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. why_so_accurate
    Jan 25, 2022
    9
    Really one of the best RHCP's album. Stadium Arcadium made me want to learn the guitar, and the getaway made me continue my progression ! just hoping that Frusciante's come back album will be as good as this one
  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. NolanLundgaard
    Feb 16, 2021
    9
    Stadium Arcadium by Red Hot Chili Peppers: 8.30

    Dani California: 1 :) Snow (Hey Oh): 1 :) Charlie: 1 :) Stadium Arcadium: 1 :) Hump de Bump: 0.75 She’s Only 18: 1 :) Slow Cheetah: 0.75 Torture Me: 0.75 Strip My Mind: 1 :) Especially in Michigan: 1 :) Warlocks: 1 :) C’mon Girl: 0.5 Wet Sand: 1 :) Hey: 1 Desecration Smile: 1 :) Tell Me Baby: 1 :) Hard to Concentrate: 1    Stadium Arcadium by Red Hot Chili Peppers: 8.30

    Dani California: 1 :)
    Snow (Hey Oh): 1 :)
    Charlie: 1 :)
    Stadium Arcadium: 1 :)
    Hump de Bump: 0.75
    She’s Only 18: 1 :)
    Slow Cheetah: 0.75
    Torture Me: 0.75
    Strip My Mind: 1 :)
    Especially in Michigan: 1 :)
    Warlocks: 1 :)
    C’mon Girl: 0.5
    Wet Sand: 1 :)
    Hey: 1
    Desecration Smile: 1 :)
    Tell Me Baby: 1 :)
    Hard to Concentrate: 1
    21st Century: 0.75
    She Looks to Me: 1 :)
    Readymade: 0.75
    If: 1
    Make You Feel Better: 1
    Animal Bar: 0.5
    So Much I: 1 :)
    Storm in a Teacup: 1 :)
    We Believe: 0.75
    Turn It Again: 1 :)
    Death of a Martian: 1

    25.5/28 ~ .911 -> 8.30

    Stadium Arcadium is by far the best Red Hot Chili Peppers album, earning 5 stars. I had an amazing time listening to it, as it was more exciting and consistent than albums like By the Way and less plagued by the hit-or-miss syndrome that albums like Blood Sugar Sex Magik were victim to. Before listening to this album, I was kind of scared that this would be an album “too chill” for the Chili Peppers, but I was delightfully proven wrong. The album is full of jamming drum beats, creative guitar lines and effects, and beautiful slap bass. The lyrics in general are also much better than what I was anticipating. Red Hot Chili Peppers truly knocked it out of the park with this one, and this fantastic album starts with four winners right off the bat. Going into it, I had already heard Dani California, Snow, and Wet Sand, so I knew I would like those songs. Since my full review is 11,000 characters long, I was forced to cut my song-by-song commentary to fit within the character limit. In general, Stadium Arcadium definitely deserves the 5-star review I give it. I takes everything good about Blood Sugar Sex Magik, Californication, and By the Way and smushes it all into one great extended album. The length of this album was a lot (at more than 2 hours), but so many of these songs are so good that I didn’t care what its length was. Having 15 amazing songs within an album of 28 is no easy task, yet Red Hot Chili Peppers definitely accomplished that, in their best album yet. This is the Red Hot Chili Peppers I know. Before Stadium Arcadium, I could never give a RHCP album 5 stars, but this one truly earned it. It is everything I love about them put into 28 great tracks. I will definitely be saving a majority of Stadium Arcadium’s tracks and I cannot wait to listen to I’m With You. Fans of Red Hot Chili Peppers will love this album, as well will lots of fans of good quality rock music. Highlights: Dani California, Snow, Charlie, Stadium Arcadium, She’s Only 18, Strip My Mind, Only in Michigan, Warlocks, Wet Sand, Hey, Desecration Smile, Tell Me Baby, Hard to Concentrate, She Looks to Me, If, Make You Feel Better, So Much I, Storm in a Teacup, Turn It Again, and Death of a Martian.    … Expand
  4. ceshe83
    Apr 14, 2020
    9
    Stadium Arcadium is a vast pop/alternative/funk opus that hits on nearly every song. Snow is an infectious alternative anthem with an absolutely hypnotizing guitar riff from Frusciante. Frusciante shines again with an astounding solo at the end of Wet Sand, some of his best work in his all-time great catalog. Flea delivers energetic bass loops on nearly every track, sometimes wheelieStadium Arcadium is a vast pop/alternative/funk opus that hits on nearly every song. Snow is an infectious alternative anthem with an absolutely hypnotizing guitar riff from Frusciante. Frusciante shines again with an astounding solo at the end of Wet Sand, some of his best work in his all-time great catalog. Flea delivers energetic bass loops on nearly every track, sometimes wheelie popping just for fun, for example, at the end of Charlie. Kiedis's songwriting is touchingly reflective and philosophical as he forges heartening love ballads on songs like Hard to Concentrate. Despite its length (28 tracks), Stadium Arcadium flows seamlessly with nearly no fillers. Each song possesses its own character and energy and works to create a sprawling, immersive, multi-dimensional experience.

    Score: 9.5/10

    Fav track(s): Damn near all of em
    Least fav track(s): Storm in a Teacup    … Expand
  5. 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.
  6. KurkoBein
    Nov 3, 2019
    10
    Best RHCP album. Solid. Funky. Senseful. Dancelicious. Only true fans know this and it is obvious why...
  7. MysticManiac
    Oct 12, 2018
    6
    Idk, it's okay. Most of the tracks are fine but some are just boring. There are some good highlights though like the opening Snow (Hey Oh) and Dani California. This is the only RHCP album I've heard so far so idk if they have any better ones
  8. 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.
  9. jontybanks98
    Mar 26, 2017
    8
    I can imagine that the release of a 28-song album would've got Red Hot Chili Peppers fans absolutely hyped. Despite there being so many songs, the album is surprisingly consistent. Very impressive as a whole!
  10. 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!
  11. AadityaW65
    Jul 12, 2015
    6
    I am an ultimate RHCP fan. I have heard almost their entire discography. I would never, ever diss them if it wasn't required. Yet, I find myself doing so right now. I have a lot of complaints. Why is this album so long? Why do some of the songs sound so boring that I can tell that they were formed a very lazy jam (even though I know that most of their songs are, these ones sound like theyI am an ultimate RHCP fan. I have heard almost their entire discography. I would never, ever diss them if it wasn't required. Yet, I find myself doing so right now. I have a lot of complaints. Why is this album so long? Why do some of the songs sound so boring that I can tell that they were formed a very lazy jam (even though I know that most of their songs are, these ones sound like they are)? Why is Anthony's voice so monotonous for a good part of the album? The first half was good. The second half was "meh" beyond belief. With lyrics like "There's a reason for the 21st century Not too sure but I know that it's meant to be", the second half had me almost dying. Okay, maybe Tell Me Baby and Storm In A Teacup weren't that bad, but that ends it. So many of those songs just sounded so generic, in their progression, chord structure, everything. I preferred By The Way to this.

    Best Song: Hump de Bump (funk overload, hell yeah)
    Worst Song: She Looks To Me (what were they thinking?)    … Expand
  12. 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.
  13. PHJ
    Sep 25, 2014
    9
    Superb from Dani California to Hey, Stadium Arcadium is one of the (if no the) best album that RHCP ever made, with creative lyrics combined with a great funky rhythm, Stadium Arcadium is an easy 9/10 album.
  14. BrianDiAl
    Dec 30, 2013
    9
    28 Tracks, they got the quality and the quantity. I like the album because every one ine the band is in a good situation, no hard drugs or other. And I felt that because of that the produced an album of great quality.
  15. AlekhyaDas
    Nov 26, 2013
    10
    haters please buzz off !!
    simply amazing track :)
    Red Hot Chili Peppers _/_ Stadium Arcadium was pretty good. I mean, I bought this when it came out. It wasn't one of their best works due to the fact they went a little soft in this album. I mean, they played the softness pretty well I believe in "Californication", but that is it I believe. I just think they should get back to making    haters please buzz off !!
    simply amazing track :)
    Red Hot Chili Peppers _/_
    Stadium Arcadium was pretty good. I mean, I bought this when it came out. It wasn't one of their best works due to the fact they went a little soft in this album. I mean, they played the softness pretty well I believe in "Californication", but that is it I believe. I just think they should get back to making music that was like Blood Sugar Sex Magik. That album was AMAZING     … Expand
  16. PitchforkSucks
    Nov 15, 2013
    10
    One of the greatest displays of guitar work ever. To me, the lyrics are way underrated and the long album is just what the Chilis needed. A great album for John to leave on.
  17. RobertN
    Jul 15, 2013
    7
    An underrated album for sure. Although not every song on the album is perfect (or at all good), it makes up for it with amazing and memorable songs which are sure to become some of your favourites.
  18. Squidibly
    May 28, 2013
    10
    The Red Hot Chili Peppers a band that has managed to make great Rock n Roll music since the 80's. This is one of the few bands to make it big in the 90's and continue to make beautiful music in the 2000's. Making a two disc album isn't that common but it does happen and when it does it's very hard to make the whole thing a masterpiece but that is not the case with this record. StadiumThe Red Hot Chili Peppers a band that has managed to make great Rock n Roll music since the 80's. This is one of the few bands to make it big in the 90's and continue to make beautiful music in the 2000's. Making a two disc album isn't that common but it does happen and when it does it's very hard to make the whole thing a masterpiece but that is not the case with this record. Stadium Arcadium is an album with 28 perfect songs. It's obvious that all four of the Chili Peppers know what their doing when it comes to making music. I don't need to go into a song analysis because i truly love each and every song on this album. I don't care who you are if you have yet to listen to this masterpiece you are making a huge mistake. I give Red Hot Chili Peppers "Stadium Arcadium" a perfect 10 out of 10… Expand
  19. foowombats
    Dec 10, 2012
    10
    This is a very ambitious project from the Red hot chili peppers. A 28 track album! And they pull it off, so well! Being only 18, Stadium was my first experience of the Chili Peppers. And it was so massive and awesome, I thought it was a best of album. I love almost all of the songs in this sprawling metropolis of Alternative rock/Funk rock. My personal favourites are Dany California, Snow,This is a very ambitious project from the Red hot chili peppers. A 28 track album! And they pull it off, so well! Being only 18, Stadium was my first experience of the Chili Peppers. And it was so massive and awesome, I thought it was a best of album. I love almost all of the songs in this sprawling metropolis of Alternative rock/Funk rock. My personal favourites are Dany California, Snow, Hump de bump, slow cheetah, especially in Michigan, Tell me baby, Readymade and Storm in a teacup. Yeah...there are a lot of good songs. Charlie is the only song I don't like, and I'm sure that is just personal taste. I recommend this album to anyone, it's certainly in the top 20 albums in history.… Expand
  20. LetzTalkMoveez
    Oct 21, 2012
    6
    It's psychedelic, bass-slappin' magic on "Arcadium", a Chili Peppers album that highlights the band's instrumental talents, but unfortunately also highlights Kiedis' degrading skills as a lyricist.
  21. sonjo18
    Aug 7, 2012
    10
    I don't care what anyone says, I hail this album as the best album of all time. It has so many songs on it and they all are great. Usually albums have 15-18 songs and 2,3 maybe 4 are good. Stadium Arcadium has 28 songs and they all are great.
  22. skyminster
    May 20, 2012
    10
    Stadium arcadium is an awesome album, it's the best red hot chili peppers album ever! The first disk is probably better than the second disk. Disk 1: 11/10. Disk 2: 10/10. Overall as an album: 10/10. If you like red hot chili peppers, either get this album or listen to it!
  23. Ricko
    Apr 11, 2012
    5
    If you took the best 12 or 13 songs from this sprawling double record, you'd still have a pretty dull, funk rock affair. There are half a dozen good songs, another half dozen average songs and over a dozen tracks that just act as filler. That's way too much filler by anyone's standards. Dani California is very good but very little to like apart from that.
  24. Vampire25
    Mar 31, 2012
    10
    Stadium Arcadium is a musical triumph for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. it's their most creative album they've ever put out. Each track stands out. It's their best album to date and they probably will never make an album better than it. A
  25. Santi_RHCP
    Mar 15, 2012
    10
    Their best album up to date. A total masterpiece. It will be really hard for them to make another disc as good as this one. This is the reason i fell in love with RHCP
  26. TTW107
    Feb 14, 2012
    7
    I love the whole album, but the thing is, I love almost every other Red Hot Chili Peppers album more than this one. My go to songs are She's Only 18 and Wet Sand!
  27. Happymonk
    Dec 9, 2011
    10
    No. This isn't perfect, but so many of the songs on the album are genius. At least 18 out of the monumental 28 tracks are some of their best. But the rest are still great. There are a few Meh tracks, which are mostly found on the second half of the record, but this doesn't really detract from the overall feel and awesomeness of the album. I'd give the first half a 11/10 and the second anNo. This isn't perfect, but so many of the songs on the album are genius. At least 18 out of the monumental 28 tracks are some of their best. But the rest are still great. There are a few Meh tracks, which are mostly found on the second half of the record, but this doesn't really detract from the overall feel and awesomeness of the album. I'd give the first half a 11/10 and the second an 8/10, but you have to understand that the first half is quite simply amazing. It's probably not even the best album they've created (that probably goes to Californication), but because so many of the songs are so excellent it deserves a 10.… Expand
  28. j30
    Aug 11, 2011
    9
    This might be their best album to date. The only reason I don't give this a 10 is that I think they could do much better. Now that they've perfected their sound I'd like to see them branch out a bit more. This is one of those CD's you put in your car and never take out. It has that infinite repeat ability which is hard to accomplish. I love this album, if you like the RHCP'sThis might be their best album to date. The only reason I don't give this a 10 is that I think they could do much better. Now that they've perfected their sound I'd like to see them branch out a bit more. This is one of those CD's you put in your car and never take out. It has that infinite repeat ability which is hard to accomplish. I love this album, if you like the RHCP's Californication you'll love this one.… Expand
  29. Funland
    Aug 9, 2011
    5
    One theory as to why this album experienced such a positive reception: it took the sound that the RHCP fans hold dear (the distinctly "RHCP" sound) and made it dull enough for the mainstream. And since the "Chili Pepper sound" was not completely absent from the album (just devoid of authenticity), the mainstream crowd could claim credit for listening to something that is "different" andOne theory as to why this album experienced such a positive reception: it took the sound that the RHCP fans hold dear (the distinctly "RHCP" sound) and made it dull enough for the mainstream. And since the "Chili Pepper sound" was not completely absent from the album (just devoid of authenticity), the mainstream crowd could claim credit for listening to something that is "different" and "unique." That way, the hardcore fans *and* the pop kids could both go home feeling smug about their embrace of the 2006-era Red Hot Chili Peppers. To the observer who is familiar with the music of RHCP, Stadium Arcadium is by and large not a move of genuine artistic expression, but of shrewd, vapid calculation and over-reliance on formula. Now, since slightly less than half the songs on the album are actually enjoyable and/or stimulating to varying degrees, I gave the album a score of slightly less than half of the highest possible number of points it could have earned, and rounded up to 5 since metacritic's scoring system doesn't allow for issuing tenths of a point. It's perfectly fair. For this album, the best thing to do is download the album's strongest tracks ("Dani California," "Stadium Arcadium," "She's Only 18," "Torture Me," "Tell Me Baby," "She Looks To Me," "Readymade," "Storm In A Teacup," and "Turn It Again") and forget the rest of the album, which lacks the spontaneity of albums like BloodSugerSexMagik and Californication and settles for going nowhere interesting.… Expand
  30. Joross
    Apr 21, 2011
    10
    Honestly, this is probably my favorite album of all time, coming from one of my favorite bands of all time.
    Almost every song of the 28 is an instant classic to me.
  31. mongoose_126
    Dec 29, 2010
    5
    Don't get me wrong, I like the Chili Peppers, but Stadium Arcadium is just alright at best. Some of the songs were great, but some failed to live up to expectations. The only thing that really saved the album was John Frusciante's guitar and Flea's bass. Other than that, most of the album sounds like it could have been an outtake from By the Way or Californication.
  32. TyroneP
    Oct 25, 2010
    6
    It just seems like they wasted the chance to make a very listenable album. There are a dozen cuts that offer nothing to Stadium Arcadium except to blow out its running time. I know, my complaints are hardly original, but I'd just love to know what they were thinking. Also, anybody who says they can listen to this whole album without feeling the slightest bit bored or sleepy is seriously lying.
  33. FortuneF
    Mar 29, 2009
    10
    An incredible mix of musical styles, from some of the best melodic rock around in 'Slow Cheetah' and 'She Looks To Me' to rappin' hard hitting funk in 'Storm In a Teacup'. The only odd this about this album is that, aside from Dani California, they chose the worst songs to be singles.
  34. jm
    Mar 27, 2009
    10
    One of the best albums ever made, every song is awesome. I have not found this album to be redundant at all, and on the contrary, has a variety of song styles. I have yet to meet anyone that dislikes this album.
  35. BrunoS.
    Mar 11, 2009
    10
    It's great! For sure, Stadium Arcadium is one of the best albums from Red Hot Chili Peppers.
  36. HumpDeBump
    Nov 28, 2008
    10
    Stadium Arcadium rocks.
  37. helpushelpus
    Nov 28, 2008
    10
    The band has developed much since then, most noticably in Anthony's singing style, which was much more rap-based. Do not discount this album because it is different to their others, judge it for its own merits, of which it has many. The majority of the tracks are strong, so much so that i listened to the whole double album first time around in one sitting with no skippings. The band has developed much since then, most noticably in Anthony's singing style, which was much more rap-based. Do not discount this album because it is different to their others, judge it for its own merits, of which it has many. The majority of the tracks are strong, so much so that i listened to the whole double album first time around in one sitting with no skippings. Undoubtedly there are negatives which come (in my mind) during some of the slower songs which can drag on. But there are many highlights, such as my personal favourites "tORTURE ME""She's only 18" and "Slow Cheetah". Overall this is a very good album from one of the biggest and best bands on the planet and we should hope that they continue making them.This is a change and is brilliant. They are not my favourite band, and this type of music is not my cup of tea but I have to still give them a high rating for the effort. A lot of work was put into it. Very creative and different from anything else on the radio. One of those records you can throw on and listen to all of it. 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.The band's musical ability was simply sensational in this album, and the Peppers went all out for this one. Not only was Frusciante's guitar incredible in songs like "Snow (Hey Oh)," but he also played blistering solos in "Dani California" and "Readymade" to name a couple. The rhythm section of the Chili Peppers is the reason I keep coming back, however. THe combination of Chad Smith's incredible drumming and Flea's godlike bass playing is what holds the music together every single track. Chad's drumming in "Stadium Arcadium" and "Hump de Bump" are highlights. Flea's bass playing... wow. His basslines in "Tell Me Baby," "She's Only 18," and "Warlocks" are memorable gemstones of the album. However, I must say Flea's most magnificent work to date is "Hump de Bump." Yes, I said it... best work to date. This song was by far the highlight of the album for me. "Hump de Bump" has an easy yet catchy guitar riff, sweet drum beat, and Flea's bass thumbing during the verse is simple but excellent. Once the chorus comes through, Flea goes wild with an absolutely orgasmic bass line that shows what the Chili Peppers are truly about and makes the song the highlight of the disc for many people, not just myself. All in all, the highlights of the album are "Stadium Arcadium," "Tell Me Baby," "She's Only 18," "Readymade," and, of course, the funk smash "Hump de Bump. Their new album is entitled "Stadium Arcadium," and it's utterly brilliant. The sound of the album is great. John Frusciante's guitar playing is heavenly; Frusciante is easily the Clapton of the 21st century. His solos in "readymade," "Dani California," and "21st Century" are simply dazzling and incredible.I loved Blood Sugar, By the Way, Californication was gd too, Freaky Styley extremly random, and Mothers Milk, which I thought was a stroke of genius. Stone Cold Bush, wotta song. So Since By the Way I had gone from Linkin Park to Trivium and Avenged Sevenfold, so now I wait for the Chilis, hoping that they will not be the cutsy light stuff that By The Way had become since my musical tastes enhanced. Dani California blew me off my seat personally. I liked the fact they heavied it up a bit but retained the chiliness. I had to buy the album. And soon into it I realised this was really gd well written music. Hey Oh, amazing, Charlie funkeriffic, it was gd to hear blood sugar was creeping somewhere into the album. Stadium Arcadium, beautiful song, really touching and agen, amazingly crafted. Jupiter perhaps losing its energy after about song 11 or 12 but still very decent. It took me a longer while to get into Mars I must say, but normally the best albums are the ones that take the longest to get into, then once u do its a bit gobsmacking. This definitley happened to me with Mars.This album is at once as melodic as By The Way, and as funky as Blood Sugar Sex Magic (ok, maybe not that funky, but I swear … Expand
  38. KasenKasen
    Nov 28, 2008
    10
    After the return of John Frusciante (1998) Red Hot Chili Peppers never deceive you with a mediocre or a bad album.The sound of the Red Hot Chili Peppers is amazing. Their songs I believe have taken rock music to the next level. The music they write really comes from the heart and expresses their true inner feelings about the world around them. This group has many talented people After the return of John Frusciante (1998) Red Hot Chili Peppers never deceive you with a mediocre or a bad album.The sound of the Red Hot Chili Peppers is amazing. Their songs I believe have taken rock music to the next level. The music they write really comes from the heart and expresses their true inner feelings about the world around them. This group has many talented people especially their bassist. They are very original. My musical tastes now though would not be present without the band Red Hot Chili Peppers. That is fact. I loved Blood Sugar, By the Way, Californication was gd too, Freaky Styley extremly random, and Mothers Milk, which I thought was a stroke of genius. Stone Cold Bush, wotta song. So Since By the Way I had gone from Linkin Park to Trivium and Avenged Sevenfold, so now I wait for the Chilis, hoping that they will not be the cutsy light stuff that By The Way had become since my musical tastes enhanced. Dani California blew me off my seat personally. I liked the fact they heavied it up a bit but retained the chiliness. I had to buy the album. And soon into it I realised this was really gd well written music. Hey Oh, amazing, Charlie funkeriffic, it was gd to hear blood sugar was creeping somewhere into the album. Stadium Arcadium, beautiful song, really touching and agen, amazingly crafted. Jupiter perhaps losing its energy after about song 11 or 12 but still very decent. It took me a longer while to get into Mars I must say, but normally the best albums are the ones that take the longest to get into, then once u do its a bit gobsmacking. This definitley happened to me with Mars. I think I prefer it, it doesnt lose its energy til the very very end, and with songs like Storm in a Tea cup and Readymade, you shouldnt be surprised. The sound is typical chili's, like one reviewer said. The strongest parts of Blood Sugar, Californication, and By The Way in two albums with a bit of a leap onwards as well.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. 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.… Expand
  39. 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
  40. PatS.
    Sep 23, 2008
    6
    Easily one of the Peppers' poorest releases. Decent tunes comprise the album but haphazard vocal phrasing and redundancies are all too populous. Skip this one and replay Californication for the best of new Peppers.
  41. DebbieF
    Jun 29, 2008
    10
    My all time favorite album. Brilliant. Wet Sand, Stadium Arcadium, Slow Cheetah, Hey, Death of a Martian, etc love them all.
  42. Jake
    May 11, 2008
    6
    I really like the RHCPs but this Album is not as good as it could have been. There are songs that i really like (Snow, Storm in a Teacup, Readymade) but on their other records I liked every single song. If they had thrown out half of the songs and this record would be great. Like this it's just above avarage.
  43. LucasW.
    Feb 16, 2008
    5
    Great in techinical ability by john and flea, but the lyrics and the overall feel is way too commercial and unadventerous. But still somewhat pleasent to listen to.
  44. JiriV.
    Oct 26, 2007
    4
    Well, if they came with this extensive album before their highlights, Californication and By The Way, I would not be that hard. Nevertheless this double is really booooring. Songs resemble each others like the songs on the latest albums by R.E.M. There are not good songs enough even for one album. Seems that "more more more" does not work, does it, R.E.M., Coldplay, SOAD and RHCP?
  45. Nadia
    Jul 31, 2007
    10
    John Frusciante rules all. You will *never* hear guitar work as good as this. Cases in point: Readymade, Strip My Mind, Dani California, Tell Me Baby, Turn it Again.
  46. EdS
    Jul 2, 2007
    10
    Yeah they are God
  47. bens
    May 8, 2007
    10
    i have been listening to the peppers for years and this is the best i've heard from them yet. song after song is brilliant and unique and feature some terrific lyrics from Kiedis. 10/10
  48. tristant
    Apr 23, 2007
    10
    If you can survive this long in the music business and still be kicking it,it can only be one band and thats the chillis. take a bow!!!!
  49. jiggaplease
    Apr 22, 2007
    6
    it's decent. it doesn't feel like chili peppers to me...i love all their work, but this is just mediocre for me
  50. Marc.
    Apr 13, 2007
    9
    I've been a music fan for several years and this one is really an amazing record, highly recomended.
  51. Mithyus
    Apr 5, 2007
    10
    And this, ladies and gentlemen, is the best rock has to offer.
  52. Salsa
    Mar 26, 2007
    10
    4 grammies motherfuckers 4 grammies.
  53. DanielY
    Mar 20, 2007
    7
    respectable double album tunes are not catchy, not as good as Californication and By The Way overall, not bad
  54. RockRoll
    Mar 20, 2007
    10
    Amazing. I love the Peppers and the Diversity of the type of songs is mind blowing. Definetly one of my favorite albums of all time
  55. eskildb
    Mar 19, 2007
    9
    Red hot chili peppers= so great music!! They just get better and better. And Stadium Arcadium, is SOOOOOOOO the best album they have ever made!!!
  56. MihaiV
    Mar 15, 2007
    9
    Just 2 words: guilty pleasure.
  57. stephiej
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    awesome funky and shows how developed these guys are! wonderfully "blended" and mixed great job, definitely a prize album
  58. matthiasm
    Feb 26, 2007
    10
    best ever
  59. NathanD
    Feb 21, 2007
    7
    Don't get me wring I am a huge chilli peppers fan, but this is there worst work ever. I miss what the the chili peppers really stood for FUNK. It seems that they are try to turn way to main stream and it made the album not that satisfatory. even togh this album doesnt have the funk i want there was still some but not eniugh. I wish they would make another BSSM
  60. JonasW
    Feb 19, 2007
    0
    I'd rather hit myself in the head with a brick, while listening to the Paris Hilton CD than listen to this album.
  61. FELICITAS
    Jan 14, 2007
    10
    i have been an rhcp fan for 12 years,and i love them to death!!!!!! they are and always will be the bestest band in the universe!!!!!!! i would give my beautiful chili's,a trillion:D *red hot feli peppers
  62. marius
    Jan 8, 2007
    10
    Woderful,nice crazy album
  63. jamesd
    Jan 1, 2007
    10
    this is the best album i've heard all year and the red hot chilis best since BSSM. and that is a pretty hard thing to live up to. It gets better and better with each listening. essential for any cd collection
  64. Mike
    Dec 31, 2006
    10
    What an excellent album!!! All of the tracks have something in them! Get this Album!!!
  65. AEOlson
    Dec 29, 2006
    7
    It suffers from double album syndrome, it's not all that innovative, and the Peppers can be predictable at times. All that said, theres a lot of good songs between the two discs and it's a solid release, just not "album of the year."
  66. fabiang
    Dec 26, 2006
    10
    Best Band Ever
  67. SamB
    Dec 23, 2006
    10
    My favourite band so I am definitly biased, but a definite new direction from the Chili Peppers that I love more every time I listen to the CD. Some of John's riffs are so catchy and I am so surprised that there haven't been more singles from this album, torture me and hard to concentrate atop that list. A few OK tracks and alot of very good ones, if you can take the My favourite band so I am definitly biased, but a definite new direction from the Chili Peppers that I love more every time I listen to the CD. Some of John's riffs are so catchy and I am so surprised that there haven't been more singles from this album, torture me and hard to concentrate atop that list. A few OK tracks and alot of very good ones, if you can take the Chili's taking a less edgy stance on their music then definitly buy this album.… Expand
  68. naomik
    Dec 22, 2006
    10
    i really like this alubum.all the songs are very good and well written and also very well played. and i love the red hot chili peppers !
  69. DougH
    Dec 18, 2006
    3
    generic. irrellevant. not even fun.
  70. 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.
  71. fabiang
    Oct 26, 2006
    10
    Best Band Ever
  72. Donna
    Oct 26, 2006
    10
    Really great album.Theres not one track that dissapoints me.First of all Dani California is slightly different from their usual sound but still was enough to make me buy the album.With bumping beats on 'Hump de Bump' and the romantic 'Hard to Concentrate'.Storm in a teacup is a great song with the smell of "old" Red Hot Chili Peppers. Jupiter and Mars are equally Really great album.Theres not one track that dissapoints me.First of all Dani California is slightly different from their usual sound but still was enough to make me buy the album.With bumping beats on 'Hump de Bump' and the romantic 'Hard to Concentrate'.Storm in a teacup is a great song with the smell of "old" Red Hot Chili Peppers. Jupiter and Mars are equally great, and I don't think there is a weak song out of all 28. Funky basslines and Great guitar riffs make this album awesome… Expand
  73. Dyan
    Oct 26, 2006
    10
    In this album John plays some grand solos, Chad behind the drums does a good job here, Flea is pulling out bass line after bass line and Anthony's lyrics and vocals add to the great sound. Storm in a teacup is just fantastic and makes my day every time! It combines the old RHCP with that of recent records and in style. Buy it, dont miss out on this!Their Greatest Album.
  74. HumpDeBump
    Oct 26, 2006
    10
    Stadium Arcadium rocks.
  75. Noble
    Oct 24, 2006
    10
    Great album
  76. Fancy
    Oct 22, 2006
    10
    Stadium Arcadium is mind blowing!!! Some of the songs brought a tear to my eye. SUPERB!!
  77. Noble
    Oct 22, 2006
    10
    Great album
  78. Rosino
    Oct 22, 2006
    10
    The sound of the album, the only way I can put it is imagine an equal portion of By The Way, Californication, Blood Sugar Sex Magik, even One Hot Minute, and a mix of all their previous four albums, stick it all in a blender, and Stadium Arcadium is what you get. This album sees RHCP touching the sound of every stage in their 23 year career. This album offers some of the wickedest guitar The sound of the album, the only way I can put it is imagine an equal portion of By The Way, Californication, Blood Sugar Sex Magik, even One Hot Minute, and a mix of all their previous four albums, stick it all in a blender, and Stadium Arcadium is what you get. This album sees RHCP touching the sound of every stage in their 23 year career. This album offers some of the wickedest guitar solos I've ever heard. And for those of you who have been wondering, yes, they have brought back the funk, and everything else they have done.It makes sense too since they r opening for them on this tour. I recomend all checking out the mars volta. Again best guitar ever! some solos give me chills everytime I hear them. The sound on this record is phenominal especially John Frusciante who is the best guitar player ever, he was always a great guitar player but only played great solos live, like on live at slane and live in hyde park but now he has but great guitar solos on a studio album it is just pure brilliance. Flea is the best bass player and is always exellent. Chad is the hard hitter he has always been and has not lost anything through age. Anthony Kiedis is still the best frontman ever. There were some doubts on the first few times through both discs, but all the songs really grow on you, especially "Tell Me Baby" and "Warlocks". Anthony is one of the best songwriters in todays music his lyrics can be funny, emotional and just average lyrics sometimes and it is just really nice. I think Anthony shows a lot of emotion on this album and it shows by listening to Stadium Arcadium, Slow Cheetah, Desecration Smile, If and a lot more songs on this album.The Red Hot Chilli peppers can write good lyrics for virtually anything - rock or rap.… Expand
  79. Nairon
    Oct 22, 2006
    10
    I loved reading the reviews about how bad this album is. hilarious how some people dont know music. enjoy your jessica simpson, milli vanilli, britney spears albums, leave this one to people who love music. I'm hoping this album helps get rid those image before substance "artists"... unless maybe youre not used to people playing instruments? thats when they write there own stuff and I loved reading the reviews about how bad this album is. hilarious how some people dont know music. enjoy your jessica simpson, milli vanilli, britney spears albums, leave this one to people who love music. I'm hoping this album helps get rid those image before substance "artists"... unless maybe youre not used to people playing instruments? thats when they write there own stuff and not have someone else play and write the music and them just sing over it. RHCP are the best band eva there new album is so cool I cant stop listening to Stadium Arcadium,Their best track is gotta be torture me but there are no shit tracks on the album anyway.Many people i have spoken to about this double album are critical of it because it has moved so far away from their work in albums such as The Uplift Mofo Party Plan or Blood Sugar Sex Magik. These albums are great but that does not mean that Stadium Arcadium is less so because it is so different to the style of the earlier albums. The band has developed much since then, most noticably in Anthony's singing style, which was much more rap-based. Do not discount this album because it is different to their others, judge it for its own merits, of which it has many. The majority of the tracks are strong, so much so that i listened to the whole double album first time around in one sitting with no skippings. Undoubtedly there are negatives which come (in my mind) during some of the slower songs which can drag on. But there are many highlights, such as my personal favourites "tORTURE ME""She's only 18" and "Slow Cheetah". Overall this is a very good album from one of the biggest and best bands on the planet and we should hope that they continue making them.… Expand
  80. Gang
    Oct 22, 2006
    10
    Must have album for 2006
  81. Nangop
    Oct 22, 2006
    10
    Can
  82. David
    Oct 22, 2006
    10
    John Frusciante is an absolute virtuoso. If there is anybody that could ever be close to Hendrix it's him. Just check out the guitar solos on the Live at Slane Castle DVD and you'll know what I mean. The sound is unique and different from all the other trash mtv and the media throw at us. This is a change and is brilliant. They are not my favourite band, and this type of music John Frusciante is an absolute virtuoso. If there is anybody that could ever be close to Hendrix it's him. Just check out the guitar solos on the Live at Slane Castle DVD and you'll know what I mean. The sound is unique and different from all the other trash mtv and the media throw at us. This is a change and is brilliant. They are not my favourite band, and this type of music is not my cup of tea but I have to still give them a high rating for the effort. A lot of work was put into it. Very creative and different from anything else on the radio. One of those records you can throw on and listen to all of it. 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.… Expand
  83. Nona
    Oct 21, 2006
    9
    very nice album.
  84. Nerry
    Oct 21, 2006
    10
    Amazing album .awesome solos.their best album
  85. 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
  86. GlenA
    Oct 9, 2006
    10
    If you don't love this, you have horrible tast. Best guitar work ever for the Peppers.
  87. FunkFather
    Sep 30, 2006
    10
    I believe this album is better than Blood Sugar Sex Magic.
  88. Norable
    Sep 30, 2006
    10
    Amazing album!!!
  89. DaveN
    Sep 22, 2006
    7
    This is the CD that is claimed to be "the best CD RHCP has released since Blood Sugar Sex Magik...maybe even the best one ever". Its better than By the Way, but Californiacation and Blood Sugar Sex Magik are better CDs. The main problem with Stadium Arcadium, along with many double albums, is that their is too much filler and this could have easily been one exceptional album instead of This is the CD that is claimed to be "the best CD RHCP has released since Blood Sugar Sex Magik...maybe even the best one ever". Its better than By the Way, but Californiacation and Blood Sugar Sex Magik are better CDs. The main problem with Stadium Arcadium, along with many double albums, is that their is too much filler and this could have easily been one exceptional album instead of two good ones.… Expand
  90. Germany
    Aug 31, 2006
    10
    Amazing guitar's solos.John Frusciante is a great guitarist.
  91. Noble
    Aug 31, 2006
    10
    Great album
  92. HumpDeBump
    Aug 31, 2006
    10
    Stadium Arcadium rocks.
  93. FleaFleaFlea
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    Flea what a guy?Flea is one of the best bassists around in the history of music and he can play the bass so well that it is just amazing and if you want like really good bass look up Red Hot Chili Peppers for bass tabs.
  94. Respect
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    John Frusciante is a god.Fuck you bad reviewers ,just fuck you!!! hahahaha.Assholes hahaha.
  95. Rock_on
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    Stadium Arcadium is their best album and one of the best albums of 00s.
  96. Danzig
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    The Red Hot Chili Peppers are undoubtedly the biggest band in the world right now. Having already released two greatest-hits albums containing countless hits, I wasn't sure they'd be able to create a gem like this.This album is the "Revolver" of the 21st century. It's completely unique, and this aformentioned uniquity to the Chili Peppers' music has failed to become The Red Hot Chili Peppers are undoubtedly the biggest band in the world right now. Having already released two greatest-hits albums containing countless hits, I wasn't sure they'd be able to create a gem like this.This album is the "Revolver" of the 21st century. It's completely unique, and this aformentioned uniquity to the Chili Peppers' music has failed to become mainstream until the release of "Stadium Arcadium." The band's musical ability was simply sensational in this album, and the Peppers went all out for this one. Not only was Frusciante's guitar incredible in songs like "Snow (Hey Oh)," but he also played blistering solos in "Dani California" and "Readymade" to name a couple. The rhythm section of the Chili Peppers is the reason I keep coming back, however. THe combination of Chad Smith's incredible drumming and Flea's godlike bass playing is what holds the music together every single track. Chad's drumming in "Stadium Arcadium" and "Hump de Bump" are highlights. Flea's bass playing... wow. His basslines in "Tell Me Baby," "She's Only 18," and "Warlocks" are memorable gemstones of the album. However, I must say Flea's most magnificent work to date is "Hump de Bump." Yes, I said it... best work to date. This song was by far the highlight of the album for me. "Hump de Bump" has an easy yet catchy guitar riff, sweet drum beat, and Flea's bass thumbing during the verse is simple but excellent. Once the chorus comes through, Flea goes wild with an absolutely orgasmic bass line that shows what the Chili Peppers are truly about and makes the song the highlight of the disc for many people, not just myself. All in all, the highlights of the album are "Stadium Arcadium," "Tell Me Baby," "She's Only 18," "Readymade," and, of course, the funk smash "Hump de Bump. Their new album is entitled "Stadium Arcadium," and it's utterly brilliant. The sound of the album is great. John Frusciante's guitar playing is heavenly; Frusciante is easily the Clapton of the 21st century. His solos in "readymade," "Dani California," and "21st Century" are simply dazzling and incredible. Chad Smith's drumming only continues to improve. Smith's percussion is amazing on this album, especially in songs like "Hump de Bump" and "Warlocks." And then there was Flea. Don't even get me started on Flea. This man is AMAZING. Hell, amazing is a major understatement. Flea's bass playing is, has been, and always will be the most recognized and popular foundation to the Chili Peppers music since day one. Flea's virtuous bass playing shows a few different styles in this album. Slower songs like "She's Only 18" and "Charlie" show that he can play a mean bass riff without having to go crazy. However, there are several other songs on the album where Flea really gets to let loose and let his bass to the talking. Songs such as "Warlocks," "Tell Me Baby," and the incredible bassline in "Hump de Bump" remind people just how incredible Flea really is. I honestly think that Flea could possibly be the best bass player in the world right now.… Expand
  97. Zanko
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    The bands I like at the moment are heavy, loud and dark.The sound of the Red Hot Chili Peppers is amazing. Their songs I believe have taken rock music to the next level. The music they write really comes from the heart and expresses their true inner feelings about the world around them. This group has many talented people especially their bassist. They are very original. My musical tastes The bands I like at the moment are heavy, loud and dark.The sound of the Red Hot Chili Peppers is amazing. Their songs I believe have taken rock music to the next level. The music they write really comes from the heart and expresses their true inner feelings about the world around them. This group has many talented people especially their bassist. They are very original. My musical tastes now though would not be present without the band Red Hot Chili Peppers. That is fact. I loved Blood Sugar, By the Way, Californication was gd too, Freaky Styley extremly random, and Mothers Milk, which I thought was a stroke of genius. Stone Cold Bush, wotta song. So Since By the Way I had gone from Linkin Park to Trivium and Avenged Sevenfold, so now I wait for the Chilis, hoping that they will not be the cutsy light stuff that By The Way had become since my musical tastes enhanced. Dani California blew me off my seat personally. I liked the fact they heavied it up a bit but retained the chiliness. I had to buy the album. And soon into it I realised this was really gd well written music. Hey Oh, amazing, Charlie funkeriffic, it was gd to hear blood sugar was creeping somewhere into the album. Stadium Arcadium, beautiful song, really touching and agen, amazingly crafted. Jupiter perhaps losing its energy after about song 11 or 12 but still very decent. It took me a longer while to get into Mars I must say, but normally the best albums are the ones that take the longest to get into, then once u do its a bit gobsmacking. This definitley happened to me with Mars. I think I prefer it, it doesnt lose its energy til the very very end, and with songs like Storm in a Tea cup and Readymade, you shouldnt be surprised. The sound is typical chili's, like one reviewer said. The strongest parts of Blood Sugar, Californication, and By The Way in two albums with a bit of a leap onwards as well. It doesnt get the 10 because, there is something missing, I really don't know what. There just is, its probably the unnecessary hype, the chilis are about honesty and experience, we dont need to go crazy, the album seems not to live 100% to expectations, 90% for me though. MAybe they could have done a Foo Fighters, just 10 songs per disc? Then you would have 20 songs of pure energy, there are definitley some songs, great as they are, that still might have made the albums lose their energy.Anthony Kiedis. What a man. He knows how to write a good lyric. No matter how the Chilis progress with the guitars or bass, the lyrics will be amazing all the time. Sexy, clever and crazy. Never fault Kiedis. He makes amazingly catchy singing tunes as well. Love the guy, so does my mom and my sister!The lyrics are catchy and are very true. I can, and probably many of you as well, can relate to the music at a personal level. The lyrics to their songs really draw me into their music. Their singer and back up vocalists are amazing and have wonderful voices.… Expand
  98. HumpDeBump
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    Stadium Arcadium rocks.
  99. Arian
    Aug 29, 2006
    9
    Is this album good? Well, it
  100. SunnyFunkySoul
    Aug 29, 2006
    8
    This album is not Californication. It's not Blood Sugar Sex Magik. It's not Mother's Milk. Thankfully, it's also not By The Way. What it is, like I said, is the strongest parts of each of those. It's melodic, it rocks and a majority of the songs have at least something about them that stands out and will have you hooked. That's the one problem for me, though: This album is not Californication. It's not Blood Sugar Sex Magik. It's not Mother's Milk. Thankfully, it's also not By The Way. What it is, like I said, is the strongest parts of each of those. It's melodic, it rocks and a majority of the songs have at least something about them that stands out and will have you hooked. That's the one problem for me, though: a lot of the songs have a strong chorus melody, or something, but you have to sit through a less than stellar intro or verse to get to it. That's only on a few songs though. The only true filler, to me, would be "Stadium Arcadium", "Warlocks", "Hump De Bump" and maybe 2 or 3 others. However, there are definitely more strong tracks than there are filler. The chorus to "Charlie" is incredible, and "Hard to Concentrate" and "Desecration Smile" are strong, melodic and beautiful. If this were stolen or lost, I would buy it again because its worth it. It may not be their greatest, but when you're as good as the Chili Peppers, failing to meet expectations doesn't necessarily make a bad album. This is certainly a strong album, and it will grow on you.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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
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