new album in its entirety) and they really do make their set more dynamic. All I can say to people who are skeptical of the album or apprehensive because it doesn't "rock" or have "distorted guitars" (which there are on a few songs) is to just open your mind and give it a chance. Your ears will be happy you did.
Let's be honest, this wasn't good. I bought my copy at Best Buy, and the only good songs were Switchblade, Dig Live, and Pardon Me Live. Since 2 of those songs already exist= FAIL. COME ON!
If Not Now, When?
I'll tell you; between Make Yourself and Morning View. That's when.
Think about it. If we have heard this after Make Yourself, we would have loved it and thought it was progressive. Then our socks would have gotten rocked off come Morning View, which has elements of INNW, but also great rock! To me, sound-wise, this is where this album goes.
It seems like this album came out of nowhere. There was no news, then album in 3 months along with tons of side shit. In the back of my mind, I KNEW this was going to suck, I just wished it wouldn't have.
This album makes me appreciate Crow and Grenades so much more. I would have almost preferred an "Incubus Covers Good Rock Songs" album to this. It's like Incubus brought an ugly girlfriend home. We just have to wait this out for the good looking one!
This is an amazing album because they are finally opening up to us guys. Face it, when a band that can easily make the same heavy record many times if they wanted writes this kind of album, it shows they're trying to tell us something.
Don't you think theyre tired of having a bunch of songs that are all heavy and complex. They wanted to write this simple album.
Well, this morning before work, i received the email instruction to download from Incubus. i listened to it all day through work and have been since I've gotten home. I agree with others, it's definitely an album that you have to let soak in. it took me about 2 listens to get into it and i have to say, I love it. Now, is it my favorite album? No. I'll say that my favorite always will be A Crow Left of the Murder, but i can find something I love about every album, even the crazy ass Fungus Amongus. In the 10 or so years that I've listened to them, I've never been disappointed really. Agree with everything said here. My favorite Incubus album is definitely ACLOTM but I love each of their albums for different reasons. You have to separate them from each other. This album is no different. It's honestly a really good album and it really adds some depth to their catalogue. Last week they livestreamed a bunch of concerts and they played a few songs off of the new album (while actually ending the week by playing the new album in its entirety) and they really do make their set more dynamic. All I can say to people who are skeptical of the album or apprehensive because it doesn't "rock" or have "distorted guitars" (which there are on a few songs) is to just open your mind and give it a chance. Your ears will be happy you did.
hehe I’m happy to see a positive response, thank you I do wanna add to your comment about the skeptics of this album. People do wanna see the heavier Rock style that they have always had in their albums, wether it was the heavy crunch of S.C.I.E.N.C.E or that crazy guitar work on the song Priceless, for example. What people need to realize though is that bands mature and evolve. And it’s not the fans decision on how they should make a record. You don't tell an artist how he should paint HIS painting; it's the artist's decision. The same goes for music.
Now would I like to hear distortion and chaotic riffs? Yeah, sure, but that's why I own all the albums, so I can go back and listen. And hell, they inspire me to make my own. This album is a good evolution and it definitely proves to be a different one for them, but that’s experimentation for ya.
this album is basically a collection of pop songs. the only reason i enjoy them is because i think the musicians were sincere. its not just 3 old men writing tunes for a 16 year old or something.
INCUBUS ROCKS!
I really like this album a lot. My ears might be biased because Incubus is my favorite band, though. Still my favorite release this year, though. As far as what I think of it, I don't like it more than Light Grenades, and I'm a HUGE fan of Light Grenades. It's probably my least favorite of their albums with Ben Kenney, (I don't completely count their first two) but I still love it nonetheless. I'll be listening to this a lot but I'm sure I'll end up back with Light Grenades, Morning View, Make Yourself and A Crow Left of The Murder for my Incubus fix.
I'm loving this album so far, and I've only had a few hours. The best songs in my opinion are Thieves, Promises Promises, In the Company of Wolves and Isadore. I don't see why everyone dislikes it. Sure, there's less guitars, but that doesn't matter when it sounds as good as it does. The lyrics are brilliant too (In the Company of Wolves is the prime example here).
Too bad when I write c U n t on here it gets blanked. It has to be said that if you can't see how good this album is then you are one. Give it a couple of listens and then you'll see.
INCREIBLE!!! Incubus siempre con un nuevo ritmo para todos sus albumes, este album no es la excepcion, apegados mas a un tono tranquilo han podido crear una obra de arte en cuestión de instrumentos y voz. Realmente un buen material que puede ser escuchado repetidas veces sin que uno se canse.
Awesome! another new sound like always! a relaxing sound that with the instruments and the voice it makes a perfect combination. it is very armonic! and "Promises, promises" the best album's song.
This album grew on me the more I listened to it....Boyd's vocal performance is very strong, and I really enjoyed the overall mix. I just wish the band went a little heavier at times...It seemed they purposefully strayed away from any heavy guitar tones to focus on a more ambient and musical sound
I was incredibly disappointed with this album when it came out, but after giving it many listens, and some time to digest, I'm finally starting to get into it. It's just been a matter of learning to enjoy If Not Now, When? for what it is, rather than what I'd imagined it could be for a good five years. Seeing Brandon sing these songs live definitely made me understand just how ridiculous the vocal acrobatics on this album are, and without being overly showy at that. I'll be really bummed if they decide not to further the more energetic side of their music with the kind of class present on every song of this album on future albums, but taking this record simply for what it is I'm finally beginning to understand and enjoy it.
EDIT: "While I think I enjoy the stripped down and mellow approach to this album, I'll be really bummed if they decide not to further the more energetic side of their music with the kind of class present on every song of this album, on future albums. But taking this record simply for what it is, I'm finally beginning to understand and enjoy it."
I, like a lot of other people here, felt like Incubus could do no wrong. I listened to this album with my full attention a few times through and the only 2 songs that even remotely *sound* like Incubus are Adolescents and Switchblade and that's even stretching it a little bit. It may have already been said, but I feel like this should have been a solo release because it's WAY too far from what Incubus are really known for. Literally throughout that entire disc, I heard nothing but Brandon's voice over poppy poopy floofy swoofy beeps and boops. I gave it many chances, and as did many people which reflects why the user rating is so low. Nine times out of Ten, I don't believe anything anyone else ever says because my opinion almost always differs from what is commonly thought, but in this case, I agree with the vast majority of what has been said about this album...I can't even use this as a frisbee because the person trying to catch it would fall asleep due to the snoozy sounds eminating from it while spinning in midair. *End Rant*
So back in July '11 i posted my own thoughts about this album on the day of its released. Well, it has been 7 months now and this album has actually managed to become my favorite album from them. I've listened to it fully through at least once a week every week, i cant get enough ;3
I also got the opportunity to see them live in Mountain View on October 9th, 2011. That boosted my love for this album even more, mostly due to their performance of "Tomorrow's Food". Before I dismissed it a little, but after the live experience, it now has a deeper impact. And if you get a chance to see them live, GO FOR IT! They are amazing live with excellent energy and talent, even with the softest of songs.
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I do wanna add to your comment about the skeptics of this album. People do wanna see the heavier Rock style that they have always had in their albums, wether it was the heavy crunch of S.C.I.E.N.C.E or that crazy guitar work on the song Priceless, for example. What people need to realize though is that bands mature and evolve. And it’s not the fans decision on how they should make a record. You don't tell an artist how he should paint HIS painting; it's the artist's decision. The same goes for music. 
What?
Regardless, solid overview of the album. I've only ever listened to Light Grenades, but this sounds like a nice dreamy ride. Anyone interested in such calm, almost ambient music should check out Devin Townsend Project's Ghost. It's a wicked album.