Red Hot Chili Peppers Review

If you're asking yourself what a "rockapotomus" is, then you're not alone. The Red Hot Chili Peppers have used their creative license to invent this creature, along with many other surreal images throughout their latest release, Stadium Arcadium.

Stadium Arcadium is comprised of two CDs, each containing 14 new original songs. Released on May 9, 2006, I was sure to drop into Target on my lunch break to get this pair of CDs as soon as possible. I've been a Red Hot Chili Peppers fan since the mid-1990's, and became somewhat obsessed with them in 2000 when they released Californication. Contrary to popular belief, I think this band gets better and better with each CD.

The first CD is titled "Jupiter" and the other is titled "Mars". I couldn't help but think this was an imitation of Tori Amos' 1999 To Venus and Back Which was also a double-CD set, with each CD having its own celestial name. However, the Red Hot Chili Peppers are anything BUT an imitating band, and their style (in most cases) couldn't be further from Tori's.

Now that I've had two weeks to fully absorb these CDs, I feel like I can state my opinion on them with some amount of certainty. I know my opinion will likely change over the next few months and even years. But within the first two weeks of listening to these two CDs several hours a day during my commute and while running, here is my review.

Overall, these CDs get an A. They represent a perfect mix of the rockin', partying Peppers from the late 80's, to the more mellow feel of some of their later songs. I don't prefer one over the other, although there is definitely more variety in Mars. My favorites are:
5. Storm in a Teacup (Mars)
4. Turn it Again (Mars)
3. Hump De Bump (Jupiter)
2. She Looks to Me (Mars)
1. Wet Sand (Jupiter)

I like each of these songs for different reasons. "Storm in a Teacup" just rocks my world. It revs me up, and excites me and there is so much drive in it. It's a truly great "rock" song in every respect. "Turn it Again" uses interesting chord progressions and also has a driving beat, although it's a bit more mellow. I used this song on my marathon playlist because it kept me going, but wasn't as aggressive as "Storm in a Teacup", which didn't make the playlist. "Hump De Bump" is very retro-sounding, yet modern at the same time. Each time it plays, I want to get out of my car and start dancing. Tap dancing, at some parts! The use of brass instruments contributes to the unique feel of this song. The song "fits together" very well, even though its parts are very different.

"She Looks To Me" triggers something emotionally in me. I wouldn't label it a good or a bad feeling, but it definitely gets me to feel deeper and take notice of what's going on inside me. The song changes key several times and it gives the song color and texture. "Wet Sand" is extremely interesting and powerful. My favorite songs are the ones that start out very simply and softly, and then gradually build-- exploding at the end. Examples of this are "Lighting Crashes" by Live, and "Plane" by Jason Mraz. The interesting thing about "Wet Sand" is that the melody and lyrics that are most central to the song aren't introduced until the end. The song seems fairly simple and mellow at the beginning but it gradually builds and then turns into a different kind of song, but in a very fitting way. Pure brilliance.

I am not particularly fond of:
- If (Mars)
- Stadium Arcadium (Jupiter)
- She's Only 18 (Jupiter)
- Make You Feel Better (Mars)

These are the songs I listened to the first few times, but now I just skip them. Primarily because I find them boring and repetitive. There may be a point later in my life when I come back to them and notice something about them that I like. This has happened in the past, so I reserve the right to change my mind.

All in all, a very spirited, colorful, unique and emotional release from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. A good value, too-- as you get 28 new songs for only $12.95 (If you go to Target!). This CD is a must-have for Red Hot Chili Peppers fan, and a should-have for anyone who enjoys modern rock.