Stadium Arcadium
by Red Hot Chili Peppers
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 1071 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 955 out of 1071
  2. Mixed: 46 out of 1071
  3. Negative: 70 out of 1071

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  1. Cox
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    The lyrics are amazing. They are meaningful, fun, sometimes random (not often though) Anthony Kiedis is the best. The Red Hot Chili Peppers couldn't have a better guy for the singing.
  2. Bairon
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    Best album ever.
  3. Gilbert
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    John Frusciante: welcome to the hall of legendhood!
  4. Michael
    Aug 29, 2006
    9
    i got dissapointed when i first heard dani (loved john's solo though) but when i saw the video it kind of changed in quality and became a cool song. after listening through J and M maybe 10 times this is what i like best so far: *solo on dani *charlie, espssieally the my-heart-your-skin-theme *stadium arcadium *the bass on the verse of 'HUMP', a la 'funky monks' i got dissapointed when i first heard dani (loved john's solo though) but when i saw the video it kind of changed in quality and became a cool song. after listening through J and M maybe 10 times this is what i like best so far: *solo on dani *charlie, espssieally the my-heart-your-skin-theme *stadium arcadium *the bass on the verse of 'HUMP', a la 'funky monks' *the whole intensity of 'TORTURE ME'and the backing vocals on the refrain (espessially the last one) *"wow yeyey oaoaoaoa yeeeeay"-part of SMM is spectacular but the verse is a rip off of "don't forget me" *theU2inspired(?)'MICHIGAN'.the guitar solo here is totally awesome!!! like taken from niandra lades *TELL ME BABY. wow!! *HARD TO CONSENTRATE *guitar intro to 'SHE LOOKS TO ME'and the swiching of key(?) when the refrain comes *'READY MADE', a little unoriginal riff but funny.. *the melody of 'MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER'where the lyrics goes: "now i'll take it it's better for you..." *ANIMAL BAR. the lazy bass and melody and synth on "raindrops will fall from the sky.." and a not so typical johnsolo at the end. Great! the refrain of STORM IN A TEACUP. the energy is much like 'coffee shop' from OHM. catchy reaggae feel on the verse of 'TURN IT AGAIN'and the "we got to move it if we want to do our best"-part. songs that i don't love(yet?) are WARLOCKS- very funky but too boring melody DESECRATION SMILE - verse too similar to 'dosed'. IF- to serious in a way SO MUCH I and DEATH OF A MARTIAN- just feels like b-sides to me. well..anyway this is a brilliant album!!… Expand
  5. Kostas
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    It's amazing to see an album of this quality rise from so many years of releases... some of which i'm sure most will agree were average at best.
  6. Download
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    I had very expectations of this album from the moment I found out that RHCP were making out a new album a few months ago. I have been a fan of this band since I could remember, their album releases are one of the only times I really look forward to going to the record store. This particular album is by far the best of the RHCP's career. It features 4 musicians that are each I had very expectations of this album from the moment I found out that RHCP were making out a new album a few months ago. I have been a fan of this band since I could remember, their album releases are one of the only times I really look forward to going to the record store. This particular album is by far the best of the RHCP's career. It features 4 musicians that are each individually, at the top of their game and the industry. All members of the band are shining to full potential: Antony is controlling the vocals as only he could, Chad is holding down the beat with perfection, Flea is the best bass player out right now or even ever, and John is etching his name into the best guitarist of all time statue. Their are so many different levels of genius in this album that anyone that does not listen to this album will miss out on an album that will eventually become the pinnacle of this era. A true work of art that any listener will see as simply put in one word, beautiful. The hype is justified, this band has just concreted itself into history. I cannot believe that this music was once nothing and now it is out of this world, as the title of the discs implies. Listen and you will also be a believer.… Expand
  7. SanDiego
    Aug 28, 2006
    10
    I think the album is pretty great, something i'm definstelly gonna grow into. Too much material to deal with right now.
  8. Slappingx
    Aug 28, 2006
    10
    What a great album?
  9. SuperDonkey
    Aug 28, 2006
    6
    if you focus your attention on fruciante then its good otherwise you may be disappointed
  10. margie
    Aug 27, 2006
    9
    This Album is quite amazing and for anyone to say differently hasnt really listened to it or is just not really informed of what a skilled musician is. all 4 musicians on this album shine like they havnt before, except for flea but even he said that your crazy if you dont like this album. its songs like 'We Believe','Especially in Michigan','Hey',and This Album is quite amazing and for anyone to say differently hasnt really listened to it or is just not really informed of what a skilled musician is. all 4 musicians on this album shine like they havnt before, except for flea but even he said that your crazy if you dont like this album. its songs like 'We Believe','Especially in Michigan','Hey',and 'Turn It Again'that make you really appreciate how good this album in and its because of the smooth voice of anthony,the crisp rythms from chad, the mad guitar solos from frusciante and the smooth bass lines that go perfectly with every part of the song. i would have to say that if this album does not do as well as By the Way and Californication that it would be a crying shame. not only is it the fricken Red Hot Chili Peppers, who have been going strong since NINTEEN EIGHTY-THREE,but it is 9 dollars and 99 cents for over 2 hours of songs. so please,those of you saying that this album is absolute rubbish and have nothing to back it up besides 'its not funky enuff' or 'they are selling out' please stop .… Expand
  11. Marko
    Aug 27, 2006
    9
    "I really like red hot, and have been a fan since the simply brilliant album Californication"- Gustaf. Mate please...need i say more? Since californication? Have u heard of BSSM and Freaky Styley? I only want to read reviews from seasoned chili fans. SA is smooth and i know it will grow on me even more.
  12. DumpandDumper
    Aug 27, 2006
    9
    To quote Flea, "If you don't like this record you don't like red hot chili peppers full stop." So it's time for these people who claim to be fans but aren't happy to put up or shut up. Sure 28 tracks is a lot to wade through at once but if one wades through this album piece by piece each track puts out it's own beautiful vibe, wheteher or not the listener has the To quote Flea, "If you don't like this record you don't like red hot chili peppers full stop." So it's time for these people who claim to be fans but aren't happy to put up or shut up. Sure 28 tracks is a lot to wade through at once but if one wades through this album piece by piece each track puts out it's own beautiful vibe, wheteher or not the listener has the temperement or musical knowledge to appreciate or not is circumstantial. But if you are a pappers fan just having one listen will give you at least half a dozen tracks that immediatly stick you and you want to keep. To the argument that the album is totally radio friendly, bollocks! I'm sure charlie or Humde de bump or warlocks or death of a martian could be played for a trendy radio audience.… Expand
  13. GodBlessYou
    Aug 27, 2006
    9
    At first listen, some of the songs I wasn't feeling all that well. For example: Hump de Bump, it has more funk style to it and I guess that turned me off, but then I listened to it more and tended to like it a little bit better. I think with 28 songs and a double disc, it's hard to like every single one. I like at the least 20+ of them. It truly has some amazing guitar work and At first listen, some of the songs I wasn't feeling all that well. For example: Hump de Bump, it has more funk style to it and I guess that turned me off, but then I listened to it more and tended to like it a little bit better. I think with 28 songs and a double disc, it's hard to like every single one. I like at the least 20+ of them. It truly has some amazing guitar work and flea is exceptionallly well as always. I think anthony's voice is also more confident than in other albums, and the lyrics and sound gets more refine and better and better with each album. I think this album will be one of their best of all time with songs like Turn It Again, and Death to a Martian. Also I liked Desecration Smile, the songs are a bit more slow on the majority of tracks, i think, but that's okay, it has that real wel classic rock feel. The negative reviews I read are okay...the point is, every album will get some negatives, not everyone can like it, the good thing is, there are more good than bad. This album will be a success.… Expand
  14. NoComments
    Aug 27, 2006
    10
    John Frusciante is the best guitarist of this century.Amazing guitar work.
  15. Samsa
    Aug 27, 2006
    10
    I think this album might cement the Chili's as the best rock band of our time.The sounds on this album range from Mothers Milk, to a blend of Californication and By the way, there's songs with elements off all 3 albums. Anthony Keidis seems to have mastered and embraced his voice. Flea, if it was possible got better, and coupled with chad smith establish a rhythm that makes you I think this album might cement the Chili's as the best rock band of our time.The sounds on this album range from Mothers Milk, to a blend of Californication and By the way, there's songs with elements off all 3 albums. Anthony Keidis seems to have mastered and embraced his voice. Flea, if it was possible got better, and coupled with chad smith establish a rhythm that makes you wish you were half naked on the beach with a beer. However it's John Fruciante's sometimes almost Hendrix like guitar play that steals the spot light on this album. All in all, I can say definitively that it is their best album, and that's saying alot. Definately worth the buy. Enjoy.… Expand
  16. kingkong
    Aug 25, 2006
    10
    brillaint! lyrically if you understand the red hot chili peppers, you cdan udnerstand the lyrics. the album is very different theres a lot of bass but thats what makes it sooo good. its makes all their old albums look like crap!
  17. NewWave
    Aug 25, 2006
    10
    Hey now. What's up. Now I've been a Chili Peppers fan since this March only. A friend kept on telling me that The Chili Peppers are way better than Green Day (Since my music was with them). So I kept on responding to him that RHCP sucks. So I just bought the album By The Way, just sample them, and oh my goodness, the music they produce was truly one of a kind. After ditching Hey now. What's up. Now I've been a Chili Peppers fan since this March only. A friend kept on telling me that The Chili Peppers are way better than Green Day (Since my music was with them). So I kept on responding to him that RHCP sucks. So I just bought the album By The Way, just sample them, and oh my goodness, the music they produce was truly one of a kind. After ditching Green Day as my favourite number one artist, I started to listen to Californication. That was truly amazing as well. Then I listened to Blood Sugar Sex Magik, and they were a bit different contrasting to By The Way and Californication. It took me a while before I noticed that it was their best work ever. The bass that Flea plays in that album was top notch. Everyone was amazing in that album. BUT... I heard about the album Stadium Arcadium. I said to myself, "What a horrible album name...". I heard Dani California, and it was alright, until it grew on me. May 9th. The day Stadium Arcadium came out. I listened to it, and it was horrible. Horrible, horrible, horrible. Oh my god, I can't believe how bad they were. My friend (as mentioned above) told me that it was great. He told me to listen to the second disc if I didn't like the first. To my surprise, I did not like both discs at all. It took me a very very long time to actually listen to it. I listened to the song "Snow (Hey Oh)" after numerous playings of Dani California. Ant it was starting to grow on me as well. Then I started to listen to songs such as Readymade, and Charlie. Then it expanded from there. It totally blew up on my head. The album is awesome. To this date, I start off listening to Desecration Smile first. That is the most played song in the album for me. I thought that the songs Warlocks, C'mon Girl, Storm In a Teacup was bad. Until I listened to So Much I. I loved it so much, that I practically love every song in the album. This is a great album for all those new RHCP fans. Try picking up Blood Sugar Sex Magik as well, but the transition can be bumpy. Stadium Arcadium is very soulful, straight from their heart. You can tell in the song Hard To Concentrate. Kiedis talk about one day getting married with someone have having children. The first disc is mostly filled with Californication style groove's, while the second is filled with Blood Sugar Sex Magik, and By The Way. Bottom Line: I know that many many people have said that this album is bad, because they have listened to the first six songs. Well, that happened to me too. But just try to listen to it, as my friend said. It might be hard, but in the end, it is the best album the Chili Peppers have had to date.… Expand
  18. Slash
    Aug 25, 2006
    10
    I have been a huge fan of RHCP since I was about 6. I know them well enough to see them live hear John tune his guitar and know what song they will be playing next,since John has come back they have seen nothing but success and this album being the first time they have made at least 3 albums in a row without a lineup change it really shows how well they have gotten to really know I have been a huge fan of RHCP since I was about 6. I know them well enough to see them live hear John tune his guitar and know what song they will be playing next,since John has come back they have seen nothing but success and this album being the first time they have made at least 3 albums in a row without a lineup change it really shows how well they have gotten to really know eachother musically and I have to say this is the best album they have ever done in there 20 plus year career,no Im not just saying this just cause Im trying to support the band I am obsessed with Im saying this cause its true! when Californication and then By the way came out I was really really impressed but still had to say Blood Sugar was still there best with Stadium Arcadium is has all of the sound blood sugar did and by the way or cali all mixed in one but with a new facelift it has thoughs old bass plucking funky songs you old school fans missed(Tell Me Baby,21st century,Hump De Bump, Warlocks) and it has the soft pretty types of songs(Slow Cheetah,Hard to Concentrate,If,Wetsand)and thoughs groovey Hendrix types of songs(Dani California,Turn it Again,Shes only 18,) they have everything mixed in one.With Frusciante(best guitarist out today)killing on the guitar and Kiedis(best frontman out today)sounding and writing the best lyrics of his career where most frontmen at his age start rocketing down hill and losing there voice, you have one of THE best Rock albums by one of THE best rock bands off all time so go buy this album then see them live they will blow you away!… Expand
  19. Marcino
    Aug 25, 2006
    10
    Funk rock or funk metal ? I don't care. What I only care is the good music they've been doing these last years. Even if I could never listened very good the "Californication" album, I'd say that this is one of their (lately) great albums. When I knew that this album was a doble cd, I right away thought about the Guns' "Use Your Illusion" doble cds. But (everyone) had Funk rock or funk metal ? I don't care. What I only care is the good music they've been doing these last years. Even if I could never listened very good the "Californication" album, I'd say that this is one of their (lately) great albums. When I knew that this album was a doble cd, I right away thought about the Guns' "Use Your Illusion" doble cds. But (everyone) had the luck the result was even better that of the guns' cds. This "Stadium Arcadium" could be marked as "money maker", and maybe it is, but it is also a very good funk album. To me , it reminds me a little bit some sound of "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" and something also from "Californication", making it a very good example of good music. About this album , I would also say that , to explain these songs, thay are way different from one to another , and this is the greatness of this album. One song recalled "Blood Sugar...", the other "Californication", and there is another one that recalls the '70s, when the funk began. I really thank this band, because every song is different, and making 28 different songs in one/or 2 cds, is quite hard. To me, they are not kunf metal, they play what they are, they play what they like, and with luck, they play what we like. I really enjoyed all the songs, maybe someone has been made for the radio stations, but they've been made very good, too, at the same time. I was really impressed by the change (and what a change!) of this band, because they could have followed the "blood sugar..." success, but they did not. An example is the title track, when it starts, it looks "californication", but it is even better. Then, "Humb..." looks another kind of song, but later it is a RHCP song, even is a bit different from the rest of (this very same song changes its rythm 3 times, cool!!!!). and "she's only 18" looks like one lost track from "Blood Sugar....", and the chorus is amazing!!! Thanks, guys, keep on!… Expand
  20. joeb
    Aug 23, 2006
    10
    awsome
  21. Daniel
    Aug 22, 2006
    4
    If an artist or band sells lots of records, It doesn't mean they're good. Just look at The Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
  22. Marcelo
    Aug 2, 2006
    4
    too long (shock), lyrically poor, and too similar to the same stuff they've been making over the last 15 years. Although some guitar solos and bass lines were good. And they even used a trumpet on 'Torture Me'
  23. kylef
    Jul 31, 2006
    7
    this album is a average album i thought that the chili`s would have done more better songs. The first disc has 4 good songs "dani california" "hump de bump" "snow" and "stadium arcadium"
  24. iain
    Jul 28, 2006
    10
    a multitude of songs none are lacking.. maybe the best double album of all time
  25. GuyH
    Jul 28, 2006
    0
    This band have become truly tedious now.
  26. VictoriaF
    Jul 24, 2006
    9
    really good album, a few songs were a bit lacking but generally a really good album
  27. JoshF
    Jul 20, 2006
    10
    Awesome album. The best in modern music. Never got so hooked on an album.
  28. SystemOfADown
    Jul 20, 2006
    9
    Stadium Arcadium is a very good album.This is the best album of Red Hot Chili Peppers.Rick Rubin is a big producer.
  29. Lena
    Jul 20, 2006
    10
    They rock my world.This album is amazing.Anthony is a god.
  30. RedHotFan
    Jul 20, 2006
    10
    Best album ever.Red Hot Can't Stop.We love you guys!!!Great work.
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Most Discussed Album of 2006
10
#10 Most Shared Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 25
  3. Negative: 1 out of 25
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Stadium Arcadium ensures that graying Lollapalooza-era fans, indie teens, and rowdy lunkheads will all be satisfied.
    Read full review
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    Somewhere along the line the Chilis got sophisticated on our asses.
    Read full review
  3. NOW Magazine
    60
    Frusciante's guitar work... almost single-handedly saves the project, but not quite.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »