LogFAQs > #976384202

17. Red Hot Chili Peppers Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Funk Rock, Alternative Rock, Rap Rock
1991
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/3/0/9/AAeDEnAAE4k1.jpg

@Cavedweller2000

https://youtu.be/kziGsq8reTc

1. Under the Bridge
2. Give It Away
3. Breaking the Girl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UnU3r0M3zg

I know the Chili Peppers exclusively for their singles (some of which I like more than others) so Im not sure what to expect. The Power of Equality is very light and bouncy with a rock tint. Anthony Kiediss distinctive vocals fly above the rest of the song. Its a great opener, setting the tone for the rest of the album: rock with punk, rap, and funk influences. This fits in line with what I know of their singles.

According to Wikipedia, RHCPs manager wanted Blood Sugar Sex Magik to be more accessible than their prior releases. They succeeded: the album is full of catchy hooks and a dreamlike, euphoric state. This came out in 1991, the same year grunge was picking up mainstream airplay (and the same day, humorously, as Nirvanas Nevermind), but to compare this with grunge is like comparing a honeycrisp apple with a granny smith: both are good, depending on who you ask, but they give very different taste experiences.

Blood Sugar Sex Magik is fun. Even as the subject matter veers into more serious fare relationships (Breaking the Girl) and even Kiediss drug use (Under the Bridge) theres a fundamental playfulness to the music that feels inherently accessible.

There are a lot of songs about sex, some of which arent very subtle. (Looking at you, Apache Rose Peacock.) There are some rockier parts, like the bridge to Funky Monks, which has a great guitar/drum solo; the song also ends with a great bass part. It feels like the band is cohesive, letting each member shine in different ways.

Theres a great transition from the frenetic energy of Suck My Kiss that immediately goes into the more acoustic I Could Have Lied. The album is full of little moments like that. And yet its entirely coherent as one piece. Thats quite the accomplishment. Guitarist John Frusciante is credited with the bands change in sound and exploration of new sonic horizons, as well as their producer Rick Rubin.

I do think some of the songs, despite the variety, blend together by the end. Perhaps this means the album is too long? Some of the songs I think you could cut and not lose anything, like The Righteous & The Wicked. The last few songs blend together for me. But then the Peppers do a song like Give It Away a manic, scatting burst of energy in the middle of the album and all is forgiven.