The Red Hot Chili Peppers are on of my all time favorite bands, and have been making incredible music for almost 45 years. They formed in 1982, and have been on a musical roller coaster ever since. They've battled line-up changes, deaths and substance abuse, but have continued to weather the storm and produce some of the greatest music in rock and roll history. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 and released their last full length album in 2022. Their music incorporates elements from rock and roll, heavy metal, funk, punk and hip hop. Their 1999 album, Californication, remains one of the greatest rock albums ever produced!
Number 11 - "Dosed"
From the Album By The Way, released in 2002
When I listen to this song, I imagine myself driving down through California with the wind blowing through my hair, having no worries in the world. Despite having a very calm vibe, "Dosed" is very complex. The song features four guitars, played by John Frusciante and Flea, all playing completely different riffs. The Red Hot Chili Peppers are at their best when Flea and Frusciante shine, and when Frusciante and Anthony Kiedis get to harmonize! This isn't their loudest or funkiest song, but it is one of their best.
Number 10 - "C'mon Girl"
From the Album Stadium Arcadium, released in 2006
In my opinion, this song gives me everything I love about the Chili Peppers - Anthony Keidis' unique style of singing, John Frusciante's incredible guitar playing, Chad Smith's steady drumming, and the steady bass playing from the very beginning of the song from Flea. Actually, that steady bass line from start to finish is a great metaphor for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He's been a constant figure in the band from the very beginning, and according to Rolling Stone, he's been ranked as the second-best bassist of all time (behind John Entwistle of The Who).
Number 9 - "The Shape I'm Takin"
Bonus track from the Album Return Of The Dream Canteen, released in 2022
Because this track was not included on the album, Return of the Dream Canteen, it's a bit of a hidden gem amongst the great RHCP songs. Despite being a bonus track, it's one of my favorite Chili Peppers songs and one of their best jams ever recorded! What I love most about this song is how guitarist John Frusciante shines. He returned to the band in 2019 after a 10 year hiatus, and this song showcases just how great he is and how much the Chili Peppers missed him. I waited YEARS for this reunion to materialize, and they did not disappoint!
Number 8 - "Cabron"
From the Album By The Way, released in 2002
Because "Cabron" is such a feel good song, you almost don't notice or realize how meaningful and timely the lyrics are. "I don't want to fight, I want to get along with you. Cause I'm just like you, if you only knew." Kiedis sings about gang violence that was prevalent in Los Angeles, and he attempts to illustrate how all gang members are alike - they don’t crave violence, but they are forced into it by their circumstances. Lyrics aside, it's just a really uplifting song and one I usually play loudly with the windows down in the summer. Even though this song was released almost 25 years ago, the message is still very timely: "I don't want to fight, I want to get along with you."
Number 7 - "Easily"
From the Album Californication, released in 1999
There is so much to love about Californication. Not only is this one of the best Chili Pepper albums of all time, it's consistently considered one of the best rock albums of all time as well. Because it's so good and because it has so many great songs on the album, people tend to forget about "Easily". The song is on the album right after the title track, and it's wedged right in the middle of the album behind heavy hitters like "Scar Tissue" and "Around The World". Not only is it one of my favorite RHCP songs, it's one of my favorite songs of all time by any band. We tend to take duos like Flea and John Frusciante for granted, but songs like this remind you why they are so freakin' good, and two of the best bassists and guitarists of all time!!
Number 6 - "Save The Population"
From the Album Greatest Hits, released in 2003
I could go on and on about how great this song is, and how many times I've listened to it over the years, but what I really think makes it special is John Frusciante. His harmonies with Anthony Kiedis are truly something special, and I truly believe that he is the true backbone of the Chili Peppers. Song hack: fast forward to 3:11, roll your windows down in the car and pretend you are headed to the beach (unless you actually are going to the beach, then don't pretend).
Number 5 - "Can't Stop"
From the Album By The Way, released in 2002
I think what I love most about this song is how it starts with just a drum beat and a faded guitar, and slowly builds and builds until all the instruments and voices are collaborating as one and the band is jamming out! According to Wikipedia, this song is considered to be "energetic" and melodically encompassing, by combining textured, melodic, and funky themes together into one. It is widely regarded as one of the band's best songs. On top of that, the music video is 100% their best of all time - it's funky, it's totally random, it's abstract and it's creative!
Number 4 - "Under The Bridge"
From the Album Blood Sugar Sex Magik, released in 1991
You can't have a "favorite" or "best of" list with Red Hot Chili Peppers songs and not include "Under The Bridge". This is probably the most iconic and recognizable RHCP songs, and their highest-charting single of all time. The song takes us back to the early 90's, when the alternative rock movement was at its peak. Written by Anthony Kiedis, the lyrics reflect on loneliness and overcoming drug addiction, making it a powerful and relatable song for many. It has stood the test of time, remaining one of the best Chili Peppers songs ever!
Number 3 - "Otherside"
From the Album Californication, released in 1999
There's a reason Californication is widely considered one of the best rock albums of all time - it's loaded with incredible songs, like "Otherside". This marked John Frusciante's triumphant return to the band, after his initial departure in 1991 and almost decade long hiatus. Rolling Stone Magazine has this song ranked number 6 on their list of the 40 greatest Red Hot Chili Peppers songs, but I think it ranks higher, and I have it as the second best song on the album (keep scrolling for number 1).
Number 2 - "Give It Away"
From the Album Blood Sugar Sex Magik, released in 1991
This is the song that put the Chili Peppers on the map, and introduced as all to the band's unique blend of funk, punk and alternative rock (often described as funk rock). It's loud, it's in your face, it's energetic and most of all, it's funky. "Give It Away" is the band's first ever number 1 single, it won a Grammy in 1993 for "Best Hard Rock Performance", it was included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's unordered list of the "500 Songs That Shaped Rock" and VH1 award the song the 50th spot in its 2009 compilation of the "100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs". It's essential listening for any Chili Peppers fan, and definitely one of the best RHCP songs ever!
Number 1 - "Californication"
From the Album Californication, released in 1999
Californication is the best-selling Chili Peppers album of all time, thanks in large part to commercially successful songs such as the lead track, "Californication". Rolling Stone Magazine has this song ranked as the number one RHCP song of all time, and I completely agree. Frusciante was very much missed during his hiatus from the band, but his return gave us all some of the best music ever made! Also, this song gives us lyrical gems such as, "Psychic spies from China try to steal your mind's elation, and little girls from Sweden dream of silver screen quotation. Kiedis’ many verses reference everything from Kurt Cobain to Star Trek to Hollywood, ultimately summing up the ethos of the Chilis in one song: California dreaming is a lot darker than it seems.
Fun Fact: Not only is Flea an extremely talented bass player and musician, he's also an actor as well. He has appeared in movies such as "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas", "Inside Out", "Toy Story 4", and "Back to the Future Part II".