Review - Stadium Arcadium

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are an interesting band. Anthony is one of the last true rock stars, Chad holds down the fort with rock-solid drumming, John and Flea are living legends. Ask them to write you a hit song and it'll take 'em about 14 seconds.

Unfortunately for them, all of their past success has become somewhat of a hinderance. Regardless of what new material the band puts out critics and bloggers will complain that it's a retread of past efforts.

But really, how could it not be? They've taken their sound around the world, under the bridge to higher ground, to the other side and back. With 7 seven platinum albums on the wall I think they've paid their dues.

Finally, after 4 long years of nothing--save for a Greatest Hits album--the Peppers are back with the double-album release, Stadium Arcadium.

First of all, it's long. 28 brand new tracks for your listening pleasure. A quick browse of the tracklist reveals nothing out of the ordinary. Pretty standard titles. Pop 'er into your player (or get it queued up on your iPod--whatever the case may be) and you're greeted with a track that sums up a lot of my feeling about this album.

It's good, there's no doubting that. But strangely empty.

As you make your way through the rest of the tracks you may find yourself wondering what's missing. I still haven't been able to pinpoint the exact problem. All the essentials are there; solid musicianship with a number of great Frusciante moments, great writing and lyrical content, rockin' basslines, an overall feel-good summer vibe...so what is it?

Too many mid-tempo songs? Maybe. Lack of variety? Not really. Maybe they all need to develop drug problems again.

Highlights include the tracks "Slow Cheetah", "Wet Sand", "Tell Me Baby", "Make You Feel Better" and the closer "Death Of A Martian".

7.0/10