"A Crow Left of the Murder..." is the fifth studio album from American rock band Incubus, released on February 3, 2004. The album marked a shift in the group's sound with its more experimental style as compared to previous albums. Highlighting the band's progression musically and creatively, it's seen as a breakaway from their earlier, more alternative rock sound.
The album was produced by Brendan O'Brien, renowned for his work with Pearl Jam and Rage Against The Machine, marking the first time the band had worked with an outside producer. Its title, "A Crow Left of the Murder," is allegedly a play on the phrase "a murder of crows," symbolizing the band's departure from their previous sound.
The album debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200, selling more than 332,000 copies in its first week. The lead single from the album, "Megalomaniac," reached the top of the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, and other songs on the album also received significant radio airplay.
Critical reception of the album was generally favorable, with many critics praising the band's evolution and willingness to experiment with their sound. Yet some reviews were mixed, reflecting a divide in opinion about the band's newer, more progressive direction. Nonetheless, "A Crow Left of the Murder..." further established Incubus as a force to be reckoned with in the rock music scene.
"A Crow Left of the Murder..." also marked the beginning of bassist Ben Kenney's tenure with the band, following the departure of their former bassist Alex Katunich (a.k.a. Dirk Lance). Kenney's influence is noted in the more funky and complex sound of the album.
Songs included in this album are "Megalomaniac", "A Crow Left of the Murder", "Agoraphobia", "Talk Shows on Mute", "Beware! Criminal", and "Sick Sad Little World" among others. These songs are marked with political and social commentary delivered through Michael Einziger's innovative guitar work and Brandon Boyd's insightful and intricate lyrics. The album is simultaneously brooding and introspective, yet bright and expansive, which is a testament to the band's considerable growth and development.
