The album was notable for the increased artistic presence of Frusciante, with the musician often layering multiple guitar parts and writing string arrangements for several songs. By the Way (2002) spawned five hit singles and saw the band continue their lyrical approach. The album was more melodic and thematically unified than previous efforts. Californication (1999) was the Chili Pepper’s big comeback, with three #1 Modern Rock singles and widespread critical acclaim. In 1998, though, Frusciante, fresh out of rehab, agreed to rejoin the band. While their next album, One Hot Minute (1995), was a commercial success, its downtrodden lyrics and pseudo-psychedelic guitar sounds failed to impress critics.Īfter Navarro’s departure from the group, the Chili Peppers were on the brink of splitting up. Guitarist John Frusciante, not keen to deal with the band’s newfound stardom, abruptly left the group and was replaced by former Jane’s Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro. The confessional single “Under the Bridge” reached the #2 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became one of the defining alternative rock songs of the 1990s. With the Rick Rubin-produced Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991), the Red Hot Chili Peppers became rock stars for the masses. Mother’s Milk (1989) garnered critical praise for the mature, introspective nature of tracks like “Higher Ground” and “Knock Me Down”. These records did establish the Chili Peppers’ signature early sound, though, funky grooves coupled with a punk rock attitude. The group’s first three albums, Red Hot Chili Peppers (1984), Freaky Styley (1985), and The Uplift Mofo Party Plan (1987), helped the group gain an underground following, yet failed to break through to the mainstream. Slovak and Irons were ultimately replaced with John Frusciante (guitar) and Chad Smith (drums). Slovak tragically died of a heroin overdose in 1988, after which Irons also left the band. The Los Angeles group formed in 1983 and featured original members Anthony Kiedis (vocals), Flea (bass), Hillel Slovak (guitar), and Jack Irons (drums). With the instrumentalists' interplay at an all-time telepathic high and Kiedis peaking as a vocalist, Californication is a bona fide Chili Peppers classic.Few bands from the alternative era have not only survived but thrived, like the Red Hot Chili Peppers. And like their 1992 introspective hit "Under the Bridge," there are even a few mellow moments - "Porcelain," "Road Trippin'," and the title track. The quartet's trademark punk-funk can be sampled on such tracks as "Around the World," "I Like Dirt," and "Parallel Universe," but the more pop-oriented material proves to be a pleasant surprise - "Scar Tissue," "Otherside," "Easily," and "Purple Stain" all contain strong melodies and instantly memorable choruses. Anthony Kiedis' vocals have improved dramatically as well, while the rhythm section of bassist Flea and drummer Chad Smith remains one of rock's best. Frusciante was a main reason for such past band classics as 1989's Mother's Milk and 1991's Blood Sugar Sex Magik, and proves once and for all to be the quintessential RHCP guitarist. An obvious reason for their rebirth is the reappearance of guitarist John Frusciante (replacing Dave Navarro), who left the Peppers in 1992 and disappeared into a haze of hard drugs before cleaning up and returning to the fold in 1998. Many figured that the Red Hot Chili Peppers' days as undisputed alternative kings were numbered after their lackluster 1995 release One Hot Minute, but like the great phoenix rising from the ashes, this legendary and influential outfit returned back to greatness with 1999's Californication.
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