"Morning View" is the fourth studio album by the American rock band Incubus, released on October 22, 2001, through Epic Records. A companion DVD titled The Morning View Sessions followed on May 29, 2002. The album showcases a shift from nu metal to a diverse range of soft and hard rock sounds within the alternative rock genre. It marked the last album featuring bassist Alex Katunich.
The album produced popular singles like "Wish You Were Here" and "Nice to Know You," receiving critical acclaim and achieving double-platinum status, making it the band's best-selling album. A re-recorded version, Morning View XXIII, is set for release on May 10, 2024.
For the album's recording, the band lived in Malibu, California, on Morning View Drive. Katunich expressed the need for a creative environment, emphasizing that the location contributed to their artistic process. Vocalist Brandon Boyd highlighted the importance of quick beach access for inspiration, while guitarist Mike Einziger noted that living in a house rather than a conventional studio helped them focus on their music.
The album reflects the band's emotional experiences during its creation, including Boyd's personal heartbreak. After a month of recording, they completed the album in May 2001, feeling a deep satisfaction with their work.
Musically, Morning View features a mix of styles, from ambient to aggressive, with a softer overall sound than previous albums. The final track, "Aqueous Transmission," incorporates Chinese instruments and has a serene, ambient quality. Boyd's lyrics often explore themes of perspective and emotional awakening.
Many listeners interpreted "Nice to Know You" as about a failed relationship, but Boyd clarified that it was inspired by a personal experience of gaining perspective after a period of emotional numbness. Overall, the album represents a significant evolution in Incubus's sound and artistic direction.
