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As Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have had a career defined by hit songs. Although they have achieved this success, they have overcome their fair share of adversity. However, they’re not alone, as many of the greatest artists have faced challenges. From AC/DC to Ozzy Osbourne and Green Day, no career comes without its pitfalls. Nonetheless, legends always rise to the occasion, no matter the circumstances, something the Red Hot Chili Peppers have done for decades.
Forming in the early ’80s, the Red Hot Chili Peppers emerged at a time when many bands were starting their careers. This meant they faced a lot of competition, and for a while, it was not easy for them to find their way. The most famous lineup of the band didn’t even come together until their fourth album. They would find success, but it came at a cost.
Through it all, they managed to create a litany of hits, ultimately carving a legacy as one of the best-selling bands, with over 120 million records sold worldwide. The following 10 songs define that journey, proving why the Red Hot Chili Peppers are the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers that they are today.
10
Good Time Boys
Album: Mother’s Milk (1989)
Through their first three albums in the ’80s, the only two consistent members of the Red Hot Chili Peppers were Anthony Kiedis and Flea. Beyond that, they had a couple of different guitarists and drummers. However, prior to their 1989 record, they finally found the lineup that has become the best-known version of the band. This is when Chad Smith joined as the drummer and John Frusciante on guitar.
It was the start of the band’s most iconic lineup playing together.
Although this was still before their megastardom, they were building a name for themselves. The song “Good Time Boys” is one of the memorable tracks from the album. Over time, this record has become platinum-certified, and it is a fun listen, as this is right before the band was about to grow in popularity. This, of course, wasn’t exactly their beginning, but it was the start of the band’s most iconic lineup playing together.
9
Under The Bridge
Album: Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991)
Throughout the 1980s, the Red Hot Chili Peppers worked tirelessly to perfect their sound. After the addition of John Frusciante and Chad Smith, their ideal lineup was complete, with everything fully clicking in the making of their 1991 album, Blood Sugar Sex Magik. The record placed on multiple charts, including an impressive third place ranking on the Billboard 200. This immediately put the band in a spotlight they had never experienced before.
A few songs from the album stand out, such as “Suck My Kiss” and “Give It Away,” with the latter being their most played live song (setlist.fm). However, the one that achieved the most success was “Under the Bridge.” Over the years, it has become one of the band’s greatest tracks, with over one billion streams on Spotify. Additionally, it is 6x platinum certified, which is almost as much as the entire album. No matter how many times they have tried to distance themselves from the song, it always finds a way back into the mix.
8
My Friends
Album: One Hot Minute (1995)
After the Red Hot Chili Peppers skyrocketed to megastardom following their 1991 album, Blood Sugar Sex Magik, guitarist John Frusciante found the growing fame to be a bit too much. This caused him to step away from the spotlight and left the band looking to fill his spot. This is where they were joined by Dave Navarro, famous from Jane’s Addiction. Although this would be his only album with the band, he contributed to a few songs that made an impact on their career.
One of the songs was “Aeroplane,” which became a well-known hit for the band, but the even bigger song was “My Friends.” The latter was the number one hit on multiple Billboard charts following its release. A few other things that make this song special are, first, the raw music video, which really makes the song resonate with fans. The second is the fact that they haven’t played it live in full since 1996. This has given it a certain mystique, as they consider it a greatest hit, but it has just remained in the Dave Navarro era of the band.
7
Scar Tissue
Album: Californication (1999)
When the Red Hot Chili Peppers released Californication in 1999, there was no denying the popularity of the self-titled track. The song offered a unique perspective on California, where the band pointed out what they believed were facts instead of feeding fallacies. The music video also helped increase its notoriety. However, it wasn’t the only song that made the album stand out, as other strong hits contributed to making this one of the band’s best-selling albums of all time.
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These hits included “Around the World,” “Otherside,” and “Scar Tissue.” The latter was particularly impressive, as it has held its own over time alongside the title track. Both are 6x platinum and have become a vital part of the band’s history. Some would even argue that the “Scar Tissue” music video is better and is in the running for their best ever. With 16 weeks as a number one hit on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, “Scar Tissue” has built a strong legacy.
6
By The Way
Album: By The Way (2002)
High expectations were set for the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ 2002 release following their massive success in 1999. Instead of trying to create an over-the-top tune for their first single, the band decided to craft a song with a calm vibe as the title track’s release. “By the Way” became yet another hit for the band, reaching the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 and even landing at the number one spot on a few of their other charts.
The music video for the tune also contributed to the song’s popularity. It features a couple of the members being kidnapped and needing to be rescued. It plays more like a mini-movie that compels you to watch until the end. Two other songs from the album that received a lot of airplay were “The Zephyr Song” and “Can’t Stop.” However, “By the Way” is the one that comes up frequently, including during a ceremony for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
5
Dani California
Album: Stadium Arcadium (2006)
Although “Dani California” was released many years after the MTV Generation ended, the song provides a music video that would have held up with some of the best from the era. Along with being a catchy tune, the video features the band dressing up as some of the most iconic musicians from the past. These include Kurt Cobain from Nirvana, Elton John, and Prince. It was a tongue-in-cheek video that offered a fun trip down memory lane.
Aside from the memorable video, the song brought the band even more accolades. It reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100, became the second song ever to debut as number one on the Modern Rock Tracks, and ranked first on the Mainstream Rock chart. Additionally, it earned the band two Grammy Awards, one for Best Rock Song and one for Best Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Within a short period, the song was solidified as one of their greatest hits.
4
The Adventures Of Rain Dance Maggie
Album: I’m With You (2011)
After five years between records and the exit of John Frusciante, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were ready to release a new album in 2011. Their tenth studio album arrived in August of that year, and with this milestone putting them in the double digits for releases, they were now among some of the most elite bands in rock history. Overall, the album did phenomenally and almost reached number one on three different charts, but came up just short, finishing at number two on the Billboard 200.
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One of the big hits that helped it achieve great success was “The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie.” The song was the first single from I’m with You and got the album off to a great start. It reached number one on multiple charts and even placed in the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100. The song is now remembered for yet another great music video from the band and the fact that it is platinum-certified.
3
Dark Necessities
Album: The Getaway (2016)
You know a band is truly legendary when a relatively new song can break into their top-ten on Spotify. This isn’t easy to do, as acts are competing with the high standards that made them Rock and Roll Hall of Famers in the first place. Instead of resting on their laurels, the Red Hot Chili Peppers entered 2016 ready to overcome the odds. Notably, The Getaway did not feature producer Rick Rubin, who had become synonymous with the band, and it was the second record without John Frusciante.
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The big hit from the album, which debuted in June 2016, was “Dark Necessities.” The song placed on five different Billboard charts, finishing at number one on three of them. Over the years, it has remained a fan favorite and now has well over 500 million streams, inching closer to their bigger hits, which are at a billion. Additionally, the song has gone platinum, certifying it as one of the better tunes the band has released.
2
Black Summer
Album: Unlimited Love (2022)
Following a six-year gap between albums, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were back in 2022 with the release of Unlimited Love. Many fans weren’t sure exactly what to expect, but were glad to hear the new music. The song that would lead them into this next chapter was “Black Summer.” It was the first single from the album and the first time fans would hear guitarist John Frusciante contribute to a new track in 16 years.
Following a six-year gap between albums, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were back in 2022 with the release of Unlimited Love.
The song became a number one hit on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart. This was their 14th number-one single, which gave them the most of all time. It also secured them a number one single in four decades, tying Green Day. Additionally, it was their 26th top ten hit, placing them only behind the Foo Fighters. If that wasn’t enough, the song won them an MTV Video Music Award, and launched them on a historic world tour.
1
Carry Me Home
Album: Return Of The Dream Canteen (2022)
Instead of waiting an extended period of time, the Red Hot Chili Peppers decided to release another album only months after their April 2022 launch of Unlimited Love. This record was recorded during the same sessions, but it has its own unique title: Return of the Dream Canteen. It features an impressive 17 tracks, including the singles “Tippa My Tongue,” “Eddie,” and “The Drummer.” While these are great, there is a hidden gem on this record.
There is something remarkable here, and it proves the band still has the magic they have always possessed.
The song that stands out as vintage Red Hot Chili Peppers is “Carry Me Home.” It arguably contains some of the prettiest lyrics the band has ever written. Additionally, John Frusciante delivers great guitar riffs, and when played live, it is captivating. They have performed it only 21 times so far (setlist.fm), but it wouldn’t be surprising to see this song become more special as time goes on. There is something remarkable here, and it proves the Red Hot Chili Peppers still have the magic they have always possessed.
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