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. 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.
  2. Flea
    May 10, 2006
    0
    embarrassing
  3. Eric
    May 10, 2006
    10
    A brilliant piece of music. They manage to touch on every sound they have used over their illustrious and varied career and the album still has a great flow. Every one of the Chili's is at the top of their game. Anthony Kiedis has never sounded better and the John Frusciante's guitar is flawless. There are some great guitar solos on this album. This is the first double album in A brilliant piece of music. They manage to touch on every sound they have used over their illustrious and varied career and the album still has a great flow. Every one of the Chili's is at the top of their game. Anthony Kiedis has never sounded better and the John Frusciante's guitar is flawless. There are some great guitar solos on this album. This is the first double album in years that isn't full of filler tracks. Every track on Stadium Arcadium has its place. A masterpiece.… Expand
  4. NickB
    May 10, 2006
    8
    Some uninspriring lyrics and gift-wrapped-singles are offset by a guitarist who is proving to be a master of his craft. Frusciante's riffs are small slices of musical heaven at every turn. Flea continues in the same vein as the past 23 years, indulging in furious finger-slapping, but while not trailblazing, he must be commended for providing some damn fine bass to wiggle our butts Some uninspriring lyrics and gift-wrapped-singles are offset by a guitarist who is proving to be a master of his craft. Frusciante's riffs are small slices of musical heaven at every turn. Flea continues in the same vein as the past 23 years, indulging in furious finger-slapping, but while not trailblazing, he must be commended for providing some damn fine bass to wiggle our butts to. Chad has and always be good. And Anthony.... well Anothony will always be Anthony... More than a few grains of salt needed. A fine, solid album that above all, you will enjoy listening to. While not innovative in any sense, and mostly just a greatest hits without the hits, the album is a must have for any RHCP fan, or just anyone who likes good rock.… Expand
  5. AronR
    May 10, 2006
    10
    It's simply amazing to listen to the first cd and realize thats only half of the greatness that is Stadium Arcadium. Each song follows the previous song flawlessly and the album as a whole is the best thing I have EVER bought!
  6. jonesb
    May 9, 2006
    10
    please.................people who don't like this album.........shut up....you have no musical taste....................................why can't you put aside your need to be different for a change and be honest. just accept the fact this is one of the best albums of our time
  7. WillO
    May 9, 2006
    10
    RHCP at it again. Just impressive stuff. Guys are just living gods!
  8. thebeardedwonder
    May 9, 2006
    10
    Great album, some real depth here.
  9. Jonathan
    May 9, 2006
    10
    The chilis just cemented their legacy as one of the greatest bands of all time. They're the Beach Boys of alternative rock. It's really of that caliber. John Frusciante is apparently no longer human. You can hear it in his fingering on songs like Snow and Turn. His performance on this CD puts him in the same pantheon as Hendrix and Page. Kiedis' lyrics aren't poetry. I The chilis just cemented their legacy as one of the greatest bands of all time. They're the Beach Boys of alternative rock. It's really of that caliber. John Frusciante is apparently no longer human. You can hear it in his fingering on songs like Snow and Turn. His performance on this CD puts him in the same pantheon as Hendrix and Page. Kiedis' lyrics aren't poetry. I don't think they're meant to be. I don't care. He's single-handedly forging a revolution in melodic singing. You give into melody and not be a pussy. The couple of One Hot MInute style tracks like Storm, Strip, and Warlocks aren't my favorites. But that leaves 25 of some of the greatest songs I've ever heard. Only the Chilis could fuse their 2nd era with their 1st to create a song like Charlie. Made You Feel Better is pure bliss. The arrangements on Snow and Wet Sand still have me sitting on the edge of my figurative seat waiting for the last 2 minutes after many listens. When Flea and Chad are in sync, it's perfection. Listen to Torture Me. Get this album. If you can't afford it, get it anyway. Support the greatest band in the world making music today by seeing them in concert.… Expand
  10. MannyA
    May 9, 2006
    10
    'Stadium Arcadium' is absolutely amazing! I love this album, it just keeps getting better and better with each listen. Its rockin, funky, melodic, beautiful, soulful, its everything I've come to love about this band in the 16 years I've been a fan, and so much more.
  11. nachoa
    May 9, 2006
    10
    Great album. But need more time to listen every single note in there. Its easy to disqualify, but I'd like to know if the ones how rated low this album took the time to listen to it as it deserves. I'm pretty sure not.
  12. WeAreDevo
    May 9, 2006
    1
    I wish they would go back to being a joke band. They've been crap ever since Mothers Milk. I loved seeing them in California during the Uplift Mofo Party Plan era when they just seemed out of control.
  13. KevinZ
    May 9, 2006
    9
    Excellent after waiting for so long. The album as a whole is great, with each song part of a wonderful flow of music. It might not be as upbeat as most of the other albums, but that's not the point--nor is it reason to steer away. There are plenty of surprises left in the career of this band. Definitely recommended.
  14. EFTHYMIOSF
    May 9, 2006
    8
    The most mature album during their career, it is landed.
  15. Andrew
    May 9, 2006
    10
    Maybe a couple tracks of filler, but on the whole the album satisfies with at least 20 perfect tracks.
  16. RussellE
    May 9, 2006
    2
    An utterly unremarkable album full of cliched tunes with trite lyrics. Bland, boring, with not one shred of originality. Another boring effort from a band that has yet to write more than four original songs.
  17. JCrrlz
    May 9, 2006
    6
    Es un album muy largo, parece que los chili peppers no tuvieran ideas claras de las canciones que deseaban hacer. Cuando lo escuche solo la mitad de las canciones me parecieron interesantes, las demas eran repetitivas y absurdas. Y Frusciante no debe tocar solos... JAMAS... que se quede con los ritmos funk
  18. Jason
    May 9, 2006
    0
    shit
  19. Chris
    May 9, 2006
    10
    awesome album, the SUMMER ALBUM OF 2006.
  20. billym
    May 9, 2006
    10
    Red hot on the money!! Love this CD. best songs I love so far: 21st Century, Animal Bar, Dani Califonia, Shes Only 18, Hump de Bump (love the percussions!), Storm in a Teacup, Tell Me Baby, Turn it Again (fun), Wet Sand, Charlie, Snow. These are 4 very talented artists!!!!! Awesome!!!!!
  21. DG
    May 9, 2006
    10
    I will admit that the Red Hot Chili Peppers are my favourite band so I was expecting astronomical things from this album. And upon first listen, I wasn't sure how the album fit compared to their others. It seemed a bit mellow, but after listening to it several times I am now able to fully appreciate it. My recommendation is listen to it a few times before discarding it as the same I will admit that the Red Hot Chili Peppers are my favourite band so I was expecting astronomical things from this album. And upon first listen, I wasn't sure how the album fit compared to their others. It seemed a bit mellow, but after listening to it several times I am now able to fully appreciate it. My recommendation is listen to it a few times before discarding it as the same old Chili's. You'll thank me later.… Expand
  22. Matt
    May 9, 2006
    6
    Agree with a lot of what Brendan D says - poor production, specifically, but also the comparisons to All That You Can't Leave Behind. The Chilis are in that U2/REM stratosphere now, and unfortunately that means invention is low and consolidating is high. Shame. Anyone giving this 10 - you should be ashamed of yourselves. Go and dust off a copy of Blood Sugar Sex Magik immediately. Agree with a lot of what Brendan D says - poor production, specifically, but also the comparisons to All That You Can't Leave Behind. The Chilis are in that U2/REM stratosphere now, and unfortunately that means invention is low and consolidating is high. Shame. Anyone giving this 10 - you should be ashamed of yourselves. Go and dust off a copy of Blood Sugar Sex Magik immediately. This is a mediocre album with moments of fleeting quality that don't seem to want to hang around. Shame again. The excessive duration here could really do with them.… Expand
  23. 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.
  24. BertD
    May 9, 2006
    10
    It's a really great album full with collourfull songs, it's amazing how they can fill 2 albums with this. Heads up for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, been there so long.. will be here for long ;)
  25. Kevin
    May 9, 2006
    5
    at this point how hi can expectations possibly be? we are talking about the red chilli peppers.
  26. JDWilliams
    May 9, 2006
    0
    I really HATE this CD. i dont know who they are trying to impress by releasing a double album. almost every song sounds the same! dont waste your time
  27. mikeb
    May 9, 2006
    7
    Whilest this is the best rhcp album since blood sugar.... it is by no means their best it is just better than the last two dire albums. The main problem with this album is that it is overlong and there is a lot of filler, they could have easily chopped it down to 12 or 13 tracks on one cd. However the album is at its best when the funk of flea is free to mingle with the outstanding guitar Whilest this is the best rhcp album since blood sugar.... it is by no means their best it is just better than the last two dire albums. The main problem with this album is that it is overlong and there is a lot of filler, they could have easily chopped it down to 12 or 13 tracks on one cd. However the album is at its best when the funk of flea is free to mingle with the outstanding guitar work and at times reaches the peaks of higher ground, suck my kiss et al. Worth buying but just remeber to use the programable selectio on your hi fi. One last point tensions within the band seem obvious since on the non funk songs fleas playing is obviously not as enthused as it is on the funk songs and Mr k sounds half hearted on the funk songs.… Expand
  28. sir_Psycho
    May 9, 2006
    10
    the red hot chili peppers embarass all other artists making music
  29. RobertH
    May 9, 2006
    7
    Hi I have been listening to this band since 1988. Mothersmilk was the build up to the best album created: BLOOD SUGAR SEX MAGIK. Every song on that album speaks volumes of powerfull energy and passion. Everysong flows into one another seamlessly. Anthony voice has changed since then, I think he should stop singing pop melodies. Maybe he should revisit his voice in Blood Sugar Sex Magik. Hi I have been listening to this band since 1988. Mothersmilk was the build up to the best album created: BLOOD SUGAR SEX MAGIK. Every song on that album speaks volumes of powerfull energy and passion. Everysong flows into one another seamlessly. Anthony voice has changed since then, I think he should stop singing pop melodies. Maybe he should revisit his voice in Blood Sugar Sex Magik. Frusciante is at his peak in this double disk. I'm sad that Anthony can't lead like he did in BSSM. I'm not saying he can't do it, I'm saying lost his way abit. Anthony if you perhaps you read this, go back to your roots, skip the ring a ring a rosie crap... Robert… Expand
  30. mike
    May 9, 2006
    3
    another example of how delisional the majority of music critics are. stop praising these morons already, THEY SUCK!!!
  31. HamdiM
    May 9, 2006
    10
    Cilli peppers r the best but this album is their 3 best album ever
  32. LiebeU
    May 9, 2006
    10
    What can you say? It might not be another BSSM, but it is still an awsome album. Though SA is a double, it doesn't sound tired or forced. Soundtrack for the summer of 2006!
  33. Mick
    May 9, 2006
    7
    Not as good as their last too efforts, but their are some good tunes.
  34. BurgerB
    May 9, 2006
    6
    Listened to the album this morning, can't really say that I can recall any memorable song or riff, it all seems a bit bland, the album seems to drag on way to long. Reminicent of a bunch of middle aged hippies on prozac. I am suprised that an album like this gets a better rating than the new pearl jam. There is alot to be said for double cd's, perhaps they should have kept the Listened to the album this morning, can't really say that I can recall any memorable song or riff, it all seems a bit bland, the album seems to drag on way to long. Reminicent of a bunch of middle aged hippies on prozac. I am suprised that an album like this gets a better rating than the new pearl jam. There is alot to be said for double cd's, perhaps they should have kept the playlist shorter and more focussed.… Expand
  35. Tom
    May 8, 2006
    1
    This band is out of time! Nothing new and most of the new songs are boring! The are going to become the new U2!
  36. PedroL
    May 8, 2006
    9
    Best RHCP album. JF = God!
  37. DannyB
    May 8, 2006
    10
    A culmination of all the Pepper's works from the last 20 years, Stadium Arcadium is a double album filled with many highlights that make it possible to listen to it for hours on end without getting tired of it. Standouts include "Snow", "Wet Sand", "Dani California", "Hard to Concentrate", Hump De Bump", "Slow Cheetah", and many many more. Do yourself a favor and buy perhaps the best A culmination of all the Pepper's works from the last 20 years, Stadium Arcadium is a double album filled with many highlights that make it possible to listen to it for hours on end without getting tired of it. Standouts include "Snow", "Wet Sand", "Dani California", "Hard to Concentrate", Hump De Bump", "Slow Cheetah", and many many more. Do yourself a favor and buy perhaps the best album that will come out this year.… Expand
  38. Jared
    May 8, 2006
    3
    There are a few good tracks here, padded by about 20 not-so-good tracks. Had they released it as a single disc, and trimmed the fat, it might have been a classic (or atleast on par with their last two releases). As it is now, it's boring, overlong, and hollow. A sort of 'cookie-cutter' effort, with little variation between songs and even less substance... relying on their There are a few good tracks here, padded by about 20 not-so-good tracks. Had they released it as a single disc, and trimmed the fat, it might have been a classic (or atleast on par with their last two releases). As it is now, it's boring, overlong, and hollow. A sort of 'cookie-cutter' effort, with little variation between songs and even less substance... relying on their unique sound to carry the record. Unfortunately it doesn't.… Expand
  39. DanL
    May 8, 2006
    10
    An awesome comeback / summary of what RHCP is.
  40. AlanW
    May 8, 2006
    10
    The best album I've heard in years. Masterpiece
  41. zacko
    May 8, 2006
    10
    you people dont know what youre talking about. for those of you that say "its not as good as blood sugar" you dont understand the fact that this album isnt meant to be a rehashing of their old material, its the next step forward in their musical careers. This album is ingenious, almost every song has something distinct about it that separates it from anything youve ever heard before. 28 you people dont know what youre talking about. for those of you that say "its not as good as blood sugar" you dont understand the fact that this album isnt meant to be a rehashing of their old material, its the next step forward in their musical careers. This album is ingenious, almost every song has something distinct about it that separates it from anything youve ever heard before. 28 songs is more like an epic than an album, and the fact that around 26 of them are unskippable is a true testament to how hard this bad strives to please their fans and the music world. I am probably one of the biggest chili peppers fans youll ever meet, and this album surpassed even my expectations. Bravo.… Expand
  42. JacobG
    May 8, 2006
    9
    Sometimes bands just can't win. They get scorned for releasing an album that sounds similar to some things they've done in the past. Or they try to experiment and make something new, and it sounds bad and people pine for the old stuff. How about instead of comparing music to something else, listen to the music for what it's worth. And this album is worth quite a bit.
  43. Jim
    May 8, 2006
    0
    The same as... their last album!
  44. anae
    May 8, 2006
    1
    the same crap...........
  45. DaveG
    May 8, 2006
    10
    The more you listen to this album, the better it gets. It's really wonderful. This coming from a jaded indie kid, the Chilis must have done something right.
  46. GrantT
    May 8, 2006
    10
    Fresh, funky, melodic, and mournful, Stadium Arcadium is probably my favorite Chili Peppers album of all time (yes, it's better than Californication). My favorite songs: "Snow", "Stadium Arcadium", "Slow Cheetah", "Wet Sand", "Hey", "Desecration Smile", "Tell me Baby", "Hard to Concentrate", "If", "Storm in a Teacup", "Death of a Martian"
  47. BrendanD
    May 8, 2006
    6
    This album is fine, but it's as "fine" as U2's "All That You Can't Leave Behind" -- not as a career summary, mind you, but because it sounds exactly like the type of album everyone would expect from the band. There are no stunning leaps forward, Anthony Kedis continues to struggle writing lyrics and then annunciating them in a way that goes along with the music (see his This album is fine, but it's as "fine" as U2's "All That You Can't Leave Behind" -- not as a career summary, mind you, but because it sounds exactly like the type of album everyone would expect from the band. There are no stunning leaps forward, Anthony Kedis continues to struggle writing lyrics and then annunciating them in a way that goes along with the music (see his strange pronunciation of "Universally Speaking" off the last record). What the band does well, of course, is allowing pop maestro John Fruciante to design pretty much everything else in the background. Vocally, Fruciante and Flea are now the heart of this band, especially when Kedis tries (and fails) to rap, and there are a few guitar solos reminicient not of the Ernie Isley funk they've been playing for so long but of David Gilmour's best Pink Floyd work. The album's production, of course, is horrendous. Rick Rubin might be the single most overrated producer in history, and the flaws bleed through on this record. For example, the title track, which I think is probably the best song on the album, is a natural progression from great tunes like "Tear" and "Dosed" . . . and yet there seems to be something magic in those two songs that "Stadium Arcadium" and nearly every other track on the record is missing. Despite these obvious flaws, the record is still worth hearing...at least, half of it. As with most double albums, there's really no reason for about half the songs to even exist. It makes "Stadium Arcadium," through all its sameness, an ultimately unfulfilling record. The Chili Peppers need to stick to what they've become so good at: writing great pop singles that make the audience feel like they're driving through Southern California.… Expand
  48. KingKoogs
    May 8, 2006
    6
    A poor follow up to "By The Way" It would appear the chillis have gone for quantity over quality on this record. It lacks the passion & soul of BSSM. It is frustrating in the sense that they are capable of making much better music. If this is not the last lp the chillis put out i will be very suprised!
  49. MattS
    May 8, 2006
    4
    Too long, and sounds a bit "empty".
  50. rafa
    May 8, 2006
    2
    Bad.
  51. 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
  52. PeterH
    May 8, 2006
    10
    This album pushes funk right back in your face - Its Fantastic. The Chili's on there 9th album have now and have some more chopy an relaxed tunes, down the same line as the foo's did with there double album. Do not forget though its a much stronger album with some fantastic music.
  53. [Anonymous]
    May 7, 2006
    10
    Loved the Chili's for 18 years and they have surpassed themselves this time.It has everything the FAN is looking for,everything the Chili's have learnt is here.The broad spectrum of music is here and I will go as far as to say this is their best album.Truly fantastic.The magic is back!!!
  54. VitoB
    May 7, 2006
    10
    Amazing!!!!
  55. tomc
    May 7, 2006
    10
    listen to it 3 times, the first 2 dont do it justice. great album, they could tour with this and no other songs no problem
  56. TomB
    May 6, 2006
    10
    The best thing I've ever heard!! The Chili's match their gorgeous melody with their old time funk. All in all this is simply a fun, beautiful album.
  57. BorisS
    May 6, 2006
    10
    Flea was right... If you do not like this album, you do not like the Red Hot Chili Peppers... And by the way, if you don't like this band, even a little, your missing out a lot... Stadium Arcadium is beyond kickass.
  58. AdamP
    May 6, 2006
    10
    Not their best effort, but they dont have to out-do themselves. A solid 28 tracks makes this one of the best double albums I've heard yet.
  59. NinoJ
    May 6, 2006
    10
    RHCP are always my soul mates, every song touches me. Best bend ever!Hope some day they will come to Croatia!!
  60. RodE
    May 6, 2006
    10
    This album ROCKS! Fuck the guardian´s reviewer!
  61. Bairon
    May 6, 2006
    10
    Best album ever.
  62. sinang
    May 6, 2006
    10
    best thing they've ever done..
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Most Discussed 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 »