Reviews (page 9 of 15)
My favorite record of all. Perfect.
Yeah
Listening to this was a chore. Flea’s bass playing was the only highlight. Did not enjoy the lyrics or delivery. Decent songs include: “Funky Monks” “Under the Bridge” “They’re Red Hot” “Give it Away” “Blood Sugar Sex Magik” “Apache Rose Peacock” “Sir Psycho Sexy” were annoying.
I saw the RHCP in '89 at the Hollywood Palladium. I was 18 and had mostly gone to see the opening band the Butthole Surfers. Good times. When this came out I was all about it. John Frusciante puts on a guitar clinic. Just outstanding playing. One of the few albums that stays interesting throughout it's lengthy runtime. This album is a masterpiece in my opinion.
Lots of bangers with a bitta filler
Well done. Monster album.
I know and love this album. 5*.
Eh.
Funky Monks Riff lernen!!
Amazing energetic bass- and drum-play. Right in the face. Two outstanding tracks ("Under The Bridge", "Give It A Way") plus some more good ones ("Breaking The Girl", "Funky Monks"...) and pieces. Unfortunately the album can't hold that level consistently just because of it's lenght. Worst: "Sir Psycho Sexy" 3,5
This album gets real funky in places. Some lows of the album keep it to a 3.
I loved this album when I was a teen. everything about it brings nostalgia, but I feel like it doesn't hold up. not to say, that it isn't good, it's just to plain for me.
my tldr review: these guys are FREAKY!!! my actually review: i think many people hate on these guys which put me off of them for a long time, but i had fun listening to this. i probably wouldn’t come back to it that often, if at all, but objectively i enjoyed it. maybe the campiest straight-person album i’ve listened to. the lyrics don’t make a whole lot of sense, but i think that’s sort of the point, and it’s not something i’ve ever been bothered by. all that being said, i wouldn’t rate it higher than like... a 3.5. it’s extremely long; you could easily remove at LEAST 6 songs and the listening experience wouldn’t be tampered with in the slightest. many songs blend together at points, which caused disengagement from me at certain points during the runtime.
10/10
I honestly expected more from Red Hot Chili Peppers. I can put my finger on what makes most of their songs off..? However I will give this a big 3, not a 4 due to my disappointment and the off’ness of the music.
Sick album 5 stars love seeing flea do his thing. Wish the funk continued with the band. Also love keidis’ nonsense poetry I could listen to him whisper his meaningless stream of consciousness forever (until he gets weirdly sexual which were my most uncomfortable moments of the album)
Way funkier than Californication, and also less consistent.
Not as good as Californication. Arguably Under the Bridge doesnt match the vibe of the rest of the album at all. Still solid
their best work in my opinion
Music is great and although the vocals are unmistakably red hot chili peppers they're not pleasant for such a long project. Isolated songs from this album are 5/5s but as a whole it runs long.
I have nothing anymore with the RHCP. This is absolutely dull and way too long.
Shit maat, wat een ellenlang album. Er staan wel voldoende goede nummers in om dit een goed album te maken. Plus, RHCP's beste nummer, Give it Away, staat hierop. 4.1 dus
Have listened to this one a lot in the past. Some great classics!
Its a light 4. Its better than the albums I normally give 3/5 to which is basically "its fine, didn't dislike it but its whatever". 73 minutes is crazy for the length of this album, it has no reason to be this long.
Got this on cassette back in the day, cause there was all this hype about them. I never understood. Still don’t. This is too MTV 90s suburban rock for me. It’s mostly just alright.
All around great album. Only two songs I did not like. Added about 3 or 4 to daily listens. Love the early peppers with the funk
Probably their best album. Unfortunately, market saturation makes it something I still don’t really appreciate.
Favourite songs: The Power Of Equality, Give It Away, Blood Sugar Sex Magik, Under the bridge. Overral too repetitive.
This is peak Funk-era RHCP. I happen to like some of their later stuff too, but if you are if the "I prefer old-school chilis" type, then this is probably the album you're thinking of
Amazing base lines Little long
Ja jezus... Ik zit echt even in de rock hoek. Opzich grappig dat dit album en mn vorige(Nevermind van Nirvana) op dezelfde dag zijn uitgekomen. De peppers zijn voor mij echt niet zo spannend, ik snap dat hun hits hits zijn geworden, die zitten vaak best wel goed in elkaar, maar alles daaromheen is zo ontzettend matig. Ik kan een halfuur hiernaar luisteren en je niets erover vertellen. Is het goed? Mwah, het is gewoon een beetje op de achtergrond... Het word wel weer tijd voor een goed album als je het mij vraagt, heb het hier ondertussen wel weer mee gehad. 2e helft van het album is wel echt een stuk beter dan de 1e helft. Maar ik hoop echt dat dit het laatste Peppers album is, ze zijn echt niet zo goed dat ze meer albums op de lijst verdienen. FAVO: Give it away en Under the bridge. Had ik je ook van tevoren kunnen vertellen. Oh en they're Red Hot, gewoon omdat het een belachelijk nummer is, gelukkig is ie kort!
Nostalgia. But not really my jam anymore. Anthony kedis is…something
Holy fuck this is what Red Hot Chili Peppers non-hits sound like? This is almost unlistenable, I was struggling after the blowjob song. Holy fuck. I think this is probably the third album I've listened to on this site that I have been completely unable to continue. Garbage album. If you enjoyed this out of nostalgia I get it, but if you came into this album fresh and enjoyed it, get your head checked. Seriously.
Pretty dreadful fucking vocals propped up by some talented performers on instruments. Was considering giving this a 3 for how they balance out but it started really getting on my nerves with how long this album was
Was quite disappointed midway through "Apache Rose Peacock" That I was only 13/19 songs. Music by retards for retards. There is a reason no one knows more than like 3 songs by this sorry excuse for a band. The hits are overplayed and not enough to save this drag of a record, especially if you've ever worked a job that had a site radio stuck on triple M because the old pricks you work with don't like "that doof doof" on any other station. The deep cuts lyrically are like if you took some weirdo band like they might be giants or tally hall and edged a heroin overdose on their lead writer while doing the clockwork orange psycho conditioning bit but instead of violence its just 90s pornography and the goal is not to form a negative association but to make them retarded and unable to get an erection unless they're watching videos of people putting live fish in their ass. The slither of redemption on this album is the bassline, that however, is spoiled by Flea being a gay loser who got assmad when BASED australians made light of the death of his stupidly named friend who he kissed on the lips. shit band if you like red hot chilli peppers go for a long walk in the sonora desert without water seeing as you love california so much.
How is the mixing on this so fucking bad 3/10 Fav tracks - none Least fav - blood sugar sex magik
Vaguely Predatory rock
RHCP is an interesting vehicle. Each of the band members are pretty talented, Flea is a good bassist, Frusciante is a competent guitarist. Unfortunately this is art in capitalism so talent is not the reason that these guys were able to achieve huge success. Anthony Kiedis' father is a failed actor and a failed father. At age 12, Anthony Kiedis moved to Hollywood because his father wanted to be an actor. Giving up after only 2 years, his father turned to dealing heroin to actors and ruined his son's life. The silver lining here is that Anthony Kiedis would have plenty of connections later in life to make his band really popular even though it sounds like shit!!!! The fact that this is one of the best selling bands of all time, along with the Police, proves that capitalism is a disgusting system that needs to be ripped down by violent revolution. Overly-long, dogshit album full of nonsensical lyrics with 2 "good" singles out of the FIVE on this album. This shit is ass. Frusciante left the band after the release of this album/subsequent tour and the reason cited is he was uncomfortable with the group's success which is probably a euphemism for he was sick of seeing Anthony Kiedis have sex with children. I envision that the storming of Warner Bros. records HQ will be as beautiful as when the workers sacked the Winter Palace in the October Revolution. 2/5 Highlights: Under the Bridge
This album reminded me why I don't like red hot chilli peppers. Some songs were good, and memorable hits, but for the most part I was waiting for it to end
If you asked me when I was a teenager, I probably would have said I was an RHCP fan. Hell, I owned one of their shirts! That said, I never felt super passionate about them, despite wearing the fuck out of Californication, and have not listened to them with any regularity for at least 15 years now. There seem to be two very strong camps concerning the Chili Peppers ("this is one of the worst bands to ever exist" and "y'all are dramatic af, their best stuff is awesome"), and I can honestly fall into either one of them depending on the song. As it pertains to Blood Sugar Sex Magik, I think "Breaking the Girl", "I Could Have Lied", and "Under the Bridge" are pretty fucking great. Everything else? Well...not all of it falls into "worst band ever" territory. I can't say I love "Give It Away" ("Bedrock Anthem" is lightyears better), but I don't hate it, and there are at least a few other tracks I feel relatively indifferent about. But holy shit, any interest that I might have once had in their stilted "funk" numbers has almost completely dissipated, as has my patience for Kiedis' rapping. I acknowledge and respect his distinctness, and I do think it works in moderation, but on this album in particular, he wears out his welcome with me pretty quickly. The terrible lyricism doesn't help; I love and appreciate a good nonsensical lyric when it's done right, and hell, I think there are songs on both this album and Californication where he gets away with it pretty well. For the lack of a better word, though, quite a few of these songs just sound stupid, and not in a very fun or interesting way for me. 2.5/5
some cool stuff here and there but man that was a lot of RHCP to listen to
Funkier than I remember. Good jams, but inconsistent and starts to sound the same. Is this really something I needed to hear before I died?
Ooh, a Beastie Boys tribute band. How cool… There are some quite nice moments hidden away in here, but they’re few and far between. I imagine people who like this probably still think Beavis and Butthead are funny. I found it rather tedious. And clearly far too long.
Ugh! I wanted to like this album and all but one song was hard to listen to.
So many classics. Yeah, I know, we laugh a little at Kiedis’ lyrics sometimes, but there are still a very good amount of amazing songs on here. I listened to this album so much in my teens.
# Album Name: Blood Sugar Sex Magik # Artist: RHCP # Rating: 3/5 # Comments: Incredibly funky introduction to this album. Not bad sounds but very dubious hip hop style lyrics. It doesnt suit the band or Keides if im honest. Then it breaks out into Breaking the girl which is a great track. Theres great vocals and acoustics on this song. Suck my kiss is such a great funk tune. That bass is slapping! Probably the highlight of the funk feel for the band. Then it falls into could have lied. Such a great slow moving melody. The guitar work by john on this is ace. Wicked solo. Give it away, the finale of their funk triumph. 2 out of an album of about 14 aint bad....i guess. Honestly, ive always felt RHCP were not suited to their funk roots. They have the musical ability but the sound and lyrics arent there. Thats where tracks like breaking the girl and UTB stand out. Under the bridge is an absolute classic. No doubt about it. Sadly, this album is simply too fucking long. Come on, nearly 80 mins? shit man. Theres 5 really good tunes on this thing. Cut the album to a total of 10, maybe 11 tracks at a push and it would have been an easy 4 for me. Sadly theres about 10+ tracks bringing this thing down. I never thought id say it but its a 3 for me. It saddens me. Cos the tunes i love are really fucking good man. But theres too much dross on this. Too many funk fillers. Its like someone went shit, we need to fill up another 40 mins on this CD, what the fuck should we do?! Oh i know, lets add in lots of bang average tracks. Damn shame. I've seen the chilli's live a few times and its always been the later years which have stood close to my heart. I look forward to getting californication on the list. # Top Tunes: Breaking the girl / Suck my kiss / I could have lied / Give it away # Would I listen to it again? Only the top tracks.
Great energy, but not a lot of range.
Honestly just an all around banger. I loved it so much
Too long. Too much mids RHCP.
Q lot of the songs felt exactly the same. Also very aggressive and horny at times. Still some bangers on here though
My bai's is coming out, cuz I love RHCP. Though I only listent to their greatest hits apparently. A lot of this album sounds just like all their other stuff. But all their stuff is pretty hype
I still don't know what to think about these guys. I SHOULD like them, they're alt rock with a mix of funk and a bit of jazz, which sounds like a cool fusion. But they're mostly just too noisy. It doesn't help that, lyrically, they are usually pretty bad. This album did not change my opinion of them. It's got one song that I really like (the one you expect, given my taste, the slow-building single with great composition, good mixing, and believable, emotional lyrics), a few that seem close to good, but rub me the wrong way, and a LOT that are just unpleasant to listen to, despite having bits and pieces that are pretty great on their own. I could give this anywhere between a one and a three depending on how much I'm giving promise vs. delivery, but I've heard enough of this band to know that they never really deliver on that promise. Maybe hey finally got there with Stadium Arcadium (I haven't heard that yet, but at least I don't hate Snow), but I'm fine with the two songs I bought back in the iPod era. Let me know if they ever come close to Under the Bridge or Otherside.
some true bangers on here (I Could Have Lied, Under The Bridge) but overall a bit more boring than some of their later albums imo
Complicated stuff coming up. On one hand, I think I’ll hate this, and on the other hand, I somehow think it’ll be better than I thought. A TON of radio tracks on the everytown alt rock station, so we’ll see how they hold up when not coming from the beleaguered speakers of my ‘08 Caravan. Sweet Jesus I hate the “hey batter batter” thing already. This band evokes a strong degree of second hand embarrassment. Cringe if you will. Regular readers of my reviews (nobody) can relate no doubt. This is the worst group of people in your city that have decided to form a band. But. This hook IS pretty good. Pretty cool funk rock. It really sounds like he’s saying the power of INequality. Which is much funnier. Anyway. Decent start. “If you have to ask” is a pretty fun “jam-funk” song. Did I just coin the whitest genre name ever? Probably. It’s fun, but wanky as it goes forever. SHEEEEEEE WAS A GIRRRRRLLL. His vocals were always going to be the obstacle here. That tonal quality is lacking in quality. Might turn on my keyboard clacks to drown this one out. Departure from funk in favour of 60’s folk hoots underneath the caterwauling of the human embodiment of chlamydia. Massive lowlight. Funky Monks sounds like the theme song for a Mike Judge cartoon that never made air sung as a military call and response march. Do with that what you will. Good outro at least. Ohhh buddy. We’re getting a big hit. Anything beats these lyrics to be fair. BUT the main riff is seriously great and the bass is earth rattling. Flea’s Fracking Concern™️ Good god. Love this song. The ballad. Man. It sounds almost exactly like “Picnic of Love,” by insane Noise/Grindcore outfit AxCx. Writing reviews is dumb. Well the slinky song stinks. Too many sex lyrics. From a gross group o’ fellas. Ah Jesus I don’t like the War and Peace one either. In the wise re-writing of The Simpsons “See what I’d like, is I’d like to hug and kiss ya.” Get Krusty in here. I’m sure you could get AI to do that. We truly live in hell. Although if I was the same age in 1991 as I am now, maybe seeing 4-5 20 something drug addicts from California be given this musical platform wouldve given me the same view of Dystopia. This song is fine, although the goofy “boinging” noise is pretty repulsive. Oh boy. The title track. I like how the cover includes the words as combined entities. Chili Sex being the highlight of these combos. Anyway. It’s worth mentioning that this cover looks like what would happen if you imagined and combined each of the elements of a deadbeat dad in 2005. Right down to the haircuts. Goofy comparisons aside, this song is not too shabby. Speaking of deadbeat dads. I feel like this has blasted through more than one 2000 Pontiac Sunfire en route to a divorce hearing. 1.5 billion plays. I’ve never been, but I hate the concept of the west coast. The heat, the people, the apparent lack of rules and structure. It sounds like a hellscape. A song that is this popular and essentially a platform for the least talented member of this band to wax poetic about Los Angeles is not for me. It would be MUCH cooler if it were about trolls asking riddles. The bass solo pal. Hell yeah. As hard as Flea is to look at and imagine as a person to actually speak to, buddy can play a bass. This song sucks. More gratuitous yet nonsensical sex lyrics. Reads like it was written by a kid who was held back a couple grades bragging to his much younger classmates about an intimate encounter that never occurred. The riff is almost suicidal tendencies, but as usual, the vocals are giving me suicidal thoughts. Boring. Funk again, but nothing of any distinctive flavour. Hooo until that bass break.damn. Flea really is the glue here. An 8 minute song about an insane Bootsy Collins soundalike called “Sir Psycho Sexy??????” With a god damn E40 bass line?? I’m listening. The lyrics are atrocious BUT with this dumb character, it almost works. This leans more into the unintentional cringe that occurs throughout this thing. Am I inventing scenarios to make this song palatable? Possibly. Either way. I laughed, it’s funky. A good bad song. I don’t know if they’re red hot, but I can say this was a fun outro. I didn’t know what to expect coming into this and I leave just as confused. The output from Flea, the Will Ferrell drummer fella, the bad, drugged up poet and of course, the other guy; was in part funk hero worship, and in many other parts, juvenile diary entry. What those two things equal? I still don’t really know. I had a good time, I had a bad time, and when it’s all said and done, the Red Hot chilli peppers produce music that makes an inconsistent impact. Half of the listening plane is covered with smoking craters, opened up by funk artillery, and the other half is littered with wadded up sheets of paper from Anthony Keidis’ sex therapist’s notepad. 2.5 HIGHLIGHTS: The Power of Equality, Suck my Kiss, Blood Sugar Sex Magick, The Greeting Song (sans vocals), Sir Psycho Sexy
I've come to the opinion listening to this that RHCP are better when they're not doing their more funk rock numbers. Most song on this album are like that, and IDK it just gets a little annoying, plus the albums too long and has too much filler like material particularly towards the end.
In his autobiography Scar Tissue, Kiedis described having sex with a 14-year-old fan who was the daughter of a Louisiana police chief, despite knowing her age. He wrote the song "Catholic School Girls Rule" about the encounter.[289] In 1986, Kiedis dated the actress Ione Skye when she was 16, below the age of consent in California.[290]
John Frusciante isn’t even the best guitarists in the Red Hot Chili Peppers
Good angry white boy music. The bass player and drummer are excellent together.
6/10 Just way too long. You could take the singles out, or half of any of the non-single songs, and it would be easier to digest. But when it comes down to it, the chili peppers are some of the best musicians in the business and songs like Sir Psycho Sexy prove it. The moments where the instrumentals take over, or the few songs that aren’t just consistently loud, are welcome.
Californication was better
How do I not own this record yet? This was a force when it was released and developed a change in sound along with the band writing songs that were far more personal (Under the Bridge). If you like funky rock, this is a good one. Favorite under-rated song: Breaking the Girl.
It’s fair to say that this album helped explode alternative rock into the mainstream of American popular music. https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-blood-sugar-sex-magik?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Hard rock band out of the 90’s-00’s. Mix of good, and bad music. Some strange band members!
This album certainly has its place in musical history. It came out when I was in my third year of college. Heard it 1000 times. Made for a heavy partying 20 year old. But I just can’t get passed the annoyance & cockeyness of the Chili Peppers. Saw the Foo Fightets open for them when Foo had one album and they blew the RHCP away. I was actually embarrassed for them a bit. Giving it a 3 for its place in history, but it’s a stretch.
I enjoyed it overall. 3.5
good but I prefer their later albums
fire ngl
3/5 for mye rart mellom gullet
Never really got into this record
It’s a good album, but I am so sick of it… so maybe it’s not as good as I think it is.
The rapping in this album is awful but the instrumentation is nice
RHCP does not disappoint! Saw them this summer. They've still got it. Great album. Listen to it every few years.
This would have been 5* when I was 15. It just doesn't have it for me anymore.
Give it away now! A few good songs and a lot of filler. 3/5
90% Best (Favorites in this case): The Power of Equality; If You Have To Ask; Funky Monks; Mellowship Slinky in B Major; Apache Rose Peacock; My Lovely Man; Sir Psycho Sexy Must-Hear? Yes
Rating: 10/10 One of my favorite albums of all time. So funky and fun to listen to from start to finish. Would cut the last two songs but besides that a consistently excellent album, definitely the band's strongest release.
So much filler on this one
me cargan
-lol two Red Hot Chili Peppers albums in the span of two days on here… that’s crazy I haven’t had anything happen like that -This seems not to be the general consensus but I do think I prefer Californication… BSSM feels a bit bloated, but it does have some super fun and interesting sounds. I like the white guy rap influence tbh -Favorites are If You Have To Ask, Suck My Kiss, and Under The Bridge
The extent of my knowledge for the Chili Peppers’ discography consists of hearing their most popular songs over the years. I mean, I remember finding Can’t Stop for the first time in 6th grade, and showing my friend the music video in art class the next day. I went home after that and asked my dad if he knew who Red Hot Chili Peppers were, like I had discovered the most underground band ever. As I’ve grown up, I’ve realized they might be one of the most polarizing bands ever. At least at their level. There are a lot of people who can’t stand them. Although, it does beg the question, do they really hate the band or just Anthony Kiedis? To a degree, I understand where the distaste comes from. It’s really what inspires most of my gripes with this album. Aside from it probably being too long, Anthony just sticks out like a really ugly, sore thumb. Every piece of info I’ve learned about him has been against my will, and has generally not been positive. As much as I enjoy some of their music, I’ll never pretend that he can really sing all that well. He’s definitely at his best on something like Under the Bridge. He sounds very young here, and his lyricism often feels like purely goofy rambling. On this particular record, it leans more towards the very sexually charged kind. Sir Psycho Sexy or Suck My Kiss are glaring examples of that. It’s unfortunate that Anthony brings this down so much by just being himself. Because everything else is awesome. The band dynamic is really strange, considering almost everyone can unanimously agree on what the draw of this group really is. Flea, John Frusciante and Chad Smith are some of the best ever in their individual categories. Particularly the first two. This albums’ best moments are when Anthony shuts up and lets the music really run wild. I do think there could’ve been a little more variety though. Like, The Greeting Song is good, but My Lovely Man almost sounds like the same song. This isn’t a bad album. But it’s not a game-changer for me. I doubt a Chili Peppers' album ever would be. Rating: 7/10
Ew
senza infamia e senza lode
Bravini, apprezzo che spazino un po’ di generi nel corso dell’album
this album is either a 1 or a 5. I'm going 1
I have heard a huge array of differing opinions surrounding this band: some saying it’s their favourite to others despising. I myself don’t think i’ve ever listened to more than one song at a time- and I have to admit I did not like. Both the lyrics and way of singing are not something I find particularly special. I disliked it greatly.
I will never like this band. Mostly due to Anthony Keidis being either the most-annoying or worst (sometimes at the same time) singer in the rock genre outside of nu-metal. In general the RHCPs make me think of ritalin-eating high-energy bros and serves as an immediate knuckle punch of the *seek* button when heard in the car. Something legitimately positive: the other 3 are great musicians. I may not like the style but they can be enjoyable to listen to. At times. Sum: yes please give it away. 4/10 2 stars.
More funk-oriented, weird, and sex-obsessed than "Under the Bridge" would lead you to believe. "Suck My Kiss" and "Give It Away" are better representations of this album. Most of it isn't really my thing (at 73 minutes, it could use some editing), but there's definitely a lot of energy. Highlights: "Breaking the Girl" (jangly goodness with nice vocal harmonies), "I Could Have Lied" (stripped down rhythm swction, nice melodic guitar work), "Under the Bridge" (way overplayed, but it's a classic)
Why is this so popular? I can’t really remember a lot of songs on here besides the hits, and it’s so unnecessarily long. The musicians are good, but I do not like Anthony Kiedis as a vocalist. I prefer Californication, just because a lot of stuff on that is slower, and they tend to do that better than their usual style.
classic remember where i was the 1st time i heard it
While this has some great songs and some of my favorite RHCP songs, I also could do without about half of the album.
Great album, one of their best. From that magical time in 1991.
Hell yeah, Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Probably the best of the Peppers' work. Lots of good funky rockers here, pierced in the middle by "Under the Bridge," which is the turd in the punchbowl. But you can't argue with the riffage in Suck My Kiss, the title cut, and Sir Psycho Sexy. A fun listen if you skip #11.
There were a group of guys from a particular school who were obsessed with this band in their teens. I remember listening to a lot of their hits but I'm not entirely sure I ever really liked them.
I guess I'm not as big of an RHCP fan as I thought. There's so much talent in this band and then Anthony Kiedis has to open his mouth and go bippity bap bop suck my weiner
The answer to the eternal question “What if beat poets liked meth?”
Blood sugar baby, she magik Sex magik, Sex magik
This is the Peppers at their best. I wouldn’t say any of it is awe inspiring. Maybe “Under the Bridge” comes close, but it’s mostly just quality songs. It gets a little dodgy with the last few tracks, but I’m not complaining. Didn’t need to be that long, though. 4/5
This album is truly a variety pack of multiple different genres and I didn't enjoy quite a few of the songs like Give It Away and Suck My Kiss
Classic, absolute awesomeness.
I loved the start of the album with The Power of Equality, If You Have to Ask, and Breaking the Girl. However, it fell off a slope after that. I disliked Funky Monks, and Suck My Kiss was absolutely terrible and abhorrent—it completely changed my mood about the album. There were some great songs here and there, but overall, I probably wouldn’t revisit the album as a whole. I definitely preferred the band when they were more introspective and heartfelt rather than funky.
-Breaking The Girl, worth a second listen -I Could Have Lied, sexy little guitar solo midsong from John F. -Some songs/lyrics are overly horny rockstar, Sir Sexy Psycho literally says semen
Good mix of genres, but a lot of tracks could have been avoided, there is a definite variety of quality
I bought this on vinyl at the time, because the videos for Under The Bridge and Breaking The Girl were on heavy rotation on MTV; I bought into the whole vibe and am still fond of the Chilis. UTB is a huge, deserved classic and I liked the other singles, but for some reason, I've neglected to return to the rest of the album. Listening now, I think that's because I'm less keen on shouty/stompy Chilis, and more keen on melodic Chilis. The balance is better for me personally on Californication and By The Way, both of which would/will probably get 5 stars. But this is still very good: Flea and Frusciante always create Magik of a sort. See what I did there. Good to rediscover a couple more for my Chilis playlist but (whispers) I'd have preferred this as a single album, I suspect, without a few of the dafter and/or noisier tracks.
Classic Funk Metal album - a Real sign of the times.
2,5
Very good. Some down moments. But overall good.
I’ve never listened to the Red Hot Chili Peppers before aside from little bits of their hits. I found most of it rather fun, but I can see how it could get annoying. I didn’t listen to this in one sitting, so it was fine for me.
Good funky RHCP sound, but unnecessarily drawn out. The good tracks don't carry enough to make up for it.
Uneven but the bangers are banging 4
Klassiker. Några riktigt stabila låtar, men också en del rätt trötta spår.
An album with a sound I really like, but which slightly overstays its welcome. Besides being too long, some of the lyrics are a bit cringy. But the overall energy and vibe is quite fun to listen to. The bass playing is so funky, and the singer's voice is distinctive and pleasant. The only song I was familiar with was Under the Bridge, which I think is for sure the best track on the album
ok highlights: breaking the girl, under the bridge (feb 26 2026)
I wasn’t into this album when it came out and I’m not sure I’ve ever identified as a RHCP fan, so I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this album. Sure it’s derivative and sometimes immature sexual overtness can distract, but it’s mostly a funky, riff heavy, bass-and-drum driven masterclass in West Coast rock!
I have argued for a long time that this is one of the greatest albums of the 90s and definitely the best chilli peppers album. It seems in fashion now to dismiss the chilli peppers but when this was released it was fresh. Messy, and exciting- each song full of energy. The songs were all so different- I could have lied is so different from suck my kiss. And the title track still sound phenomenal. A band that were at their peak and who had found a perfect blend of punk, funk, and melodies. A solid 5.
I remember walking to The Warehouse after school the day the album came out to buy it, and I remember recording an interview with a couple members before that so I could listen to some songs before the album dropped. 14 year old me loved RHCP more than any other band. When it dropped I loved this album, and continued to loved for many years. As time went on, though, I became increasingly dissatisfied with RHCP, their sound, direction, energy, etc. I longed for rawer heavier feel of Uplift Mofo, Mother's Milk, and BSSM. One Hot Minute and Californication had moments I truly loved, but overall they felt weak and limp by comparison. I found some of their later stuff hardly listenable. I began to blame BSSM in my mind as the tuning point, the moment when they found their full artistic voice, pointing the way to the pandering softness to come, reaching to recreate the magic of Under the Bridge and Give it Away forever more. They'd sold out as far as I was concerned. None of that was fair or real, but that's what was in my head all the way up to this listen. I probably haven't listened closely to this album in at least a decade, maybe longer. It's brilliant. I'm right back to where I was in the beginning with it. There are maybe a couple throw away songs for me, but it's a fantastic album with a nearly perfect flow and cadence Even the weakest songs, The Power of Equality and Naked in the Rain serve their purpose. I love the feel, the production, the musicianship, the variety, the creativity, and the guts. This might be one of my very favorite albums of the 90s. I came into this album distant and jaded, expecting I might give this 3 stars. I listened with open ears and heart, and it has to be 5.
👌
the guitar is ok, the drums are too bright, and the vocals are generally bad
"Now, boys... the network has a problem with some of your lyrics. Would you mind changing 'em for the show?" "Forget you, clown." "Hey, our lyrics are like our children, man. No way." "Well, okay. But here, where you say, 'What I got, you gotta get and put it in you,' how about just, "What I'd like is I'd like to hug and kiss you'?" "Wow! That's much better. Everyone can enjoy that."
Amazing album - been too long
I appreciate to find this very album as the RHCP's first in this list. I love Under the Bridge and loved hard rock riffs and rythms, although I prefer later albums
Yeah, Blood Sugar Sex Magik is great. I bet every bassist has this Red Hot Chili Peppers phrase, or whatever you call it. You know, funk rock is not typically my thing, but I can't think of a reason not to show some respect to this one band and album. I'm not here for anything other than the basslines anyway. 3.5/5
A real soundtrack to my teenage years. Funnily fell out of love with the Chili's after Californication around Stadium Arcadium but rediscovered and reloved. Powerhouse performances and a flawless record
You're all sick, this is 5/5.. I know what you're smoking
One of the most powerfully stupid records ever made.
This album feels bloated. There's so many songs that should probably have been left out. There's a few standout hits in there, but it's hard to recall those over the straight up perverted, awful songs. Best songs: Under the Bridge, I Could Have Lied Worst songs: Apache Rose Peacock, Sir Psycho Sexy
If you have to ask you'll never know.
This was totally my jam in 1991, but it feels a bit dated now. Still some fun tracks that show the versatility of RHCP.
I don't mind listening to it, but it just feels like radio music. Mid.
First listen. Ok i guess, but I’d rather listen to Rage Against the Machine.
A wild funk-rock fever dream. Anthony Kiedis is either singing/white rapping about love, lust, California, or all three. The instrumentals are always tight, with amazing work done by each member. While I could criticize Keidis’ vocals to no end, he delivers some of his best on here, along with the rest of the band. Not one of my tops, but a sure highlight for RHCP. Also, my guilty pleasure song will always be “Suck My Kiss.”
I'd fallen out of love with these guys but after listening to this album I've gone back to loving them again. The Power of Equality starts it off extremely well, and the one-two combo of the title track and Under the Bridge is absolutely sublime Anthony's vocals are amazing, bass is super punchy, catchy riffs. Best album I've had so far Sidenote: This is my 20th album and my first 5 star worthy album - that does not bode well. I'm either really unlucky, or I'm in for a long three years
Never really into them. 2 classic songs
bestu lögin eru fín. en þetta er alltof langt og kiedes er vangefinn.
Occasionally good, too many songs, Mr bungle are better
This album brings back so many memories but they all mesh together except one. I still can’t fully listen to I Could Have Lied due to that song being on when i found out a guy from my grade got hit by a car and died. It’s just too much. I was a fan of the Chili’s back when Mothers Milk came out but this catapulted them into the stratosphere for quite some time. It’s funky but not completely out there. Under the Bridge is a top notch slow song, so is Breaking the Girl. The big hits were big for them. You have to know at least one song from this album. I guarantee this is an album that every listener at least likes. It doesn’t disappoint. Choice cut: Blood Sugar Sex Magik
7.5/10 It was funky, and i like funky Weird subject matter tho
I have listened to a lot of RHCP throughout the years and they have a lot of songs I really like. Not every song is my favourite on this album but the songs that are great already have their place in my playlists.
This album hasn't aged well. It's not terrible. There are still some good songs on here and the musicianship is solid. But the lyrical content and the faux rapping is very much stuck in the early 90s. That said, it does bring back some good memories so I give it a pass. It would have been higher in the 90s though.
Pepperssssss💞💞
Fav: If You Have To Ask Least Fav: They’re Red Hot They play their instruments competently, but this is lost behind the atrocious lyrics and bloated track list which takes away from the charm of the actually good songs, which there aren’t many of. When they hit they do a decent job but the misses are the standouts, especially when it’s this long
would be great instrumental album
The highs are high, but overall feels like they could have cut this down to a 12 song album and made it a masterpiece.
Easiest review of my life. This album has been the solidification of my love for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I fell in love with their loose musical style during their Stadium Arcadium age. I have since then come to enjoy every album in their own right and love this one for its passion and energy. It knows how to reel you in, smack you in the face, take you for a spin and hype you up. Two of my personal favorites are Suck My Kiss and If You Have to Ask. I Could Have Lied has a special place in my heart because of the drastic switch in tone it has on the album.
A classic.
Never been a fan but was a solid album
Really enjoy the sound on this. Wish it were shorter, it was a lot to listen to
Fun for a while, with a few particularly good tracks - the best example being Under the Bridge. Unfortunately, the album gets boring and repetitive far too quickly for its ~75 minute run time.
Great album, only downfall is the length, feel like it would be a stronger album if it was a bit shorter
Not a fan then, not a fan now.
Ahhh, this takes me back. Its 1996 and i'm 14 and at Tom Booths house. This was on repeat and felt so dangerous. Whatever your opinions on late stage RHCP and some of the more recent allegations that deserve to have them cancelled, this is an undeniably good record. There are 5/6 really top tier tracks, a few good and a few average tracks and a better editor would have brought this in under an hour but it was sure fun. It has some of the hallmarks of more rock based late 80's sleaze but it manages to avoid the repellant aspects and replaces them with some introspection, some very good slap bass and just a fuck ton of energy.
This is such a tough one to rank. The nostalgia factor is super high with this one. Adolescent me loved this. I still really enjoy the music side of this album. But I just cannot handle Anthony Kiedis creepy ass lyrics and weird affectations throughout. Goddam Flea though. Amazing bass.
Great bass and great drumming! This was a bit too long for me but I enjoyed it. 3.5/5
**An ok album, loud, hard, not my cup of tea
Ah yes - the first REAL Chili Peppers album, at least as I see it. My general opinion on the Chili Peppers, which I think most agree with, is that the band consists of three absolutely world class musicians fronted by arguably the most annoying vocalist in the business. If they had a great vocalist, I really do believe they would be universally seen as one of the all time greats. This album captures them in a nutshell - smooth as hell bass lines, tight rhythm guitars, great lead guitar licks, solid as hell beats, and... weird non-sensical hip-hop style vocals about California and sex and drugs. In the end, I allow myself to look past it and just enjoy it. I love this album for what it is.
I had not heard this album in its entirety before. I think it has some really great songs on it.
Meh
Surprisingly torn on this one. I remember this album fondly, but here were my thoughts - First few songs terrible - Used to not like suck my kiss, but it is a good song actually. gets to the core of their funk sound that I like. - too bad the rest of the album sounded exactly like that - with the exception of under the bridge which is an obvious masterpiece
Enjoyable album.
Favorite Band
Listen, take like 3 or 4 songs and then leave this sh t. I don't get the hype of this album.
**Blood Sugar Sex Magik** by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, released on September 24, 1991, is considered a landmark album in the band's career and a classic of 1990s rock music. It marked a shift from their earlier work, with a more polished production and mature themes while retaining their trademark funk-rock sound. Produced by Rick Rubin, the album showcases the band’s ability to blend genres, with elements of funk, rock, hip-hop, and even hints of psychedelia. Here's a comprehensive analysis of the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and its influence on music, along with its pros and cons. ### Lyrics **Blood Sugar Sex Magik** features some of Anthony Kiedis's best lyrical work. The lyrics cover a range of themes, from sensuality and relationships to addiction and inner struggle. Kiedis often employs vivid imagery, personal anecdotes, and wordplay to add depth to his songwriting. - **Sensuality and Romance**: The title itself hints at the sensual nature of the album. Songs like "Suck My Kiss" and "Sir Psycho Sexy" explore overtly sexual themes with a raw, primal energy. The lyrics range from playful to explicit, with Kiedis tapping into the erotic and hedonistic experiences of his life. The provocative content, however, never veers into mere crudeness, as there is always a sense of spontaneity and joy in his delivery. - **Love and Loss**: "I Could Have Lied" deals with heartbreak and emotional vulnerability. Kiedis reflects on the pain of being hurt by someone he loved, showcasing his ability to tap into deep emotional experiences. - **Struggle with Addiction**: Tracks like "Under the Bridge" give a more introspective view, particularly dealing with Kiedis's feelings of loneliness and the longing for a connection while battling heroin addiction. The lyrics resonate as a genuine confession, revealing a softer, more contemplative side to the band's persona. Overall, Kiedis's lyrics on the album strike a balance between raw passion, emotional honesty, and playful exuberance. ### Music Musically, **Blood Sugar Sex Magik** is a perfect blend of funk grooves and hard rock riffs, with elements of punk and hip-hop. The album's sound is characterized by Flea's slapping basslines, John Frusciante's eclectic guitar work, Chad Smith's powerful drumming, and Kiedis's rhythmic, sometimes rap-like vocal delivery. - **Guitar Work**: John Frusciante's playing is a standout throughout the album. He avoids traditional rock guitar soloing in favor of rhythm-focused riffs and melodic fills. His use of space and dynamics, especially in tracks like "Under the Bridge" and "Breaking the Girl," adds emotional depth. Frusciante also employs a variety of effects, such as wah-wah pedals and delays, creating a psychedelic edge to the music. - **Bass and Drums**: Flea's bass playing is iconic on this record, from the funky slap of "Give It Away" to the more melodic approach on "Breaking the Girl." His ability to switch between being a rhythmic foundation and a lead instrument gives the album a distinct groove. Chad Smith's drumming complements Flea's playing perfectly, with a solid, driving rhythm that propels the songs while allowing for moments of improvisation. - **Song Structures**: The songs on **Blood Sugar Sex Magik** often follow unconventional structures, mixing funk jams with hard rock choruses and mellow, introspective verses. This is evident in tracks like "The Righteous & The Wicked," where the dynamic shifts keep the listener engaged. ### Production Produced by Rick Rubin, **Blood Sugar Sex Magik** marked a turning point in the Chili Peppers' career in terms of production quality. Rubin's influence can be felt throughout the album in the way he balances rawness with polish. - **Recording Process**: The band recorded the album in a mansion that was reputedly haunted, which contributed to the album's unique atmosphere. Rubin encouraged the band to embrace a looser, more spontaneous approach, and many of the tracks were recorded live. This approach gave the album a raw energy that contrasts with the polished sound of many mainstream records at the time. - **Sound Quality**: The production brings out the best in each instrument. Flea’s bass is always prominent without overshadowing the guitar, and Chad Smith’s drums have a powerful punch. Rubin's minimalist approach avoided over-layering, allowing the music to breathe and the band's chemistry to shine through. ### Themes The album explores themes of sensuality, struggle, spirituality, and introspection. Its content can be divided broadly into the following thematic categories: - **Sex and Sensuality**: Tracks like "Suck My Kiss," "Sir Psycho Sexy," and "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" dive into hedonistic themes with exuberance. This isn’t just about physicality, though; there is also a mystical and almost ritualistic approach to sensuality in the way the songs are presented. - **Addiction and Isolation**: The most poignant theme is addiction. "Under the Bridge" reflects Kiedis's struggle with heroin addiction and his feelings of isolation from the rest of the band and the world. The song's success helped raise awareness about substance abuse and showed that rock music could tackle personal struggles with sincerity. - **Spirituality and Transcendence**: There are moments of searching for something greater than oneself, both musically and lyrically. "Breaking the Girl" touches upon difficult relationships and finding meaning beyond personal struggles. There’s a sense of catharsis present in the music that suggests the band's desire to transcend their physical and emotional hardships. ### Influence and Legacy **Blood Sugar Sex Magik** significantly influenced the alternative rock scene of the 1990s. It helped solidify the fusion of funk and rock, paving the way for other bands like Rage Against the Machine, Jane’s Addiction, and Primus. The album's success also catapulted the Red Hot Chili Peppers into mainstream recognition, setting the stage for their later mega-hits in the 2000s. - **Impact on the Band**: The album's commercial and critical success transformed the Red Hot Chili Peppers from a cult band to international superstars. Frusciante's guitar work became iconic, influencing a generation of guitarists, and the song "Under the Bridge" remains one of the band's most recognizable tracks. - **Impact on Popular Music**: It marked a shift away from the hair metal and glam rock trends of the 1980s, favoring a rawer and more authentic rock sound. The album's blending of genres encouraged other artists to experiment with genre fusion. This trend towards diverse musical influences became a hallmark of the 1990s alternative rock scene. ### Pros 1. **Diverse Musical Style**: The album's ability to mix funk, rock, and hip-hop while still sounding cohesive is one of its biggest strengths. Each track brings something different, keeping the listener engaged throughout. 2. **Strong Musicianship**: Flea's bass lines and Frusciante's guitar playing are particularly notable. Their interplay is tight and creates a dynamic foundation for the songs. 3. **Honest and Raw Lyrics**: Anthony Kiedis's lyrics are some of the most personal and honest of his career, addressing issues like addiction, love, and sensuality with genuine emotion. 4. **Memorable Tracks**: With songs like "Under the Bridge," "Give It Away," and "Breaking the Girl," the album contains some of the band's most iconic songs, which have stood the test of time. 5. **Rick Rubin’s Production**: The production quality enhances the band's raw energy without compromising on clarity, allowing the emotion and spontaneity of the recording sessions to be felt. ### Cons 1. **Inconsistent Lyricism**: While some tracks feature deep and introspective lyrics, others, such as "Sir Psycho Sexy," lean heavily into more juvenile, sexually explicit territory, which might detract from the album's overall maturity. 2. **Overly Long Runtime**: At over 70 minutes, the album feels a bit bloated. Some tracks, especially towards the end, could have been trimmed to make for a tighter, more impactful listening experience. 3. **Not for Everyone**: The rawness and funk-punk fusion might not appeal to all listeners. Some might find the sexual themes off-putting or excessive. 4. **Stylistic Limitations**: Although the band fuses different genres effectively, some of the tracks feel formulaic in their funk-rock structure, which could seem repetitive to those who are not fans of the style. ### Conclusion **Blood Sugar Sex Magik** stands out as one of the most important rock albums of the 1990s, not just for its commercial success but for its musical innovation and emotional depth. Its fusion of genres, raw lyricism, and exceptional musicianship set the stage for the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ future, helping to define a new era in rock music. While it has some inconsistencies, the album’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, earning its place as a classic that continues to influence musicians across genres.
One of the albums from my youth that helped shape my taste in music. I can’t believe I didn’t wear this tape out.
After a while Keidis' "whoop-hap-gap-plop" lyrics get a bit annoying.
This is a really Good album even if the Chilli pepper sound has been run into the ground
This record is magnificent. You understand why everybody loves RHCP. Band is tight. Flea and Chad Smith are a one-of-a-kind duo. Add John Frusciante to that and you get this. Outstanding. Straight grooves.
Are these guys from California?
Las guitarras del álbum son muy interesantes. Es lindo ver cómo nace un género del cual se derivan muchos sub-generos. Lo único que frena el máximo rating es que sea un disco doble, porque se hace algo pesado escucharlo del tirón
Two good tracks. Funky though.
My friends brother had this on cassette and played it all the time. I remember it just sounding off. Three decades and change later I feel the same. They have a distinct sound and its not terrible, but for such a hit album there is not a lot of good here. Under the Bridge is fantastic, Suck My Kiss sounds like a Soundgarden or Audioslave song but with lyrics by Anthony Kiedis, I Could Have Lied isnt bad, when they go away from hard funk rock its infinitely better.
Under the Bridge is great! The rest is funky but annoying. I don’t think I’m a Pep Head
A really good album for rock lovers, not for me though.
Just so... bland and soulless. Rubin's production is very good, the actual instrumentals are okay. Flea's bass playing is rightfully acclaimed. But the flow is so terrible, the influences are so hollow, the vibes are just rancid all around. Bloated as hell as well.
Give It Away and Under The Bridge are great songs. Rest ok 3/5
Dan - Listened to a lot of the songs as a teenager, with the album reminiscent of that time. Probably moved on from this music now
Ah, Blood Sugar Sex Magik. I listened to quite a bit of the Chili Peppers when I was younger, and this was actually the first album with a parental advisory label that I ever bought (I bought it in 2003 when I was 18 and didn't need my parents' permission). I think I've only listened to this album from start to finish one time, but I know the singles on this album really well (as I'm sure most people do). I've already reviewed Californication, which I thought was fine. I have a feeling that I'm going to feel the same way about this album, which makes me a little sad. The Chili Peppers seem to get a lot of hate from people my age these days, and I hate to jump on that bandwagon, but I fear my tastes have changed a bit from my adolescence. I guess there's only one to find out if I'm turning into an old man who hates fun... Well, Red Hot Chili Peppers don't really scratch any itches for me these days. Is Blood Sugar Sex Magik culturally significant and worthy of being on this list? Without a doubt. But listening to over seventy minutes of these guys is not my idea of a good time. This album is good, but it's also a bit of a mess and a chore to get through. There are some great moments on it, but there's also a lot of repetitiveness. Flea's bass lines are great, but Kiedis's vocals didn't take long to wear me down, nor did the more nonsensical lyrics. As much as I don’t care for the album as a whole, most of the singles from it are great. “Give It Away,” “Under The Bridge,” and “Breaking The Girl” are fantastic, and “If You Have to Ask” is pretty good too. Other than the bass line and drum fills, I can’t stand “Suck My Kiss,” which is far and away the worst single from the album. “Give It Away” is an absolute blast and the best track on the album (but by a slim margin); the lead and bass guitar parts are fantastic, and Kiedis’s vocal style is the perfect fit for this song’s infectious energy. “Breaking The Girl” is the second best track on the album, but by the slimmest of margins. The Mellotron really gives the sound a haunting depth, but the drum fills give it a groove that makes it still fit in on the album. “Under The Bridge” is great too. I love the guitar playing during the intro, the lyrics are great, and the soft percussion rounds out the mellow sound really well. Other than the singles, the other songs that I really liked were “Funky Monks” and “I Could Have Lied.” While I’m not a big fan of this album, the best parts of it are great, and I think it’s pretty good from an objective standpoint. It deserves its place on this list, but I can’t see myself firing up the whole album again.
Meh. Under the bridge might still be ok to listen to, the rest is outdated and their sound is not appealing to me.
Got bored. Stopped listen8ng part way through
Well. Distinctive, at least. … there’s like 30 good seconds on this album. Max. We all know what they are. Rest of this is absolute genuine torture.
what up with all the hate on this one, i enjoyed it
Better than their last album but not interested
Not my favorite rhcp album but it has some pretty big songs on here. The rest is ok though. A solid 3 or 3.5
Just too long. Under the bridge carries this to a 4.
Not a huge fan of RHCP, but this record is solid as a rock, if a little long.
Another band I find the singles better than the albums as a whole. Great grooves and rhythms but I find Kiedis' vocals annoying. Still a very good album, just not what I'd call great.
not for me
The peak of the chili peppers
A lot of variety on the album, some good some not as much. “Funk rock” element to the songs works well in some places, gets a little tiresome in others. Lyrics very hit or miss as well. Overall more good than bad I think. Breaking the Girl is a great song.
1. Rub me wrong and I get pissed 2.Pudding’s sweet but too aloof 3. The twilight of love had arrived 4. There are no monks in my band 5. Chicka chicka dee do me like a banshee 6. A soulful song that would not stay 7. Popcorn peanuts lookin’ at big butts 8. Global abortion please 9. Dancin’ down on life with agility 10. I mingle with divinity 11. Lonely as I am, together we cry 12. Naked in the rain with a killer whale 13. Twinkle twinkle little star 14. The face of God is in Sensurround 15. Listen to Roberta Flack 16. Creamy beaver hotter than a fever 17. Hot tamales and they red hot 18. Excuse me while I see if the gipsy in me is right 19. You’re a disgrace
I've heard this album before, but not for a long time. I like a few Peppers songs but generally have always thought they are overrated. This album hasn't gotten better with age. Just sounds like a band ripping off other acts. And Kiedes really can't find a note to save his life. I do like the guitar work on Under the Bridge.
I don't know - this album just struck me as really good - and I enjoyed it so much when I owned the CD. I must have over listened to it at the time. Sure it's not a classic, but I was so happy to hear many of these songs again.
I had this CD back in the day. Listening again is a trip down nostalgia lane. Even though the lyrics alternate between nonsensical and vulgar, the bass and guitar hold up well. It might not be the best music, but I like it. I was reading about the song I Could Have Lied. Apparently it's about Anthony's breakup with Sinead O'Connor. What?! Strange times the early 90s.
I don't think this is their "best" album, but it's got quite a variety on here: funk, rock, ballads, etc. My first listen was not great because I wasn't ready for it and the explicitness was overwhelming, but with another listen or two, I'm impressed with the breadth and capabilities here. Interestingly, our previous album (Jefferson Airplane, Surrealistic Pillow) was Jefferson Airplane's second album, and they had to leave a track off their first album because it contained the word "trip" which made their record label. Now compare that to this album, especially Sir Psycho Sexy.
This album could be a Beastie Boys album if they were from LA & had a bit of talent.
Nostalgia Alert! What an album. That bass.
Love 90's music and this album kicked that decade off with a bang!
3 stars for Under The Bridge
Not my cup of noisy tea.
too many different styles. Something for real Peppers-Fans.
Well, okay, but here where it says, "What I got you gotta get and put it in ya," how about just, "What I'd like is I'd like to hug and kiss ya." Classic Chilly Willie, 4.2 stars
Sounds like a RHCP album! Good stuff, would be a 5 if they cut it down by like 25 minutes.
Sir Psycho Sexy can suck my kiss!! This came out my senior year and yes some of these songs are over played but still just goood old nostalgia!!
this was! okay. but long. good background music while working. 2.5/5
Kære Red Hot Chili Peppers. I er den abusive girlfriend i musikliv. Jeg elsker jer, og ind imellem tror jeg også det er gengæld, i forkæler med sange og rytmer som vækker den gamle flamme til live for i øjeblikket efter at såre mine følelser.
Forhåbningerne var i top, fordi der er legendariske numre her! Tvivlen sætter ind da jeg ser spille længden.. Det bliver slappet så meget bas at jeg føler mig ør i hovedet halvvejs inde. Jeg kan nok ikke lide RHCP.. De er også dårlige live... De bedste sange er dem hvor de ikke prøver på at lave alle gemmiks på samme tid, men tager sig tid.
RHCP er sgu et sjovt band. Jeg har langt mere været på Californication. Faktisk har jeg aldrig hørt hele BSSM før. Men singlerne kender jeg selvfølgelig til hudløshed. Jeg var godt underholdt, uden at det er mit nye yndlings album.
banger album and i like a lot of the songs on it it just gets like really weird at the end and its def too long but the first 12 songs are glorious
Didn't realise how much I didn't like this until having to listen to it from start to finish. It's a long album and the vocals/lyrics are pretty painful. Has a few moments that save it from a 1*.
This album is far too long to give it a reasonable number of plays. But I felt that the record would repay further lsitening, seems to be a diverse set of songs.
I DONT EVER WANNA FEEEEEEL the power of equality- 5 if you have to ask- 8 breaking the girl- 5 funky monks- 5 suck my kiss- 5 i could have lied- 4. its just not that good. mellowship slinky in b major- 5 the righteous and the wicked- 5 give it away- 5 blood sugar sex magick- 7 under the bridge-... 10. im sorry. my go to karaoke song naked in the rain- 7 apache rose peacock- 5 greeting song- 6 my lovely man- 5 sir psycho sexy- 8. im sorry. too fucking long though theyre red hot- they certainly are. 7 hi im toby and i like the red hot chili peppers *im booed off stage.* overall i dont particularly care for 80% of their music but the parts i do like i really like
Even if the only songs on this were 'Breaking the Girl', 'Under the Bridge', and 'Guve It Away', it would be five stars all day long.
Fantastic, a classic!
I’m generally not too crazy about RHCP, but this record has raised my impression of them a bit. Certainly a couple of classics on this record paired with a few other songs I never heard before that caught my attention. The vocals/lyrics are bit off-putting to me for a few songs, but it’s mostly the instrumentals from the band that keep my drawn in. Decent record overall. Favorite track: Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Maybe too long 8/10
Imaging having this little to say but making 72 minutes of lyrical and musical feces anyway. Being a heroin-addicted rapist doesn't make what you have to say deep or interesting. Everyone associated with this should be in Guantanamo Bay.
Sorry but this slaps a lil. Detracting one star because of all the problematic lyrics I'm sure I missed while listening to this at work
My ABSOLUTE FAVORITE ALBUM of all time!(besides Mezannine) I know I haven't been rating much lately, but I just can't not rate this one since it finally came up. Might as well start rating again, why not.
This was pretty enjoyable. They definitely have a distinctive sound.
Fine. Obvious classics, some that bored me.
Too long considering it's essentially the same song for 90% of it. Vocals are always the same rhythmically and tonally. Yes they have a good bassist, but the other lads are overrated. I've a good it's 2.5 but I'll give a 3 by a tiny margin.
Should have ended after Under the Bridge. Still good though
This is not one piece. The chili peppers did not need to make this over an hour long. They did not have this much to say
Ja heel vet
I actually adore RHCP for their instrumentals, the bass, guitar and drum work is sublime on most songs. Unfortunately the lyricism falls way short, and just comes across as “I’m 14 and this is deep”. Which probably explains why 14 year old me loved them. 33 year old me though….meh. 3/5 — Would be lower but salvaged by the instruments
I really expected something better than what I got. I do enjoy fusion albums; in fact I love fusion albums but only when they are done right. A shitty blend of funk, rock, and rap with no drive that leaves a sour taste in your mouth. Not to mention the nonsensical goofy ass lyrics (take a good look at the lyrics for Sir Psycho Sexy and you'll know) and the mediocre vocal performance. Although some of the production I thought was decent, the guitar specifically for me, and the bass as well but it can not make up for everything that I previously mentioned. Lame ahh album. Top 3 Fav: It's all mid no good songs Top 3 Worst: Sir Psycho Sexy (Easily the worst), Give it Away (Close 2nd), and Suck My Kiss 1.50/5
Börjar bra men blir sämre mot slutet. Finns material för ett väldigt starkt 40min långt album här. Bästa låten: I Could Have Lied
Hay mejores de rhcp
I’ve heard this album a bunch growing up and loved under the bridge but don’t like as much now as an adult.
An album that I listened to in high school. This was really different when it came out and at my high school the more edgy kids were into this and Primus. It's not bad but I don't think I need to hear the whole album. The hit songs are still good even though I have heard them tons of times.
It's hard not to nod and tap along with the Chili's at their best, they're all on point on this. I feel John Frusciante gets overlooked a bit because Flea is so cool, but he's a good guitarist. Lyrics are surreal, cheeky and fun Not 5 stars for me as it's pretty long and not every song is good but decent album
Not as good as most people think it is.
Interesting instrumental parts, cool, unexpected riff styles Like how the album blends together, minimal breaks between tracks. Like Breaking the Girl a lot. Has a psychedelic feeling to it. I Could Have Lied is great too, like the mellow outro Righteous & the Wicked reminds me of Faith No More a little bit, with some of the vocal fills. Under the Bridge is a good shakeup with the different intro and more relaxed instrumentation. Also enjoy the female supporting vocals on the second chorus. Love the bass and guitar tones on Naked in the Rain Knowing their later work, (i.e. Californication, Dani California, Snow), this album is a lot more raw, in the best way possible. Liked the second half a lot more. Could have been a tighter, more concise package. Mix is lacking a bit, good stereo separation, but medium compression level. Not much DR to be found here. Instruments sound good, are blending well together. Appreciate the clear bass tones, it cuts through crisply Favorite track: Breaking the Girl
Old school RHCP. This album has great licks from both Flea and John, and the result is an album that truly defined the RHCP funky rock sound. Some of it can be repetitive, but there are classics on this album that to this day are played by cover bands and karaoke rooms alike.
5/5
I could write for days about how many times I've listened to the record on repeat as an 11yo. This was in my opinion the steep peak of RHCP decending into One Hot Minute and plummeting into pop rock drivle.
It’s fine
Generic and Samey and incredibly tedious to get through. It's clear the band is based around a competent bass player because the entire album is driven by bass riffs. slightly stand out song: I could have Lied because it has some variation at least
I get now why RHCP's music is one of the greatest. What a head banger all throughout!
High energy funk with plenty of lyrical creativity. Several gems in here.
banger
I mean....it's fine? This album went on for way too long and did not do a good job of really capturing me. All the songs sound the same. It really isn't bad music, but I did get tired of it about halfway through. I think if I were to listen to just a few songs at a time, I'd be giving the chunks 3-4 stars. But listening as a whole got me annoyed.
This one is tough to rate. There are two or three songs I really enjoyed, but it seemed like they went for quantity over quality here. Most of the tracks are formulaic and lost my interest pretty quick.
This is the definitive album from the funky punks of City of Angels. They came to the attention of most of us when they they appeared in a Red Hot Chili Peppers poster photo taken in the famous crosswalk across from Abbey Road studios, wearing nothing but socks covering their family jewels. Their cover of Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground" on their album MOTHER'S MILK would give glimpses of what kind of performance and song arrangements they were capable of, but they would not breakout in the world's consciousness until the release of this album. Their music brought everyone from skater punks to funk purists together. Favorites: All-time classics "Give it Away", "Suck My Kiss", "Blood Sugar Sex Magic", "Under the Bridge" and lesser known tracks "Breaking the Girl" and "Naked in the Rain". To those who keep calling it white rap, you are missing the point. It is and was SoCal funky punk.
this is pretty damn good!
thank god that’s over. felt like it lasted forever. the first 9 tracks were just dreadful. i considered giving up music altogether. the next 6 or so tracks were actually ok. then it got bad again. sir psycho sexy was weird. only one good song on here and that is under the bridge. anthony kiedis is a creep and should be in prison btw
Fun album from start to finish. no boring moment in a 1hr 15min album. Favorite track: breaking the girl other picks: give it away, under the bridge, my lovely man
The funky punk Chili Peppers develop their more melodic side and become more approachable. The approach is a bit more diverse than previous endeavors. Still plenty of energy here, but they're learning to control it, modify it, and use it better. They’ve simply matured as songwriters and as a band. I don’t really care for all the sex lyrics, but some songs can still be fun vocally. The silly and downtrodden lyrics are what I prefer here. The music of this band does the heavy lifting for me - particularly the interplay between Flea and Frusciante. Man those guys can play…they have interesting lines and interactions throughout the whole album. I loved this album when I was younger but don’t revisit much, often feeling I’ve outgrown the content matter. Given that I don’t care for most lyrics (or actively dislike them) it’s still hard not to rock and funk out to a lot of these songs.
There are two good songs on this album. From memory I thought they’d be enough to give it a good rating but, no. God funk sucks doesn’t it? So glad none of my friends got that RHCP tattoo they were talking about.
'Ohh the playing is really good even if you don't like Kiedis's singing and lyrics' WRONG. If anything that makes it WORSE. Like a bag of Skittles brimming with piss.
Nice and funky. Not as good as Californication for me though
Such a funky album! Liked it much better on the second listen than the first.
Okay, album now. It was a good album back then. Can't identify with this now.
Say what you will about the Chili Peppers, but this album is great. Does get a little long (classic 90’s bloat) and the album would be improved by removing the title track, “Apache Rose Peacock”, “The Greeting Song”, and “My Lovely Man” (yes, I know it’s the Hillel tribute). But that doesn’t do much to dampen this album’s greatness.
I picked up this cassette the same day as Ten by PJ. Was at the moment alt/grunge started to take over my musical world.
Killer album combining high-energy punk with funk.
Favorite Track: Under The Bridge
Great
Serious funk, I really enjoyed listening to it. However, this is a perfect example of a bloated album preventing a potential classic.
Thoughts before listening: I used to love the Chili Peppers and this album (although Mother's Milk was always my favorite from them). I very rarely listen to the band anymore for some reason though. Their songs are iconic for sure, but they just seem juvenile or something. Maybe its just that their later output became increasingly silly and poppy. Review: Man I have so much nostalgia built up around this album. RHCP were great musicians, especially Flea and John Frusciante, and this album sounds great. Anthony Kiedis' lame raps and lyrical subject matter have not aged well, although I remember really liking them 30 years ago. This album is full of massive hits ("Breaking the Girl", "Give It Away", "Under the Bridge", etc) as well as some deeper cuts that remain classics ("Suck My Kiss", "Sir Psycho Sexy"). This might be one of those albums that wouldn't get as high a rating from me if I didn't grow up listening to it, but thanks to nostalgia, I will give this 4-stars.
Definitely a unique album at the time it came out. Some good tunes, some forgettable ones. What strikes me, and maybe I'm biased because I'm listening with a cold on the couch, is how nervous and uneven this album feels.
Tiene algunos hits definitivos de los 90, pero vaya que no ha envejecido bien. Digo, musicalmente está perfecto, pero las letras... Uff. Para adolescentes y no es un halago.
I remember getting this album originally and listening to the crap out of it. I'm not the biggest RHCP fan but the instrumentation is just so bloody good that it makes up for AK who I am not personally a big fan of.
It brings back great memories. Although I find it a bit repetitive in terms of rhythm and melodies. Anyway, the RHCP are a group I always listen to with great pleasure ;-)
Um álbum que define o que é RHCP: uma mistura vibrante e enérgica de gêneros e influências, indo desde os solos únicos de rock do Frusciante, rap nas letras do Kiedis, o funk clássico do Flea ou fragmentos de jazz do Chad Smith. Com suas 17 faixas, os Peppers passeiam por reflexões sociais como nas iniciais "Power of Equality" e "If you have to ask", relacionamentos na fantástica "Breaking the Girl", além de se permitir falar de baboseiras que não levam a lugar nenhum em "Apache Rose Peacock". Com tantas músicas, tem que se elogiar a transição entre elas, com destaque especial para a sensacional de "Suck my Kiss/I could have lied", que ajudam a manter o álbum coeso apesar de tanta experimentação. Entretanto, apesar de tantos méritos, a duração é um problema. Por volta de "Naked in the Rain" e a já citada Apache, o álbum perde fôlego e começa a soar repetitivo, com ideias sendo reexploradas sem tanta inovação que marca o grupo. Lampejos de criatividade ainda existem na reta final, mas o cansaço começa a pesar, afetando um pouco o fator replay desse ótimo disco.
I’ve never really liked RHCP. Most of their songs just sound like scattered drunming with over the top baselines and and man reading from his dream journal angrily. This was way too long and I could not tell many songs apart from each other. Under the Bridge is the saving grace but still, high 2.
Absolutely filthy baselines from flea on this album. The guitar and drums are solid and funky as usual but the bass really stands out. Anthony alternates between being the perfect vibe for the music and kind of annoying. Especially on this album some of the lyrics are unnecessarily sexual. Under the bridge is obviously great and the rest of the album works for me when I’m in the right mood
Really good blend of hard rock and funk, with a bit of rap thrown in. Great guitar work and the bass line drives everything forward. Only complaint is I think they probably could have cut 15 minutes to make the total even stronger.
I wonder what it would be like to hear this for the first time in 1991. Part P-Funk, part Hendrix, part Hip-hop and more, the chili peppers finally made some unequivocally great music with this album. The entire band shines here on tracks ranging in dynamics, genre, and tone. My favorites are "I could have lied" and the title track, but my God are the hits good songs. "Give it Away" and "Under the Bridge" are both iconic and exciting to hear every time I listen. One of my first favorite bands.
Nik Radmore introduced me to this and it changed my musical world! This melodic and arrogant funk rock mix was an elixir to 15-year-old me. It still holds strong today (the bass and guitar lines are amazing), though it does sometimes feel quite juvenile and pretentious. In my old age I find the slower acoustic-driven songs more palatable. Highlights: Sir Psycho Sexy Under the bridge I could have lied. Funky monks
It's easy to goof on the Chili Peppers, and in almost every case it is warranted. Their songs are terribly overplayed on radio, the lyrics are juvenile, and Anthony Kiedis plain sucks. I'm not going to sit here and preach about how this album is some masterpiece, but it is GOOD and it does rise head and shoulders above all the other garbage they've released in the 25 years since BSSM. If you can manage to listen to this without the weight of all the music that came after tainting it, this is a great record. The good: pop on just about any random song and it's easy to get lost in the groove. There are obvious standout tracks like Under the Bridge, Give it Away, I Could Have Lied, etc... but most of the deep cuts are great too. The bad: this is one long album and it wears out its welcome long before the end of its 75 minute runtime. Even back in the 90s when I listened to this regularly I was skipping a lot of songs in the back half. Should have been 13 or 14 tracks max.
8.5/10. It features a nice blend of funk and rock. I like its sound. :)
Took me a little while to get into this band but quite like them now. Very distinctive sound. Like the lazy vocals which also has an energy too. Good listen
This is one of the records that marked my youth. How cool it was when I saw RHCP for the first time, live!
What a mess
7/10 - some classic bangers some I didn’t like at all
whoever approved 73 minutes of the rhcp needs to be fired. predictably, this album was incredibly dull, interspersed with some vague moments of interest - under the bridge acts as their saving grace. in all honesty, i was willing it to end by the half an hour mark, knowing i was not even half way through. that tends to happen when you make an album where each song is as unmemorable as the last. what’s odd is i always considered myself a fan of the rhcp, but maybe i haven’t delved far enough into their back catalogue. let’s hope the rest of their albums can redeem them.
Un autre album très cohérent, leur son est assez inimitable, entre la basse plutôt funk mais très rock à la fois, et l'élocution et la voix particulière du chanteur. Entre sensualité et violence, ça illustre bien le titre de l'œuvre.
Some bangers, some not so bangers, John is a funky funky gentleman
3.5
Some
++: Give It Away, Under the Bridge, The Greeting Song, They're Red Hot +: The Power of Equality, If You Have to Ask, Breaking the Girl, Mellowship Slinky in B Major, The Righteous & the Wicked, Blood Sugar Sex Magic, Naked in the Rain, Apache Rose Peacock, My Lovely Man +-: Funky Monks, Suck My Kiss, I Could Have Lied, Sir Psycho Sexy 6,9/10
Under the Bridge almost drags this album to three stars, but there's a bit too much stupid stuff in here that almost sounds like a self-parody. I recognize how important this was for a genre I really cherish, but I don't think it holds up particularly well in 2024.
Some great moments but overall sort of annoying.
I am not the biggest RHCP fan, but this album varies from genre to genre, it has some amazing songs, and it is very funky. I enjoyed it a lot!
Album definitely drags in the middle, but still solid. It could’ve benefited from cutting a few tracks.
Funky monks is 10/10 Find it a bit too rock for me
My dislike of the constant radio play of Red Hot Chili Peppers is renowned but I hope to be objective on this particular album which is the time period was revolutionary. Listening to Give It Away was like listening to proof of alien life. Everyone wonder what it means to Suck My Kiss, and I used to have Under the Bridge on every mixtape, especially the make out tapes though now that doesn’t seem appropriate. I don’t know if there is a bad song on here. This album was a strong representation of the stylistic blending RHCPs are known for and heavily influenced the ‘90s. In every music fans collection should be this album.
This my favorite Chili Peppers album. Sadly, when I saw them in concert in 2022, they only played " Give It Away" and "Under the Bridge" which is a crime. "Suck My Kiss" and "Breaking the Girl" are awesome songs too! Plus the rest of the album is funky, sexy, horny, jamming, and fun. This is definitely peak RHCP. This one will always be one of my faves.
This is not my favorite Peppers album. I only got to know the band in 1999 with Californication and was enthusiastic about their music. The earlier stuff and this album are a bit unwieldy for me. Maybe it's also because of the white hip hop parts, which I usually can't do much with. There are also some great tracks on the album. I can listen to Under The Bridge in particular over and over again. 4/5
Great album with some great hits! And I do enjoy 90s alt-rock. Didn’t really have any songs that were too bad, although my opinion is the album length hurt itself a bit. Even with a nice variety of sounds and styles I did get a bit bored. Probably would be a 5 star rating if it was cut down to even 45-50 minutes but as it was, 4.25/5
Red Hot Chili Peppers seem to be a band defined by three specific eras: 1) The early period where their music was just awful; they were clearly a band still figuring things out, and were on a record label willing to give them a few chances. 2) Their commercial and artistic peak (starting with this album); where everything seemed to click for their sound, their voice, and their songwriting. 3) The bland years; pretty much anything from Stadium Arcadium up to today is all pretty forgettable and generic. As if they're just in autopilot mode and are happy enough with that. 'Blood Sugar Sex Magik', you could argue, is RHCP at their best. I personally think you could take any album from this one all the way to 'By The Way' and there would be a valid reason for each one to be ranked on equal footing. I suppose where this one shines is in the fact that it still has that raw old school Peppers sound, but they have finally smoothened out the edges to clean things up. If I was ranking this album just based on the first 11 tracks alone, this would have been an easy 5. You get so much packed into them, it’s not even funny. Bass slaps galore, funky ass guitar riffs, hard hitting drums, and Anthony showing just how much range as a vocalist he has when he wants to show it off. Rock ‘n’ roll, funk, almost post-punk esque, and some surprisingly great ballads fill those first 11 tracks. From the loose 'The Power of Equality' opener, the beautiful slow tempo 'Breaking The Girl', 'I Could Have Lied', to the big hits 'Give It Away' and 'Under The Bridge'. You honestly couldn't ask for a better explosion of music from any band; and I'm not even that big of a RHCP fan. Then the album shows its only problem: at 17 tracks 'Blood Sugar Sex Magik' is just a little too bloated. It feels like a good 3-4 tracks towards the end could have been trimmed out to improve on the overall experience. Not that they're bad songs, it just feels like they were out of new ideas by that point. It causes a damn near perfect LP to lose the steam they worked hard to build up. It's still damn good overall, though: 4/5
Good fun
I know I’ve listened to this before and liked it. But I didn’t this time. Some of the songs are god awful and cringe and go on for way too long. The singles that came from this are the best parts. “Breaking The Girl” and “Under The Bridge” are 5 star songs. RHCP’s late 90s/early 2000s stuff is a lot stronger than this.
Good to listen to this again!
the best funk rock album of all time.
Not bad, RHCP has a pretty consistent sound and identity throughout their albums, which leads to some melding to their albums. Pretty fun however! 3.1
Pour le 500e album, le générateur m’a offert un véritable BANGER. Je n’avais jamais écouté les Red Hot auparavant, mais là, je suis conquis. C’est du ROCK, du FUNK, et ça GROOVE dans l'capot tout au long des 1h14 de l’album (chapeau!)
Hits and misses for me but overall good
This is easily the Chili Peppers' masterpiece. There's so much going on here, with the band breaking from their heavy metal style and hugely expanding the number of genres in their music. They had the freedom to experiment here, the respect for the music to play fewer notes which gave the music room to breath, and the maturity to understand how to structure a great album. Rick Rubin's production elevated them to a different plane. John Frusciante demonstrated his excellence at songwriting. All of the pieces just fit here to create one of the most iconic albums of the 90s. Two criticisms: Anthony Keidis trying to sell himself as a sex god is fairly toxic, though he at least acknowledges this with 'Breaking the Girl'. Also, the album is longer than it needs to be, a trend of the early days of CDs when everyone felt like they had to fill the entire length of the disc. This would have been a tighter album if they'd cut some of the weaker tracks. Fortunately it's still a strong album overall.
There aren't many albums on this list that I have personal negative bias towards, but this is one. I've had 1 star albums that were easier to get through than this. I enjoy the instrumental sound they have, but man this is one of the top examples of vocals absolutely killing a band for me.