Customer Reviews

Blood Sugar Sex Magik

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4 star:		(37)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I'm not discovering a new continent by saying there are things that completely change the universe after being invented. Such things like the wheel, electricity, the machine gun, the car, and finally, Red Hot Chili Peppers' 'Blood Sugar Sex Magik'.

I've grown up with this album and I can't even imagine leaving it. 'Blood Sugar' isn't just a music CD, it's something to identify with, a vital piece of what I am.

I know some people start listening to a CD with tracks they already know like the hit 'Under The Bridge'. Here you better leave it, feel 'Blood Sugar Sex Magik' like you feel a movie.
'Power of Equality' is a good opener with an excellent guitar solo. 'If You Have To Ask' is a party song with a party chorus and groovy background guitar. Now enough of the warm up, it's time to start the main show.

'Breaking The Girl' is a beatiful lovesong, it has a dramatic flute and Anthony's vocals are very impressive, not to mention the famous Frusciante Guitar in the beginning. 'Funky Monks' is a song about the Peppers themselves but also about every man out there. 'Suck My Kiss' is one of my personal favorites, it's even better than the hit 'Give It Away'. 'The Righteous And The Wicked' contains the best choir vocals and the funkiest guitar part. The songs 'My Lovely Man', 'Greeting Song' and 'Apache Rose Peacock' are outstanding because dominated by the genius of Flea who plays the most melodic bass I've ever heard.

My favorite song is 'Sir Psycho Sexy', it's a movie itself, the last 2 instrumental minutes remind you that even the best adventures gonna end. Afterwards you can't imagine a life without 'Blood Sugar Sex Magik'. This album changed your universe, too.

P.S.
Let me know if my review was helpful, Blood Sugar is my all-time favorite.

Blood... a fluid that carries nourishment and oxygen to all parts of the body.

Sugar... a sweet, white crystal.

Sex... a sexually motivated phenomena or behaviour.

Magik... supernatural power over natural forces.

Hmm, a self-reviewing album title. Like the four elements (earth, wind, fire, and water), the title of this album perfectly encompasses all that lies within it.

The blood speaks to the power of the funk; a force that (as George Clinton says) not only moves, but removes. The tight syncopated grooves put forth by these musicians are definitely life enhancing. There was a period last year when this album stayed in my CD player for months and months. I'd never get tired of listening to it, or dancing to it, or mellowing out to it. Check out "Power of Equality", "If You Have to Ask", "Funky Monks", "Mellowship Slinky" and "Apache Rose Peacock" for real hardcore funk that moves from vivacious party jams, to laid back slow burning grooves.

The sugar speaks to the incredibly simple yet beautiful pop songs that ease into the mix every once in a while. "I Could Have Lied", "Breaking the Girl", and even the more uptempo "My Lovely Man" (about the late Chili guitarist Hillel Slovak) are great examples of this. And then of course there's "Under the Bridge", a song whose power is so awe-inspiring that I played it in my room over and over even at the height of its popularity (those who know of my iconoclastic tastes can testify that this is a remarkable feat). It ranks as one of my all-time favourite 'songs'.

The sex refers to the primal energies that flow through the entire album. The Chilis have said that their songs are formed through intense jam sessions, the four packed together in a darkened room and playing together until they reach a Zen-like state. They have this innate power to tap into that collective sexual energy (conception) and produce something new and beautiful (birth). I can't think of anything more sexual than that.

The magik refers to the interplay between John Frusciante (guitar) and Flea (bass). I've always thought that when I reach the Pearly Gates, I'd like to look off to one side and see John and Flea, shirtless, standing face-to-face, holding guitars and looking into each other's eyes. They'd be playing the most beautiful and soulful and satisfying and magical tune that my ears have ever heard. They have a great musical partnership. It saddened me deeply when I first heard that John had left the group (especially since I was just about to seem them live for the first time; I'm ecstatic he's back). He and Flea, two musicians who are fantastic on their own, form a tandem that I can listen to for hours.

This album has been a constant for me over the last nine years. It is safe to say that it will always be on my top-5 desert island list. There is not a down moment over its seventy-plus minutes (except maybe the Robert Johnson cover of "They're Red Hot", which is a little too hardcore-punkish for my liking; but I can easily overlook that because it's barely a minute long). Enjoy...

So yes, we live in a world where rock fans soak up corporate mess and other bands that thrive on attitude but not necessarily good songwriting. In this case, Blood Sugar Sex Magik would be too intelligent of an album for all of you. It's an album that is a complete microcosm filled with musical styles from hardcore funk metal to New Orleans jazz. It is a different sounding sort of rock and there is a reason why this is the summit for anyone that is a true Red Hot Chili Peppers fan.

Forget Californication and By The Way. This is the album that gave the Red Hot Chili Peppers something they had lacked for a long time before this -- an identity. Gone were the days of wild drug habits, band engimas, fights with producers, and minimal creative control. This is where four creative and ingenuous musicians -- Anthony Kiedis, Flea, John Frusciante, and Chad Smith.

There are two things worth noting on this album. Every track was recorded live and was not overdubbed or anything -- you can hear Rick Rubin's voice before "The Power of Equality" and "Suck My Kiss" and the crickets chirping at the end of "Sir Pyscho Sexy" and "They're Red Hot". In other words, this is how the album was intended to sound without the remastering or anything. The dirt is right there and it makes you feel like you are actually in the studio with them recording these songs in the summer of 1991. Another thing is, each band member wrote their own part of their song, so the creativity behind each of the songs is stronger and the songs sounding more pure.

They always say Anthony Kiedis's lyrics are unintelligent. I highly dispute that...drugs, globalization, sex, life, relationships, attitude, humanity, war, politics, peace, human rights...all of that is discussed in this album. So you tell me if Kiedis cannot write unintelligent lyrics. I don't think unintelligent lyrics are supposed to make you think.

As for the songs, there are absolutely no fillers in this album unlike their later albums. In fact, this is the last album that would not contain fillers in my opinion. It starts off with

"The Power of Equality" a politically charged high energy song with Kiedis doing very impressive rapping and Flea delivering a top notch bassline.

"If You Had To Ask" is a humorous song about Kiedis's life in L.A.

"Breaking The Girl" , which is about broken relationships, is a type of song where their funk meets classical music in a way.

"Funky Monks", is a song about every man and woman out there, including themselves. I could not believe John could actually sing that high on chorus, and Flea's suging bassline is the best bassline you will ever hear besides the following song.

"Suck My Kiss" is an ode to sex and society and it is impressive how Flea and John combine their instruments to create one sound.

"I Could Have Lied" is pretty much the saddest song you will ever hear as it also touches on broken relationships.

"Mellowship Slinky in B Major" is all about Kiedis's life as it is very lighthearted and provides a very heavy funked up guitar riff by John.

"The Righteous & The Wicked" is another politically charged song as it refers to the Gulf War. John's guitar work is impressive here. Kiedis' vocals add to the dynamics of the song.

"Give It Away" is their first number one hit and also amongst the best on this album. The juice harp was pretty well pared with John's guitar and Flea provides a very very addictive bassline. Chad's drumming also helps move the song along pretty well.

"Blood Sugar Sex Magik" might be their weakest song on the album, but nonetheless still a quality listen. Very erotic guitar by John. Great drumming by Chad.

"Under The Bridge" is about Anthony's heroin stage forshadows the way they would do ballads for here on out. Comes as a stand still on the album and it is pretty good. Amazingly nearly did not make the album due the fact Anthony originally stashed the lyrics away and Soul To Squeeze was going to be put on here.

"Naked In The Rain" is pretty much about society and escaping to a utopia. Not one of the more popular RHCP song, it still deserves to be on the album and it is pretty good. Nice bassline by Flea.

"Apache Rose Peacock" is by far the funkiest and the best song on the album. Being about a girl Anthony saw in New Orleans creatively and allegorically referred to as the apache rose peacock, it features very addictive bassline by Flea and Anthony's random lyrics make it the party on the album.

"The Greeting Song" is amongst the fastest songs RHCP ever made. A very surging and refreshing ride from start to finish.

"My Lovely Man" is the ode to Hillel Slovak and features a tearjerking melodical bass play by Flea, followed by as surging solo by John.

"Sir Pyscho Sexy" is pretty much the dirtiest 5 1/2 minutes you'll ever hear followed by the sweetest 2 1/2 minute instrumental RHCP has ever done. It was to be the original closing to the album.

"They're Red Hot" was a goof off recorded at 2 AM on the hill outside the mansion they recorded the album. It serves as a funny way to end the album, almost like an throw in scene long after the end of a play. Pretty good. Features Chad playing with only his hands.

It's a great album, I love it, it means the world to me and you should get this album to really know how a real band creates music and creates an album.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are arguably my favourite band ever. They are a band that everyone has heard of, and millions of people buy their records. The resurgence in their popularity with 1999's "Californication," and 2002's "By The Way" saw a whole new generation of teenagers go out and buy their back catalogue. I am one of these 'new fans' and have only been a fan for about three or four years, but in that time I've bought eight albums by the Chili Peppers, and at some point will probably own all of their records. When I listen to their music, I just get taken to another place, and I really like that place! Not many bands can last for twenty years and be at a point of such critical and commercial success.

The band's most prolific album to date still remains their 1991 classic "Blood Sugar Sex Magik," which was released on the same day as Nirvana's "Nevermind!" That's something that doesn't happen very often; two all-time classics released on the same day! While Nevermind had more of a cultural impact and sold more, in my opinion, Blood Sugar Sex Magik is a *slightly* better collection of songs. There's seventeen songs here of pure rock and funk, and they all flow so seamlessly. I've actually owned this album for over a year, and just couldn't get into it. It's taken quite a while to penetrate the genius of this record, but once this is achieved, the results are sure to be rewarding for years to come.

The album opens with the funky "The Power Of Equality." While not one of the best songs on the album, this is a great intro that prepares the listener for what is to come over the next hour or so. Anthony Kiedis' vocals are sharp and precise. "If You Have To Ask" is an even better song with a deep rap in the verses, complemented by high backing vocals in the chorus. This song works very well with catchy guitar licks decorating the bass. "Breaking The Girl" is an almost waltz-like song with a sweeping chorus between the lyrics, "Twisting and turning, you're feeling the burning, you're breaking the girl!" A classic in the Chili Peppers back catalogue. "Funky Monks" is a great, funky, upbeat song with fresh vocals and a strong melody. Anthony's vocals are very appealing and the repetition of the lines in the verses is very anthemic. The high vocals, "You are on the run," in the chorus also add to the song's longevity. "Suck My Kiss" is a very powerful rock song with hard-hitting vocals and string drums. The guitar riff of this song is incredible, and the way the lyrics make you think dirty thoughts is so subliminal that after a while you just grow accustomed to them!

"I Could Have Lied" is one of the best songs on the album, but is often lost in the loud and funky reputation of this album. This is actually a very gentle ballad that will just take you to another place - a place of tranquility and perhaps even spirituality. The verses are gentle like a lullaby and the choruses are powerful, albeit soft in their melody. The guitar solo is the centre of genius on this masterpiece. "Mellowship Slinky In B Major" brings the funk back to the forefront with a stomping guitar riff that runs through the song. The peppy beat of this song soon morphs into a beast for the chorus. "The Righteous & The Wicked" has a force that just drives and drives into your head, with a swinging chorus that is just meant to be sang loud and proud in a car, with the roof down, on a long road trip through the desert! "Give It Away" is a classic and the second most popular song from the album. The video to this song is amazing and very sexual (isn't this just the sexiest rock band around?!) but the song is so much more! The pure funk on this song cannot be denied. It's totally undiluted, carnal, feeling the beat that rocks your body. The drums are incredible and guitar solos are works of genius.

The album's title track, "Blood Sugar Sex Magik," rocks hard but has a soft, gentle intro. The choruses are a melting pot of rock, funk, hints of pop, and rap. The true centrepiece of the album and easily the most famous song by the band ever is the next song. It is of course "Under The Bridge," and is worth nothing less than the title of masterpiece. This song saved the band and meant so much to millions of people all over the world. An anthem if ever I heard one! "Naked In The Rain" is one of my favourite songs from the album, because it has a punk rock style to it that is somehow separate from every other song from the album. The verses are well structured, the bridges flow seamlessly between the verses and choruses, and the chorus is, well, just amazing. The backing vocals that sing "Naked in the rain!" are awesome. "Apache Rose Peacock" is another fantastic song that tells a cute little story about a girl Anthony saw, and his reaction to this. His reaction is hilarious and very explicit with hints of animal passions underneath!

"The Greeting Song" is a fast-paced song that rocks well but reminds me of something from "Mother's Milk" more than the rest of the material from this album. It's still quite a good song though, just not the best. "My Lovely Man" is a brilliant song because Flea plays a very melodic bass here, one of the highlights of his career in this amazing band. "Sir Psycho Sexy" is the longest track on the album at just over eight minutes, and it's not really one of my favourites. The lyrics are probably the most explicit I've ever heard in any song, and as a gay man, it's a bit gritty to hear all about these female sex passions! The lyrics as a whole are more of a poem, though, and what a poem. The album closes with "They're Red Hot," which is a rather pointless outro to any otherwise amazing album.

OVERALL GRADE: 10/10

This album sold around 8 million copies in America throughout the Nineties, and is one of those classic rock albums that will just continue to sell and sell and sell! The music is timeless, and because of this it WILL keep selling for decades to come, meaning different things to whole new generations of fans. The Red Hot Chili Peppers are an incredible rock band, and their place in the hall of fame is definitely secured. This album is a big reason why, and one of the reasons why I will continue to buy anything they release in the future. Work begun in March on the band's new album, and is surely one of the most anticipated records in years! Blood Sugar Sex Magik isn't my favourite album by the Chilis, but it's still an incredible work of art. Your collection isn't complete without it.

A lot of critics and fans of The Red Hot Chilli Peppers felt that they "sold out" with Blood Sugar Sex Magik. The truth is, however, that RHCP matured wonderfully as they entered the early 1990's.

Two interesting aspects of this album are that it was recorded in a famous house in California (famous for the murders that took place there) and that there is a fair amount of background noise (such as talking, whistling, and hand-clapping) throughout the songs. Most of the songs even run into each other, without fading out. These elements give BSSM a very "warm" feeling, in that the listener feels like he/she is actually hearing these songs played live. For instance, at the end of "If You Had To Ask", Anthony and Chad are heard clapping and cheering at both John and Flea as they are playing their beautiful ending riffs. Recording albums in a house versus in a traditional recording studio almost always yield results such as this. The artists are 100% involved in the process since they are (loosely speaking) "living" with their work, whereas attending the studio daily can often resemble going to a 9-5 job, in that when the recording day is over the artist can completely remove their concentration from the album.

Musically, Flea's bass lines stand out in particular, most notably because he is not simply playing the root notes of John's chords. You can literally pick out Flea's bass lines as being distinct from John's guitar work on every song. While this is certainly nothing new, it is quite refreshing to hear from a band that is lumped in with the (white) rock label. Chad's drumming is also wonderful, as he plays extremely aggressive when needed, but can switch to a softer playing style when it is called for. Anthony's voice is also quite beautiful, especially when he harmonizes with Flea. Anthony's lyrics are normally of the "Walk This Way", 1970's Steven Tyler vein; however he also shows a much softer side on tracks such as "Under the Bridge" and "Breaking The Girl." The majority of the lyrics deal with sex, but not so much in a crude AC/DC way as you would be inclined to think. Compare "...she kept her motor clean..." with "I'll kiss your hair / your skin so bare / I'll take you with me girl, anywhere..."

Overall, if you are a fan of the funk, or you just want to start a RHCP collection, I can't recommend BSSM enough. Aside from a few mediocre lyrical passages and that maybe one or two of the more mundane tracks could have been replaced by the glorious single "Soul To Squeeze", BSSM reaches a level of perfection that is truly awe-inspiring. It is evident by the musicianship that RHCP displayed (as well as in the hand-written lyric sheet and photography in the booklet) that a lot of care was put into the making of BSSM, elevating it one notch above a person's average music-listening experience.

(If you liked BSSM, check out their DVD/video called "Funky Monks." It is a documentary made by some of their friends that chronicles the making of this album.)

Yeah, I know, that phrase gets bandied about so much in album reviews on this website so that it's almost lost all meaning, but nowhere is it more relevant and true than when applied to this masterpiece. Owners and lovers of Blood Sugar Sex Magik like myself will know that I speak without hyperbole when I make this claim. From the opening count-in to "The Power Of Equality" to the fadeout of crickets chirping at night alongside an empty highway, BSSM has the aura of a powerfully soulful and funky jam-session that is so irrepressibly tied to the 1990's and, more specifically, 90's California.
I don't quite know where to begin praising this album, such is the solidity and completeness of it there are no high or low points. With works of funk perfection in "Suck My Kiss", "Give It Away", "Blood Sugar Sex Magik", "Apache Rose Peacock", "The Greeting Song", "Sir Psycho Sexy" and the brilliantly hardcore finale in "They're Red Hot" (I defy anyone to keep completely still while listening to it), tempered by beautiful ballads in "Breaking The Girl" and the classic "Under The Bridge", the talent present in the Red Hot Chili Peppers portrayed on this album is almost scary. Anthony's unmistakable voice lends so much power and soul to his lyrics of love and lust, and Chad's drumming is perfect. Which brings me to John and Flea. If you haven't heard the symbiotic relationship between the former's guitar and the latter's bass, you haven't fully experienced music. Listen to Sir Psycho Sexy's two-and-a-half minute outro if you want proof. It's breathtaking.
The world's population is split into two sections: those who own Blood Sugar Sex Magik, and those who haven't bought it yet. Don't be left out. This album will move you, physically and spiritually.

There's simply no other word for it. And 'cool' is not a word I like to use very often, but it's the only possible adjective that could ever describe this wonderful piece of music. 'Blood Sugar Sex Magik' shows the Red Hot Chili Peppers at their very best, both in terms of commercial appeal and of artistic merit (although 'One Hot Minute' is argubly more sophisticated - but at times it can get almost inaudible). The Peppers' unique blend of funk, rap and hard rock is at its most coherent on this album, and while some might say they gave in to commercial pressure to make straight, mainstream rock ballads like 'I Could Have Lied' and the mega-hit 'Under The Bridge', those were very smartly balanced with cocky funk-metal pieces that go back to the band's roots.

If 'Mother's Milk' left doubts in anybody's mind whether the band's new drummer and guitarist would be suitable replacements for the founding members Jack Irons and Hillel Slovak, 'Blood Sugar Sex Magik' - the second release by the band's final line-up - killed them off, with a vengence. Instrumentally, the Peppers are at their best here (once again, 'One Hot Minute' is a close second and is also worth checking out). The very young John Frusciante is now a full-time member of the band and he puts his skillful, funky guitar to fantastic use, and Chad Smith gives a great beat (hear his great drumming on the title track). Other than that, master bassist Flea sounds better than ever, as does Anthony Kiedis's beautiful voice.

The songs are more varied than on any other RHCP album, and since there are no less than 17 of them I won't go through all of them, but I'll mention some remarkable ones worthy of notice. 'The Power Of Equality' is a fantastic, highly energetic funk/rap/rock bit with a spectacular bass and great guitar work, and makes for a great opening. 'If You Have To Ask' - with great backing vocals - 'Funky Monks', 'Naked In The Rain', 'Melloship Slinkey', 'The Righteous And The Wicked' and the hit 'Give It Away' are all great songs along similiar lines. John's guitar on 'Funky Monks' is really amazing. 'Sir Psycho Sexy' takes the rap-metal direction to its extremes with an epic 8+ minute poem with a cool beat and very explicit lyrics.

On the metal front we have the very cool 'Suck My Kiss' and the great, epic title track that has great vocals and great instrumental work from all members. There are also some great melodic pieces - 'Breaking The Girl', 'I Could Have Lied', and of course 'Under The Bridge'. Finally, as a little joke to finish the CD - in the fine tradition of the Beatles' 'Her Majesty' - we have a sped-up cover of Robert Johnson's classic 'They're Red Hot' - a song whose relevance is obvious, and its inclusion is a stroke of genius.

'Blood Sugar Sex Magik' is really an album everyone can enjoy. My grunge-friends like it, my jazz-friends like it, my rap-friends like it, even my classical-friends enjoyed it. It's just - say it again - so COOL. To hear this properly you need to have good speakers and a good stereo and the bass turned ALL THE WAY UP. You won't regret it.

Blood Sugar Sex Magik represents the Red Hot Chili Peppers at the top of their game. Masterfully fusing adrennalized funk and textured rock, this album became instantly a classic.

Energized funk dominates the album as it shown through "The Power of Equality" (I don't know why that wasn't released as a single), "If You Have To Ask" (excellent bass by Flea), "Suck My Kiss" (which has the best bassline ever recorded and is the best song on the album), "Mellowship Slinky In B-Major" (great guitar riffs), "The Righteous & The Wicked" (which has the most impressive background vocals ever done by John Frusciante), and the ever-popular "Give It Away" (you have to hear how Frusicante's funk guitar was fused with the juice harp), and Naked In The Rain (besides Suck My Kiss this is the best work Flea has done on bass).

Most people love the ballads of BSSM, which include "Breaking the Girl" (where it seems funk rock meets classical music), "I Could Have Lied" (the saddest song you'll ever hear), and "Under The Bridge" (with the soulful closing).

Flea's melodical magic is also shown through the melodical/sleazy funk of "Funky Monks", the title track, "Sir Pyscho Sexy" (the 2 1/2 minute instrumental at the end is the best that I have ever heard), and the New Orleans-flavored "Apache Rose Peacock", the fast paced "The Greeting Song" and the ode to the late Hillel Slovak "My Lovely Man" (Slovak died three years earlier).

Pedestrian fans of the band will probably prefer 1999's Californication and 2002's By The Way (and don't get me wrong they are both great), but the real hardcore fans of the band, like me, will uphold this 1991 masterpiece and 1989's masterpiece Mother's Milk as the pinnacle of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

My life changed the day i heard the album 'Blood Sugar Sex Magik'. Not only it is often hard for a band to change there style from one album to another but also to write an album of such length, 18 songs which incorporate the dominant guiotar playing ability of John Frusciante and the speed funk punk of Flea. Tracks that stick in your head are, Sir Phsyco Sexy, Breaking The Girl, Under The Bridge, Apache Rose Peacock and Give it Away. Anthony Kiedis has written songs which are a narrative to his life. Under the Bridge describes his life when involved in the Mexican mafia and drawn into drugs by his friend, he survived the ordeal which inspired their biggest single release to date. Each time you listen you will find something new, for example listen to Breaking the Girl and see how many sounds you can define from the middle 8 then buy or borrow the film 'Funky Monks' and be amazed at the experimentation, the relaxed nature of this album. The Chili Peppers have not had a finer moment, Californication comes a close second but 1994 proved to be the year in which finally the world decided to take notice of the Chili's. Lets hope that the rap, punk, funk style never dies from the bands music. Live they are a bit dissapointing but you always no that their next album COULD amaze you once more.

The chili peppers are undeniably one of the most talented bands of the '90s, and this album is what really put them at the peak of modern music as they are now. All of the songs are great! Not only is there plenty of standard RHCP funk, like "Give it Away", "Suck my Kiss", and "Power of Equality", but there are also plenty of beautiful ballads, such as "I Could Have Lied", "Breaking the Girl", and the best song on the album: "Under the Bridge". The only thing I'd say these guys could work on are the lyrics. It seems like in most songs, despite a few beautifully written ones such as "Under the Bridge", they string meaningless pieces together, and "Sir Psycho Sexy" is too raunchy for I think most fans. I'd prefer if they kept their sexual fantasies to themselves. Musically, however, this is all-in-all a masterpiece. They're so talented in every aspect, and now that Frusciante's back in the band I'm even more excited! Pick up Californication along w/ BSSM, you won't be dissapointed!