Thanks for the different perspective I'm sure it's more Interesting that way, seems less like nonsense because you learned it after another language, cool!
I don 't really know English either , and when I listen to music I almost don 't understand anything . So I evaluate music only by sound , and in this context , all these Anthony techniques like beb bop bub sound great to me
I wonder if that's one of the reasons RHCP is so popular in over here in latin countries/Brazil. I really enjoy the band and don't understand a single lyric either
Same for me! I’m a native spanish speaker and Rosalía’s lyrics in Motomami are mostly cringe but I get that non spanish speakers won’t notice how dumb they are. The opposite thing happened with Rammstein, I only started to appreciate their lyrics once I learned german.
I love that point, actually. rhcp was the first band I ever loved, and even as I grew up and learned pretty fluent english, realizing that the lyrics made no sense never hurt them too much in my eyes. that can't be said for songs made in my native portuguese, where I can't stand lyrics that amount to nothing. one of the beauties of portuguese to me is precisely the poetic nature the language can have, and I can't excuse lousiness. but I wonder if everyone feels like that with their own native language
It’s too soon for me to say, “no greatest hits material” (at least in terms of “best tracks”, if you mean actual hits, then I’m sure you’re correct), bc I’ve only listened to it the whole way through twice, and it’s gonna take a lot more to soak in. Like you said though, what it is, especially with John’s voice and licks back in it, is more than good enough for me, and very comforting. It definitely creates an affect that puts me back in my late teens/early 20s, around when Stadium Arcadium came out, and I couldn’t get enough of this band, but I also don’t think it’s a retread of that old ground, and it’s not merely nostalgia. Idk, for me this is a solid 7/10 after initial listens, and I could see it growing on me. I can see why it might not do much for people who don’t have a certain kind of past with RHCP, though.
John mentioned Anthony’s style in an interview once. He mentioned how his non-traditional approach creates a unique dynamic in the band, and how because he’s not the typical musician he hears different things than most people when analyzing the instrumentals. Yes his lyrics can be silly some times, but he makes the band much more unique, and there are plenty of deeper more insightful lyrical displays from him as well.
@@rorocio93 Californication, Otherside, Scar Tissue, Don’t Forget Me, I could Die For You, Venice Queen, Slow Cheetah, Wet Sand, Dani California, Death of a Martian, Dark Necessities, Tangelo, just to name a few more. Lots of songs that either have deeper meanings, tell a story, or act as a metaphor for something more important/meaningful.
@@cl5314 True, cringing on Mouth Dance when you have tracks like Suck My Kiss and Apache Rose Peacock 😂 COME ON. I feel like Peppers are tapping into that Latin American market where they are so loved and who just want to dance away on funky tunes.
Yeah at this point you either love the gibberish or are thrown off by it. Personally, I love it. He seems very self-assured with his approach to songwriting and melodies and it’s something I’ve grown to admire.
@@kmcsounds25 Yeah I love it for what it is, it's never made sense and this isn't new lol. The band sounds great and Anthony seems revitalized, I'm excited for what's to come.
Can't stop vocals had more conviction , sat neater in the mix and , whilst still goofy , had memorable and catchy lines. This album doesn't have any of that
You see, when I read the title "Aquatic Mouth Dance" on the tracklist, I was hyped for the song. And it does not disappoint. Chili Peppers lyrics are supposed to be silly, that's where the fun comes from. Always been that way.
Even if his lyrics are pretty nonsensical much of the time, stylistically speaking he's literally the only front man of a band this big who can entice people with this kind of lyricism, name another singer with this level of fame who can. Also his vocals in their live performances lately have been absolutely on point, best he's sounded in a very long time
Just wait for it to age. In general, the motto for many people is “current thing bad, current thing when old good.” “Thing” could be a year such as 2016, or an album, etc.
I’m genuinely curious how many times you listened to this front to back. Only because for me this album got exponentially better with every listen. Anthony’s lyrics came off cheesy at first and a little similar, but by the 4 or 5th listen through you start to understand the abstractness and can’t imagine anything else being there.
Same. The highlights of the record really grew on me. Though the lesser songs are still at the same place to me. Hopefully Canteen will grow on me more, i legit liked 2-3 songs.
It`s the Red Hot Chili Peppers, I don't know why you're expecting Bob Dylan type of lyrics. The bands main focus is and has always been the groove and the instrumental part, which is pretty sick in this album. In my opinion is an outstanding record, and far superior to the last two they made, althoug I really like The Getaway.
Todd in the Shadows made an interesting observation in one of his videos (I can't remember which) that went something like this: when you analyze Chili Peppers lyrics and see that none of them make any goddamn sense, you have to remember that Anthony Kiedis, while a fine singer, uses his voice almost like an extra percussion instrument to keep the song's beat and loose, fun vibes moving more than as an actual lyrical mouthpiece. He might as well just beatbox all the songs, it's a very similar effect. That, to me, is what makes RHCP stand out and it's part of the reason I like their music so much. Sometimes you get a lyrical gem regardless of that like Under The Bridge or Otherside or even Scar Tissue, but you can't expect that all the time. As for this album, while it's no BSSM or even a Stadium Arcadium, it's solid enough that I'd recommend it. I really enjoyed The Heavy Wing and The Great Apes in particular and I can't wait to see them live this summer. 7/10.
It's the same "mental trick" i use when i'm listening to something like Rammstein and only speak bits and pieces of German. Vocals at the end of the day are just another instrument.
It’s a good point but I don’t know how true it is of their more recent output where he clearly tried to learn to sing and their songs were far more melody-based
i know this is not related but i dont where to ask can someone tell the name of the song with this lyrics ? ENGLISH ENGLISH BIONA AFRICAN GIRL ABIOLA YOU SISTER LIKE COLA BIG UP THE MANDEM BEND OVER IN ITALY MY FRIEND BE LIKE WHAT WHAT WHAT IN ITALY MY FRIEND BE LIKE DAMN SHAWTY WERE SHE FROM SHE FROM ITALIA SPAGETI MAFIA VAFANCULU MANJANI HARAM HARAM
I can see why tracks like poster child are an instant turn off to people. I actually like this track specifically. When I decide to listen to rhcp, I'm not in a serious mood ever. I listen to them when I'm feeling goofy or in a good mood. So I don't really pay attention to the cringe lyrics and instead focus on the rest of the band being fucking awesome. Seriously, flea's basslines on Poster Child absolutely rock.
Really don’t understand the abuse for AK’s lyrics. The RHCP have always been about funky, abstract lyrics. If you like Apache Rose Peacock and Sir Psycho Sexy, how can you complain about the lyrics on this album? Also, isn’t it nice to hear someone write something original, whether there abstract or not. Modern art is not the same as the Mona Lisa. Both can still be cool and interesting though.
Agreed! Anthony always has abstract odd strung together lyrics that serve almost like a rhythm instrument but that's the chili peppers, like listen to all their old stuff, it's a trademark, like cant stop. That's to be expected on this album and doesnt ruin it at all for me. To expect anything different would be weird after knowing and appreciating their catalogue.
Yes! I always thought of Anthony as a surrealist artist painting over these sonic structures in a cool and unique way. The lyrics on Unlimited Love totally follows what has been his style for ages. I don't know why people are complaining this time around. I think it's like a viral thing where a few people mention it and then everybody starts talking about it in the comment sections and forums because it's funny and then it's a popular opinion all of a sudden. People are also accustomed to the older songs because they know them for decades and they forget the fact that there's not even a single "Doo-doo dingle zing a dong bone, ba-di ba-da ba-zumba crunga cong gone bad" or "Ding ding dong dong, ding ding dong, dong ding ding" on the new album. AK sounds as good as he ever did.
Keidis' lyrics are a pretty good intimation of the "Peps'" overall vibe and aesthetic: absurd, funky, and yes - a bit nonsensical. You either love it or you hate it. As a fan, I love this album!
RHCP is one of my favorite bands of all time, but let's be honest... has anyone ever listened to "the pepps" for Anthony's Lyrics? I certainly haven't haha. With that being said this album wasn't as good as I had hoped, but it was really nice to hear John back on guitar and providing those sweet backing vocals
One Hot Minute saw Anthony at his best lyrically in my opinion. Warped is just good poetry, so is Shallow be Thy Game. Californication also had some songs with good lyrics, i.e. Otherside and Savior.
Honesty I do for some of the songs hahahaha. Under the Bridge, Otherside, Dosed, Brendens Death song, Desecration Smile and especially I Could Have Lied just to name a few. He’s not brilliant but he has some sprinkled gems which I really enjoy
I personally love the freedom Kiedis writes with, yeah it's gibberish and it's totally random but it's very rarely full of clichés and it suits the music perfectly
Rick Ruben did a two part interview with John and Kiedis. Every band should listen to that interview. How to write music and be artistically heard, without ego 101. John creates a melody with every song he writes. He has no attachment to melody.....it's the way he gauges if the songs will be fun for Kiedis and the rest of the band to flush out. John will only tell kiedis what melody he used to write the song, if kiedis asks him. John has always said Kiedis is the outsider element in the band. Kiedis non-musican approach grounds them. If not for that element, rhcp would of turned into Mars Volta or Disco Biscuit.
@@Blackslashband that's actually an interview from the Arcadium Stadium era, I can't remember exactly to look out for the interview, but if anyone is interested in giving you the link, it's around that time, and John is the one who's explaining all that.
@@andrei11dr This comment stopped being funny back in 2011... oh wait.... IT WAS NEVER FUNNY SO STOP FUGGIN' POSTING IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A relevant detail here is Anthony says there was zero quality control when writing lyrics for this album since he was struggling to keep up with writing lyrics for the 50 songs they wrote during these sessions.
Not really sure that's an excuse. I gave a degree in commercial songwriting and with the amount of experience he has he should have been able to clear up and condense his ideas into some form of coherent work. I'm ready to be hammered in the comments.
@@lukebucket No hammering necessary, I totally agree. I know bands work in different ways, but when you compare this to a band like Big Thief... Can you ever imagine someone like Adrianne Lenker just churning out lyrics with no quality-control because there are 49 other songs to do? IN the creative sphere, I don't think that's an excuse personally.
He should've put the process on pause for a few weeks, shut himself in a room and figured them out. I know a lot of people don't listen to the Chilis for the lyrics but in reality they're a vital part of any album and simply cannot be half-assed. And as a musician, if your lyricist is struggling to keep up with the insane volume of (mostly forgettable) tracks you're coming out with, slow down. You've got to be in sync.
Anthony usually goes for a silly, abstract lyrical choice which usually sounds more phonetically pleasing than actually having any deeper meaning. Its almost like he's using his voice as an instrument and just using sounds and words that fit with the melody or groove or funk instead of trying to tell a story. I remember seeing an interview where he said "I prefer abstract, metaphorical lyrics over deep, straight forward lyrics because anything that can be said, has been said in music already. So I like to say something that's never been said before and leave it to the listener to interpret whatever they want". But at the same time he has written songs like Under the Bridge or I Could've Lied that are deeper and meaningful in their own ways. To each there own though, I do enjoy a little objectivity in music reviews.
I remember a while ago I saw a video called “Y’all heard that new bop by Red Hot Chili Peppers?” It showed this dude acting really confused by some moon rune lyrics being spit over a funky and relaxed instrumental. And wouldn’t you know it, this whole album is that 💀💀
"Aquatic Mouth Dance" is actually a reference to "American Ghost Dance", a RHCP song of 1985 that has a similar "funky vibe". It's not the first time they revisit this title, when "Hump de Bump" was beign made, the working title was Ghost Dance 2.0 :)
If I have to criticize anything about the album, it seems a number of songs have a better verse vocal melody/groove than the chorus making them feel a little anti-climactic. That being said, Whatchu Thinkin' and White Braids & Pillow Chair are really great tracks. The more I listen the more I'm enjoying the songs. Having Frusciante back is such a wonderful thing. Those 4 gel so well together.
Whatchu’ Thinking I liked initially but Kiedis does some weird poetry slam night flow and then tops it off with ‘mmmm yes myeah’ in such a weird tone of voice. White Braids is very strong. My favorite is ‘Here Ever After’ for its interesting guitar parts and general feel. I was happy to find out It’s John Frusciante’s favourite song to play on the entire album via the ‘Broken Record’ Podcast with Rick Reuben
Personally, I love Keidis’ lyrics. The crazy abstract images he tries to create are really efficient to stimulate a sense of escape for the listener. It’s great imagery and takes you far beyond…in outter space !!! Great review though. The band is tight as always I agree. Its mega cool to hear frusciante again. Just wanted to defend the craziness in the lyricism.
@Perverted Alchemist How much 'they' love Cali or how much Keidis has like two topics his brain can comprehend? >_< Chads from MIchigan, Flea lived in Australia, Frusciante is from queens/grew up in Florida
By far their best music it doesnt have the hedonism or fresh off heroin youthful vibes but it is full of love and insane instrumental masterpiece... Chad is better than ever...they are all on another level
If Kiedis was a rapper he'd get a pass for the lyrics.. I don't think criticizing Kiedis makes much sense at this point, he's always had wacky lyrics which makes RHCP who they are today. Solid 7.5/10 for me. I agree with the criticisms of it not quite having the cutting edge direction or hooks of albums from their prime, but at this stage of their career it's pretty damn solid record. It stands out as being really refined, balanced and well produced to me.
@@SlipknotMachinehead is not a bad song, I just want something new and Heavy wing feels more fresh, sounds like frusciante solo albums with the solid base of flea and chad.
Yes!!! The chorus of heavy wing is one of the few moments on the record that I really really feel it! I dunno it makes a lot of sense to me for him to take on more vocal/lyrical duties as Anthony seems to be struggling more and more on both fronts.
Recently I read an interview where Kiedis said something like the rest of the band were writing one song after the other so quickly that it became a challenge for him to keep up when it came to writing lyrics to all these songs and eventually he said to himself something like, these are the lyrics I wrote down, these are going to be the lyrics to the song. Now off to the next song. Fortunately for us Kiedis has the ability to sing even the most ridiculous lines and still do it in a way that sounds great and makes sense in the song when you hear it, even if they don't make much sense lyrically, haha. I just think the band got so excited having Frusciante back that they were probably a little too excited and should have slowed down a bit and taken their time more in crafting the songs. They wrote so many songs that they have enough left over for another album. Maybe they decided to release these songs first to kinda test the waters and see how the world reacts to the return of the RHCP. I mean the world's very different than it was 6 years ago when they released The Getaway. And it's VERY different than it was during the previous Frusciante era. And maybe they saved, I guess you could say, the meatier songs for the next album. That's my hope. With that being said, I thought you would have rated this album a little higher but I see where you're coming from in your critiques.
White Braids and Pillow Chair’s ending is actually a 60’s surfer throwback, which is due to John’s beach guitar setting, and chad’s shuffle-esque drum groove. How’d you get country? Lol
Definitely don't agree here - this is at 7-8 for me. Dumb lyrics are part of RHCP and have been for their entire existence. I'm not sure I agreed with a single (negative) take here Edit: I think melon gets a bit too hung up on lyrics sometimes in his reviews
Yea that confused me too, there isn’t a single era where the chili peppers didn’t have goofy lyrics in some way or another. Seems like a bit of a reach to hit that point as hard as he did
I’m with You is a tremendous, underrated album. Also, Josh gets way too much crap just for not being John. It’s sad, because Josh is super talented. Songs like Did I Let You Know are some of the best Chili Peppers stuff in a decade. This new album is…just…okay? Way too bloated, way too many “b-side-quality” songs that take up space and go nowhere. Still, the guys all sound great and there are great moments on this new record.
I just wish Unlimited Love had that very polished, very grandiloquent and layered production you could hear on Stadium Arcadium. That album felt so ambitious but unlimited love almost feels more like a live recording of a band jamming than a record at times
I love the getaway. It was something new. Unlimited love to me sounds like b sides of some of their top albums. It doesn’t explore new territories in the way the getaway does.
@@mikewellington2738 Yeah, even tho I really like this album, originally I was excited for the possibility of a new sound evolution like what happened with The Getaway
I’ve always gotten the vibe that Anthony is just sort of scatting and having a good time. I honestly love this record - John, Flea, and Chad are as in sync as ever and Anthony hasn’t seemed this energetic and silly since Stadium Arcadium. The Peps always put me in a good mood and I’m thankful to have another fun project from them to listen to! Solid 7 from me
Wow. You are really under-selling this album. 'Here Ever After', 'Let 'em Cry' and 'She's a Lover' are their catchiest songs since 'Snow'. I also think 'It's only Natural' and 'These are the Ways' are excellent. Both Anthony and John have said some of their strongest new material will be on the follow up, which is nice to know. If so, ULove will be on par with Stadium Arcadium.
I think Anthony is off base on this one. I like the album. Anthony's singing is better and the songs are good. The lyrics are not spectacular by any means, but they never were from AK.
@@Hypnohealersarah Kiedis has his lyrical moments but its like AT MOST twice per album. I dont get it tho its like anthony doesnt remember that gibberish is kinda Kiedis' wheelhouse like half of the last verse in around the world is ding ding dong ding dang and countless other examples. I love the chilis but i mainly listen to em when im in a mostly good mood n wanna groove, if i wanna get introspective and well up over beautiful lyrics and timbres ill listen to joni mitchell or nick drake lmao
I feel like he is more biased against thos type of music than rap. This is the same guy who thinks Freddie Gibbs' Ice Cream is the best track of the week. The lyrics are god awful. He raps the same shit like pimping hoes, bitches, and killing. Somehow he still eat that trash up!
I felt like that too. Maybe it went down more than I expected because he had a big expectation for the album? I dunno though, I also had big expectations but still loved it even if there weren't many songs that were iconic like many of their previous ones. But regardless of anything, I believe that the next album could be a million times better
just proves how unbearable the lyrics are. if every song has awful lyrics that make you want to die, it doesn't matter how good the music is. At least someone agrees and you can listen to the album without the vocals.
Anthony's entire style was to add percussive rap style stream of consciousness wild and crazy lyrics to heavy funk basslines while jumping around. Pure energy. Their musical style has evolved, but the songs have been catchy for this reason. Can't Stop and Give it Away aren't just fun musically, the lyrics add to the poppy, percussive nature of the whole song. No one is looking for deep meanings in them and part of the reason they have that infectious hip-hop like resonance is that they're catchy, he rhymes obscure words together in melodic fashion. It's fun to listen to.
To me that album should have been like 5 songs shorter. Also I feel like it should be mentioned : these are the ways is one of the best drum performances Chad Smith has ever pulled off, ever.
This wasn’t as bad as I was expecting (perhaps a bit too long), but I’m still a bit miffed that they kicked Josh Klinghoffer out like that. The Getaway was a step in the right direction sound-wise with Danger Mouse and Nigel Godrich.
They got John back because he is the superior musician by a landslide. The two albums they had out in the 2010s don’t even remotely touch the entire rest of their discography.
From a lyrical standpoint, you could rip apart any RHCP project the way you did this one.. but ignored it on the last two records and when they make their best record in 16 years, you put a microscope on the lyrical style Kiedis has been going at his entire career. Easy 8/10.
Absolutely love this album, black summer wasn’t my favorite and was a little worried it was going to suck, but there’s so many good songs here, she’s a lover, the great apes, one way traffic, bastards of light, one way traffic and let ‘em cry are my favorites
"She's a lover" lyrics are not really obscure at all, you just need the ref point and some research, then they all make sense. Laylay was the Atlantis Manta Ray that was released back to the wild In 2019. It's a reference to releasing something wild and free back to its habitat. Just like the start of the song with the pink flowers on the tree (cherry blossom) something wild and free unless picked. He's referring to the girl in the song and worried if he loves her, if she will still be wild and free. Quite cute really.
This is why I love his lyricism, most of his lyrics there is so much to unfold and they’re quite complex but for a casual listen/listener it’s gibberish 😂 but he’s one of the most talented lyricists in current music in my opinion
@@liambagnall7752 totally agree.Think most people harp on about his singing and totally miss the point he's something much rarer, singers are everywhere, lyrical poets not so much. All the combined talent together makes them something different and the test of time has proved it.
@@tillytyler2871 100%! He’s not the best singer of course but he’s actually still a very good vocalist with a very unique rhythm with his words that gels very well with the music! I also love hearing his progression from the first album till now and just hearing him get better at singing! But I also love the shout/rap he had for the first 4 albums!
@@liambagnall7752 I have just realized he mentions Siouxsie Sioux in Aquatic Mouth Dance and her debut solo album was called Mantaray, linking in lyrics with She's a Lover, perhaps a coincidence, but what's the betting he was listening to Siouxsie Sioux and the Banshees during lock down 😁
@@tillytyler2871 yeah I clocked that when I looked up the lyrics! I loved how this album contained so many references to other amazing artist throughout!
I am loving this album! I love music so much, but have zero ability to create music. I think this is beneficial when listening to a lot of these songs. I'm not coming at this album from a technical perspective. If songs get me moving, get stuck in my head, or give me chills is how I judge an album. This album does all that at some point! 🤷🏽♀️😁
I’ll always appreciate the peps as a great gateway band: they’ve been a doorway for young musicians since the 90s to encounter a deeper, richer level of funk music. Through them I found Parliament Funkadelic, Bootsy’s Rubber Band and the whole P-Funk pantheon. That music changed my life and blew my inner world wide open. The awesome thing is, I’m in my 30s and work at a school and the same is STILL true of kids starting to play music now.
i dont take this album as seriously as their earlier work. I feel like they had a lot of fun making this even tho its all over the place. I'd say its a strong 6 for me
I'd say a strong 6 is fair, for RHCP fans I feel like this album was more than what it had to be. It's got strong sides to it and I feel like some people are really overlooking them and I don't really understand why. Aquatic Mouth Dance has probably the best bass line Flea's written in decades and some f*ckn fun and jazzy trumpets clearly inspired by Miles Davies (which I love but I get that they might be offputting for others). These Are the Ways has the best drumming Chad's ever performed on a record, it's mental actually and the vocals are literally the best Kiedis has ever been able to do. All of that is without even touching John's work which I think is phenomenal with the best cases being on White Braids & Pillow Chair, The Heavy Wing and Tangelo. As a long time fan this is a fantastic album, I wasn't sure at first but man, it's literally everything I wanted it to be. Old school "rapping" Anthony but with reimagined, funky and fun instrumentals. If someone thinks the lyrics are cringy they're obviously not a fan of the band in general since they have literally always been the same and I personally wouldn't want it any other way. When I got the album on vinyl I sat for a good 10 minutes just reading the lyrics giggling to myself. Either you like them or you don't and in this case I really feel like Anthony doesn't and that's fine but I don't want people acting like it's a bad album cause it really isn't.
The 3rd album ( ) is not even Icelandic words just sounds that fit the music. I've loved Sigur Ros for decades but still couldn't tell u what the songs are about lyrically, even the ones in Icelandic.
When I was in 7th grade back in 1993, there was this kid that loved the RHCP. He wore a shirt of the band almost every day to school, he would listen to them all the time on his walkman wearing a hoodie so that teachers wouldn't notice, etc. He was actually delighted when his parents bought him a CD of BSSM, an album that had come out almost a couple years back, and he kept talking about it for days. Back then, you actually had to buy physical copies of albums, and they were quite expensive. People eventually got tired of him, he became known as a weirdo and became a social outcast. Gen-Xers and early Millenials were quite brutal with the whole bullying thing, but I never bullied him.
Why did you go to the trouble of copy pasting this entire comment from another melon video?? Your story was already irrelevant and irritating the first time around!
I think AK kinda killed it on this one. The confidence with which he delivers such silliness is very compelling to me, and he’s more stylistically varied on this album than almost any other. IMO every band member contributed equally to this record. Loved it
Id honestly give this album a strong 7 to light 8, I enjoy it more than SA. I guess keidises lyrics dont bother me nearly as much as you, I just dont take them too seriously and it sounds good as like another instrument.
Really like this album. I really like when a band does what they want to do instead of just putting out music to try and make hits. Although stadium has to be my #1 I’ve got this one pretty high on my list of rhcp albums.
the album isn't blowing me away but i never really expected it to. it's comfy, nostalgic, and fun and that's all i need. i'm taking it for exactly what it is and enjoying it.
John makes this album at least a 6/10. Hearing them play together is absolutely great, and hearing Johns vocals over Anthony’s horrible lyrics make it worth the listen.
I'm closer to a 4 or 5 but agree with John's vocals and guitar work which are spot on as usual. Anthony seemed a bit lackluster but the rest of the guys were tight
How does this have a lower score than Spring by Weezer lmao say what you will about the lyrics on Unlimited Love but they’re still 5x better than any recent weezer lyrics
not everyone can write such tear-jerking and emotional lines such as: "Got the DNA of gothic lemons Shred it thirteen times Out of eleven Your bad ideas are the ATM Shed my skin Leave it for the homeless To sleep in" and such meaningful lines like: A plethroa of maniacs And spiral stairs Make your water break In the apple store Sink or swim, who fucking cares Cut the birth cords Press send
This review should have been like his Limp Bizkit reviews, except only one minute in length where he spends the entire time eating a chilli. That would be *ONE HOT MINUTE*
Imagine for a second, being such a accomplished musician such as flea, smith and frusciante .. only to have all your hard work bukkaked over by Kiedis lyrics and vocals
To some extent, I understand that lyrics (an irrelevant, important or crucial part of the pack depending on the person) can prevent someone from enjoying the experience the same way as me, a non english speaker who focuses more on the music and instrumentation (which is on point in my view, as well as the production). Moreover, you tackle AK's lyrics as if he was displaying something new or unknown within his songwriting (nonsensical in essence) and vocal approach, which can be annoying at times. I mean, you gave The Getaway even a higher score... I personally dug UL, decent to strong 7
I loved the album personally. The overall greatness of Flea’s, Frusciante’s and Smith’s playing compensates for the occasional silliness of Kiedis’ lines for me. I initially had it at a 7.5/10 but it grew to a 8/10.
@@flea8074 I'm 34 and have been a fan since I was 17. I saw them in July for Unlimited Love tour and for the first time during their Stadium Arcadium tour. I live in California.
Problem with Fantano is he’s a nerd. He doesn’t understand or appreciate abstract broad strokes of the brush. He’s limited and doesn’t really understand art 🤷♂️
Anthony always has abstract odd strung together lyrics that serve almost like a rhythm instrument but that's the chili peppers, like listen to all their old stuff, it's a trademark, like cant stop. That's to be expected on this album and doesnt ruin it at all for me.
Klinghoffer was underrated, but the band never semed to like and fit in with him. Having John back is great, but this album just kinda feels all over the place. It's solid, but far from being their best.
I respect your opinion, but have to say I'm sitting at a 7 on this one. There are some exceptional grooves. Anthony's lyrics are goofy, but honestly... it's a fun and unique form of expression. These guys might not be alive if it hadn't been for their brotherhood and musical chemistry.
This is a perfect example of why music reviews are bullshit. There isn’t is a single skip-able track on the album, and this guy is stretching for reasons not to like it. He is nitpicking such minor things that most people would not care about. The actual meaning of lyrics don’t really matter. How many great songs did Queen or The Beatles write that have silly lyrics? If anything, Anthony is the best at silly/funny/unique lyrics, but he can write deep stuff too. Also, I don’t see how any fan of RHCP or rock music in general is not in love with The Heavy Wing or These Are The Ways.
Nothing about it is really new or interesting in particular. It's fairly bland. And weird lyrics are alright but they just have this uncanny penchant to put together complete inanity
@@gabe2869 Some of them are good. The thing is with some Chilli Peppers lyrics is that a lot of them have deep meanings. Which means you have to think really hard about what by they mean. I think if people spent time analysing and really thinking about some of their lyrics they might understand what they are talking about
I feel like you’re letting Anthony’s lyrics bring your enjoyment of the album down too much. That’s really what the majority of this video was about. No mention of the great guitar solos during She’s a Lover, The Great Apes, and Let Em’ Cry. Rather, we just hear your opinion on some lyric. You said it yourself, Keidis has never been the lyrical genius, but it’s not RHCP without him. I’d give it a high 8/10, and I know 90% of hardcore Chili’s fans would rate it similarly
Man, are we really criticizing the lyrics? Considering all the music out there? We are criticizing RHCP lyrics? It is supposed to be fun, and sound fluid. Sometimes it doesn't need to be deep, it just needs to move you and pick up your vibe. The music is beautiful. Think of their best hits, did 'Around the World' make sense either? It's fun prose. Seriously in all the music out there we are criticizing RCHP? These guys are masters of their instruments, they move people, they bring good vibes.
PS absolutely LOVE Aquatic Mouth Dance, they introduced the jazzy vibe with the brass. How can you not love that? Flea's jazz influence coming through. These guys are one of the only true funk bands left. This album is dope. 'Here Ever After' chorus is a highlight.
As a non-native speaker of English, listening to Anthony's lyrics was never a cringy thing for me, but I get what you mean Anthony
Thanks for the different perspective I'm sure it's more Interesting that way, seems less like nonsense because you learned it after another language, cool!
I don 't really know English either , and when I listen to music I almost don 't understand anything . So I evaluate music only by sound , and in this context , all these Anthony techniques like beb bop bub sound great to me
I wonder if that's one of the reasons RHCP is so popular in over here in latin countries/Brazil. I really enjoy the band and don't understand a single lyric either
Same for me! I’m a native spanish speaker and Rosalía’s lyrics in Motomami are mostly cringe but I get that non spanish speakers won’t notice how dumb they are. The opposite thing happened with Rammstein, I only started to appreciate their lyrics once I learned german.
I love that point, actually. rhcp was the first band I ever loved, and even as I grew up and learned pretty fluent english, realizing that the lyrics made no sense never hurt them too much in my eyes. that can't be said for songs made in my native portuguese, where I can't stand lyrics that amount to nothing. one of the beauties of portuguese to me is precisely the poetic nature the language can have, and I can't excuse lousiness. but I wonder if everyone feels like that with their own native language
No greatest hits material whatsoever, but it felt like a warm blanket, especially with John’s vocals and guitars. That was enough for me.
I feel this .. like putting on new pjs on a Friday night, it’s raining outside and your mums made lasagna and your watching the mighty ducks
That and Flea’s bass lines were really going off on this album too. Chad also had some awesome drum moments, especially on These Are The Ways.
It’s too soon for me to say, “no greatest hits material” (at least in terms of “best tracks”, if you mean actual hits, then I’m sure you’re correct), bc I’ve only listened to it the whole way through twice, and it’s gonna take a lot more to soak in. Like you said though, what it is, especially with John’s voice and licks back in it, is more than good enough for me, and very comforting.
It definitely creates an affect that puts me back in my late teens/early 20s, around when Stadium Arcadium came out, and I couldn’t get enough of this band, but I also don’t think it’s a retread of that old ground, and it’s not merely nostalgia.
Idk, for me this is a solid 7/10 after initial listens, and I could see it growing on me. I can see why it might not do much for people who don’t have a certain kind of past with RHCP, though.
That sounds good to me! I'm gonna listen to it on the drive home
Yup. Its a great background album.
Not everyone can write such brilliant lyrics as "get get get get got got got got" i guess
It goes it goes it goes it goes …..
I GOT THE FEVEEEER
OOOOOFF
At least get got is coherent
whats this about?
Anthony Kiedis spouting off nonsense is the comfort I need in 2022.
John mentioned Anthony’s style in an interview once. He mentioned how his non-traditional approach creates a unique dynamic in the band, and how because he’s not the typical musician he hears different things than most people when analyzing the instrumentals. Yes his lyrics can be silly some times, but he makes the band much more unique, and there are plenty of deeper more insightful lyrical displays from him as well.
He sucks
Well said
I can think of Desecration Smile, Stadium Arcadium, Hey, Under The Bridge...
@@rorocio93 Californication, Otherside, Scar Tissue, Don’t Forget Me, I could Die For You, Venice Queen, Slow Cheetah, Wet Sand, Dani California, Death of a Martian, Dark Necessities, Tangelo, just to name a few more. Lots of songs that either have deeper meanings, tell a story, or act as a metaphor for something more important/meaningful.
Gong Li being the best example
I feel like Anthony keidis? Lyrics have always been gibberish I have come to embrace it it’s like his signature move.
Right? Even on bssm
@@cl5314 True, cringing on Mouth Dance when you have tracks like Suck My Kiss and Apache Rose Peacock 😂 COME ON. I feel like Peppers are tapping into that Latin American market where they are so loved and who just want to dance away on funky tunes.
@@rishabhaniket1952 the amount of Spanish and Portuguese comments on their UA-cam and Instagram posts goes to prove this lmao
Yeah at this point you either love the gibberish or are thrown off by it. Personally, I love it. He seems very self-assured with his approach to songwriting and melodies and it’s something I’ve grown to admire.
@@kmcsounds25 Yeah I love it for what it is, it's never made sense and this isn't new lol. The band sounds great and Anthony seems revitalized, I'm excited for what's to come.
Flea really shines on this album .. in fact the entire rhythm does
@Kevin Contento That is the greatest flea line ever, verse and chorus both sublime
When doesn't he shine?
the entire rhythm. so, whos that
who is rhythm. is he the drummer
@@jack-uv6mt chad smith is the drummer
The lyrics are no different than what’s on can’t stop. This is what we love about the chili peppers.
Or the instrumentals. John is basically a modern guitar god. Either way no one gives a shit about the goofy vocals.
Can't stop vocals had more conviction , sat neater in the mix and , whilst still goofy , had memorable and catchy lines. This album doesn't have any of that
@MRI Mirnz_R yeh, id rather trust my judgement that what is popular in the charts, thank you
His lyrics on "By The Way" are Shakespearian.
@MRI Mirnz_R Anything can be No. 1 on the 200 and/or Modern Rock nowadays. They're utterly meaningless.
You see, when I read the title "Aquatic Mouth Dance" on the tracklist, I was hyped for the song. And it does not disappoint. Chili Peppers lyrics are supposed to be silly, that's where the fun comes from. Always been that way.
That song is pretty catchy. And the intro guitar part is very cool...I thought my video skipped on my first listen because the timing of it.
AMD is Kleidis at his best for sure, his reliance on cliche is where kleidis falls down
@@cosmiccomedy7394 I don't think so my guy. Some of their greatest hits don't have weird lyrics.
that song is absolutely fire, Fantano just talks bad about it to be funny in my opinion
It's funny, based on the title alone, I was out here expecting it to be the most mid cut on the album, but of course it's the best on the album. how??
In a parallel universe Anthony Kiedis is the lead singer of Death Grips
Hell
deep inside of a paaaaralleeeeeeel univeeerse
i need the mashup
No disrespect to Anthony but as far as crossovers go I think I’d rather see MC Ride front RHCP
@@jimmybuckets5863 the world is not ready for such revolutionary event, and i mean that.
I'm honestly cool with Anthony's lyrics most of the time. At this point, I'm convinced he's such a colorful dude that anything he sings sounds legit.
Even if his lyrics are pretty nonsensical much of the time, stylistically speaking he's literally the only front man of a band this big who can entice people with this kind of lyricism, name another singer with this level of fame who can. Also his vocals in their live performances lately have been absolutely on point, best he's sounded in a very long time
Got confused for a second, thought you meant Fantano
@@danielmbarragan Bold of you to assume I didn't.
Exactly. Not even bothering to listen to fantanos pretentious bullshit on this one.
when you don 't understand English in songs at all and regard music only by its sound , Anthony 's lyrics are the last thing that matters to you
i laughed so hard when anthony started reading the lyrics as if they were written by Nav instead of the fuckin Chili Peppers
"We danced at Tito's Go Go, I had to insert"
@@fakenamerealchungus9851 LMFAOOO
Who's nav?
@@Neucod55 Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, look it up
TRUUUE
I dont think ”The Getaway” gets enough credit, loved that album
Just wait for it to age. In general, the motto for many people is “current thing bad, current thing when old good.” “Thing” could be a year such as 2016, or an album, etc.
Ooops, I think you misspelled “I’m with You”
Agreed
The first part is amazing, the middle end is forgettable and the end had potencial to be better
I credit Danger Mouse for bringing their groove back on The Getaway. This new album isnt bad but it feels like they're regressing
I’m genuinely curious how many times you listened to this front to back. Only because for me this album got exponentially better with every listen. Anthony’s lyrics came off cheesy at first and a little similar, but by the 4 or 5th listen through you start to understand the abstractness and can’t imagine anything else being there.
I agree, there very out there, and at first it was throwing me off, but eventually it feels like it helps with the groove, and the feel!
Same. The highlights of the record really grew on me. Though the lesser songs are still at the same place to me. Hopefully Canteen will grow on me more, i legit liked 2-3 songs.
@@craigmurdock4740 yeah tbh i struggled to get through the whole thing
oh please.
Agreed. I still listen to it almost once a week. Gets better each time.
It`s the Red Hot Chili Peppers, I don't know why you're expecting Bob Dylan type of lyrics. The bands main focus is and has always been the groove and the instrumental part, which is pretty sick in this album. In my opinion is an outstanding record, and far superior to the last two they made, althoug I really like The Getaway.
Todd in the Shadows made an interesting observation in one of his videos (I can't remember which) that went something like this: when you analyze Chili Peppers lyrics and see that none of them make any goddamn sense, you have to remember that Anthony Kiedis, while a fine singer, uses his voice almost like an extra percussion instrument to keep the song's beat and loose, fun vibes moving more than as an actual lyrical mouthpiece. He might as well just beatbox all the songs, it's a very similar effect. That, to me, is what makes RHCP stand out and it's part of the reason I like their music so much. Sometimes you get a lyrical gem regardless of that like Under The Bridge or Otherside or even Scar Tissue, but you can't expect that all the time.
As for this album, while it's no BSSM or even a Stadium Arcadium, it's solid enough that I'd recommend it. I really enjoyed The Heavy Wing and The Great Apes in particular and I can't wait to see them live this summer. 7/10.
It's sort of similar to Fall Out Boy in a lot of their songs, although maybe Fall Out Boy is inspired by the Chili Peppers lol
He made that comment in his review of "Astronaut In The Ocean" I think.
It's the same "mental trick" i use when i'm listening to something like Rammstein and only speak bits and pieces of German.
Vocals at the end of the day are just another instrument.
It’s a good point but I don’t know how true it is of their more recent output where he clearly tried to learn to sing and their songs were far more melody-based
Couldn't agree with this whole comment more. Wacky lyrics just come with the territory.
great to know you have unlimited love for this album
He really liked the sights,the sounds and the smells of that release
i know this is not related but i dont where to ask can someone tell the name of the song with this lyrics ?
ENGLISH ENGLISH BIONA
AFRICAN GIRL ABIOLA
YOU SISTER LIKE COLA
BIG UP THE MANDEM BEND OVER
IN ITALY MY FRIEND BE LIKE WHAT WHAT WHAT
IN ITALY MY FRIEND BE LIKE DAMN SHAWTY WERE SHE FROM SHE FROM ITALIA SPAGETI MAFIA VAFANCULU MANJANI HARAM HARAM
@@mftmss7086 body
@@mftmss7086 body by russ millions
@@mftmss7086 bro what
I can see why tracks like poster child are an instant turn off to people. I actually like this track specifically. When I decide to listen to rhcp, I'm not in a serious mood ever. I listen to them when I'm feeling goofy or in a good mood. So I don't really pay attention to the cringe lyrics and instead focus on the rest of the band being fucking awesome. Seriously, flea's basslines on Poster Child absolutely rock.
That song fucking flows and rocks out.
Vanessa
goofy ahhhhh mood😭😭
Spot on... The intention of RHCP songs is vital. The goof is part of the funky style. Unlimited 💜
Not me being goofy i-
Honestly it’s definitely a grower first time listening to it was underwhelmed but after so many listens I think its amazing
Feel the exact same
Ditto
Yep same. Took me a few listens and I have really got into it.
I'm kind of obsessed one month in
Yeah me too….took me a while. Now I’m listening to the album 3 or 4 times a day. Maybe one or two skips
Really don’t understand the abuse for AK’s lyrics. The RHCP have always been about funky, abstract lyrics. If you like Apache Rose Peacock and Sir Psycho Sexy, how can you complain about the lyrics on this album? Also, isn’t it nice to hear someone write something original, whether there abstract or not. Modern art is not the same as the Mona Lisa. Both can still be cool and interesting though.
Agreed! Anthony always has abstract odd strung together lyrics that serve almost like a rhythm instrument but that's the chili peppers, like listen to all their old stuff, it's a trademark, like cant stop. That's to be expected on this album and doesnt ruin it at all for me. To expect anything different would be weird after knowing and appreciating their catalogue.
Yes! I always thought of Anthony as a surrealist artist painting over these sonic structures in a cool and unique way. The lyrics on Unlimited Love totally follows what has been his style for ages. I don't know why people are complaining this time around. I think it's like a viral thing where a few people mention it and then everybody starts talking about it in the comment sections and forums because it's funny and then it's a popular opinion all of a sudden. People are also accustomed to the older songs because they know them for decades and they forget the fact that there's not even a single "Doo-doo dingle zing a dong bone, ba-di ba-da ba-zumba crunga cong gone bad" or "Ding ding dong dong, ding ding dong, dong ding ding" on the new album. AK sounds as good as he ever did.
I agree. I mean they made an album called mofo uplift party plan
Those songs told a story. These new songs are a lyrical boring story mess
@@rhcpfan84 personally, I think the lyrics to Veronica, Not the one and Tangelo (to name a few) are rather nice.
“White Braids and Pillow Chair” is to me one of the best RHCP songs ever. Beautiful beautiful piece and chord progression, criminally underrated
Keidis' lyrics are a pretty good intimation of the "Peps'" overall vibe and aesthetic: absurd, funky, and yes - a bit nonsensical. You either love it or you hate it. As a fan, I love this album!
imitation *
@@warnord Similar word, but I really did mean "intimation."
RHCP is one of my favorite bands of all time, but let's be honest... has anyone ever listened to "the pepps" for Anthony's Lyrics? I certainly haven't haha. With that being said this album wasn't as good as I had hoped, but it was really nice to hear John back on guitar and providing those sweet backing vocals
One Hot Minute saw Anthony at his best lyrically in my opinion. Warped is just good poetry, so is Shallow be Thy Game. Californication also had some songs with good lyrics, i.e. Otherside and Savior.
I dont listen to rhcp for keidis's lyrics alone, but a lot of my favorite tracks from them wouldn't be as such without him
Honesty I do for some of the songs hahahaha. Under the Bridge, Otherside, Dosed, Brendens Death song, Desecration Smile and especially I Could Have Lied just to name a few. He’s not brilliant but he has some sprinkled gems which I really enjoy
@@alexanderboyd14 you pretty much just named all my favorite RHCP songs so I can agree, there is some gems sprinkled in haha
yeah actually i like a lot of anthony’s lyrics
I personally love the freedom Kiedis writes with, yeah it's gibberish and it's totally random but it's very rarely full of clichés and it suits the music perfectly
Rick Ruben did a two part interview with John and Kiedis. Every band should listen to that interview. How to write music and be artistically heard, without ego 101. John creates a melody with every song he writes. He has no attachment to melody.....it's the way he gauges if the songs will be fun for Kiedis and the rest of the band to flush out. John will only tell kiedis what melody he used to write the song, if kiedis asks him. John has always said Kiedis is the outsider element in the band. Kiedis non-musican approach grounds them. If not for that element, rhcp would of turned into Mars Volta or Disco Biscuit.
Link?
Best take.
@@Blackslashband that's actually an interview from the Arcadium Stadium era, I can't remember exactly to look out for the interview, but if anyone is interested in giving you the link, it's around that time, and John is the one who's explaining all that.
The Podcast is called "Broken Record with Rick Rubin"
i now wish even more that the band had another vocalist, or none at all
Really ambitious of Anthony Keidis to perform so many verses in Simlish.
Really ambitious of Anthony Fantano to perform so many verses in Simlish.
Really ambitious of Anthony Fantano to perform the review in black face
"Ding ding dong dong ding ding dong dong, ding dang" - Anthony Kiedis
@@TMmodify I love that song tho
@@andrei11dr This comment stopped being funny back in 2011... oh wait.... IT WAS NEVER FUNNY SO STOP FUGGIN' POSTING IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A relevant detail here is Anthony says there was zero quality control when writing lyrics for this album since he was struggling to keep up with writing lyrics for the 50 songs they wrote during these sessions.
Yep he just used what he had for the day and moved which you honestly just have to do at some point especially with 50 songs on the table
Not really sure that's an excuse. I gave a degree in commercial songwriting and with the amount of experience he has he should have been able to clear up and condense his ideas into some form of coherent work. I'm ready to be hammered in the comments.
@@lukebucket No hammering necessary, I totally agree. I know bands work in different ways, but when you compare this to a band like Big Thief... Can you ever imagine someone like Adrianne Lenker just churning out lyrics with no quality-control because there are 49 other songs to do? IN the creative sphere, I don't think that's an excuse personally.
He should've put the process on pause for a few weeks, shut himself in a room and figured them out. I know a lot of people don't listen to the Chilis for the lyrics but in reality they're a vital part of any album and simply cannot be half-assed. And as a musician, if your lyricist is struggling to keep up with the insane volume of (mostly forgettable) tracks you're coming out with, slow down. You've got to be in sync.
@@KitCalder completely. Bad lyrics can ruin a lot of good work by the music.
Anthony usually goes for a silly, abstract lyrical choice which usually sounds more phonetically pleasing than actually having any deeper meaning. Its almost like he's using his voice as an instrument and just using sounds and words that fit with the melody or groove or funk instead of trying to tell a story.
I remember seeing an interview where he said "I prefer abstract, metaphorical lyrics over deep, straight forward lyrics because anything that can be said, has been said in music already. So I like to say something that's never been said before and leave it to the listener to interpret whatever they want". But at the same time he has written songs like Under the Bridge or I Could've Lied that are deeper and meaningful in their own ways.
To each there own though, I do enjoy a little objectivity in music reviews.
I remember a while ago I saw a video called “Y’all heard that new bop by Red Hot Chili Peppers?” It showed this dude acting really confused by some moon rune lyrics being spit over a funky and relaxed instrumental. And wouldn’t you know it, this whole album is that 💀💀
Crazy
I looked this video up because of your comment and it had me absolutely rolling
Put the banana in the applesauce
classic fucking video and could not agree more that this album is just exactly that
nobody cares, -de-ad channel
"Aquatic Mouth Dance" is actually a reference to "American Ghost Dance", a RHCP song of 1985 that has a similar "funky vibe". It's not the first time they revisit this title, when "Hump de Bump" was beign made, the working title was Ghost Dance 2.0 :)
Aaaqqquuuuaatticcc mouuuttthhhh daaancceee
Oh shi... I thought it was a euphemism for cunnilingus...
Oh yeah "Hump de Bump" is actually a maturely written song about the American working culture
You can't give this a NOT GOOD just because Hillel Slovak did not join back, show some respect
lmfao this is it
he can and he will
We can rebuild him. We have the technology.
The ghost of Hillel joined Mr Bungel
Top 10 anime betrayals
If I have to criticize anything about the album, it seems a number of songs have a better verse vocal melody/groove than the chorus making them feel a little anti-climactic.
That being said, Whatchu Thinkin' and White Braids & Pillow Chair are really great tracks. The more I listen the more I'm enjoying the songs. Having Frusciante back is such a wonderful thing. Those 4 gel so well together.
These were my first two standouts listening on the record as well!
Whatchu’ Thinking I liked initially but Kiedis does some weird poetry slam night flow and then tops it off with ‘mmmm yes myeah’ in such a weird tone of voice.
White Braids is very strong. My favorite is ‘Here Ever After’ for its interesting guitar parts and general feel. I was happy to find out It’s John Frusciante’s favourite song to play on the entire album via the ‘Broken Record’ Podcast with Rick Reuben
"Bastards of Light" and "The Heavy Wing" rocked the sock off my you know what. The album had some misses but as a whole I think it's a win.
“The Heavy Wing” is my favorite.
Personally, I love Keidis’ lyrics. The crazy abstract images he tries to create are really efficient to stimulate a sense of escape for the listener. It’s great imagery and takes you far beyond…in outter space !!!
Great review though. The band is tight as always I agree. Its mega cool to hear frusciante again. Just wanted to defend the craziness in the lyricism.
agree with the first pont, but this was a bad review
If you haven’t figured out Anthony writes with incredible color I don’t think you ever will. This album is incredible🔥
Exactly mate album is brilliant, well said. cranked up load it’s fantastic. Long live the chili peppers
you can’t just say “california” for 10 minutes and call it a red hot chili peppers review melon
Shut up please, this comment section is actually normal for once. Don't ruin it
Keidis needs a ghostwriter, hes 60 and still talking about the sights, sounds and smells of california
@Perverted Alchemist How much 'they' love Cali or how much Keidis has like two topics his brain can comprehend? >_<
Chads from MIchigan, Flea lived in Australia, Frusciante is from queens/grew up in Florida
@@ChichiNakaFlea went to High School with Anthony lol
@@ChichiNaka they do have a song called Especially in Michigan and I'm sure you can guess where that is about
@@SqueeJ93 He didn't say Flea grew up in Australia. You know you can live in places in which you didnt go to school?
@@jager9022 Black Summer is also about Australia
Sometimes I'm glad that English is not my native language because I can just let some of the lyrics just fly through my brain.
By far their best music it doesnt have the hedonism or fresh off heroin youthful vibes but it is full of love and insane instrumental masterpiece... Chad is better than ever...they are all on another level
If Kiedis was a rapper he'd get a pass for the lyrics.. I don't think criticizing Kiedis makes much sense at this point, he's always had wacky lyrics which makes RHCP who they are today.
Solid 7.5/10 for me. I agree with the criticisms of it not quite having the cutting edge direction or hooks of albums from their prime, but at this stage of their career it's pretty damn solid record. It stands out as being really refined, balanced and well produced to me.
More like a 7/10 for me. Would love to hear another John solo album or John lead album.
100 %. The next record needs more heavy wing and less poster child imo.
@@MantisGiant exactly this 👍
@@MantisGiant poster child is my fav song lol
@@SlipknotMachinehead is not a bad song, I just want something new and Heavy wing feels more fresh, sounds like frusciante solo albums with the solid base of flea and chad.
Yes!!! The chorus of heavy wing is one of the few moments on the record that I really really feel it! I dunno it makes a lot of sense to me for him to take on more vocal/lyrical duties as Anthony seems to be struggling more and more on both fronts.
Anthony Fantano: “I sure hope I don’t have to say aquatic mouth dance ever again!”
next two minutes: says it three more times
This album is great imo , no matter what the Melon says..
But the melon speaks only truth! You aren’t allowed to just disagree with him!
wtf you can't just disagree with melon bro
What ? Why are you having a own opinion bro
@Perverted Alchemist Respectfully disagree.
@Perverted Alchemist I also respectfully disagree
Recently I read an interview where Kiedis said something like the rest of the band were writing one song after the other so quickly that it became a challenge for him to keep up when it came to writing lyrics to all these songs and eventually he said to himself something like, these are the lyrics I wrote down, these are going to be the lyrics to the song. Now off to the next song. Fortunately for us Kiedis has the ability to sing even the most ridiculous lines and still do it in a way that sounds great and makes sense in the song when you hear it, even if they don't make much sense lyrically, haha. I just think the band got so excited having Frusciante back that they were probably a little too excited and should have slowed down a bit and taken their time more in crafting the songs. They wrote so many songs that they have enough left over for another album. Maybe they decided to release these songs first to kinda test the waters and see how the world reacts to the return of the RHCP. I mean the world's very different than it was 6 years ago when they released The Getaway. And it's VERY different than it was during the previous Frusciante era. And maybe they saved, I guess you could say, the meatier songs for the next album. That's my hope. With that being said, I thought you would have rated this album a little higher but I see where you're coming from in your critiques.
White Braids and Pillow Chair’s ending is actually a 60’s surfer throwback, which is due to John’s beach guitar setting, and chad’s shuffle-esque drum groove. How’d you get country? Lol
What? That was straight western country, you got surf out of that just because it use a whammy?
@@ChristianVazquez12 no, because it uses lots of reverb
If anything John sounds like he’s channeling The Durutti Column on that outro
It's bluegrass country influenced. That's where the surf sound comes from👍
@@nomo3013 You’re saying 60s beach rock music is alive because of bluegrass country?
Definitely don't agree here - this is at 7-8 for me. Dumb lyrics are part of RHCP and have been for their entire existence. I'm not sure I agreed with a single (negative) take here
Edit: I think melon gets a bit too hung up on lyrics sometimes in his reviews
Yea that confused me too, there isn’t a single era where the chili peppers didn’t have goofy lyrics in some way or another. Seems like a bit of a reach to hit that point as hard as he did
He gave die lit and lil pump a 7 he definitely doesn’t prioritize lyrics all the time
“tHe SmEeeELLLLLssssSs”
I’m with You is a tremendous, underrated album. Also, Josh gets way too much crap just for not being John. It’s sad, because Josh is super talented. Songs like Did I Let You Know are some of the best Chili Peppers stuff in a decade. This new album is…just…okay? Way too bloated, way too many “b-side-quality” songs that take up space and go nowhere. Still, the guys all sound great and there are great moments on this new record.
I'm with you has got a few bangers yeah. Brendan's Death Song comes to mind, Ethiopia as well
I just wish Unlimited Love had that very polished, very grandiloquent and layered production you could hear on Stadium Arcadium. That album felt so ambitious but unlimited love almost feels more like a live recording of a band jamming than a record at times
I'm so glad someone else mentioned "did I let you know". I will always have a spot for that song on any Playlist.
I love the getaway. It was something new. Unlimited love to me sounds like b sides of some of their top albums. It doesn’t explore new territories in the way the getaway does.
@@mikewellington2738 Yeah, even tho I really like this album, originally I was excited for the possibility of a new sound evolution like what happened with The Getaway
I’ve always gotten the vibe that Anthony is just sort of scatting and having a good time. I honestly love this record - John, Flea, and Chad are as in sync as ever and Anthony hasn’t seemed this energetic and silly since Stadium Arcadium. The Peps always put me in a good mood and I’m thankful to have another fun project from them to listen to! Solid 7 from me
So you love it and gave it a 7 🤣🤣🤣
@@tomassantos4381 A 7 is a good score
Wow. You are really under-selling this album. 'Here Ever After', 'Let 'em Cry' and 'She's a Lover' are their catchiest songs since 'Snow'. I also think 'It's only Natural' and 'These are the Ways' are excellent. Both Anthony and John have said some of their strongest new material will be on the follow up, which is nice to know. If so, ULove will be on par with Stadium Arcadium.
You're tripping.
"On par with Stadium Arcadium" Man. You really should take a really hard second listen.
Incredible that these lyrics were written by the same person that wrote Hard to concentrate
Preeetty much.
That’s the point, he has his moments when he tries to be earnest. Not the One comes close here
You’re just mad they didn’t repeat California over and over
I think Anthony is off base on this one. I like the album. Anthony's singing is better and the songs are good. The lyrics are not spectacular by any means, but they never were from AK.
What about Hard To Concentrate, Dosed, and Tear just to name a few? Those lyrics are pretty phenomenal.
@@Hypnohealersarah Kiedis has his lyrical moments but its like AT MOST twice per album. I dont get it tho its like anthony doesnt remember that gibberish is kinda Kiedis' wheelhouse like half of the last verse in around the world is ding ding dong ding dang and countless other examples. I love the chilis but i mainly listen to em when im in a mostly good mood n wanna groove, if i wanna get introspective and well up over beautiful lyrics and timbres ill listen to joni mitchell or nick drake lmao
I genuinely think this is one of Anthony’s worst reviews. He literally enjoys everything that isn’t the lyrics and gives it a 4/10 lmfao
I feel like he is more biased against thos type of music than rap. This is the same guy who thinks Freddie Gibbs' Ice Cream is the best track of the week. The lyrics are god awful. He raps the same shit like pimping hoes, bitches, and killing. Somehow he still eat that trash up!
Exactly, he praised the band the whole time and just complained about kiedies. Thought it’s gonna be at least a 6
I felt like that too. Maybe it went down more than I expected because he had a big expectation for the album? I dunno though, I also had big expectations but still loved it even if there weren't many songs that were iconic like many of their previous ones. But regardless of anything, I believe that the next album could be a million times better
just proves how unbearable the lyrics are. if every song has awful lyrics that make you want to die, it doesn't matter how good the music is. At least someone agrees and you can listen to the album without the vocals.
I thought 4/10 was too high.
Anthony's entire style was to add percussive rap style stream of consciousness wild and crazy lyrics to heavy funk basslines while jumping around. Pure energy. Their musical style has evolved, but the songs have been catchy for this reason. Can't Stop and Give it Away aren't just fun musically, the lyrics add to the poppy, percussive nature of the whole song. No one is looking for deep meanings in them and part of the reason they have that infectious hip-hop like resonance is that they're catchy, he rhymes obscure words together in melodic fashion. It's fun to listen to.
To me that album should have been like 5 songs shorter.
Also I feel like it should be mentioned : these are the ways is one of the best drum performances Chad Smith has ever pulled off, ever.
Chad Smith should have been replaced with a drum machine 30 years ago
Why would you want less songs?
The drum and bass performances don’t really matter when the songs are bland
This 'too long' take doesnt make sense. Their albums are all 16-19 songs and one of them is a double album.
This. I feel that if they had released less songs the album would be more impactful and concise.
This wasn’t as bad as I was expecting (perhaps a bit too long), but I’m still a bit miffed that they kicked Josh Klinghoffer out like that. The Getaway was a step in the right direction sound-wise with Danger Mouse and Nigel Godrich.
L. Getaway was fucking dog shit. This album is ass cheeks. They need to retire.
@Perverted Alchemist They should've just gone full bugnuts and keep Josh and John at the same time
yup 100%. Josh added a lot to the band, really took there sound in a different direction . a lot more melodic songs.
They got John back because he is the superior musician by a landslide. The two albums they had out in the 2010s don’t even remotely touch the entire rest of their discography.
@@rossmusic25 idk man, The Getaway > Stadium Arcadium for me personally
From a lyrical standpoint, you could rip apart any RHCP project the way you did this one.. but ignored it on the last two records and when they make their best record in 16 years, you put a microscope on the lyrical style Kiedis has been going at his entire career. Easy 8/10.
Absolutely love this album, black summer wasn’t my favorite and was a little worried it was going to suck, but there’s so many good songs here, she’s a lover, the great apes, one way traffic, bastards of light, one way traffic and let ‘em cry are my favorites
"She's a lover" lyrics are not really obscure at all, you just need the ref point and some research, then they all make sense.
Laylay was the Atlantis Manta Ray that was released back to the wild In 2019.
It's a reference to releasing something wild and free back to its habitat. Just like the start of the song with the pink flowers on the tree (cherry blossom) something wild and free unless picked. He's referring to the girl in the song and worried if he loves her, if she will still be wild and free. Quite cute really.
This is why I love his lyricism, most of his lyrics there is so much to unfold and they’re quite complex but for a casual listen/listener it’s gibberish 😂 but he’s one of the most talented lyricists in current music in my opinion
@@liambagnall7752 totally agree.Think most people harp on about his singing and totally miss the point he's something much rarer, singers are everywhere, lyrical poets not so much. All the combined talent together makes them something different and the test of time has proved it.
@@tillytyler2871 100%! He’s not the best singer of course but he’s actually still a very good vocalist with a very unique rhythm with his words that gels very well with the music! I also love hearing his progression from the first album till now and just hearing him get better at singing! But I also love the shout/rap he had for the first 4 albums!
@@liambagnall7752 I have just realized he mentions Siouxsie Sioux in Aquatic Mouth Dance and her debut solo album was called Mantaray, linking in lyrics with She's a Lover, perhaps a coincidence, but what's the betting he was listening to Siouxsie Sioux and the Banshees during lock down 😁
@@tillytyler2871 yeah I clocked that when I looked up the lyrics! I loved how this album contained so many references to other amazing artist throughout!
Finally! This album was so great, I can't wait to watch this review and see Fantano give it a 10!
Edit: wait why isn't his flannel yellow : (
Ruh roh…
If you liked an album, he will never give it a 10
Just be thankful it wasn’t his red flannel
I am loving this album! I love music so much, but have zero ability to create music. I think this is beneficial when listening to a lot of these songs. I'm not coming at this album from a technical perspective. If songs get me moving, get stuck in my head, or give me chills is how I judge an album. This album does all that at some point! 🤷🏽♀️😁
"A bit of a slog, 4/10" is the most amicable take on this album
My jaw fell open
10/10 more Like it mate.
I’ll always appreciate the peps as a great gateway band: they’ve been a doorway for young musicians since the 90s to encounter a deeper, richer level of funk music. Through them I found Parliament Funkadelic, Bootsy’s Rubber Band and the whole P-Funk pantheon. That music changed my life and blew my inner world wide open. The awesome thing is, I’m in my 30s and work at a school and the same is STILL true of kids starting to play music now.
I liked josh's albums, they had some great tracks
Never forget when i listened monarchy of roses for the first time what a great guitar
@@matiasignaciopaezgodoy8000 Same. and I never forget hearing it on lightning 100.
This album sounds AND smells really good.
If you can't enjoy this beautiful album, I truly feel sorry for you.
i dont take this album as seriously as their earlier work. I feel like they had a lot of fun making this even tho its all over the place. I'd say its a strong 6 for me
I'd say a strong 6 is fair, for RHCP fans I feel like this album was more than what it had to be. It's got strong sides to it and I feel like some people are really overlooking them and I don't really understand why. Aquatic Mouth Dance has probably the best bass line Flea's written in decades and some f*ckn fun and jazzy trumpets clearly inspired by Miles Davies (which I love but I get that they might be offputting for others). These Are the Ways has the best drumming Chad's ever performed on a record, it's mental actually and the vocals are literally the best Kiedis has ever been able to do. All of that is without even touching John's work which I think is phenomenal with the best cases being on White Braids & Pillow Chair, The Heavy Wing and Tangelo. As a long time fan this is a fantastic album, I wasn't sure at first but man, it's literally everything I wanted it to be. Old school "rapping" Anthony but with reimagined, funky and fun instrumentals. If someone thinks the lyrics are cringy they're obviously not a fan of the band in general since they have literally always been the same and I personally wouldn't want it any other way. When I got the album on vinyl I sat for a good 10 minutes just reading the lyrics giggling to myself. Either you like them or you don't and in this case I really feel like Anthony doesn't and that's fine but I don't want people acting like it's a bad album cause it really isn't.
You do know the lead singer Sigur ros recently said all his lyrics are made up gibberish.. but I guess cause its in a different language it’s cool
The 3rd album ( ) is not even Icelandic words just sounds that fit the music. I've loved Sigur Ros for decades but still couldn't tell u what the songs are about lyrically, even the ones in Icelandic.
When I was in 7th grade back in 1993, there was this kid that loved the RHCP. He wore a shirt of the band almost every day to school, he would listen to them all the time on his walkman wearing a hoodie so that teachers wouldn't notice, etc. He was actually delighted when his parents bought him a CD of BSSM, an album that had come out almost a couple years back, and he kept talking about it for days. Back then, you actually had to buy physical copies of albums, and they were quite expensive. People eventually got tired of him, he became known as a weirdo and became a social outcast. Gen-Xers and early Millenials were quite brutal with the whole bullying thing, but I never bullied him.
Cool story bro
@@vacuumblink2300 Thanks, bro.
Why did you go to the trouble of copy pasting this entire comment from another melon video?? Your story was already irrelevant and irritating the first time around!
you stole this comment dude
@@gezi0752 No, I did not. Wtf?
I think AK kinda killed it on this one. The confidence with which he delivers such silliness is very compelling to me, and he’s more stylistically varied on this album than almost any other. IMO every band member contributed equally to this record. Loved it
White Braids is one of their best songs, ever.
Id honestly give this album a strong 7 to light 8, I enjoy it more than SA. I guess keidises lyrics dont bother me nearly as much as you, I just dont take them too seriously and it sounds good as like another instrument.
Really like this album. I really like when a band does what they want to do instead of just putting out music to try and make hits. Although stadium has to be my #1 I’ve got this one pretty high on my list of rhcp albums.
the album isn't blowing me away but i never really expected it to. it's comfy, nostalgic, and fun and that's all i need. i'm taking it for exactly what it is and enjoying it.
exactly what I thought of this album..absolutely brilliant music with dumb songs on top
John makes this album at least a 6/10. Hearing them play together is absolutely great, and hearing Johns vocals over Anthony’s horrible lyrics make it worth the listen.
I'm closer to a 4 or 5 but agree with John's vocals and guitar work which are spot on as usual. Anthony seemed a bit lackluster but the rest of the guys were tight
My love for you is unlimited
How does this have a lower score than Spring by Weezer lmao say what you will about the lyrics on Unlimited Love but they’re still 5x better than any recent weezer lyrics
not everyone can write such tear-jerking and emotional lines such as:
"Got the DNA of gothic lemons
Shred it thirteen times
Out of eleven
Your bad ideas are the ATM
Shed my skin
Leave it for the homeless
To sleep in"
and such meaningful lines like:
A plethroa of maniacs
And spiral stairs
Make your water break
In the apple store
Sink or swim, who fucking cares
Cut the birth cords
Press send
Gaga can't handle this shiiiit!
Not my favorite chili peppers album. Underwhelming
Times I’ve agreed with Melon: 3
Times I’ve disagreed: I’ve lost count, and this ads on
Love your work melon, look forward to the next review!
John Frusciante really came back for this... still think a 4 is a bit too harsh imo
This review should have been like his Limp Bizkit reviews, except only one minute in length where he spends the entire time eating a chilli.
That would be *ONE HOT MINUTE*
Imagine for a second, being such a accomplished musician such as flea, smith and frusciante .. only to have all your hard work bukkaked over by Kiedis lyrics and vocals
Imagine that scenario with Anthony as your singer selling hundreds of millions of records and touring across the world for 40 years now.
but they would never be where they are without Anthony
@@patricksainclair2384 fair point .. he’s made iconic songs
To some extent, I understand that lyrics (an irrelevant, important or crucial part of the pack depending on the person) can prevent someone from enjoying the experience the same way as me, a non english speaker who focuses more on the music and instrumentation (which is on point in my view, as well as the production). Moreover, you tackle AK's lyrics as if he was displaying something new or unknown within his songwriting (nonsensical in essence) and vocal approach, which can be annoying at times. I mean, you gave The Getaway even a higher score... I personally dug UL, decent to strong 7
I loved the album personally. The overall greatness of Flea’s, Frusciante’s and Smith’s playing compensates for the occasional silliness of Kiedis’ lines for me.
I initially had it at a 7.5/10 but it grew to a 8/10.
I loved hearing Frusciante's voice on the Heavy Wing. I rate the album as an 8. Anyone else going to see RCHP on tour this year?
Thanks for your lovely comment and utmost support. How long have you been a fan and where are you from ?
@@flea8074 hi mister flea
@@joeshite How long have you been a fan?. Are you on Hangouts? I would like us to discuss better on my career walk.
I went to Toronto, way too many mellow post 99 songs.
@@flea8074 I'm 34 and have been a fan since I was 17. I saw them in July for Unlimited Love tour and for the first time during their Stadium Arcadium tour. I live in California.
Problem with Fantano is he’s a nerd. He doesn’t understand or appreciate abstract broad strokes of the brush. He’s limited and doesn’t really understand art 🤷♂️
Hes a meat and potatoes Neanderthal
lmao is this serious
@@Jardinserpent very much so
Anthony always has abstract odd strung together lyrics that serve almost like a rhythm instrument but that's the chili peppers, like listen to all their old stuff, it's a trademark, like cant stop. That's to be expected on this album and doesnt ruin it at all for me.
Saying "Mike Patton better" for nearly 10 minutes is not a review Anthony
Klinghoffer was underrated, but the band never semed to like and fit in with him.
Having John back is great, but this album just kinda feels all over the place. It's solid, but far from being their best.
@@freeagesongs9258 no.. no he doesn't, not at all
@@freeagesongs9258 care to share that performance?
Now that Frusciante is back they should fire Anthony Kiedis
😂😂😂
I respect your opinion, but have to say I'm sitting at a 7 on this one. There are some exceptional grooves. Anthony's lyrics are goofy, but honestly... it's a fun and unique form of expression. These guys might not be alive if it hadn't been for their brotherhood and musical chemistry.
bro the album is just not good
@@juanpepes7863 in your opinion.
This is a perfect example of why music reviews are bullshit. There isn’t is a single skip-able track on the album, and this guy is stretching for reasons not to like it.
He is nitpicking such minor things that most people would not care about. The actual meaning of lyrics don’t really matter. How many great songs did Queen or The Beatles write that have silly lyrics? If anything, Anthony is the best at silly/funny/unique lyrics, but he can write deep stuff too.
Also, I don’t see how any fan of RHCP or rock music in general is not in love with The Heavy Wing or These Are The Ways.
This album sounds like an AI designed to make music that sounds like a low-grade RHCP cover band. It's mid
Nothing about it is really new or interesting in particular. It's fairly bland. And weird lyrics are alright but they just have this uncanny penchant to put together complete inanity
This is a 6/10 - 7/10
You knock kiedis lyrics but then praise the Island boys …. Huh????
If you're listening to RHCP for great lyrics you aren't listening properly. No one listens to RHCP for the lyrics they are all about groove and vibe
If you're gonna have lyrics though, why not have good ones?
Well, when they go all in for the lyrics, they do deliver some memorable lines. But I agree, mostly AK is vibin' to the music.
@@gabe2869 Some of them are good. The thing is with some Chilli Peppers lyrics is that a lot of them have deep meanings. Which means you have to think really hard about what by they mean. I think if people spent time analysing and really thinking about some of their lyrics they might understand what they are talking about
I feel like you’re letting Anthony’s lyrics bring your enjoyment of the album down too much. That’s really what the majority of this video was about. No mention of the great guitar solos during She’s a Lover, The Great Apes, and Let Em’ Cry. Rather, we just hear your opinion on some lyric. You said it yourself, Keidis has never been the lyrical genius, but it’s not RHCP without him. I’d give it a high 8/10, and I know 90% of hardcore Chili’s fans would rate it similarly
Man, are we really criticizing the lyrics? Considering all the music out there? We are criticizing RHCP lyrics? It is supposed to be fun, and sound fluid. Sometimes it doesn't need to be deep, it just needs to move you and pick up your vibe. The music is beautiful. Think of their best hits, did 'Around the World' make sense either? It's fun prose. Seriously in all the music out there we are criticizing RCHP? These guys are masters of their instruments, they move people, they bring good vibes.
PS absolutely LOVE Aquatic Mouth Dance, they introduced the jazzy vibe with the brass. How can you not love that? Flea's jazz influence coming through. These guys are one of the only true funk bands left. This album is dope. 'Here Ever After' chorus is a highlight.