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. KD
    May 30, 2006
    9
    I am a long time Chili Peppers fan. That notwithstanding, this is a damn good album. I do find some similarity to The Eagles; mainly due to the guitarist's performance/influence--in harmony and also in some of the solos. I have read that this album is considered boring and un-edgey; " so unlike the Chili Peppers' reputation." Please, they still rock. They have developed their I am a long time Chili Peppers fan. That notwithstanding, this is a damn good album. I do find some similarity to The Eagles; mainly due to the guitarist's performance/influence--in harmony and also in some of the solos. I have read that this album is considered boring and un-edgey; " so unlike the Chili Peppers' reputation." Please, they still rock. They have developed their style, and to be honest I don't think they have been that "edgey" for several albums. The rawness is gone, as it should be. This band has been together, in sum, for a long time, and this is a perfect double-album for showing their evolution. Play this next to Freaky Styley or UMPP...WOW. Being a Chili Peppers fan, notwithstanding, of course. :)… Expand
  2. BryanN
    May 30, 2006
    10
    Maybe The critics should listen to the album before they make up there minds
  3. JonH
    May 30, 2006
    8
    I haven't even listened to this album yet, so I am predicting what I will think of it. I just had to comment about the one review that said RHCP has been crap since Mother's Milk. Yeah, Blood Sugar was a disaster wasn't it? (rolls eyes)
  4. KentE
    May 30, 2006
    10
    Ali M let me start off by addressing you, not being able to remember any of the tracks isnt so much the Chili Peppers fault, but the fact thats its 28 tracks long, maybe thats why you cant remember any of the tracks, and probably because you went into with a bias against the band in the first place. The album is great, better than their last By The Way, which was great in its own right, Ali M let me start off by addressing you, not being able to remember any of the tracks isnt so much the Chili Peppers fault, but the fact thats its 28 tracks long, maybe thats why you cant remember any of the tracks, and probably because you went into with a bias against the band in the first place. The album is great, better than their last By The Way, which was great in its own right, but they brought the funk back on this album. I own all their albums, and have to say this may be the best, yes even better than Blood Sugar Sex Magik. Its a close call between them, both albums dont have a bad song, and Blood Sugar has classics like "Under The Bridge","Suck My Kiss" and etc. But this new album is great, Dani California is not even in the top half of best tracks, and thats a great song in itself. My Favorites are "Charlie"-Give It away with a more melodic and grown up sound, "Strip My Mind"-Under the bridge type feel to it, "Desecration Smile-Great Melodies, and possibly the best song on the album-"Readymade", a better song than most metal bands can put out today. Not a bad song on the album even the weaker ones-"If", "Shes Only 18" are very solid efforts. Jupiter is more of an safe album with songs were used to hearing them sing the past couple albums, and Mars is more out there. I like Mars more myself, but Jupiter is great as well, both albums would be great on their own. Great album for Chili Pepper Fans, if you dont like them anyway, this isnt the album for you, listen to By The Way first then work your way up to the funk, but if your a fan of theirs, this album is well worth the almost 4 year wait.… Expand
  5. JoeF
    May 30, 2006
    5
    Melodic rythms and uplifting pop beats cant save this record from being void of any real jump-out-at-you rock tunes. Lyrically, the record is nothing new. Best of the sparsely bunch of tracks are Especially in Michigan, Strip My Mind and the the title song, all of which are on the first disc, which is the superior of the two. Californication and even By The Way had character, this however Melodic rythms and uplifting pop beats cant save this record from being void of any real jump-out-at-you rock tunes. Lyrically, the record is nothing new. Best of the sparsely bunch of tracks are Especially in Michigan, Strip My Mind and the the title song, all of which are on the first disc, which is the superior of the two. Californication and even By The Way had character, this however is just a collection of songs that mostly sound the same as each other....… Expand
  6. WBmarketingDept
    May 30, 2006
    1
    This CD is the best thing EVAR. You will not hear a sound on it that is UN-Perfect. It is better than Elvis, The Beatles, Bob Marley. Don't listen to anything but this. Only this, now and always. RHCP are God.
  7. Gareth
    May 27, 2006
    9
    At first listen through this is a very mediocre album. It
  8. MarkL
    May 26, 2006
    10
    Over the past 15 years RHCP fans have more or less divided into Blood Sugar Sex Magic type fans and Californication type fans. This album fully delivers on both fronts and attempts to bridge the two in a funky yet melodic masterpiece. I especially enjoy the creativity in the bridges of most of the songs, great guitar work.
  9. ColbyS
    May 25, 2006
    8
    I just listened to Jupiter: it's nothing short of awesome. I don't know what the hell the guy up there was thinking, but I thought the lyrics, though abstract, were still one of the shining elements of the release. Frusciante is crazy good now, Kiedis sounds way less drug-addled and Flea's bass work is still the best I've heard anywhere. RHCP is awesome. Again.
  10. karl
    May 25, 2006
    9
    yea it's not the greatest album of all time like some are saying much too hastily. but... it is one of the best to come out in quite some time. don't listen to the bad reviews--for some reason these people cannot understand greatness. even if it's not your style, at least admit they're the most talented band playing today....that much is very very obvious.
  11. AbishekJ
    May 25, 2006
    10
    I've never been a big RHCP fan, but this record is a modern masterpiece. It takes a few listens to distinguish between the songs, but once you do, each song has its share of hooks, solos and california rock charm to keep you engaged.
  12. MusicMaven
    May 24, 2006
    7
    There's way too much material here. The band is tighter than ever, so the excess is expertly played filler, but filler nonetheless. There are no songs here that are going to make anyone forget the best of Mother's Milk or Blood Sugar Sex Magik. But if you enjoyed Californication and By The Way, then this is still a good bet.
  13. CHRISH
    May 22, 2006
    10
    THIS ALBUM IS GREAT a good selection of songs
  14. MichaelW
    May 22, 2006
    8
    I haven't even been able to get through the first disc. I'm trying to absorb everything. This is their most musically accomplished album yet. The amazing melodies will leave your jaw slacken. There is no justification for disliking this album other than boosting your indie "cred" by slagging it. Frusciante has more musical talent in his pinky than the Arcade Fire, Tapes & Tapes, I haven't even been able to get through the first disc. I'm trying to absorb everything. This is their most musically accomplished album yet. The amazing melodies will leave your jaw slacken. There is no justification for disliking this album other than boosting your indie "cred" by slagging it. Frusciante has more musical talent in his pinky than the Arcade Fire, Tapes & Tapes, or whatever other band of month Pitchfork happens to be jocking. I must say the bad reviews for this album are in a word: stupid.… Expand
  15. AmandaD
    May 22, 2006
    9
    Stadium Arcadium was a great albulm, but i thought that it could use a few more uptempo tracks.
  16. SolonK
    May 22, 2006
    10
    Simply a classic. Flea has held up his side of the bargain and is bringing back his amazing and funky bass riffs, Frusciante has labled himself a guitar God, drummer chad smith continues to hit the drums harder than anyone since John Bonham, and kiedis will suprise you with some new found vocal range. It is almost a critics duty to try to take a band as big as the chilis down a notch. But Simply a classic. Flea has held up his side of the bargain and is bringing back his amazing and funky bass riffs, Frusciante has labled himself a guitar God, drummer chad smith continues to hit the drums harder than anyone since John Bonham, and kiedis will suprise you with some new found vocal range. It is almost a critics duty to try to take a band as big as the chilis down a notch. But an album with so many gems will no-doubt stand strong. a must have album.… Expand
  17. AliM
    May 22, 2006
    4
    28 tracks of shallow, dull, self-indulgent ego-tripping, mostly on the part of Anthony Keidis for his moronic vocals. Even the title sounds hopelessly retarded. The only remarkable thing about this album is that the Chilis still haven't got any better at writing lyrics after about 15 years. Try this - listen to the album through and afterwards try to recall any of the tunes. I 28 tracks of shallow, dull, self-indulgent ego-tripping, mostly on the part of Anthony Keidis for his moronic vocals. Even the title sounds hopelessly retarded. The only remarkable thing about this album is that the Chilis still haven't got any better at writing lyrics after about 15 years. Try this - listen to the album through and afterwards try to recall any of the tunes. I guarantee you will only remember Flea's basslines, which are pretty much the only reason why anyone bothers listening to the Chilis, and the only reason why I give this any points at all.… Expand
  18. GrantK
    May 22, 2006
    10
    I can't see how this album can be critisised, I find it impossible to find a flaw. PERFECT ALBUM FROM THE BES TBAND ON THE PLANET.....enough said...
  19. NathanR
    May 21, 2006
    10
    RHCP's melodic sensibility just never ceases to blow my mind. Yet another legendary set of songs that could pass for a greatest hits collection if you didn't know any better.
  20. DaveF
    May 21, 2006
    10
    Havnt stopped listening to it since i bought it. Every song is superb and Frusciante is genius. Buy this album NOW!
  21. KevinR
    May 20, 2006
    8
    A good album, but Rick Rubin doesn't ever seem to challenge them.
  22. CathP
    May 20, 2006
    10
    This is way the best Chilis record so far!! Amazing.
  23. PooPee
    May 19, 2006
    10
    Dis album was da shit!
  24. JimH
    May 19, 2006
    9
    As gauche music critics for all the piece-of-crap rags that somehow get listed on metacritic (and that are otherwise irrelevant) it is your sworn duty to slag beautifully tuneful killer funk from rock gods who long ago singlehandedly made alternative into mainstream, but the rest of us just love good music - all 28 songs worth of it here.
  25. WashingtonI
    May 19, 2006
    7
    The Chilis have exchanged yesterday's frantic bass-slapping energy for today's mid-tempo radio ready guitar brilliance. Yes, the guitar is excellent, but the livliness and willingness to experiment is gone: I've heard this all before. Any other band and this would be OK, but I do not want my Chili mild.
  26. RobertoB
    May 19, 2006
    7
    Great CD!!
  27. BenW
    May 18, 2006
    9
    Jupiter alone is worthy of this rating. It's not perfect because of all the filler, but you can't criticize an album with this many instant classics
  28. NealeE
    May 18, 2006
    10
    NME gives it only 7 out of 10. One of the reasons I've stopped buying. They've lost it. Almost every song's a classic. Risky putting out a double but they've cracked it.
  29. ConorW
    May 17, 2006
    10
    Fantastic. Would buy again.
  30. PatF
    May 17, 2006
    6
    i thought it was okay. a little bit of a downer tho. it got so much hype and was supposed to be huge but i wasnt that impressed. there was a few good songs but making it two discs was a mistake. once you get to the second disc so many songs start starting the same you just skip them thinking you heard them already and it was to soft. not nearly enough funk. not even close to i thought it was okay. a little bit of a downer tho. it got so much hype and was supposed to be huge but i wasnt that impressed. there was a few good songs but making it two discs was a mistake. once you get to the second disc so many songs start starting the same you just skip them thinking you heard them already and it was to soft. not nearly enough funk. not even close to Californication or blood sugar sex magic. a little disappointed but ill listen to the good songs. all 5 of them… Expand
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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 »