Blog 2 - Californication

Californication (1999), the seventh album by the Red Hot Chili Peppers was upon release, described as a revitalization for the band and its easy to see why. The return of John Frusciante (who played on the bands 4th and 5th albums) saw the band yet again change direction in their music. The differences are vast, Frusciante and previous guitarist Dave Navarro are far different guitar players, but nonetheless these changes work extremely well. The hits, which drive the album are all excellent. The symbolic Scar Tissue is the best descriptor of the bands rebirth through song and fittingly became the most successful track off the record. Another major hit was Otherside. This track is especially important to me as it was the first Chili Pepper song I ever heard. This was back in 2000 when the song was on its way to becoming a huge hit. The third big hit Californication has one of the most memorable riffs created by the band. The album isn't without other great tracks from the energetic Around the World, Get on Top, and Right on Time to the more subdued This Velvet Glove, Savior, and Road Trippin. A few of the tracks such as Porcelian and I like Dirt aren't nearly as good and may have been better being replaced with the excellent b - sides Bunker Hill and Quixoticelixer. I personally wouldn't describe this album as a rebirth despite its place as the bands best selling album. This is due to my belief that the bands previous record One Hot Minute is exceptional as well. This is another highly recommended listen.

Track listing:

1. Around the World  
2. Parallel Universe  
3. Scar Tissue  
4. Otherside
5. Get on Top  
6. Californication
7. Easily"
8. Porcelain  
9. Emit Remmus
10. I Like Dirt  
11. This Velvet Glove  
12. Savior
13. Purple Stain 
14. Right on Time 
15. Road Trippin