Red Hot Chili Peppers
Californication


5.0
classic

Review

by JTmusic1995 USER (10 Reviews)
July 15th, 2012 | 19 replies


Release Date: 1999 | Tracklist

Review Summary: Thier first album to be heavily focused on melodies, and a return to form all at the same time, Californication is everything RHCP are: fun, sexy, funky, spiritual, exciting, and groundbreaking.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are nothing if not 3-Demensional. While their trademark punk-funk sound will always be in tact, each album expands that in a different way. 1991's "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" was a trippy, fun, rap-funk-alternative rock party that despite showing the band's strengths, did not have much depth. 1995's "One Hot Minute" proved the band did have a dark side; however, this was the main flaw, as there were no sing-along hooks or hints of pop crossover. 1999's "Californication" is the Chili Peppers' best album for many reasons. The lead track, "Around the World", combines super sexy California rapping from Anthony Kiedis and a new slightly electronic guitar riff from John Frusciante. The smooth singing breakdowns definitely define the record: a mix of alternative rap, soothing vocal harmonies, and songs that are as much about partying as self-discovery. There is something for all Chili Peppers fans here: The band's softer side lyrically and spirtual side musically in "This Velvet Glove," in which Anthony uses his potential sobriety to find that special someone, and "Savior," where he goes on an "Under the Bridge"-like journey to find the source of his life lessons. Those who want the band's sexy, slightly arrogant, funk rock will also get their fill: "Get On zTop" is an undescribable tune about how awesome they are, "Right on Time" is a 2-minute burst of John's silly, yet heavenly, voacals with Anthony's fast lyrics that can only be described as "melodic punk", and "I Like Dirt" is a song that will have you laughing as much as rocking. Anyone who needs proof, or just wants to be reminded, of the band's melody and Anthony's improved singing need to listen to the album's biggest pop hits. "Scar Tissue" brings together rock fans with John's amazing guitar skills and Anthony's strained, yet soaring vocals. However, two songs that really define the album, "Porcelain" and "Road Trippin," are 60's psychedelic pop revival at its best, and the titile track combines California lifestyle, "Give It Away"-like swagger, and the hypnotic musical soaring that defines the album. Californication is one of our generation's best rock albums because it defines what the Red Hot Chili Peppers' message will ALWAYS be: making music to excite, inspire, and just feel good about.



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user ratings (4106)
4
excellent
other reviews of this album
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Comments:Add a Comment 
ZedO
July 15th 2012


1096 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Superb album, but "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" is still in my top list..

YoYoMancuso
Staff Reviewer
July 15th 2012


18856 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

great album. decent review, even if it's pretty short.

PistolPete
July 15th 2012


5304 Comments


Nothing is less enticing to read than a block of words like that. Gotta use paragraphs man. I don't even know how many spelling errors I found as well.

Sirob
July 15th 2012


2653 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

BSSM is better. not very deep? fuck you.

Gyromania
July 15th 2012


37017 Comments


I think I might like this most of RHCP's albums.

jayfatha
July 15th 2012


2918 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

I like it the most

wacknizzle
July 15th 2012


14555 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Favorite Chili Peppers album, BSSM is a close 2nd.

Gyromania
July 15th 2012


37017 Comments


^Agreed with the second choice.

wacknizzle
July 15th 2012


14555 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

It's a fairly obvious choice but I'm not really into their albums after this much, I favor their mid career albums most.

SCREAMorphine
July 16th 2012


1849 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

One of the first albums I ever got into.

Review isn't bad.

Fuff24
July 16th 2012


1120 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Review is not awful; Split it up into paragraphs

Yuli
Emeritus
July 16th 2012


10767 Comments


""Get On zTop""

Heh heh heh.

And this album's riddled with filler, dude. After the first six songs it pretty much dies off.

iambandersnatch
July 16th 2012


1935 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

"And this album's riddled with filler, dude. After the first six songs it pretty much dies off."



Well that's a lie. Easily, This Velvet Glove, Savior, Purple Stain.. are all great. They're just not as in-your-face accessible like the first 6 songs are.

SabertoothMonocle
July 16th 2012


493 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

this album > josh klinghoffer = poop > this review

BrieLarson
July 16th 2012


460 Comments


love at first listen

NightProwler
July 16th 2012


7006 Comments


Blood Sugar Sex Magik is a lot better, IMO. Not a big fan of this album, but it's still good. Your review is OK, but a bit boring to read (paragraphs?) - no pos, but no neg either.

SgtPepper
Emeritus
July 16th 2012


4510 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

The amount of Funk that Flea produces from his bass in "All Around The World" can fracture someone's nose. (Mos Def reference).

rum02
January 30th 2015


26 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Some brilliant tracks on here. Can never really hold my attention as a full album. Get on top is so much fun, great pump up track.

Tunaboy45
January 30th 2015


18424 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

album is the shit



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