Stuart Wilson, Getty Images It's been a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame career for the Red Hot Chili Peppers , and we're attempting to count down the 10 Best Red Hot Chili Peppers Songs. To help narrow things down, we're keeping it to original tracks, which knocks out their splendid covers of 'Higher Ground' and 'Love Rollercoaster,' but there's still so many other great songs to choose from. From their early days as a college rock/party band through their present day reign as chart-topping hitmakers, singer Anthony Kiedis and bassist extraordinaire Flea have kept the band's spirit lively and sound extra funky. They've been joined on their mission by guitarists Hillel Slovak, Jack Sherman, DeWayne McKnight, John Frusciante , Arik Marshall, Jesse Tobias, Dave Navarro , and Josh Klinghoffer and drummers Jack Irons, Cliff Martinez, D.H. Peligro, and Chad Smith , and have rarely missed a step. So let's take you to the songs you love, take you all the way, and count down the 10 Best Red Hot Chili Peppers Songs: ? 10 'Suck My Kiss' From: 'Blood Sugar Sex Magik' (1991) ? ? Red Hot Chili Peppers may have gotten more commercial around the 'Blood Sugar Sex Magik' era, but 'Suck My Kiss' still had the energy and ferocity of some of their early albums. The track is driven by Flea's ferocious bass playing, while Anthony Kiedis delivers overly-amorous lyrics about his partner's obvious sexiness. Listen to 'Suck My Kiss' ? ? 9 'Brendan's Death Song' From: 'I'm With You' (2011) ? ? 'Brendan's Death Song' is a new tune, but it makes our 10 Best Red Hot Chili Peppers Songs as an example of a band connecting as one, letting their emotions from a traumatic experience flow simultaneously in perfect harmony. The group penned the track for late Los Angeles club owner and close friend Brendan Mullen, who gave the band their first break. Anthony Kiedis said the song was instantaneous after he delivered the news to his bandmates, and his voice, in particular, reaches emotional levels not heard prior on the band's records. Listen to 'Brendan's Death Song' ? ? 8 'Californication' From: 'Californication' (1999) ? ? The title track from Red Hot Chili Peppers 'Californication' album definitely shows the band's dance-with-the-dark side of life in Hollywood. The group delves into the superficial nature of modern society, with references like “ Space may be the final frontier / But it's made in a Hollywood basement ” and “ Pay your surgeon very well to break the spell of aging ” lamenting an increasingly plastic world. The song would reach No. 1 on both the Mainstream Rock and Modern Rock Tracks charts. Listen to 'Californication' ? ? 7 'Knock Me Down' From: 'Mother's Milk' (1989) ? ? Still reeling from the death of guitarist Hillel Slovak, Red Hot Chili Peppers found themselves in the midst of a band shakeup, with Chad Smith and John Frusciante eventually coming on board. Anthony Kiedis was also coming out of rehab and wrote this song about his withdrawal and realizing that if Slovak could die, he too was invincible. Listen to 'Knock Me Down' ? ? 6 'Dani California' From: 'Stadium Arcadium' (2006) ? ? The character of Dani California was first conjured up by Anthony Kiedis in 1999's 'Californication' and continued her journey in the 2002 single 'By the Way,' but with 2006's 'Stadium Arcadium,' the singer used the character as a representation of many women he knew in his life and built a full song around her. The video featured the band representing the different eras and genres of music that influenced their style. The group would win Grammy awards for Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocal for the track. Listen to 'Dani California' ? ? 5 'Breaking the Girl' From: 'Blood Sugar Sex Magik' (1991) ? ? 'Breaking the Girl' found singer Anthony Kiedis dipping into his personal life for material. The singer revealed in his 'Scar Tissue' autobiography that the song was about the turbulent relationship with his ex-girlfriend, and also his father's relationship with women. The track is driven by Chad Smith's percussive instrumentation, and Flea's initially hypnotic and later aggressive bass playing. Listen to 'Breaking the Girl' ? ? 4 'By the Way' From: 'By the Way' (2002) ? ? 'By the Way' earns its spot among the 10 Best Red Hot Chili Peppers tracks for its ability to show the band's strengths. The John Frusciante guitar line demonstrates a melody-driven style, while Chad Smith and Flea deliver a full-on audio assault on drums and bass. Singer Anthony Kiedis told Kerrang of the song, “I thought that single was an ?ber-bombastic assault of non-commercialism.” The track is No. 8 on Loudwire's Top 21st Century Hard Rock Songs list. Listen to 'By the Way' ? ? 3 'Give It Away' From: 'Blood Sugar Sex Magik' (1991) ? ? If ever there were a guitar lick and drum beat that told you exactly what band it was, 'Give It Away' is that song for Red Hot Chili Peppers. While the lyrics may seem nonsensical, the group revealed on VH1's 'Behind the Music' that the track comes form the idea that the more that you give, the more you receive, so why not give it all away. Kiedis would later say that his girlfriend at the time, Nina Hagen, inspired the lyrics, after she gave him a jacket he liked from her closet. Listen to 'Give It Away' ? ? 2 'Scar Tissue' From: 'Californication' (1999) ? ? 'Scar Tissue' is a must for the 10 Best Red Hot Chili Peppers Songs. The cut would serve as the band's first single marking the return of guitarist John Frusciante to the lineup after dealing with the substance abuse issues. The track itself featured themes of life and resurrection, which reflected not only Frusciante's return but other band members' abilities to emerge from their past demons as well. The moniker would also serve as the title for Anthony Kiedis' future biography. Listen to 'Scar Tissue' ? ? 1 'Under the Bridge' From: 'Blood Sugar Sex Magik' (1991) ? ? The song that catapulted the band to superstardom was also one in which Anthony Kiedis laid his soul bare for all to see. The track was about the singer's heroin addiction and his own isolation the deeper he got into the drug. The lyrics initially were part of a poem, and producer Rick Rubin reportedly convinced the singer to explore them as a song. The track also featured a wide style shift, from the somber opening guitar chords through the mid-tempo drum beats up to the climactic finale. Listen to 'Under the Bridge' ? ? What Is Your Favorite Red Hot Chili Peppers Song? So there you have it, our 10 Best Red Hot Chili Peppers Songs? Did we get it right, or with the birds are we sharing our lonely view? There's still plenty of great songs that just missed out on the list. What would you add and what would take away? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. ?
Kevin Winter, Getty Images / Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com The Foo Fighters may be on an indefinite hiatus , but with Dave Grohl’s upcoming documentary on the historic Sound City recording studio on the horizon, there are still some new Foo Fighters collaborations to look forward to. One of those songs includes a tune penned with Rick Springfield, who recorded his 1981 disc ‘Working Class Dog’ at the legendary studio. The Foo Fighters and Rick Springfield joined forces to write a song called ‘The Man Who Never Was’ which Springfield told Billboard is “a relationship song” inspired by a true tale from World War II. Springfield described working with the Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighers as a “great experience” saying, “They’re great musicians and I love their writing. And to actually write a song with them was fun.” So fun in fact that Springfield feels the song could be a true contender for a possible first single. “It came out really great,” Springfield said. “Butch Vig produced it with Dave, and they really felt the song came out great and we’re thinking it could be one of the lead-off songs for (the soundtrack).” With respect to Sound City, Springfield recorded many albums there throughout his career and can’t wait to see Grohl’s finished film. “Dave’s one of those guys with a deep musical history and really knows what happened there,” Springfield shared. “It’s going to be big. He’s got all these grand ideas, and he’s got the power now to do that kind of stuff. I think it’s a great idea.” Grohl’s Sound City documentary has been a year in the making and he has high hopes for it, saying, “it could be the biggest, most important project I’ve ever worked on.” [button href=”http://loudwire.com/corey-taylor-working-with-dave-grohl-sound-city-documentary/” title=”Corey Taylor Dishes on Working With Dave Grohl for ‘Sound City’ Documentary” align=”center”]
Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com In this week’s edition of Loudwire’s Top 20 Countdown, Three Days Grace remain steady at the top spot with their single ‘Chalk Outline’ off of their new album ‘Transit of Venus.’ Halestorm come in at No. 2 for the fourth week in a row with their single ‘I Miss the Misery’ off of their latest album ‘The Strange Case Of…’ Papa Roach hold still at third place with their single ‘Still Swingin,’ while Stone Sour move up four spots to No. 4 with their new track ‘Absolute Zero.’ Linkin Park move down a spot to round out the top five with their track ‘Lost In The Echo.’ Other tunes on the list include Seether ’s ‘Here and Now,’ Soundgarden ’s new tune ‘ Been Away Too Long’ and Slash ’s new single ‘Standing in the Sun’ featuring Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators. Green Day ’s new song ‘Let Yourself Go’ lands at No. 12 and Avenged Sevenfold ’s make their debut on this week’s Top 20 with their track ‘Carry On.’ Check out the Top 20 songs below and be sure to tune in to Loudwire Radio this weekend to blast these tracks at full volume. Loudwire Radio Top 20 Songs of the Week: 20. Chevelle, ‘Same Old Trip’ 19. All That Remains, ‘Stand Up (Stand Up)’ 18. Pop Evil, ‘Purple’ 17. Avenged Sevenfold, ‘Carry On’ 16. Gaslight Anthem, ‘45’ 15. The Black Keys, ‘Little Black Submarines’ 14. Volbeat, ‘Heaven Nor Hell’ 13. 10 Years, ‘Backlash’ 12. Green Day ‘Let Yourself Go’ 11. In This Moment, ‘Blood’ 10. Shinedown, ‘Enemies’ 09. P.O.D, ‘Lost in Forever’ 08. Slash, ‘Standing In The Sun’ 07. Soundgarden, ‘Been Away Too Long’ 06. Seether, ‘Here and Now’ 05. Linkin Park, ‘Lost In The Echo’ 04. Stone Sour, ‘Absolute Zero’ 03. Papa Roach, ‘Still Swingin’ 02. Halestorm, ‘I Miss the Misery’ 01. Three Days Grace, ‘Chalk Outline’ [button href=”http://loudwire.com/loudwire-radio-station-list/” title=”See Which Stations Air Loudwire Radio” align=”center”]
Kevin Winter, Getty Images We’re beginning to think that Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan may have a grudge against some of his former bandmates. Additionally, and this might be a bit of a stretch, but Corgan seems to also enjoy the occasional trash-talking session. Finally, and by all means correct us if we’re wrong, it seems possible that Billy Corgan may possess some sort of internal turmoil. We developed this hypothesis after reading a recent statement from Corgan, where he threw some ill will at some former Smashing Pumpkins members, while analyzing his personal life as well. Injecting a bit of positivity into his recent interview with SFweekly.com , Corgan described his relationships with the new Pumpkins members and how it has affected him creatively. “When you actually like each other,” Corgan explains, “it translates to the music. The difference with Oceania is, I’ve found harmony again.” This seems to be a welcome change for the iconic frontman, who compared the current lineup to various ‘classic’ Pumpkins configurations. “There’s no way to properly convey what it was like to be in that band,” Corgan says about the original lineup. “And the f—ed up stuff is 10 times more f—ed up than what the world knows. I was in love with the Smashing Pumpkins,” he says, sounding wistful. “I really believed in what we were doing. But I idealized the band — which overlooked their incredibly flawed human personas, and which now bites me in the ass, as they rear their heads for lawsuits.” He then waxes philosophically on his personal life, stating, “If somebody would have told me 15 years ago that at 45 I’d be living in a big house with two dogs and two cats, with no wife and no girlfriend, I wouldn’t have believed them. My life did not turn out the way I’d planned it. Not even close … Maybe this was the way it was meant to be all along.” The Smashing Pumpkins are currently on a North American tour in support of their 2012 album, ‘Oceania.’ [button href=”http://loudwire.com/smashing-pumpkins-the-celestials-best-rock-songs-of-2012/” title=”The Smashing Pumpkins: Best Rock Songs of 2012″ align=”center”]
Twitter: @ChevelleInc The stage can be a dangerous place, and Chevelle singer-guitarist Pete Loeffler found that out firsthand Monday night (Oct. 8) in Tucson when he took a tumble off the front of the stage. Ever the trooper, a hurting Loeffler managed to return to finish out the set after a brief intermission where he was deemed well enough to perform. He was seated for the remainder of the show. After the show, the vocalist headed off to the hospital and the X-rays showed no broken bones. However, Loeffler did have plenty of swelling and was given a knee brace to keep things stable. After getting the singer checked out, the band tweeted: Thanks to the fans who stuck around after Pete damaged his knee bad tonight. He came b@ The Rialto Theatre instagr.am/p/QjRLQhC-bg/ — Chevelle (@ChevelleInc) October 9, 2012 Pete’s update- x-rays show no broken bones, but knee is still too swollen f@ Mission Hospital Laguna Beach instagr.am/p/QlC-LMC-Vs/ — Chevelle (@ChevelleInc) October 9, 2012 Chevelle do not expect to miss any shows as a result of Loeffler’s injury. However, the singer may have to perform seated for the few remaining dates while the recovery from the accident begins. Watch Pete Loeffler Perform After Taking the Fall [button href=”http://loudwire.com/chevelle-the-red-top-21st-century-hard-rock-songs/” title=”Next: Chevelle – Top 21st Century Hard Rock Songs” align=”center”]
Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Three Days Grace and Papa Roach make strong showings on the latest Billboard 200 album chart, as both bands’ new discs debut in the Top 20. ‘Transit of Venus’ from Three Days Grace lands at No. 5 in its first week, selling 48,000 copies. Our review of the album states, “They’ve stepped out of their comfort zone, ditched the formula, and went all in, holding nothing back in the true spirit of rock. The reward clearly outweighed the risk on this one and the additional elements enhance the songs without taking them hostage and the identity that Three Days Grace has forged for the past 20 years is clearly better for it.” Papa Roach’s new album ‘The Connection’ also debuted in the upper echelon of Billboard 200, coming in at No. 17 with 22,000 copies sold. Our review of ‘The Connection’ reads, “The band mines the well of interpersonal connections again with their latest record. Jacoby Shaddix, a master at baring his soul in tracks like ‘Last Resort,’ ‘Scars,’ and ‘Broken Home,’ puts his heart clearly on his sleeve with the standout track ‘ Before I Die .’ ” After debuting at No. 2 last week, Green Day ‘s ‘ ¡Uno! ‘ slips to No. 11 this week, selling another 29,000 copies. Topping the album chart this week is ‘Babel’ from Mumford and Sons, followed by Muse’s ‘The 2nd Law.’ New albums from Between the Buried and Me , Converge and Nonpoint were all released this week, and we’ll see how they do on next week’s Billboard 200.
A&M/Octone Records After debuting the title track several weeks ago right here on Loudwire, Flyleaf have announced that release date for their latest album ‘New Horizons’ will be Oct. 30 via A&M/Octone Records. The second single ‘Call You Out’ is now available, as well (listen below). “’Call You Out’ was one of the first songs written during the ‘New Horizons’ sessions,” says bass player Pat Seals. “The stomping opening verse evolved over time into this aggressive but very calculated track that closes with Sameer using chaotic guitar sounds to sort of burn it to the ground – engages you all the way through.” Seals also spoke with Loudwire about the title track and the theme of the album. “A lot of the album is different [musically] from the song [‘New Horizons.’] I think, lyrically, [that song] is indicative of the rest of the record. It’s all about rebirth and how you embrace new horizons. It’s about letting go of old things and embracing the future. Sonically, it’s a pretty good spectrum of variety.” ‘New Horizons’ is Flyleaf’s first album since 2009′s ‘Memento Mori.’ The band took a break after singer Lacey Sturm had a baby in 2011, then regrouped earlier this year. They entered the studio with producer Howard Benson ( Halestorm , Papa Roach ) and recorded ‘New Horizons’ in just six weeks. Seals says the process for this album went really smoothly. “Even though the length of time between albums was longer — three years — the process itself felt a little shorter and easier and it felt like the songs were coming out of us instead of us trying to make them come out. Before, we were it felt more deliberate. These had more of a flow.” Flyleaf – ‘New Horizons’ Track Listing 1. ‘Fire Fire’ 2. ‘New Horizons’ 3. ‘Call You Out’ 4. ‘Cage On The Ground’ 5. ‘Great Love’ 6. ‘Bury Your Heart’ 7. ‘Freedom’ 8. ‘Saving Grace’ 9. ‘Stand’ 10. ‘Green Heart’ 11. ‘Broken Wings’ Listen to Flyleaf – ‘Call You Out’