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. SillyClassyNerd
    Sep 29, 2014
    10
    Stadium Arcadium is the Red Hot Chili Peppers essence, snatching everything with critical, sexual and descriptive lycris from our lovely California, the funky lords, the funky legends, the funky heroes, Red Hot Chili Peppers just won me, again, masterpiece album.
  2. thegetaway
    Apr 15, 2021
    10
    The band's most ambitious album, that perfectly captures a similar energy to that of the band's live performances, as well as their eclectic nature. Truly, a masterwork.
  3. DevinEYounanian
    Aug 20, 2016
    10
    This is the album that got me into rock music and to playing guitar! The guitar is incredible here as well as the song writing . The songs that standout to me were Readymade, Snow, Wet Sand, Turn it Again, Dani California and Torture Me. Not a single song I didn't enjoy!
  4. pinkenigma
    Oct 3, 2017
    10
    I love both Mars and Jupiter. RHCP is always creative in the compositions, however this album evidences this in a very special way that changed my life.
  5. KurkoBein
    Nov 3, 2019
    10
    Best RHCP album. Solid. Funky. Senseful. Dancelicious. Only true fans know this and it is obvious why...
  6. Rakendroll
    Mar 8, 2020
    10
    I can thank my thesis to this album, I was listening to these tracks back the way when I wrote it. RHCP simply one of the best bands nowadays.
  7. oof
    May 13, 2006
    9
    Without a doubt their best album ever. The extended version of By the way.
  8. MitchD.
    May 9, 2006
    9
    Amazing double-album. The few songs that sound poor at first redeem themselves by the end of the songs, especially due to Fruciante's guitar skills.
  9. CurtisR
    Oct 11, 2006
    9
    pretty much every song on this cd is good, she looks to me and hey are the two best songs on the cd
  10. EXplosiva
    May 11, 2006
    9
    It's obvious that RHCP fans will adore this album, so do I ! However, it's true that this is a very mainstream record but I don't get why some people think that's necessarily a bad thing.
  11. JadH
    May 11, 2006
    9
    almost perfect ... great songs include hard to concentrate, snow (hey oh), shes only 18, 21st century, dani california, charlie. and if.
  12. andyr
    May 10, 2006
    9
    Very good album a definite record of the year contender. John Frusciante's guitar really shines on this album, their best yet.
  13. JasonL
    May 14, 2006
    9
    Good solid new chilli peppers. Am so glad it has no 'by the way' or 'scar tissue' , those songs epitimize the phrase 'top 20 fodder for the 12 year old masses'. RHCP have shown us they that they have abundant talent and don't need to rely on teeny boppers to sell records. Their original blend of funk/rock continues to keep us all hooked. I see this as a Good solid new chilli peppers. Am so glad it has no 'by the way' or 'scar tissue' , those songs epitimize the phrase 'top 20 fodder for the 12 year old masses'. RHCP have shown us they that they have abundant talent and don't need to rely on teeny boppers to sell records. Their original blend of funk/rock continues to keep us all hooked. I see this as a return to form for them, after the last album that seemed to rely too much on mass market appeal.… Expand
  14. Gareth
    May 27, 2006
    9
    At first listen through this is a very mediocre album. It
  15. JimiM
    May 8, 2006
    9
    A John Fruciante masterclass. It's awe-inspiring to hear a guitarist who is not afraid to explore the guitar and not just fuck around fast on the fretboard. A concert of an album
  16. Timo
    Jul 17, 2006
    9
    20+ Great songs.I don't like Hey.
  17. Robbie
    Jul 17, 2006
    9
    I saw Chili Peppers at T in th Park Festival.ok!!! they are really great.
  18. 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.
  19. 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
  20. MihaiV
    Mar 15, 2007
    9
    Just 2 words: guilty pleasure.
  21. Marc.
    Apr 13, 2007
    9
    I've been a music fan for several years and this one is really an amazing record, highly recomended.
  22. RodrigoG
    Oct 8, 2008
    9
    I could rate this as awesome or terrible, because there are two versions to consider. But first, the album itself: 'Stadium Arcadium' is great! RHCP slightly downplayed the funk from their previous works, and added a solid touch of acid-rock, to mesmerizing results. This is the kind of record to which you should sit, relax, and listen carefully. But there is a problem: Vlado I could rate this as awesome or terrible, because there are two versions to consider. But first, the album itself: 'Stadium Arcadium' is great! RHCP slightly downplayed the funk from their previous works, and added a solid touch of acid-rock, to mesmerizing results. This is the kind of record to which you should sit, relax, and listen carefully. But there is a problem: Vlado Meller's super-loud mastering makes it a pain to the ears! So don't bother with the CD version or any store downloads: the only way to get Stadium Arcadium with the sound quality it deserves is the vinyl release. It has a different mastering, by renowned audiophile favorite Steve Hoffman. Yes, it is a tad more expensive - it is a 4 LP set, after all. If you have a good stereo set, and you like RHCP, this one is worth it.… Expand
  23. MelvinB
    Dec 1, 2006
    9
    While some tracks take time to digest, after a couple of spins you will find that they're there for a reason. It's a rollercoaster ride through the higher states of consciousnes, finding a perfect balance between the excitement of the fall and the anticipation and extasy of the way up.
  24. Jow
    May 11, 2006
    9
    Fantastic album, significantly better than "By the Way". John's guitar is magnificent throughout and you can tell the music was written to provide each band member an opportunity to shine.
  25. Armen
    May 10, 2006
    9
    Great album! I mean, sure they could have probably cut about 4 or 5 songs out, but that still leaves a ton of great music. You get a little bit of everything here, so it doesn't get stale. Basically, if you've never liked them before, there's no reason you'll like this. But if you're a fan, it's everything you could ask for. Nothing revolutionary, but awesome Great album! I mean, sure they could have probably cut about 4 or 5 songs out, but that still leaves a ton of great music. You get a little bit of everything here, so it doesn't get stale. Basically, if you've never liked them before, there's no reason you'll like this. But if you're a fan, it's everything you could ask for. Nothing revolutionary, but awesome stuff nontheless. I can't wait until they tour this summer!… Expand
  26. Anonymous
    May 10, 2006
    9
    Great album, but some songs are repetitive, but still, nonetheless, a great album. Great buy for any Red Hot Chili Pepper fans, also probably a great one to start people off on.
  27. FredS
    May 11, 2006
    9
    Tuesday it was a 6.5 on my meter. Today its a 9. Tomorrow it will go to 11.
  28. Brian
    May 10, 2006
    9
    Serves as a mature, competent integration of their previous efforts and eclectic style. Because of "Stadium Arcadium's" dependence on their previous stylings, the band merely inches forward musically, as as opposed to exploding off the line. But coming from one of the great bands of our generation, an inch can be worth a mile. Strongly recommended.
  29. StephenB
    May 12, 2006
    9
    This album is just great. All round. Awesome value. Awesome songs. I think some peopel are neing overly critical of this album its an amazing acheivment Long live the CHili peppers! (didnt give 10 becaue 10 implys perfection and i dont think ther eis such a thing as the perfect album)
  30. drewie
    May 12, 2006
    9
    es un album muy completo,una combinacion de sus dos mejores albumes,blood sugar sex magik y californication,no se lleva el 10 por el parecido de algunas canciones y algunas letras,es un gran disco(frusciante vuelve a los ritmos funk x favor)
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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 »