Soon after forming in the 1980s, Red Hot Chili Peppers became THE band of the 1990s, offering a new musical genre that would define the sound of that era – a daring mix of funk rhythms and punk rock. Lucky for them, this creative choice has made them one of the best-selling bands of all time.
These funk rockers have sold over 80 million records worldwide, hold the record for most number-one singles as well as the most top-ten songs on Billboard’s Alternative Songs chart. To top it off, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
Life, death, alcohol, drugs, success, sex, or love – Red Hot Chili Peppers can relate. Listen to this emotionally-driven jam band if you are riding the rollercoaster of life. The I Like: Red Hot Chili Peppers playlist is full of funk, rock, emotion and heaps of relatability.
Breaking The Girl
Featured track, "Breaking The Girl" appeared on the band’s fifth studio album Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991). The song might refer to the relationship and tumultuous breakup between Vocalist Anthony Kiedis and his former girlfriend, Carmen Hawk – who would, unfortunately, be the broken girl here.
Kiedis has mentioned that the song does, in fact, refer to two people – his girlfriend at the time, as well as his father, who apparently had commitment issues with women. Wondering if the apple falls from the tree here? You’re not the only one.
Under The Bridge
The 1991 ballad, “Under The Bridge” also appeared on Blood Sugar Sex Magik. Although largely regarded as one of their biggest hits, its inspiration comes from a tragic story of drug addiction – released three years after losing original band member Hillel Slovak to a heroin overdose. Anthony Kiedis wrote “Under The Bridge” to reflect on his feelings of loneliness and the harsh impact of drugs. Although unexpected, the track was a commercial success, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The new sound that came with “Under The Bridge” ultimately helped the band to create the mainstream of rock music.
Californication
Another one of the bands biggest hits, reaching number 69 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 16 on the UK singles chart and number one on both US Modern Rock Tracks and US Mainstream Rock Tracks since its release in 1999. The lyrics point out the false fantasies of Hollywood and how the world is becoming more superficial like California - their gold out hometown.
The hit was apparently harder to write than listen to – the band even struggled to finish the song in time for the album release. They eventually did, however, and the rest is history.
Snow (Hey Oh)
Finally, last on the list is “Snow (Hey Oh)” from Stadium Arcadium. I wasn't lying about the drugs, the track refers to cocaine and China White heroin, two substances white like snow. The lyrics say it all, “the more I see, the less I know, the more I’d like to let it go” – Anthony Kiedis was addicted to drugs but wanting to get clean, and stay clean. Overall, an amazing tune about kicking bad habits and starting fresh!
