Perhaps the oddest trait about “Stadium Arcadium”, an album which has seemed to veer off listeners because of its enormous album length and the rather compulsive airplay of Dani California, is that it’s not terrible at all – step back and forget about the album length, this record is an absolute blast to listen to, an album worthy of playback and recognition as such. This would be John Frusciante’s final album the group, and fortunately for the guitar virtuoso, would rightfully and respectively make his last appearance one to remember for years to come. Frusciante, as always, utilizes his soulful, tactful guitar playing and a lot of other elements associated with their funky sound, but this time uses them more playfully and delicately – the material here is very, very fruity and beyond accessible even for the youngest of crowd. There are no dark, pulsating tracks to be found here, only penetratingly catchy tunes that have a clean-cut atmosphere to them. “Stadium Arcadium” isn’t emotional, but it has a boisterously catchy effect to it that, if not careful, will make you addicted to this album.
I think this is what this album is trying to convey – this record is their friendliest and warmest album to date. Although the songs scream “please, put me on the radio already”, there are also many new techniques and authenticity implanted here that make this album actually quite unique. This is what defines Stadium Arcadium as an album – the songs are almost all vulnerable and defenseless, but still retain standard RHCP rudiments, such as Flea’s aggressive bass playing and Frusciante’s crisp guitar riffs that have always made them who they are. Accessibility wise, there’s no questions asked that it’s beyond approachable and caramel-sweet – there seems to be one main intention with this record, to make you feel better. “We are the ones that make you feel better”, after all.
Although the mammoth album length may very well take time to engulf, you’ll be pleasantly rewarded in the end. I’ve managed to like every track on this album, albeit a few which could very well be considered “filler” or probably sound experiments from the band. “If” is very similar to the “filler” ordeal, whereas “Hard to Concentrate” reveals a delicate side to the group – HTC is a very compassionate sound experiment free of drums and funk, with lyrics that relate to proposing to your soul mate.
Disc 1 and Disc 2 are very similar in technique and sound, and don’t differentiate themselves too effectively. A lot of the album’s fun relates to their insanely catchy choruses which seem to be prominent on every track, albeit a bit too predictable at times. Stadium Arcadium has a knack for choruses, and I’m sure will staple in your head immediately. The album is quite linear with its overall musicality, but still somehow manages to avoid dull moments and keep you constantly excited and thrilled. This is a happy record, they've created something positive for your feelings and heart.
Album opener “Dani California” should be familiar to anyone who has heard that of the radio – back in 2006 they played this track almost nonstop, probably too much. “Snow/Hey Oh” begins with a melancholy riff before gradually easing into something incredibly beautiful and delicately graceful. Meanwhile, “Tell Me Baby” is funk overload taken to incredible heights with its climatic ending chorus and amazingly catchy bass riff. “Slow Cheetah” is a rather meditative, groovy track with a sun-kissed atmosphere to it, probably one of my favorites off the record with its excellent musicianship and fantastic lyrics. One of the band’s best work falls gracefully on “Wet Sand”, a soul-tingling, euphorically incredible track with a hell of a climax and superior guitar solo from the prodigy. “Make You Feel Better” is probably runner-up for the most “feel-good” track on the record, with its uplifting chorus and lyrics, whereas “Hard To Concentrate” is surprisingly serious with lyrics connecting to proposing to a girlfriend, something bitter sweet and memorable.
All of this is essentially what “Stadium Arcadium” is – a close friend that manages to stick by your side and never suddenly leaves. It earns its reputation as an accessible record with light-earthed themes, but never condescending. In fact, I’d go as far to say this album is one of their most melodically grandiose records yet; the melodies are some of the greatest they've ever made.
