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Top 10 Red Hot Chili Peppers Songs
Since 1983, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have been entertaining rock music fans from all around the world. The group is one of the first to truly mix rock, funk, and rap together to create an entertaining sound. It is a sound that has brought the Chilis plenty of success:
- The band has won six Grammy awards and have received multiple MTV Video Music Awards. MTV also honored them with the Video Vanguard award.
- In 2012, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Josh Klinghoffer, who has played guitar with them since 2007, is the youngest person to have been inducted into the hall.
- The Chilis have sold about 80 million records around the world. Both Blood Sugar Sex Magik and Californication have sold at least six million copies each.
The band has had a few changes over the years but vocalist Anthony Kiedis and bassist Flea have been with the band from the very start. Chad Smith has been its drummer since 1988. The group has had plenty of iconic guitarists as well including John Frusciante, Hillel Slovak and, for a period of time, Dave Navarro of Jane’s Addiction.
This listing of the band’s ten best songs was very tough to compile. After all, the band has many great classics.
Give It Away
One of the most iconic songs of the 1990s alternative scene, Kiedis wrote the lyrics about aiming to give much of what he had to those he cared for. John Frusciante’s guitar powers all the way through the song to create a more memorable track.
Under the Bridge
The band’s pop breakthrough was heavily inspired by Kiedis’ life as he dealt with a heroin addiction throughout much of the 1980s. He sings about the pains of finding and using drugs and longs to get away from it all. The song has inspired many to look for the bridge in the band’s home of Los Angeles where the song takes place.
Can’t Stop
The rap influences of the Chilis come back in this song with a powerful funky beat. Frusciante and Flea both have a great rhythm throughout the entire song.
Fight Like a Brave
One of the last songs recorded by original guitarist Hillel Slovak before his death and future Pearl Jam drummer Jack Irons, much of this song was inspired by Kiedis’ struggles with his heroin addiction. Kiedis wrote the lyrics about the importance of working hard to get through addictions and to help those who are struggling with addictions to take the right step towards recovery.
Higher Ground
Stevie Wonder’s classic received a rocking update from the Chilis in 1989. The band combines funk and metal influences alike in this modern classic.
Californication
The ugly side of Hollywood and how it influences modern culture is the focus of this song. It is also about the seedy lives of people in the industry. Frusciante’s guitar work is especially noted for its light yet atmospheric tone.
Knock Me Down
This song is a tribute to Hillel Slovak as he died from a heroin overdose not long beforehand. Designed as a duet between Frusciante and Kiedis, their vocals mix well together in a song about how people aren’t invincible no matter what they think about themselves.
Breaking the Girl
Chad Smith was inspired by Mitch Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix’s drummer, for the powerful beat throughout the song. The detailed guitar effects and the flute throughout the song add to its amazing tone.
Dani California
This song follows a character introduced in a few of the Chilis’ older songs and the tragedy of her life. It is a warning about the dangers of living fast and reckless. The song features a great guitar solo from Frusciante at the very end.
Around the World
Kiedis was inspired by Roberto Benigni’s Life is Beautiful when writing this song. It is about the thrill of life all over the world. The song mixes both hard and loud sounds with a slight downbeat tempo that quickly moves up. It is a very detailed song that is especially positive among all listeners.
Song | Album | Composer | Release Date |
Give It Away | Blood Sugar Sex Magik | Flea, Frusciante, Kiedis, Smith | 1991 |
Under the Bridge | Blood Sugar Sex Magik | Flea, Frusciante, Kiedis, Smith | 1991 |
Can’t Stop | By the Way | Flea, Frusciante, Kiedis, Smith | 2002 |
Fight Like a Brave | The Uplift Mofo Party Plan | Flea, Irons, Kiedis, Slovak | 1987 |
Higher Ground | Mother’s Milk | Wonder | 1989 |
Californication | Californication | Flea, Frusciante, Kiedis, Smith | 1999 |
Knock Me Down | Mother’s Milk | Flea, Frusciante, Kiedis, Smith | 1989 |
Breaking the Girl | Blood Sugar Sex Magik | Flea, Frusciante, Kiedis, Smith | 1991 |
Dani California | Stadium Arcadium | Flea, Frusciante, Kiedis, Smith | 2006 |
Around the World | Californication | Flea, Frusciante, Kiedis, Smith | 1999 |