This was the first Chili Peppers album that I bought after having listened to half a dozen tracks from it during a school skiing trip on a cassette player (which gives an idea of how long I’ve had this thing).
The album ‘Californication’ can be argued to be the most successful album of the chilis repertoire, indeed many people think this is only the second or third album by the band, not knowing the band much earlier, more funky sounding albums.
The Band at this time being Ant Kiedis, Flea, John Frusciante and Chad smith, the former two being original members and the latter replacements for the late Hillel Slovak and Jack Irons.


Here is a list of songs and my feelings on them:

1. Around The World,
This track is for the hardcore fans of old, a funky song with intensely fast guitar moments, this track also has a much softer chorus that previous chilli songs, perhaps a signal that this album was another level of progression for the band. Wasn’t 100% convinced by this song the first time I heard it but by crikey does it grow on you.

2. Parallel Universe,
This is quite a good song, the tempo of the song is fast without it being a kind of head banging rock and roll type fast. Lyrics of the song flow effortlessly with superb guitar work

3. Scar Tissue,
This has to be one of my top 10 fave songs on this album as that how good the overall quality is. This is a fairly mellow song as is common with a fairly significant portion of this album. Good use of guitar work and excellent vocals, this track is one to use when driving a convertible on a long lazy sunny afternoon.

4. Otherwise,
This is easily the slowest, and most depressing song on the album, however despite lyrics such as ‘slitting my throat is all I ever’ this song is so easy to listen to and despite its sombre mood doesn’t get you down.

5. Get On Top,
Another fast paced song which flows with the ease that is concurrent throughout this album, lyrics are not the best, it’s more the rhythm of them that makes this song

6. Californication,
The classic on this album, another slow song with excellent lyrics which can be listened to on any occasion. I could go on about the meaning behind this song but there’s no point – the song is just too good for it.

7. Easily,
I love the pace of this song coming as it does directly after the slow pace of californication. This is a very guitar heavy song which adds to upbeat nature of it.

8. Porcelain,
This a quite a short, very slow paced song. The main components of this song is the use of guitar and slow drums. Vocal use is very good, a song that can be listened to again and again.

9. Emit Remmus,
Opens with a good guitar riff, is quite a slow paced song yet quick at the same time, ends in a flourish of guitarism

10. I Like Dirt,
Love this song, a very fast paced guitary song. Lyrics accompany use of instruments to produce an easily listened to song.

11. This Velvet Glove,
Opens with a good guitar riff, which seems to stay there through the entire song. This song has the same tempo type as Emit Remmus which is what makes it so good.

12. Savior,
I’d have to say this is the weakest song on the album, does have bits of brilliance via guitars but the lyrics and rhythm which characterise other songs on this album just seem to be missing.

13. Purple Stain,
Quite a funky song, seems to stop and go with just enough rhythm to let you bop your head along to it. Lyrics are excellent as is guitar work.

14. Right On Time,
A very upbeat song towards the end of the album, much in the same vein as Around The World, this highlights the Chili’s use of funk music to produce yet another easily listened to song.

15. Road Trippin,
A slow tempo song but still good, Soft use of guitar and vocals combine to produce and excellent easily listened to song.