Icon
Compilation album by
Limp Bizkit
ReleasedJuly 19, 2011
Recorded1997-2005
GenreNu metal, rap metal
LabelFlip/Interscope
Limp Bizkit chronology
Gold Cobra
(2011) 		Icon
(2011) 		Still Sucks
(2021)

Icon is the third compilation album by American nu metal band Limp Bizkit. Released in 2011, it is a retrospective compiling material from the band's albums Three Dollar Bill, Yall$, Significant Other, Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water, Results May Vary and The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1).[1]

Music and lyrics

The music of Icon has predominantly been described as nu metal[2] and is noted for "kinetic, frenzied energy".[3] On this compilation, DJ Lethal functions as a sound designer for the band, shaping their sound. According to Lethal, "I try and bring new sounds, not just the regular chirping scratching sounds. [...] It's all different stuff that you haven't heard before. I'm trying to be like another guitar player."[4]

Wes Borland's guitar playing on this compilation is experimental and nontraditional, and is noted for creative use of six and seven-string guitars.[5] The songs from Three Dollar Bill, Yall$ feature him playing without a guitar pick, performing with two hands, one playing melodic notes, and the other playing chord progressions.[4] His guitar playing on this album also makes use of octave shapes, and choppy, eighth-note rhythms, sometimes accompanied by muting his strings with his left hand, creating a percussive sound.[6] Borland's guitar playing also has unevenly accented syncopated sixteenth notes to create a disorienting effect, and hypnotic, droning licks.[6]

Durst's lyrics are often profane, scatological or angry.[7] Much of Durst's lyrical inspiration came from growing up and his personal life.[4] The breakup with his girlfriend inspired the Significant Other songs "Nookie" and "Re-Arranged".[8]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic[1]

Allmusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine wrote that Icon "[provides] a good overview of the leading rap-metal outfit of the '90s."[1]

Track listing

No.TitleMusicLength
1."Counterfeit"from Three Dollar Bill, Yall$5:08
2."Faith"from Three Dollar Bill, Yall$2:26
3."Nookie"from Significant Other4:26
4."Break Stuff"from Significant Other2:46
5."Re-Arranged"from Significant Other5:54
6."Take a Look Around"from Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water5:19
7."Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle)"from Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water3:33
8."My Way"from Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water4:33
9."Eat You Alive"from Results May Vary3:57
10."Behind Blue Eyes"from Results May Vary4:29
11."The Truth"from The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1)5:25
Total length:47:36

Personnel

References

  1. ^ a b c Thomas Erlewine, Stephen. "Icon - Limp Bizkit". Allmusic. Retrieved 20 December 2011.
  2. ^ Apter, Jeff (2009). Never Enough: The Story of The Cure. Music Sales Group. p. 468. ISBN 0-85712-024-7.
  3. ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Three Dollar Bill Y'All - Limp Bizkit". Allmusic. Retrieved 14 December 2011.
  4. ^ a b c Devenish, Colin (2000). Limp Bizkit. St. Martin's. pp. 21–51. ISBN 0-312-26349-X.
  5. ^ Kitts, Jeff; Tolinski, Brad (2002). "Lords Of Hard Rock: Wes Borland". The 100 Greatest Guitarists Of All Time. Hal Leonard Corporation. pp. 3–4. ISBN 0-634-04619-5.
  6. ^ a b Hurwitz, Tobias; Riley, Glenn (June 1, 2002). "Rhythm guitar riffs in the style of Wes Borland". 7-String Guitar. Alfred Music Publishing. pp. 30–2. ISBN 0-7390-2807-3.
  7. ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water - Limp Bizkit". Allmusic. Retrieved 17 December 2011.
  8. ^ Devenish, Colin (2000). Limp Bizkit. St. Martin's. pp. 79–95. ISBN 0-312-26349-X.
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