“I didn’t want to tell the same old story that we’ve been hearing for the last 50 years in rock music,” Anthony Kiedis reflected, encapsulating the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ enduring ethos. For nearly four decades, they’ve defied genre boundaries, becoming alt-rock icons by forging a sound uniquely their own. From their raw beginnings alongside Run-D.M.C. and The Smiths, the Chili Peppers, anchored by the dynamic duo of Anthony Kiedis’s lyrical dexterity and Flea’s groundbreaking bass, alongside guitar virtuoso John Frusciante and the steadfast Chad Smith, have continuously reinvented themselves while retaining their quintessential Californian spirit. With the guiding hand of producer Rick Rubin and a rotating cast of rhythmic collaborators, they’ve navigated countless musical landscapes, proving their staying power through sheer audacity and musical brilliance. Their journey is a testament to their unique blend of funk, punk, and rock, making them not just survivors, but innovators.
Here’s a countdown of their 40 greatest songs, celebrating the unparalleled discography of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
40. ‘Black Summer’ (2022)
Sixteen years marked the wait for new music featuring Frusciante, but “Black Summer,” from Unlimited Love, was a triumphant return. Frusciante’s re-entry infused the band with renewed structure, seamlessly embraced by Kiedis, Flea, and Smith. The result: arguably their most vital song in years, instantly recognizable as quintessential RHCP. Flea’s signature bassline slinks beneath Frusciante’s melodic yet assertive guitar chords, driving the track’s energy. Frusciante himself questioned his rock sensibilities upon rejoining, telling NME, “I was sitting there with the guitar thinking that I hadn’t written any rock music in so long. Could I still do that?” “Black Summer” emphatically answers, yes, showcasing their enduring capacity to create compelling rock music. —Joseph Hudak
39. ‘This Velvet Glove’ (1999)
Anthony Kiedis and John Frusciante performing This Velvet GloveImage Credit: John Shearer/WireImage
“This Velvet Glove”, a standout from Californication, offers a study in contrasts. The verses evoke a poignant melancholy, only to be shattered by the rhythmic surge of the chorus, providing catharsis. Yet, the song’s essence is best imagined in its stripped-down form – Kiedis and Frusciante, facing each other, instruments unplugged, in a moment of reconciliation. Kiedis delivers one of his most emotionally resonant vocal performances, acknowledging Frusciante’s influence (“John says to live above hell”) amidst a delicate rhythm guitar backdrop. The lyrics subtly address the destructive nature of addiction, adding depth to this introspective track. —Charles Aaron
38. ‘Dark Necessities’ (2016)
The Red Hot Chili Peppers have never shied away from exploring darker emotional territories, and “Dark Necessities,” the lead single from The Getaway (2016), plunges into these depths. “You don’t know my mind/Dark necessities are part of my design,” Kiedis confesses, setting a somber tone. The track’s textures, enriched by a prominent, brooding piano, reflect the band’s first-time collaboration with producer Brian Burton, also known as Danger Mouse. Burton presented the band with an instrumental demo, prompting Kiedis to pen lyrics exploring the paradoxical relationship between inner turmoil and creative growth. He explained the song addresses “how much creativity and growth and light comes out of those difficult struggles we have inside our heads that no one else can see,” making it a compelling exploration of internal conflict. —David Browne
37. ‘Fight Like a Brave’ (1987)
Red Hot Chili Peppers performing Fight Like a Brave in 1987Image Credit: Gary Gershoff/Getty Images
“Fight Like a Brave” stands as a powerful anthem of liberation, a funky rallying cry for those battling addiction. Kiedis’s rap-infused verses are a direct call to action: “Get it through your head and get it off your chest, Or get it out your arm because it’s time to start fresh.” The chorus is forceful and rhythmic, perfectly encapsulating the raw energy of the Chili Peppers in their early years. Drummer Jack Irons recalls this period: “The Chili Peppers at the time, they were a different band. We were sort of that wild energy — full-on 100 percent energy went into every song. It wasn’t necessarily about playing dynamically or playing a song, per se. We were like this four-piece rhythm machine that just wanted to rock really hard and do what we did.” This track embodies that unbridled, energetic spirit. —Kory Grow
36. ‘Slow Cheetah’ (2006)
Image Credit: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
“Slow Cheetah” is a masterclass in sonic layering and thematic depth. Opening with hushed acoustic fingerpicking, Kiedis narrates another tale of redemption, before transitioning into a loping, country-rock influenced chorus, enhanced by Frusciante’s ethereal backing vocals. The song is punctuated by a soaring guitar note and brief blues-rock bursts, culminating in delicate, reversed guitar flourishes in the outro. Kiedis described the song’s genesis, stating, “It’s about that beautiful feeling when life becomes slow motion and all the chaos and distraction fades away for a moment and you can see things very clearly.” Frusciante’s instrumental arrangement intuitively captured this sense of clarity and slowed perception. —C.A.
35. ‘Behind the Sun’ (1987)
Hillel Slovak playing sitar for Behind the SunImage Credit: Jim Steinfeldt/Michael Ochs Archives/GettyImages
“Behind the Sun” distinguishes itself with the inclusion of Hillel Slovak on sitar, lending a psychedelic texture reminiscent of Prince’s Around the World in a Day. While Prince explored themes of fantasy and pop culture, Kiedis embraced full-blown psychedelia, singing of dolphins residing “behind the sun.” Originally released in 1987, the song gained traction as a single in 1992 during the height of Blood Sugar Sex Magik’s popularity. It became the only track from the Slovak era to chart, reaching Number Seven on Billboard’s Alternative ranking, showcasing its enduring appeal and unique sound within the Chili Peppers’ catalog. —K.G.
34. ‘Purple Stain’ (1999)
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Despite Kiedis referencing Frusciante in the opening verse of “Purple Stain,” this track is undeniably a showcase for Flea’s dynamic bass playing. His rubbery, resonant bassline takes center stage, ricocheting and weaving through the song’s funky landscape. The main section, a funk-rock throwback, eventually dissolves into a delirious outro jam. Here, Smith’s drumming becomes a force of nature, while Frusciante’s guitar adds breezy squalls, creating a vibrant sonic tapestry driven by Flea’s rhythmic inventiveness. —C.A.
33. ‘Sikamikanico’ (1992)
Red Hot Chili Peppers performing Sikamikanico in 1992Image Credit: Paul Natkin/Getty Images
“Sikamikanico” delivers three and a half minutes of unadulterated thrash-funk intensity. Likely deemed too raw for Blood Sugar Sex Magik, it first surfaced as a B-side to “Under the Bridge” and later on the Wayne’s World soundtrack. As a standalone track, it’s one of the Chili Peppers’ most aggressive outings. Frusciante’s scratchy guitar work complements Smith’s funky drumming, culminating in a punk-infused chorus that rivals the energy of Suicidal Tendencies or Dead Kennedys. Kiedis’s mumble-rap lyrics, peppered with quirky humor, solidify “Sikamikanico” as one of the band’s most hardcore and high-energy tracks. —K.G.
32. ‘Sir Psycho Sexy’ (1991)
Image Credit: Sexy Gie Knaeps/Getty Images
Clocking in at over eight minutes, “Sir Psycho Sexy” is among the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ longest and most overtly sexual songs, a significant claim for the band behind “Party On Your Pussy.” The song’s narrator, a hyperbolic version of Kiedis, boasts of outlandish sexual escapades, including a run-in with a police officer. In a 1994 Rolling Stone interview, Kiedis addressed the song’s explicit content, stating, “If parents think their child can’t handle the language that I use, then they shouldn’t expose their kids to it. That’s more up to the parents than me.” The track remains a controversial yet iconic example of the band’s provocative and boundary-pushing style. —Andy Greene
31. ‘Get on Top’ (1999)
Red Hot Chili Peppers performing Get on Top in 1999Image Credit: Nicky J. Sims/Redferns
The Chili Peppers have long been innovators in sound fusion, and “Get On Top” from 1999’s Californication exemplifies this. Frusciante melds a Public Enemy-esque rhythm with a guitar part inspired by Steve Howe of Yes’s “Siberian Khatru.” Frusciante elaborated on his inspiration: “[Yes] sounded really big — and they’re playing really fast — and then this clean guitar solo comes out over on top. It’s really beautiful, like it’s on its own sort of shelf. For ‘Get On Top,’ I wanted to play something that contrasted between the solo and the background.” This blend of disparate influences creates a uniquely textured and dynamic track. —A.G.
30. ‘Throw Away Your Television’ (2002)
Image Credit: AP Photo/Mark Allan
Flea’s restless bassline drives the anxious energy of “Throw Away Your Television,” a deep cut from By the Way. Despite the airtight groove between Flea and Smith, the song feels perpetually on the verge of chaos, adding to its frantic appeal. This unpredictability harkens back to the band’s raw roots, resulting in one of their most intensely energetic studio recordings. The lyrics, rich with television metaphors like “repeats” and “intermissions,” subtly address themes of addiction and breaking free from its grasp. Live performances, like the one at Slane Castle in 2003, further amplified the song’s frenetic energy. —J.H.
29. ‘Johnny, Kick a Hole In the Sky’ (1989)
Red Hot Chili Peppers in their early years, performing Johnny, Kick a Hole in the Sky eraImage Credit: Gutchie Kojima/Shinko Music/Getty Images
By Mother’s Milk, the Chili Peppers had openly embraced influences like Stevie Wonder and Jimi Hendrix, culminating in “Johnny, Kick a Hole in the Sky.” The track masterfully blends Wonder-esque soul and Hendrix-inspired wah-wah guitar with Kiedis’s hip-hop sensibilities and exploration of his Native American heritage. Flea’s bass-slapping, reminiscent of Bootsy Collins, further enriches the sound. This fusion became the blueprint for their subsequent album, Blood Sugar Sex Magik, showcasing the band’s evolving and increasingly unique musical identity. —K.G.
28. ‘Dani California’ (2006)
“Dani California” from Stadium Arcadium is undeniably reminiscent of Tom Petty’s “Last Dance with Mary Jane,” and its lyrics verge on self-parody, particularly with Kiedis seemingly about to list all fifty states. Yet, these quirks are part of its charm. The chorus is undeniably catchy, and the vocal and guitar harmonies in the bridge, alongside Frusciante’s Hendrix-esque solo, highlight the overdub wizardry of his Stadium Arcadium era. Despite its playful elements, “Dani California” remains a beloved and recognizable Chili Peppers song. —Brian Hiatt
27. ‘Road Trippin’ (1999)
Red Hot Chili Peppers on a road trip, reflecting the song Road Trippin'
Californication is often hailed as a quintessential road-trip album, culminating fittingly with “Road Trippin’,” a gentle folk-infused lullaby. The lyrics, “Road trippin’ with my two favorite allies/Fully loaded, we got snacks and supplies,” perfectly capture the spirit of camaraderie and adventure. Producer Rick Rubin added a vintage Chamberlin keyboard solo, providing a Beatles-esque touch to this otherwise Zeppelin-inspired track. Frusciante admitted, “That was Rick’s doing. None of us were there for that. But it was good. I liked it,” acknowledging the unexpected yet effective addition. —Simon Vozick-Levinson
26. ‘Knock Me Down’ (1989)
Before Mother’s Milk in 1989, the Red Hot Chili Peppers risked being perceived solely as a party band. However, the tragic overdose of guitarist Hillel Slovak and Jack Irons’ departure prompted introspection, leading to “Knock Me Down.” This cautionary track explores themes of ego and addiction. “If you see me getting mighty, if you see me getting high/Knock me down,” Kiedis pleads in the chorus, asserting humility. The song features a dual vocal performance by Kiedis and Frusciante, symbolizing the band’s renewed focus and depth. Regardless of vocal prominence, “Knock Me Down” stands as one of their most self-aware and poignant songs. —J.H.
25. ‘Aeroplane’ (1995)
Dave Navarro era Red Hot Chili Peppers performing Aeroplane
“Aeroplane,” from 1995’s One Hot Minute, remains a polarizing track, representative of the band’s Dave Navarro era, post-Frusciante’s initial departure and during Kiedis’s relapse. The lyrics are notably darker, and the sound is heavier. Despite this, the chorus is buoyant, and Flea’s slap bass groove injects euphoria, creating a complex emotional landscape. The inclusion of a children’s chorus, featuring Flea’s daughter Clara, adds a layer of unsettling sweetness, singing “It’s my aeroplane” repeatedly, contributing to the song’s unique and somewhat unsettling charm. —Lisa Tozzi
24. ‘Don’t Forget Me’ (2002)
Image Credit: Bob King/Redferns
“Don’t Forget Me,” a ballad from By the Way, showcases Kiedis’s bluesy vocal delivery and at times questionable poetic ambition. Yet, it functions as a powerful ode to addiction and the promise of sobriety. Initially titled “The Most Beautiful Chords Ever,” the song’s development hinged on Frusciante’s extensive guitar work. Using mellotron, wah-wah, and echo, he creates atmospheric verses with intense trills and drones, while his solos are minimalist yet evocative, painting sonic storms. The track is a testament to Frusciante’s ability to craft deeply emotional guitar landscapes. —C.A.
23. ‘Venice Queen’ (2002)
Red Hot Chili Peppers performing Venice Queen in Venice BeachImage Credit: ShowBizIreland.com/Getty Images
Closing By the Way, “Venice Queen” is a poignant two-part tribute to Gloria Scott, Kiedis’s drug counselor and mentor. The first section is brisk and melancholic, transitioning to a more urgent, yearning second half. The song honors Scott, for whom the band bought a house in Venice Beach before her passing from lung cancer. Kiedis admitted to crying while writing the lyrics: “Part of it was because I missed her, but part of it was because it feels good to sing about someone who meant so much to me. I’m good at losing. It’s one of my specialties.” The track is a deeply personal and moving eulogy. —C.A.
22. ‘Porcelain’ (1999)
Image Credit: Frank Micelotta/ImageDirect
“Porcelain,” from Californication, stands in stark contrast to the Chili Peppers’ typical funk-rock anthems. Delicate and subtle, it features just a rippling guitar figure, pensive bassline, and Kiedis’s whispered vocals, evoking the intimacy of early Velvet Underground. Kiedis sings with empathy about a homeless woman and her child, “Nodding and melting and fading away,” using his most tender vocal delivery to create a comforting lullaby amidst hardship. The song’s quiet intensity and emotional depth showcase the band’s versatility and range. —Jon Dolan
21. ‘Higher Ground’ (1989)
Red Hot Chili Peppers performing their cover of Higher GroundImage Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
The Chili Peppers’ rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground” became their breakthrough MTV hit, introducing them to a broader audience in the 80s, many of whom mistook it for an original. Flea’s percussive bass-slapping replaces the clavinet of Wonder’s version, and Frusciante’s metal-tinged power chords modernize the track. This LA-infused hotwiring honors the original’s brilliance while injecting the Chili Peppers’ signature energy, creating a cover that stands as a classic in its own right. —J.D.
20. ‘Easily’ (1999)
Image Credit: J. Shearer/WireImage
Californication is renowned for its impeccable track sequencing, and “Easily” serves as a crucial mid-album energizer. Following the moodier title track, “Easily” bursts forth with melodic energy and bite. Frusciante’s guitar work is dynamic, Flea’s bass is lively, Smith’s drumming is solid, and Kiedis’s lyrics reference a woman “on the morning of a war,” questioning purpose. “Easily” embodies the free-spirited, wild rock and roll ethos at the heart of the Chili Peppers. —S.V.L.
19. ‘Show Me Your Soul’ (1990)
Red Hot Chili Peppers performing Show Me Your Soul in 1990Image Credit: Michel Linssen/Redferns
“Show Me Your Soul” is a tender, almost sentimental track, a rarity in the Chili Peppers’ earlier catalog. “Into my life you were injected,” Kiedis muses, followed by “Now I smile from your affection/We have made a soul connection!” Featured on the Pretty Woman soundtrack, “Show Me Your Soul” bridges the gap between Mother’s Milk and Blood Sugar Sex Magik. Its sweet, mushy sentimentality, highlighted by a prominent cowbell, offers a softer side to the band’s repertoire. —Rob Sheffield
18. ‘I Could Die For You’ (2002)
Image Credit: Olivia Hemingway/Redfern
The object of affection in “I Could Die For You” remains ambiguous, yet the song is undeniably one of Kiedis’s most direct and romantic expressions. “This is what I want to be and this is what I give to you,” he declares with unusual clarity. A jangly, mid-tempo ballad, grounded by Flea’s resonant bass, Kiedis’s vocal performance is vulnerable and unaffected. Frusciante’s guitar work, with gentle strums and muted embellishments, sets a subtly hopeful tone, enhancing the song’s emotional sincerity. —C.A.
17. ‘Blood Sugar Sex Magik’ (1991)
Red Hot Chili Peppers during the Blood Sugar Sex Magik eraImage Credit: Steve Eichner/Getty Images
The album Blood Sugar Sex Magik propelled the Red Hot Chili Peppers from cult favorites to mainstream icons, largely due to “Under the Bridge.” But the title track, “Blood Sugar Sex Magik,” is a frenetic precursor, a Frankensteinian blend of funk, heavy metal guitar, and tribal rhythms, all laced with sexual innuendo. Kiedis’s lyrics, referencing Aphrodite and “sex magic,” celebrate sexuality with an occult twist, influenced by Aleister Crowley, also cited by Frusciante as an inspiration for “Otherside.” “Blood Sugar Sex Magik” is both dark and irresistibly energetic. —J.H.
16. ‘Can’t Stop’ (2002)
“Can’t Stop” is driven by Frusciante’s intricate punk-funk riff, while Kiedis channels the Beat-poet anarchy of “Give It Away.” His stream-of-consciousness lyrics, filled with non-sequiturs and cosmic references, culminate in a koan-like closing: “Can’t stop the spirits when they need you/This life is more than just a read-through.” Kiedis explained the song’s context in a 2002 interview, “We’re coming from the viewpoint of being alive at a time of such a preposterous media reality. You have to be willing to laugh at yourself.” The track is a vibrant commentary on media saturation and self-awareness. —S.V.L.
15. ‘Dosed’ (2002)
Image Credit: Scott Gries/Getty Images
“Dosed,” a highlight from By the Way, sees Kiedis reflecting on love and loss. The song showcases the band’s talent for creating psychedelic soundscapes, blending Brian Wilson’s introspective melancholy with Hendrix’s spiritual rapture. Featuring four guitar tracks by Frusciante and Flea, the layers intertwine and diverge, mirroring the dreamlike flow of Kiedis’s lyrics. “Dosed” is a beautiful exploration of emotional complexity and sonic texture. —J.D.
14. ‘Around the World’ (1999)
“There were a lot of romantic feelings,” Kiedis explained about “Around the World,” “intertwined with sexual rhythms and melodies.” This track, akin to the Chili Peppers’ version of “California Girls,” is updated for the late 90s with lyrics referencing international locales. Amidst Kiedis’s cartoonish rap verses, the chorus is unexpectedly sweet and harmony-rich, celebrating Frusciante’s return to the band on Californication. “Around the World” is both playful and a testament to the revitalized band dynamic. —S.V.L.
13. ‘Me and My Friends’ (1987)
Red Hot Chili Peppers original lineup performing Me and My FriendsImage Credit: Joe Dilworth/Avalon/Getty Images
The Uplift Mofo Party Plan (1987) marked the only album to feature the Chili Peppers’ original lineup. “Me and My Friends” is Kiedis’s tribute to Slovak and Irons, who had rejoined after commitments to their other band, What Is This?. Kiedis celebrates Irons as “a working-class drummer, he’s strong as a horse,” and dedicates a verse to Slovak, “for whom my love is soul-brother sacred.” Tragically, Mofo was the only album this lineup would create, as Slovak passed away shortly after its release, and Irons left due to grief. “Me and My Friends” is a poignant celebration of their foundational bond. —K.G.
12. ‘Breaking the Girl’ (1991)
“Breaking the Girl,” from Blood Sugar Sex Magik, evokes Led Zeppelin relocated to Venice Beach. This acoustic track features a mellotron solo by Brendan O’Brien, reminiscent of John Paul Jones. Kiedis explores guilt and regret over a failed relationship, a vulnerability not typically associated with Zeppelin, adding emotional depth. The song’s spiraling acoustic arrangement and introspective lyrics make it a standout track, showcasing a different facet of the Chili Peppers’ musicality. —J.D.
11. ‘Suck My Kiss’ (1991)
Red Hot Chili Peppers performing Suck My Kiss with raw energy
“Suck My Kiss” thrives on raw energy and primal expression. The track embraces shock value with Kiedis dropping expletives, spelling out “k-i-s-s-i-n-g,” and scatting nonsensical phrases. The chorus is stripped down to Kiedis’s bare voice demanding, “Suck my kiss!” One of the most primal RHCP songs, it embodies the raw heart of Blood Sugar Sex Magik, proving that delivery can be as impactful as lyrical content. —J.H.
10. ‘Soul to Squeeze’ (1993)
Recorded during the Blood Sugar Sex Magik sessions but released later on the Coneheads soundtrack, “Soul to Squeeze” feels like a spiritual successor to “Under the Bridge.” It shares a mellow, mystical vibe, driven by Flea and Smith’s tight groove and a dreamy chorus hook. Frusciante, who had left the band by its release, contributes a poignant guitar solo. Kiedis’s lyrics lament inner turmoil (“I got a bad disease/Out from my brain is where I bleed …”) before venturing into nonsense-syllable rapping. “Soul to Squeeze” encapsulates many classic Chili Peppers elements, reaching Number 22 on the Billboard chart and solidifying its place in their canon. —Hank Shteamer
9. ‘Parallel Universe’ (1999)
Image Credit: Scott Gries/Getty Images
An unexpected influence on Californication was the Spice Girls. Flea’s daughter’s fandom led to the Chili Peppers dressing as the Spice Girls for her birthday. This event inspired Kiedis to write about feeling disconnected, reflected in “Parallel Universe.” A melancholic lament about isolation, with lyrics like, “Far away you were made in a sea, just like me,” it became a live favorite despite not being a major hit. Flea’s bassline takes on a disco flair, adding an unexpected rhythmic dimension. —R.S.
8. ‘By the Way’ (2002)
The title track of By the Way initially presents as one of the Chili Peppers’ quieter moments, opening with delicate guitar work. However, Flea’s bass soon erupts, and the song transforms into what Kiedis described as “an uber-bombastic assault of non-commercialism.” Kiedis’s rapid-fire, non-sequitur lyrics even bring back the character Dani. “By the Way” veers through multiple sonic territories, yet the band seamlessly fuses diverse genres, creating a cohesive and dynamic track. —D.B.
7. ‘Under the Bridge’ (1991)
Emerging in the early 90s, “Under the Bridge” marked a significant shift for the Chili Peppers. This ruminative ballad, exploring loneliness and missed opportunities, showcased a newfound maturity. Originating from an introspective poem Kiedis wrote while feeling isolated and sober amidst bandmates indulging in studio, the song was initially resisted by Kiedis as too “slow and dramatic and melodic.” However, producer Rubin convinced him of its potential. “Under the Bridge” became their most tender and touching song, soaring with hope despite its melancholic roots, leaving behind the personal pain that inspired it. —D.B.
6. ‘Otherside’ (1999)
On the surface, “Otherside” from Californication is one of the album’s gentler tracks, yet its calm mood belies a darker message. “How long will I slide?” Kiedis sings, seemingly referencing his and past band members’ struggles with addiction. Frusciante, however, offered a different interpretation, viewing “Otherside” as representing the internal conflict between the conscious and subconscious mind. Inspired by occultist Aleister Crowley, Frusciante explained the lyrics reflect Crowley’s influence, noting his own deep dive into the occult during his 2009 departure from the band. “Otherside” is a multi-layered track with both personal and esoteric undertones. —J.H.
5. ‘Snow (Hey Oh)’ (2006)
Image Credit: Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage
“Snow (Hey Oh)” is defined by Frusciante’s mesmerizing, repetitive guitar riff, a challenging piece that became a viral rite of passage for aspiring guitarists on TikTok. Frusciante’s live performances, without loop pedals, showcased his endurance in maintaining the riff. Kiedis’s achievement is equally notable, crafting a vocal melody and hooks that weave through Frusciante’s intricate guitar work. “Snow (Hey Oh)” is a testament to their collaborative brilliance, balancing complexity with catchiness. —B.H.
4. ‘Give It Away’ (1991)
Ubiquitous at events from weddings to sports games, “Give It Away” remains one of the Chili Peppers’ most recognizable hits. The 1991 lead single from Blood Sugar Sex Magik encapsulates their freaky funk style in its most accessible form. Flea’s slapping bass drives the track, while Kiedis shares spiritual lessons inspired by Sly Stone and Bob Marley, proclaiming, “There’s never been a better time than right now!” “Give It Away” is a high-energy anthem that embodies the band’s infectious spirit. —R.S.
3. ‘The Zephyr Song’ (2002)
Image Credit: Rolling Stone
“The Zephyr Song” is the Chili Peppers’ closest foray into Beach Boys territory, their “Feel Flows.” The melody is both euphoric and melancholic, a psychedelic journey culminating in emotional release. Guitar tech Dave Lee noted the opening’s similarity to “Pure Imagination,” a connection Frusciante confirmed, admitting, “I wrote that song during a period that I was way into watching Willy Wonka! That song must’ve been in my mind when I wrote ‘Zephyr Song.’” This unexpected influence adds to the song’s whimsical and magical quality. —Angie Martoccio
2. ‘Scar Tissue’ (1999)
“Scar Tissue,” the lead single from Californication, is arguably the prettiest song in the Chili Peppers’ catalog, channeling both personal and band history. Breaking a four-year silence since One Hot Minute, it defied expectations by not being a funk-rock anthem. Instead, it featured Frusciante’s plaintive guitar, a gentle groove, tender vocals, and Kiedis’s most personal lyrics since “Under the Bridge.” The lyrics allude to Dave Navarro, Kiedis’s past struggles with drugs, and feelings of isolation. “Life can get good again despite all of that psychic and emotional and spiritual scar tissue,” Kiedis stated, making “Scar Tissue” an anthem of resilience and overcoming adversity. —J.D.
1. ‘Californication’ (1999)
Image Credit: Rolling Stone
The title track “Californication” stands as Anthony Kiedis’s magnum opus, almost unrealized. One of the first songs worked on with Frusciante’s return, it was nearly the last recorded for the album due to arrangement difficulties. Kiedis fought for its inclusion, convinced of its importance, sparked by the opening line “Psychic spies from China,” words he claimed were spoken to him by a stranger in Auckland. Frusciante’s brooding guitar riff became the anchor, and “Californication” was born. Kiedis’s verses reference diverse themes from Kurt Cobain to Star Trek, encapsulating the Chili Peppers’ ethos: the darker undercurrents beneath the California dream. “Californication” is the definitive Red Hot Chili Peppers song, blending lyrical depth, musical innovation, and cultural commentary into a timeless masterpiece. —A.M.
