Red Hot Chili Peppers - Stadium Arcadium (CD 2006)

Disc 1 of the album is the stronger of the two, with the majority of catchy, upbeat tracks as well as the strongest ballads. Apart from the funk-rocking lead single (“Dani California”), it features the enchanting title track, and the twin killing of “Hump De Bump” and “She’s Only 18.” “Torture Me” is one of my favorites. Leading off with a coursing bassline from Flea, this song hits hard and fast with a unique take on the music. Normal bands would turn “Torture Me” into a straightforward rock song, but the depth and versatility of the Chili Peppers turns it into a shape-shifting ball of music. One of the gems of the disc titled Jupiter is “Especially in Michigan,” a slower-paced song that features a fantastic guitar solo from special guest Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, of At The Drive In and The Mars Volta fame. Not to be outdone by the album’s newcomer, Flea guides the funk-driven “Warlocks” that follows with his raw basslines that are well accentuated by Frusciante. What is so great about this track is its depth. Rather than an upbeat, oddball track, it varies between a soothing ballad and some rap-rock broken up by a wailing guitar solo for good measure.

Titled Mars, Disc 2 of Stadium Arcadium is, in this reviewer’s opinion, a bit weaker. “Desecration Smile” is a five-minute snoozer courtesy of Anthony Kiedis, which does not bode well for the disc. Not quite space-rock, but it is a bit more ethereal than anything previously seen on Stadium Arcadium. “Tell Me Baby” picks up the pace a bit with a sparse track instrumentally that allows Kiedis to return to that rap-rock with which his fans have a love-hate relationship. He sings a majority of the song, but it is still not one of the best offerings from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. “Hard To Concentrate” is one of those lovable tracks that might just have lyrics acquired from Rhymer.com. There is little instrument work to highlight it, save for a guitar solo or two that do not do anything exciting; but on the other hand, it is tough to hate it outright. Both “21st Century” and “Readymade” are exciting tracks that give Mars the kick it deserves. Both open with a growling bass intro, with the former going much more into the realm of funk and the latter showing single potential as a rock-radio hit. To be frank, “If” falls flat on its face. It is noticeably the weakest song out of the 28, wandering and winding to a conclusion about two minutes and fifty-seconds too long. Meager instrument work and boring vocals make “If” completely forgettable, in my eyes. “Make You Feel Better” has a pop-rock style that I find reminiscent of The Beatles, both thematically and musically. I think John, Paul, George, and Ringo would be proud. The rest of the disc has its moments, but it never really blows you away again until “Storm In Your Teacup.” The instrumentals’ layering is excellent although occasionally the lyrics are corny as hell. The Chili Peppers may never shake the idea that about half of their songs are about getting laid, and “Storm In A Teacup” does not do anything to dispel that conception. That said, the song alternates from hard rock to something that anyone can bounce along to, making it a solid anchor for Mars.

This is a great album, double album with loads of good tunes on it. Well worth buying. Hits include, Dani California, Snow oh, Hey, Charlie....and more.

Great band with another great album! all songs are typical chilli peppers! loads of class stuff on both c.d's!

Its a good album but not there best its along way from blood sugar & californication, maybe if the album was cut down to one cd then it would be an excellent album. I been a chillis fan for years and this album is much better to hear live! This albums only downfall is that some of the songs are slow and to much alike.....

My son had this great double album given to him for xmas 2006. Ever since then he's been a chilli peppers fan. We travel a 250 mile round trip every weekend and he sits singing along to the cds. He knows every word to every song and loves singing along to it. This has to be his favourite album. Unforunately I had to get rid of the last car in January this year, and being the absent minded person that I am, I left one of the discs in the cd player.
Saw it on e-bay and as he's missed singing along to that particular cd, decided to replace it. He is over the moon.
It is a very good album from a very popular band. Very listenable and great to sing along to as well.
Wouldn't be without it again.

Great CD and DVD set, which some awesome tunes and videos. Definately a must for all fans of the the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Very impressed and great value from eBay!

Bee3n away travelling abroad. Returned to find only one of this 2 CD collection had been sent. Still awaiting the second CD. Just not acceptable!

Excellent album with something for everyone. Personal favourite at the moment is "hard to Concentrate" but there are many other excellent songs.

This is one of the best RHCP albums in my opinion! Unbelievably great =)! Buy it - you will not be disappointed!

stadium arcadium by the red hot chilli peppers,this album is a double disc edition with 14 tracks on each disc,disc number 1 is the best ive ever heard from the chillis,nice chilled out and easy listening not to heavy,unfortunately disc 2 isnt that great in my opinion,maybee there record label pushed them into releasing it sooner i don't know it sounds dull and effortless,don't get me wrong there are 1 or 2 decent tracks but the rest are a waste,i still recomend any peppers fan buy it just for disc 1

My boyfriend's the Chili Pepper fan in our house and although I've liked the occassional song in the past, I could never quite manage to listen to a whole album start to finish. So when I noticed the 'Stadium Arcadium' double CD album on our stereo, you can imagine my sudden urge to go shopping!

I spoke to soon though... I am now officially converted! Every song is a winner, from it's catchy lyrics to music that makes you want to get up and dance. I really recommend a listen to this album... who knows? Maybe they will convert you too?!

5 stars!

Love the music. Nice musik, nice to listen to.
I bought this CD since I heard it in the radio and liked it.

Great CD, I wasn't sure whether to buy it and then my friends played it and i was sold! So if you need pushing,jump!
Disc 2 is the better all rounder, but disc 1 has better singles in it.

great double album by the best band on the planet. Snow is my favouite tune, there's loads of great rockers, ballads and funkers in there too but none of the silly style early stuff they did in the 80's and early 90's. If you have a 2 hour drive it'll seem like 20 minutes if you play these 2 cd's as you go -buy it!

this is such an amazing album, 28 tracks on 2 discs ,each named mars and jupiter. it has many styles on here from johns blistering hendrix style guitar solo's to fleas funky basslines.this is album is only equalled by the chili peppers album blood sugar sex magik. These ageing rockers once again show they can produce quality album after album.there really isnt a duff track on this

I was really pleased to get my hands on a cheaper copy of the double cd. Even though I love the Chilis, I love a bargain too!

Decided to buy it after my mate cocked up copying it for me. Went to see the chilli's last year and it was absolutely fantastic. Apart from one claustrophobic moment (i don't like enclosed, packed spaces!) it was great dancing to them playing live.

Great album. I was concerned that producing a double cd album was a mistake! I was very wrong. Every song a classic!

I am a big fan of the Chili peppers, thats why i bought it. was going to see them in july and needed to know their new tunes. As much as i love them, i dont think this album was all that great if you are a fan of Blood sugar sex magik or albums before, or even Californication. Its a bit too pop for me although there are some good tunes, it may not be a lover of the Chili's cup of tea, but definitly worth hearing. Its two cd's and your bound to find some songs catchy and a favourtie, just, in my opinion, maybe not all of them are classics. Would buy any more albums they may or may not release in the future, just to hear their unique sound. Everyones heard of the Chili's so you know what i mean. This cd is along the same lines as the By the way album.So if you enjoyed that you will love this.

What can i say? Great album. I have no idea how people can say that it's not like any of their old stuff and they've gone downhill- i started to go off the chilli's when by the way was released which i thought was a complete let down- but stadium arcadium has made me love them again! Great catchy tunes, great beats and amazing guitar solos. 10/10- buy the album! If you're not a fan of the chilli's- try this album. Some of their best! I reckon it could convert you!

With 28 songs accross 2 discs there's a lot to listen to and not a moment of disappointment! Although the Chilli's have been going for a while, they remain rock legends and this album is proof of their status!

In my opinion, disc one is slightly better as it is more upbeat, but then it depends what you're in the mood for!

Just blast it and enjoy!!

The best RHCP album since BLOOD SUGAR SEX MAGIC. Flea kicks ass, alongside Steve Harris (IRON MAIDEN), the best bass players in the business. Listen out for TORTURE ME, READYMADE, DESECRATION SMILE, WET SAND, and STADIUM ARCADIUM.
10/10. Go buy it now, you will not be dissapointed.

this cd is classic chillis - if you like the chillis then this is well worth a listen - fast delivery from ebay seller, no hassle at all. well done.

I love the music on this album, it's another great CD by the Chilis! I decided to buy Stadium Arcadium mainly because I was going to see the Chilis live and I loved the first single they released, Dani California... the first CD, Jupiter is particularly good, I have yet to find a song that I skip on it!

Some great, funky, boppy tunes on this album and some beautiful chilled out songs that you can relax to!

Listen out for Slow Cheetah!!! Amazing track!

Red Hot Chili Peppers at their absolute best.

A double album full of great songs that are all totally different.

I cannot stop listening to it.

Bought it as I was already a fan and now even more so.

I thoroughly recommend it.