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. VanDX
    Jul 12, 2006
    10
    Danilio if you don't like them don't listen them. Great album.I love them
  2. Ronnie
    Jul 17, 2006
    10
    Great album from a great band.
  3. Fanis
    Jul 17, 2006
    10
    Greece love this album. ***Gold*** 1st week. ***Platinum*** 2st week. ***5 weeks*** at 1st position
  4. Tony
    Jul 17, 2006
    10
    The best album of 00s.
  5. Asis
    Jul 17, 2006
    10
    These solos are great.John Frusciante is my hero.
  6. DualForm
    Jul 17, 2006
    9
    I believe Mars is better than Jupiter.
  7. VictoriaF
    Jul 24, 2006
    9
    really good album, a few songs were a bit lacking but generally a really good album
  8. iain
    Jul 28, 2006
    10
    a multitude of songs none are lacking.. maybe the best double album of all time
  9. Marcino
    Aug 25, 2006
    10
    Funk rock or funk metal ? I don't care. What I only care is the good music they've been doing these last years. Even if I could never listened very good the "Californication" album, I'd say that this is one of their (lately) great albums. When I knew that this album was a doble cd, I right away thought about the Guns' "Use Your Illusion" doble cds. But (everyone) had Funk rock or funk metal ? I don't care. What I only care is the good music they've been doing these last years. Even if I could never listened very good the "Californication" album, I'd say that this is one of their (lately) great albums. When I knew that this album was a doble cd, I right away thought about the Guns' "Use Your Illusion" doble cds. But (everyone) had the luck the result was even better that of the guns' cds. This "Stadium Arcadium" could be marked as "money maker", and maybe it is, but it is also a very good funk album. To me , it reminds me a little bit some sound of "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" and something also from "Californication", making it a very good example of good music. About this album , I would also say that , to explain these songs, thay are way different from one to another , and this is the greatness of this album. One song recalled "Blood Sugar...", the other "Californication", and there is another one that recalls the '70s, when the funk began. I really thank this band, because every song is different, and making 28 different songs in one/or 2 cds, is quite hard. To me, they are not kunf metal, they play what they are, they play what they like, and with luck, they play what we like. I really enjoyed all the songs, maybe someone has been made for the radio stations, but they've been made very good, too, at the same time. I was really impressed by the change (and what a change!) of this band, because they could have followed the "blood sugar..." success, but they did not. An example is the title track, when it starts, it looks "californication", but it is even better. Then, "Humb..." looks another kind of song, but later it is a RHCP song, even is a bit different from the rest of (this very same song changes its rythm 3 times, cool!!!!). and "she's only 18" looks like one lost track from "Blood Sugar....", and the chorus is amazing!!! Thanks, guys, keep on!… Expand
  10. Slash
    Aug 25, 2006
    10
    I have been a huge fan of RHCP since I was about 6. I know them well enough to see them live hear John tune his guitar and know what song they will be playing next,since John has come back they have seen nothing but success and this album being the first time they have made at least 3 albums in a row without a lineup change it really shows how well they have gotten to really know I have been a huge fan of RHCP since I was about 6. I know them well enough to see them live hear John tune his guitar and know what song they will be playing next,since John has come back they have seen nothing but success and this album being the first time they have made at least 3 albums in a row without a lineup change it really shows how well they have gotten to really know eachother musically and I have to say this is the best album they have ever done in there 20 plus year career,no Im not just saying this just cause Im trying to support the band I am obsessed with Im saying this cause its true! when Californication and then By the way came out I was really really impressed but still had to say Blood Sugar was still there best with Stadium Arcadium is has all of the sound blood sugar did and by the way or cali all mixed in one but with a new facelift it has thoughs old bass plucking funky songs you old school fans missed(Tell Me Baby,21st century,Hump De Bump, Warlocks) and it has the soft pretty types of songs(Slow Cheetah,Hard to Concentrate,If,Wetsand)and thoughs groovey Hendrix types of songs(Dani California,Turn it Again,Shes only 18,) they have everything mixed in one.With Frusciante(best guitarist out today)killing on the guitar and Kiedis(best frontman out today)sounding and writing the best lyrics of his career where most frontmen at his age start rocketing down hill and losing there voice, you have one of THE best Rock albums by one of THE best rock bands off all time so go buy this album then see them live they will blow you away!… Expand
  11. Samsa
    Aug 27, 2006
    10
    I think this album might cement the Chili's as the best rock band of our time.The sounds on this album range from Mothers Milk, to a blend of Californication and By the way, there's songs with elements off all 3 albums. Anthony Keidis seems to have mastered and embraced his voice. Flea, if it was possible got better, and coupled with chad smith establish a rhythm that makes you I think this album might cement the Chili's as the best rock band of our time.The sounds on this album range from Mothers Milk, to a blend of Californication and By the way, there's songs with elements off all 3 albums. Anthony Keidis seems to have mastered and embraced his voice. Flea, if it was possible got better, and coupled with chad smith establish a rhythm that makes you wish you were half naked on the beach with a beer. However it's John Fruciante's sometimes almost Hendrix like guitar play that steals the spot light on this album. All in all, I can say definitively that it is their best album, and that's saying alot. Definately worth the buy. Enjoy.… Expand
  12. NoComments
    Aug 27, 2006
    10
    John Frusciante is the best guitarist of this century.Amazing guitar work.
  13. DumpandDumper
    Aug 27, 2006
    9
    To quote Flea, "If you don't like this record you don't like red hot chili peppers full stop." So it's time for these people who claim to be fans but aren't happy to put up or shut up. Sure 28 tracks is a lot to wade through at once but if one wades through this album piece by piece each track puts out it's own beautiful vibe, wheteher or not the listener has the To quote Flea, "If you don't like this record you don't like red hot chili peppers full stop." So it's time for these people who claim to be fans but aren't happy to put up or shut up. Sure 28 tracks is a lot to wade through at once but if one wades through this album piece by piece each track puts out it's own beautiful vibe, wheteher or not the listener has the temperement or musical knowledge to appreciate or not is circumstantial. But if you are a pappers fan just having one listen will give you at least half a dozen tracks that immediatly stick you and you want to keep. To the argument that the album is totally radio friendly, bollocks! I'm sure charlie or Humde de bump or warlocks or death of a martian could be played for a trendy radio audience.… Expand
  14. SanDiego
    Aug 28, 2006
    10
    I think the album is pretty great, something i'm definstelly gonna grow into. Too much material to deal with right now.
  15. Download
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    I had very expectations of this album from the moment I found out that RHCP were making out a new album a few months ago. I have been a fan of this band since I could remember, their album releases are one of the only times I really look forward to going to the record store. This particular album is by far the best of the RHCP's career. It features 4 musicians that are each I had very expectations of this album from the moment I found out that RHCP were making out a new album a few months ago. I have been a fan of this band since I could remember, their album releases are one of the only times I really look forward to going to the record store. 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. A true work of art that any listener will see as simply put in one word, beautiful. The hype is justified, this band has just concreted itself into history. I cannot believe that this music was once nothing and now it is out of this world, as the title of the discs implies. Listen and you will also be a believer.… Expand
  16. Kostas
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    It's amazing to see an album of this quality rise from so many years of releases... some of which i'm sure most will agree were average at best.
  17. Bairon
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    Best album ever.
  18. Cox
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    The lyrics are amazing. They are meaningful, fun, sometimes random (not often though) Anthony Kiedis is the best. The Red Hot Chili Peppers couldn't have a better guy for the singing.
  19. HumpDeBump
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    Stadium Arcadium rocks.
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. Rock_on
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    Stadium Arcadium is their best album and one of the best albums of 00s.
  23. Respect
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    John Frusciante is a god.Fuck you bad reviewers ,just fuck you!!! hahahaha.Assholes hahaha.
  24. 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.
  25. Noble
    Aug 31, 2006
    10
    Great album
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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!!!!
  30. HumpDeBump
    Nov 28, 2008
    10
    Stadium Arcadium rocks.
  31. 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
  32. 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
  33. 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.
  34. 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.
  35. 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.
  36. BrunoS.
    Mar 11, 2009
    10
    It's great! For sure, Stadium Arcadium is one of the best albums from Red Hot Chili Peppers.
  37. fabiang
    Dec 26, 2006
    10
    Best Band Ever
  38. 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."
  39. Mike
    Dec 31, 2006
    10
    What an excellent album!!! All of the tracks have something in them! Get this Album!!!
  40. 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.
  41. 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.
  42. 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
  43. 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.
  44. 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!
  45. 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
  46. 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
  47. 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.
  48. 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
  49. 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.
  50. 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.
  51. 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.
  52. 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
  53. 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.
  54. 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!
  55. 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!
  56. 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.
  57. 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
  58. 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
  59. KurkoBein
    Nov 3, 2019
    10
    Best RHCP album. Solid. Funky. Senseful. Dancelicious. Only true fans know this and it is obvious why...
  60. 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.
  61. 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
  62. 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
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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
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