Red Hot Chili Peppers - Californication 2xLP Vinyl Record
The Red Hot Chili Peppers returned in 1999 revitalised and reunited with their first album in four years, “Californication.” This album marks the homecoming of guitarist John Frusciante who has proved to be a key element of the group's most successful albums. His return signals the energised re-emergence of one of rock's premier emotional, powerful and exciting bands.
On "Californication,” 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. The quartet's trademark punk-funk can be heard 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. And like their 1992 introspective hit "Under the Bridge," there are even a few mellow moments -- "Porcelain," "Road Trippin'," and the title track. With the instrumentalists' interplay at an all-time telepathic high and Kiedis peaking as a vocalist, Californication is a bona fide Chili Peppers and alt rock classic.
Pressed on Classic Black Vinyl
Staff Review:
Seemingly unstoppable, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were only headed up after their first five studio albums, that was, until the departure of guitarist John Frusciante in ’92, following the overwhelming fame and popularity of the bands fifth album “Blood Sugar Sex Magik.” After some casting around, Peppers recruited Jane’s Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro for their sixth album "One Hot Minute” which ultimately saw less success than previous works, standing as one of the bands weaker releases to date. However, after reclaiming a rehabilitated John Frusciante, the band returned to the drawing board and begun the writing of their seventh and arguably finest album, “Californication,” where the musicianship of each member was seemingly destined to reach an all time high.
Released in ’99, Red Hot Chili Peppers' Californication features a range of impressive musical developments, notably growth in both Kiedis’ writing and singing ability. Here, his lyrics resonate more through the exploration of a wider and more complex range themes alongside a soaring vocal performance. Thematically, Kieidis is more passionate, delving into new territories by exploring themes of life, death, despair, drugs, worldly views and of course, California. Kiedis does this in an extraordinarily intimate way, reaching notes higher than audiences had seen prior and singing each lyric with a previously unheard passion, power and soul.
However, Kiedis isn’t the only Pepper in stellar form on “Californication" with the other band members display some of the greatest musicianship of their careers. First and foremost, Flea has always been an undeniable highlight of the band in my appraisal. As a bassist who has dedicated hours to learning various Flea bass tracks throughout the years, the artist's energy, vigour and skill on the bass guitar has always stood as one of music's most engaging and impressive. Which leads me to the next legendary performance of this album: John Frusciante. His impressive return yields smooth, sharp and glorious guitar riffs as well as powerful chugging chords which are all driven by the bands final member, Chad Smith. Smith powers each song with his pounding percussion,
Sexual, passionate, funky and Californian, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Californication” is a beautiful exploration of the city they love through their signature and unique funk and alt rock music. Produced by one of the industry's greatest, Rick Rubin helps bring out the most of each members stellar performances, resulting in an undeniable rock classic.
9.5/10 - Handsome Will
TRACKLISTING
Side A:
- Around The World
- Parallel Universe
- Scar Tissue
- Otherside
Side B:
- Get On Top
- Californication
- Easily
Side C:
- Porcelain
- Emit Remmus
- I Like Dirt
- This Velvet Glove
Side D:
- Savior
- Purple Stain
- Right On Time
- Road Trippin'
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