(Rock/Funk-Rock/Alt) Red Hot Chili Peppers - One Hot Minute

[Ganondorf]

One Hot Minute - Red Hot Chili Peppers

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000002MTR.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

Band Members

Anthony Keidis - Vocals
Flea - Bass
Dave Navarro - Guitar
Chad Smith - Drums



Overview

Here we are at the Red Hot Chili Peppers 6th Studio album, and to many, this is there worst. Of course, I love the Chili Peppers, and I actually quite like the album, but get this straight from the beginning, this is different from both the extremely funk influenced earlier music, and the later softer rock of Californication and By the Way.

First, let’s see where the Chili Peppers were during there carers during the making of this album. First of all, guitarist John Frusicante had left half way through their tour of Japan, in 1992. Frusicante, had left, to focus on his love affair with drugs, and the Chili Peppers found themselves with no guitarist, yet again. After trying out Arik Marshall and Jesse Tobias, both who didn’t stay for too long, the band finally asked Dave Navarro, from the band Jane’s Addiction, to join their band. As I gather, the recording sessions with Dave were sometimes very stressful, trying to write songs and such, and he eventually quit the band in 1997, making way for the return of a now clean, Frusicante. Now, on to the review of the actual album it’s self.

Track By Track

Warped – The intro is quite unlike anything the Chili Peppers have done before, haunting vocals with quite bass. The song soon explodes into a punk influenced rocker, keeping with the weird vocal effects. A great way to open the album.

Aeroplane – One of the singles from the album, but still one of my favourite songs too. A great song, with Flea’s slap bass, this song somewhat reminds me of the older Chili Peppers. A great guitar solo by Navarro, also.

Deep Kick – Starts of with a spoken word intro by Keidis, with calming music played by the band in the background, before exploding into a full out rocker, much like the opening track. Great guitar work by Navarro again, another favourite of the album.

My Friends – A mostly acoustic song and I think another single of the album. Has a similar appeal as that of ‘Under the Bridge’, in fact I would argue this is the better song. Another highlight of the album.

Coffee Shop – A straight up rock song, again. More weird vocals, and ‘psychedelic’ guitar work from Navarro. Wait, did I say this was a straight rock song?! The song also has funk interludes in it, with Flea showing of his bass skills.

Pea – A solo piece from Flea (I think he sings it). Dead simple, an anthem for all the wussy kids that get beaten up at school :lol: j/k. apparently, it’s about some guys that beat him because he had a pink Mohawk.

One Big Mob – Strong, chanting opening, and great chorus. Features somewhat ‘traditional’ Keidis, which he used often in their older albums, the song soon ‘breaks down’ (not in a bad sense) into a mellow song, with Navarro’s artsy guitar work. The song finishes much like it started, strong, and rocking.

Walkabout – A funk ‘ballad’, with great bass work by Flea. A laid back track , and one of my favourites on the album.

Tearjerker – A romantic song, with beautiful lyrics, and an all round beautiful song. I think it’s a love song, but apparently, some read it as a tribute to Kurt Cobain.

One Hot Minute – A dark song, with Keidis calling ‘Am I All Alone’ during the song. Maybe a summary of the times the Chili Peppers were going through, dark and depressed, but this song is still a great track, and slower, but no less rocking one at that.

Falling Into Grace – Another funk song sounds a bit like something of Freaky Styley, if the song seemed a little happier. Weird guitar effects and a great chorus make this song a highlight.

Shallow Be Thy Game – Heavy funk, if that makes any sense. A bit like a funk metal song I guess (see Incubus), with more awesome guitar playing from Dave. A huge melting pot of a lot of the Chili Peppers influences, such as Metal, Rock, Funk and Punk. A great song, very energetic :)

Transcending – A cool bass intro from Flea leads into a quite relaxed song, I think this is a tribute to one of Flea’s friends. Sounds a lot like something of Morning View by Incubus, even though this was released before. As I said, very relaxed, and an ok way to finish the album.


Overall, I think that most Chili Peppers fans would enjoy this album. However, this isn’t their most accessible album, nor does it represent their style very well. I recommend listening to both Blood Sugar Sex Magik and Californication before listening to this, if you are new to the Chili Peppers, for afore mentioned reasons. I think this was their least successful Warner Bros album, but don’t let that put you of. Also, this is probably their most rock influenced album, and therefore one of their heaviest.

4/5

[tommyd_rhcp]

As a huge frusciante fan, to me this isnt the peppers. Its my second least favourite chilis album.

Good review, but dont agree with some things

[Ganondorf]

K, I see what you mean. Frusicante is probably a better guitarist for the Chili Peppers, but I reckon Navarro is the better guitarist overall. BTW, what's your worst Chilli Pepeprs album?

[hybridofsound]

A tad biest as you obviously enjoy the album but it's a good review :thumb: Nice background info and a good song by song overview. Pea is a song I really enjoy and their are quite a few good songs here. But for me it's just not the RHCP though I rate this above By The Way as I really don't like that album.

[Ganondorf]

Thanks guys......


*bump*

[Vespa]

Geat one Ganondorf im obsessed with the Chilis.

[Ganondorf]

Same here ;)

[<3<3<3]

This album is okay, although, it does lack the "Frusciante flavor". I agree with some things on your review. In a way, it's like taking a break from the Chili Peppers, but not.

[sr800bkAGAIN!]

i like its energy. more psychodelic and spacey than the others. the vocals on songs like "One Hot Minute" and "Coffeeshop", and "Warped" are very topsy-turvey sounding and stretched out, and i like it.

[posman]

One Hot Minute is a different step for the band. When I first heard this CD, I thought it was crap. But after listening to each track, I realized it wasn't as bad as I thought. I'm glad that the Chili Peppers went away from this style of music after this CD, but it is an important part of their career. My favorite track is "My Friends". And Dave Navarro isn't that bad. Buy this is your a Chili Peppers fan or just looking to buy a softer, lighter, more 80-ish CD.

[Ganondorf]

Yeah, I kinda think they needed to make this CD if they were gonna realise that Frusicantie was an integral Chili Pepper. Not that the album is bad, but I can understand when people say this isn't 'the real chili's' or something similar

[Wannabebassplayer]

Tearjerker is defo a track about Kurt Cobain, Ant said it himself :)

[SoulOnFire]

I'm not really impressed with this album at all, I think most of the songs are quite generic. Navarros playing rarely impresses me for long and I don't think he really fits in.

[Knoxvillelives]

Basically, without this album, the Chilis wouldn't have released any material for 7-8 years, that's long time to live without Chilis. I would never say that Navarro is abetter guitarist, he can't read music and he obviously didn't try to adapt his playing for the funkier sounds of the Chilis (which was good in the end, as it added some more variety to the album). Plus, Frusciante plays literally all day every day and had replaced his drug addiction for a guitar addiction.

[Knoxvillelives]

I do like this album, it's different and is a terrific rock album if not a very good chilis album. I do think that some songs go on a little too long and change pace too much and it means that alot of them sound the same. For instance, One Big Mob starts off andf it's like 'Whoa!' and then it calms down, loses all it's momentum and then makes an attempt to recapture it, failing. There are 4-5 songs on this album that last over five minutes, One Big Mob being one of them. I think that some of them could have been cut and pasted together, like the middle of One Big Mob could be stuck into a mellow song as everything on the album is good, but sometimes bits of songs don't gel with the rest.

[Knoxvillelives]

Forget what I just said. One Hot Minute is my favourite Chilis album, yes more so than BSSM. I brought it recently after being disappointed by the over-rated Freaky Styley. I had only listened to it once, what a dumbass I was. This album is incredible, I love every song on it. Changes in pace? True, but not a bad thing at all. Warped? Immense song. Possibly the best five track run I've ever heard, Warped-Coffe Shop, not really counting Pea as a proper Chilis song (it's grea tho). I just love all the lyrics, guitar parts, it's all so different to the Chilis I'm used to and I love both! Although I would argue that John is the more skilled guitarrist, Navarro is fantastic on this album, especially warped, shop, plane, shallow etc.
I honestly can't name a favourite track on this, I just think it's brilliant and although it doesn't really stand out, as all the other albums are perfect, this one just clinches it for me.
Rant over, any thoughts.

[Badmoon]

K, I see what you mean. Frusicante is probably a better guitarist for the Chili Peppers, but I reckon Navarro is the better guitarist overall. BTW, what's your worst Chilli Pepeprs album?

I agee with what you said regarding Navarro and Frusciante.

I don't care for By the Way or s/t

[CheeseyBread]

Nice review, do you want to write for an upcoming music site? if so email me: jvining@pointlessthings.com

[The Ashtray Girl]

Hmm, still not convinced about this album. I've heard a few tracks off it, and it doesn't really seem like the Chilis at their best. Still, I am a devoted fan, so I suppose I should give it more of a chance, really.

[Knoxvillelives]

Definately, buy it! Now! The only bas song is Transcending, and I only don't like it because of the screamy bit in the middle. Every other song kicks ***.
They made some class videos for this album, Warped is hilariously weird, Aeroplane is just plane (get it?) odd and My Friends is just sheer lunacy, definate Navarro influence on those. Navarro and kiedis kiss at the end of the Warped video, much to Flea's delight if anyone wants to check that out.

[Ganondorf]

yeah, that's where Carmen Electra first saw Dave

[hilly]

A tad biest as you obviously enjoy the album but it's a good review :thumb: Nice background info and a good song by song overview. Pea is a song I really enjoy and their are quite a few good songs here. But for me it's just not the RHCP though I rate this above By The Way as I really don't like that album.

there's nothing bias about liking the album you review. isn't that the whole point of writing a review - listening to an album and then sharing your opion?

[hilly]

I really like One Hot Minute, despite my love for Frusciante. I think that the songs are definately NOT genaric, and i love the tone of the album. It sounds more like a jam session and as if the songs weren't re-worked to perfection like on Californiation and Blood Sugar. I mean, I have nothing against perfection (don't get me started on how great Californication and Blood sugar are) BUT I love how each of the Chili's albums have a bit of a different sound from the others, and this is definately one of the DIFFERENT-EST.
It wish that i could hear songs from one hot minute at their concerts.

so, don't say that One Hot Minute is crap, not on my watch!! (sorry, ppl are entitled to their opinions......i just wanted an excuse to say "not on my watch!")

wow that kinda turned into one big ramble, but anyways, i think i got my point across.

*JOHN FRUSCIANTE IS STILL MY IDOL* :)

[hilly]

DID SOMEONE SAY TRANSCENDING WAS A BAD SONG??????????????

i love that song........the bass is so.............mesmerising. i could listen to it over, and over, and over, and over...................

listen to it just concentrating on the bass...........
wow, that's what i'm gonna do right now.

[sgrevs]

i think its a fantastic album all the songs r gr8, esp. shallow be thy game, coffee shop and tanscending, i cant belive anykone wudnt like it, 4.5/5

[sgrevs]

do tehy never play one hot mintue songs at concerts as well?
(except pea)

[hilly]

they didn't play ANYTHING from one hot minute at the concert that i went to last september.......so beacause of that i kinda got the feeling they never do any more. :(
it's a shame for them to disown that phase of the band.........if thats what they r doing. i dunno. i dunno anything anymore........

[KemikalKadet]

amazing album. it's in my top 3 with cali and blood sugar but i couldn't pick my favourite out of those 3. Walkabout i easily the best chilis song, it's just so **** funky! shame they don't play it live but then i wouldn't really expect it to. i can't see how this could be considered anyone's worst chili's album, what about that really early one, forgot its name- the one with catholic schools girls rule on it? it's only got one good track on it, track 4 i think, forgotten that ones name as well

[BuhBuhBilly]

this album was awesome, but i have to agree with whoever said it that it is missing the "frusciante flavor" but navarro was great in this album, for example my friends, great song probably one of the best on the cd. :)
http://www.warnerbrosrecords.com/buddyicons/icons/rhcp01.gif

[Uplift]

This is one of my favourite Chili Peppers albums as well, if not one of my favourite albums overall.
I used to speak to a fellow Chilis fan who had met Chad Smith a few times. He told me that Chad said John didn't want to learn/play any of the songs from One Hot Minute so that's why they don't ever play them at concerts now, except Pea, since Flea is the only one involved in that. Kind of cack but I guess you can't have it all.

Diserves a 4 out of 5, in my opinion.

[Sir_Lollipop_Man]

Track By Track

Warped – The intro is quite unlike anything the Chili Peppers have done before, haunting vocals with quite bass. The song soon explodes into a punk influenced rocker, keeping with the weird vocal effects. A great way to open the album.

Aeroplane – One of the singles from the album, but still one of my favourite songs too. A great song, with Flea’s slap bass, this song somewhat reminds me of the older Chili Peppers. A great guitar solo by Navarro, also.

Deep Kick – Starts of with a spoken word intro by Keidis, with calming music played by the band in the background, before exploding into a full out rocker, much like the opening track. Great guitar work by Navarro again, another favourite of the album.

My Friends – A mostly acoustic song and I think another single of the album. Has a similar appeal as that of ‘Under the Bridge’, in fact I would argue this is the better song. Another highlight of the album.

Coffee Shop – A straight up rock song, again. More weird vocals, and ‘psychedelic’ guitar work from Navarro. Wait, did I say this was a straight rock song?! The song also has funk interludes in it, with Flea showing of his bass skills.

Pea – A solo piece from Flea (I think he sings it). Dead simple, an anthem for all the wussy kids that get beaten up at school :lol: j/k. apparently, it’s about some guys that beat him because he had a pink Mohawk.

One Big Mob – Strong, chanting opening, and great chorus. Features somewhat ‘traditional’ Keidis, which he used often in their older albums, the song soon ‘breaks down’ (not in a bad sense) into a mellow song, with Navarro’s artsy guitar work. The song finishes much like it started, strong, and rocking.

Walkabout – A funk ‘ballad’, with great bass work by Flea. A laid back track , and one of my favourites on the album.

Tearjerker – A romantic song, with beautiful lyrics, and an all round beautiful song. I think it’s a love song, but apparently, some read it as a tribute to Kurt Cobain.

One Hot Minute – A dark song, with Keidis calling ‘Am I All Alone’ during the song. Maybe a summary of the times the Chili Peppers were going through, dark and depressed, but this song is still a great track, and slower, but no less rocking one at that.

Falling Into Grace – Another funk song sounds a bit like something of Freaky Styley, if the song seemed a little happier. Weird guitar effects and a great chorus make this song a highlight.

Shallow Be Thy Game – Heavy funk, if that makes any sense. A bit like a funk metal song I guess (see Incubus), with more awesome guitar playing from Dave. A huge melting pot of a lot of the Chili Peppers influences, such as Metal, Rock, Funk and Punk. A great song, very energetic :)

Transcending – A cool bass intro from Flea leads into a quite relaxed song, I think this is a tribute to one of Flea’s friends. Sounds a lot like something of Morning View by Incubus, even though this was released before. As I said, very relaxed, and an ok way to finish the album.


Overall, I think that most Chili Peppers fans would enjoy this album. However, this isn’t their most accessible album, nor does it represent their style very well. I recommend listening to both Blood Sugar Sex Magik and Californication before listening to this, if you are new to the Chili Peppers, for afore mentioned reasons. I think this was their least successful Warner Bros album, but don’t let that put you of. Also, this is probably their most rock influenced album, and therefore one of their heaviest.

4/5[/QUOTE]

NO ONE WANTS TO READ ABOUT EVERY SINGLE SONG!!! YOU HAVE TO GIVE AN DETAILED OVERVIEW ABOUT THE EMOTIONS IT MADE YOU FEEL, AND IN GENERAL WHERE IT WAS IN THE ALBUM FOOL! P.S Aeroplane sucks, it's the worst song on that album
Plus yo udon't really know your facts, (I think another single) (Flea songs on it I think) LAME

[roadtripper]

I find this to be one of they're poorer albums, whereas it had some good songs
(warped,aeroplane, pea, my friends) it was a poor effort compared to bssm, this was most likely due to Dave and a clash of styles.

[gster123]

do tehy never play one hot mintue songs at concerts as well?
(except pea)

Nah they don't> Think im sure I read somewhere that John hasn't even listened to the album

[roadtripper]

Nah they don't> Think im sure I read somewhere that John hasn't even listened to the album

Yeah your right, he says no one has ever given him a reason to listen to it so he hasn't.

[Ganondorf]

Track By Track


NO ONE WANTS TO READ ABOUT EVERY SINGLE SONG!!! YOU HAVE TO GIVE AN DETAILED OVERVIEW ABOUT THE EMOTIONS IT MADE YOU FEEL, AND IN GENERAL WHERE IT WAS IN THE ALBUM FOOL! P.S Aeroplane sucks, it's the worst song on that album
Plus yo udon't really know your facts, (I think another single) (Flea songs on it I think) LAME



1. Learn how to quote
2. Just because you don't like Aeroplane, dosen't mean my opinion is void
3. And I don't care if I don't know exactly what songs were released as singles, the fact that they are singles (or not) does nothing to damage/improve the quality of the song. And the review was about the quality of the songs, not which video you watch everyday on MTV :thumb:
4. And someone that knows every little fact about a band is lamer than someone who just enjoys the music :thumb:

[Knoxvillelives]

Yeah I said Transcending was bad. The intro kicks, verse is Ok, but whusy on the ol' vocals but the middle smells. Too shouty, the ending pciks i up. Not the best way to end the album.

[Knoxvillelives]

NO ONE WANTS TO READ ABOUT EVERY SINGLE SONG!!! YOU HAVE TO GIVE AN DETAILED OVERVIEW ABOUT THE EMOTIONS IT MADE YOU FEEL, AND IN GENERAL WHERE IT WAS IN THE ALBUM FOOL! P.S Aeroplane sucks, it's the worst song on that album
Plus yo udon't really know your facts, (I think another single) (Flea songs on it I think) LAME[/QUOTE]

Will people stop criticising reviews. Write your own ***. Aeroplane is a great song, the whole world agrees. Why can't you idiots (ie. YOU, writer of the above) just express your opinions without being a dick ie. Nah, Aeroplane sucks, you are wrong I am of course right. Track by Track reviews are good, unoike you!!! Gah! Rant over. Peace to all, 'cept you!

Just respect eachother's opinions.
PS> You suck

[Kingadamx]

It's a pretty good album but I like them better with frusciante than with Navarro.

Navarro should try and stay with Jane's Addiction if they stop breaking up every two years.

[Knoxvillelives]

Like I said, it's a fantastic Rock Album, just not a good Chilis album, if you catch my draft, cuz it's not in keeping with that style. But compare Get On Top with Coffee Shop. The Chilis definately came through on that album (OHM)

[justinjak13]

The bass sucked compared to normal RHCP cd's. John Frusciante is an AWESOME guitarists, but bass always dominates guitar cuz the chilis are funky. When Dave was in the band his guitar playing stole the show from Flea. I liked it, but BLOOD SUGAR SEX MAGIC and CALIFORNICATION were better. I liked it better than MOTHER"S MILK, but not by much.

[Kiedisfan69]

The song "My Friends" is the best song on this CD, and "Pea" is hilarious!

[Knoxvillelives]

Hmm...interesting. I wouldn't say the bass was terrible tho, Coffe Shop? Slaptastic.
Aeroplane is Flea's best bass work ever, incredible. But the guitar does overshadow the bass, but I think that's beginning to happen with the Chilis new stuff anyway...

[nisakss]

For me it's the best RHCP album. Personally, I don't like anything they have put out since then, and besides, One Hot Minute has some of Flea's best solos, specially Coffee Shop.

[thealmightlyclarky]

I think it's a great album, definately completely different from any of their earlier stuff or, their later stuff. It don't thnik Dave Navarro really fits with the band at all. On some songs it sounds to me like the rest of the band are playing in a different room and navarro's just tryin to jam over the top (don't take this literally, lol, you hopefully know what I'm trying to say ;) ).His solo's don't really fit in with the songs, and it sounds a bit to metalish for the chilis, having said that, I still think its a great album.

[Knoxvillelives]

It's a shame they can never play anything live, it'sa all got too much layering. But to be honest that just makes for much better listening. Try listening to Coffe Shop, quite loud in Stereo....good god!

[Kiedisfan69]

do tehy never play one hot mintue songs at concerts as well?
(except pea)

I don't think they EVER play songs from One Hot Minute live :(

[Knoxvillelives]

Although I like all the songs, the first 5 songs are literal perfection. I really cannot think of any run of songs better. Individually their incredible, but together, that run is just perfect. I love it!

[MildlyAmusingWankCushion]

Good album.

I like it but John is my idol, and he fits the chilis because of his guitar style which is more creative and takes a step back from flea's bass. Navarro was a decent replacement here, but he's no JF :lol:

And for the people who say Navarro > Frusciante....JF could play all of Hendrix and Zappa perfectly when he was 17 years old, and he was even good enough to audition for Zappa in the 80's (i.e. at a level comparable to Vai, even if Vai is superior) but John "chickened out" at the last minute. His simple style makes people think he's an average guitarist - believe me he is much better its just he doesn't like the excessively technical playing anymore.

[BillCosby]

Fun album, lyrically weak I would say, but a fun album with some cool songs.

[Knoxvillelives]

Frusciante kicks ***, no denying, but IMO Navarro's work on this album was the best guitar I've ever heard. Don't be saying, 'Ooh what about Hendrix blah Vai blah Wylde etc'
The guitar on this album is perfect, balanced, loud, technically amazing, complicated but simple when it needs to be, layered. Divine Simply. Navarro isn't the worlds best guitarrist and I wud argue that Frusc is better all round but Navarro's work here is supreme, better than anything Frusciante has or maybe even will do with the Chilis. The Chilis are Ant, Flea, Chad and John,
But One Hot Minute Is Ant, Flea, Chad and Dave and I love One Hot Minute, more so than I love the Chilis, horrifyingly.

[Mardy]

6/6 this album gets from me

Not one single bad thing about it. I once sang the outro for Deep Kick in a bar, totallt ****faced, and it was just great.

[enpsychopedia]

John Frusciante > Dave Navarro

[RedHotBassist]

Ya this album was realy cool, and i like what Dave brought to the band. My favorite songs were Aeroplane, Trancending and Walkabout. They are awsome. A funky song played with Dave is Love Rollercoaster, and sadly that one is not on the ablum because i think it was recorden after for the beavis and buthead soundtrack. That was a good song and i also think there is a single with it. Nice review Ganondorf and great Cd, worth listning too!

Shane, Esq.

[jakeman]

Originally posted by Ganondorf
Transcending – A cool bass intro from Flea leads into a quite relaxed song, I think this is a tribute to one of Flea’s friends. Sounds a lot like something of Morning View by Incubus, even though this was released before. As I said, very relaxed, and an ok way to finish the album.

Trancending is a tribute to the actor River Pheonix, a friend of the band

I agree with your review i think while being a very different cd for the chili peppers it is still great and i especially love shallow be thy game and aeroplane

[rhcp pman]

I am a huge RHCP fan, ever since I first heard BSSM. Personally, I think One Hot Minute is an amazing album, not their best, but very good anyway. You have to listen to it more than once. One Hot Minute is a really cool song as well along with all the rest.

Transcending is a cool song. I think it was based around the death of River Phoenix or someone like that.

To answer your questions, I think My Friends has been performed by them live - and possibly Aeroplane.

RHCP is a very interesting band. Very hard to classify. Rock + Funk + Alt. Rock and some say they have ska + punk elements.