Californication began with a return. Once guitarist John Frusciante rejoined Red Hot Chili Peppers, the chemistry of the band changed almost immediately.
With Rick Rubin back as producer, the group went into the studio. Many of the basic tracks were recorded with all four musicians playing together, which helps songs such as Scar Tissue, Otherside and Californication sound unusually open and natural.
Four musicians in one room again
The band had plenty of material during the sessions, but they ultimately leaned towards songs where melody and space mattered more than endless jamming. Frusciante often played simply, giving Flea, Chad Smith and Anthony Kiedis more room.
The result was not a return to the past. Californication sounded calmer, darker and more mature than much of the band’s earlier work — while also becoming one of the records that put them back at the centre of rock worldwide.
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View Red Hot Chili Peppers – Californication at Groovio Vinyl
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