It’s no secret: at Konbini, we love the exercise of classifying works, titles, sometimes lighter things. Especially the author of these words, who always takes pleasure in updating the ranking of Marvel or DC films as soon as a new film arrives. However, there are some that are more difficult than others to do. Why the hell did I agree to do the impossible? How am I supposed to manage to be objective with the group that means the most to me, that formed the teenager that I was and that has accompanied me for almost 20 years? How do I rank Red Hot Chili Peppers albums? Knowing that out of 13 albums, I love 9?#13. The Red Hot Chili Peppers (1984) We’re not going to lie to each other; important disc does not mean good disc. It is not because it is the very first and that we find Kiedis and Flea there that it is a success. In terms of production, it’s still quite amateurish. Hillel Slovak and Cliff Martinez are not part of the studio team, replaced temporarily just to record the songs — and it smells. There remains “True Men Don’t Kill Coyotes” and “Out in LA”, anyway.#12. One Hot Minute (1995) A divisive but assumed choice. At some point, you have to be realistic. It’s not because “Aeroplane” is a hit, that “Pea” is a fan favorite (which we loved seeing in an updated version on the stage of the Stade de France), and that “My Friends” is very beautiful, that the alchemy between the three members and Dave Navarro is real. We delude ourselves by saying that at least it’s different. No. The truth is that it’s violent for nothing, not melodic enough for this group and it’s one of the less important records of the formation. #11. Freaky Styley (1985) Slovak well present this time, George Clinton is also there. This disc, the real first one will say, is the closest thing to a purely funk Red Hot album. We do covers of Sly and the Family Stone or The Meters. We bring back Maceo Parker for a few saxophone notes here and there. With sometimes bursts of punk, with “Catholic School Girls Rule”. Not the most striking, we agree, but the beginning of the creation of a sound.#10. I’m with you (2011) The arrival of Frusciante’s protégé to replace him in the band, Josh Klinghoffer, was not to everyone’s taste. Anyway, not mine. Nevertheless, the title from the first day of rehearsals, where Kiedis learned of the death of Brendan Muller (a longtime friend who had helped them at the start of their career), “Brendan’s Death Song”, is a small jewel and that strangely, “The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie” was a big hit for the clique.#9. Return of the Dream Canteen (2022) That’s it, we’re entering the circle of records that we all love, but that we still have to classify. Maybe it’s because we didn’t have enough time to digest the album, but we feel compelled to put it here. Which isn’t a bad mark, really not. It seems to contain fewer huge singles, just a very nice rab to Unlimited Love. And that’s fine with us.#8. Unlimited Love (2022) The return of the messiah. Some would have liked to find more madness, more big riffs, more solos. It’s a subtle return, where a Flea knows how to take over, that we had. Once the first listens are over, the fact is that you fall in love with certain titles very easily and that it contains real surprises, like “Bastards of Light”. A beautiful record, which some will snub — wrongly.#7. Stadium Arcadium (2006) Double albums are rare. Finally, the real double albums, those of 28 songs. So, obviously, we can’t have 28 hits, a flawless with this kind of format seems impossible. Yet there are few things to throw away. From singles to others less highlighted like “If” or the very beautiful “Slow Cheetah”, a regal disc — not the most original of the band, but a real success all the same.#6. The Uplift Mofo Party Plan (1987) The essential disc of the beginning of the group. Jack Irons is really playing drums this time around, and the band has found their tone, their DNA. Slovak is at the height of his inventiveness (listen to the solo of “Backwoods” or the sitar of “Behind the Sun”) and finds the perfect mix between a funky groove and punk rap style. Not always considered, yet a great disc.#5. The Getaway (2016) The other divisive place in this ranking, I am aware of it. Perhaps the production of Danger Mouse didn’t sit well with the purists. Maybe others couldn’t get used to Klinghoffer’s game. Yet this is the moment when he finally feels at ease, (temporarily) freed from the weight of Frusciante’s legacy. So yeah, Flea isn’t inspired, Smith’s drumming seems less powerful than usual. Despite everything, it is undoubtedly the underestimated nugget disc of all, wrongly.#4. Mother’s Milk (1989) Managing to come back after the death of a member (and not just any one) must have been difficult although cathartic for Kiedis and Flea. Succeed in finding replacements of such high quality, so young (as a reminder, Frusciante was barely 19 when he signed), who stick so much to the universe of the group, to lay a great album – the first that will be d’or — is a feat. An exploit and a deserved success.#3. By the Way (2002) On this square, it is possible that nostalgia is speaking. Maybe this album doesn’t deserve to be on the podium. No doubt the unconditional love for live at Slane Castle plays a big part in it. The thing is, a record that contains hits like “By the Way”, “Universally Speaking”, “Don’t Forget Me”, “The Zephyr Song”, “Can’t Stop”, “Throw Away Your Television” or even “Venice Queen” could not be lower in this ranking. This is an objective fact.#2. Californication (1999) A pivotal disc, which marks a lot of changes. Already, with the return of a sober John Frusciante, and yet more inspired than he will ever be. But also for this assumed pop turn. If the fusion between rock and hip-hop has always been at the center of the company (and the rest at times, “Around the World” and “Get on Top” are proof of this), Californication marks an important melodic shift . Kiedis will never sing as well as on this album. A great way to turn the page and move forward, of course, but more than that. A cult, important record, some of whose singles are in the firmament of music history. And it’s really not nothing.#1. Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991) Strangely, the easiest choice in this ranking. John Frusciante’s second album couldn’t be placed anywhere else. We don’t know what makes the magic of this disc. Perhaps the weeks spent in this big house that has become a studio. Perhaps the arrival of Rick Rubin behind the machines. Perhaps an accumulation of many other things, ranging from the chance that Rubin stumbled upon the hidden poem by Kiedis that would become “Under the Bridge”, to the absolutely incredible inspiration of a revolutionary Frusciante such as he never was. will unfortunately never manage to become so again. Their best, forever. The undeniable masterpiece, which will – we hope – never get old.
Leave a comment