Review Summary: Overall, while the album is a step in a different direction from the usual Chili Pepper's sound, the Album itself is solid and a satisfying listen for the most part. Many Chili fans hate this album, but I think it deserves credit for it's own merits and t
One Hot Minute, the forgotten album, the album the Chili's and alot of their fans reject...................is actually pretty damn good. Cheers to Dave Navarro for contributing to such a dark, overdosed ride into the darker side of the Chili Peppers.
The Album opens with Warped, which immediately sounds different to anything the Chili's had done before. The song opens with a weird effects driven guitar intro and warped vocals by frontman Anthony Kiedis. Dave takes alot of influences from psychedelic rock and hard metal and it shows in this song. As soon as Anthony finishes his weird intro the song kicks of with a killer little riff and a pulsating vocal assualt, albeit warped through effects, and well...not mainstream friendly. Chad Smith's drumming is superb here, and Flea as always, never ceases to amaze. the song then breaks off into a delayed solo which is unlike any the Chili's had done with John. Overall it's a killer track, and awesome to headbang to. 5/5
Second comes the single Aeroplane, which is welcome funky piece that breaks the tension created by the previous song. Anthony's pipes shine in this song. hitting higher notes with relative ease, Navarro's playing for most of the song is fairly simple, and sometimes a little annoying, but Flea and Chad carry the song, with a nice low key funky bassline and some impressive drumming. Near the song's conclusion a chorus of young singers break in and start singing, apparantly one of the kids is Flea's own daughter; this and Navarro's blasting solo carry the song to an effective climax. 4/5
Deep kick is a strange song, again like the opener, a different type of song than most of us are used to listening from the Red Hot Chili Pepper's. It begins with a strange poem by Anthony, although the meaning can be interpreted as deep, it does plodd on for a longgggg time, and it well, bores you i guess. But just as you think you might skip it cause you're getting pissed off, the song EXPLODES with a funky beat and some very impressive guitar chops by Dave Navarro. the song carries itself quite well, and just as you think it starts to plodd on again, it breaks into a nice section sung by Flea. The section serves as a break in the song, and Flea's lyrics are sincere enough to carry the song to a memorable conclusion. 4/5
The next song is the impressive My Friends, where the Pepper's break off into a welcome ballad in the tradition of Under The Bridge, albeit, not reaching the standard that song set for ballads from the Pepper's. There really isn't to much to say about this song, it's catchy, it's got some heart felt lyrics and a nice solo. Overall 4/5
Coffee Shop is the next song, which although many say is a disappointment, I actually enjoy its heavy riff and its crazy lyrics. Navarro plays a very heavy riff here, unsual for the Pepper's and somewhat alienating the fans of John Frusciante's previous work. Flea's bass chops are crazy in this song, he enjoys two blistering solos, the second one leading to the song's satisfying climax. Chad again provides us with a very impressive drum beat and Anthony has some of his most nonsensical, albeit enjoyable lyrics, (meet me at the coffee shop, we can dance like Iggy Pop); his lyrics here are somewhat harmonized, with a higher pitch weird sounding imitation, which can get a little annoying, but is otherwise enjoyable on the whole. Again this song is very heavy, and man, I headbanged pretty hard, I'm sure most of you could too. 4/5
The next song is Pea, a song sung by Flea and played by ONLY Flea. Although many have stated that this piece is utter crap, I actually think it's a welcome light-hearted little song, that serves as comdedic relief from the rest of the album's musical intensity. Flea's lyrics are damn funny, "F*&K YOU ASS&^(* YOU HOMOPHOBIC REDNECK D*&^". Im sure many of you can enjoy the quirkiness of this little song. Overall a solid 4/5
One Big Mob, the next song, is a somewhat mediocre song. It opens with an incredibly funky beat that most you of will enjoy, but then the song breaks into a drugged up sounding section in which everything slows down, Anthony's vocals are all F*^(ed up and a weird crying is heard, that is to say the least, very IRRITATING. Following this overdosed section is a welcome build up into the same funkiness the song opened with. Overall it could have been a very good track, if they didnt have to go all experimental and weridass in the middle. 3/5
Walkabout is probably one the funkiest songs the Chili's have made, following a traditional funky groove and some laid back relaxing lyrics by Anthony. The song itself is very laid back, and damn cool. Just as things start to get a little boring, Navarro breaks into a nice, somewhat crusty sounding guitar solo that serves to the song's benefit. Overall 4/5
The next song is definitely the worst on the entire album. It is a ballad dedicated to the late Kurt Cobain, but instead of sounding sincere and heartfelt, it tries too damn hard, overreaches, and ends up sounding weak and one most of us will skip. 1/5
Next comes the title track, One Hot Minute, why they decided it to be title track? Nobody knows, but this song is very experimental with some weird guitar effects and well, it sounds pretty damn annoying overall. It even goes on for far too long, the only thing good about it is Anthony's lyrics. His pipes sound great here, and well, the song is kind of about sex and drugs so, I guess you might flow with it if you were high on acid and F*^(&^* someone at the same time. 2/5
Falling into Grace is another song I don't really warm up to. Its very funky and it rekindles memories of the ol' Blood Sugar album. However even though the track is solid, one thing prevents it from being as good as it could. Navarro uses some weird wah sound, very crusty and man, for me at least..it pisses me off. 3/5
Shallow Be Thy Game is one of the better tracks, and a very likeable turn from the disappointment of the last few. The song opens with a psychadelic intro and a nice build up into a funky, partyTIME beat. Everyone seems to be having alot of fun in this song, especially Navarro, who plays a very satisfying solo and employs nice guitar chops throughout. Overall a very solid track 5/5.
Finally, we come to the albums closer, Transcending, a song that is dedicated to the late River Pheonix. the song opens with a nice funky bass riff before the guitar comes in with some nice clear chord progressions. the song sounds very smooth and is soothing on the ears until near the end. Near the end of the song it suddenly breaks into a spastic, drugged induced ,heavy ass sound where Anthony belts his lyrics with unnerving passion. Although this part of the song might annoy some, it's sincerity and it's heavy pounding bring a satisfying climax to the song and the album itself. Overall 4/5
Overall, while the album is a step in a different direction from the usual Chili Pepper's sound, the Album itself is solid and a satisfying listen for the most part. Many Chili fans hate this album, but I think it deserves credit for it's own merits and the fact that it is a solid album in the Chili's large discography. Overall 4/5
