Californication - Red Hot Chili Peppers > Reviews > Back from the 'otherside'.

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money

Advantages:	most of the songs
Disadvantages:	road trippin

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

In 1998, the Red Hot Chili Peppers' future looked bleak. The band was recovering from the commercial disappointment of 1995's "One Hot Minute" which featured former Jane's Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro; separate motorcycle accidents from drummer Chad Smith and singer Anthony Kiedis; the heroin relapse for Navarro and Kiedis; and the near-death heroin addiction of former guitarist John Frusciante. In early spring of '98, Navarro decided to leave the band citing creative differences and his desire to create a solo project. With Navarro's departure, the band looked like they were done until bassist Flea asked John Frusciante to return to the Peppers, Frusciante said yes. Months after Frusciante left the band in '92, he had become a heroin addict for five years and nearly died. Around that time, Flea had been contacting him and with his return, the band looked like they had a chance to show their magic again.

In 1999, the band released "Californication". "Californication" is a departure from the funk-rock stuff from the past. The album is a more laid-back approach with such tracks as "Porcelain", "Road Trippin", and the singles "Californication" and "Scar Tissue" which shows the brilliant skills of John Frusciante.

The album reflects a lot of lessons learned from years past, times for new beginnings, and their love for the state of California. The band still shows they have a funky side with songs like "I Like Dirt", "Around The World", "Get On Top", and "Right On Time". The album features straight ahead rock tunes like "Parallel Universe", "This Velvet Glove", and the hard-pumping single, "Otherside" which shows the bands brilliance as musicians.

"Californication" is an amazing return for the band. Anthony, Flea, John, and Chad showed that the magic of the Peppers is back. Many people thought when this album came out, it wouldn't sell and the band was done. Thanks to the singles "Californication", "Scar Tissue" and "Otherside", the band shows that they still have that magic that made them into one of the greatest bands of all-time.