Music of Rhcp
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Fleas bass style is an amalgamation of funk and blues, borrowing from artists such as Bootsy Collins of Parliament-Funkadelic and John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin. The groove-heavy, low-tuned melodies, composed through either normal finger style or slapping, have contributed to the Red Hot Chili Peppers signature style. While Fleas slap bass style was prominent in earlier albums, later albums (post “Blood Sugar Sex Magik”) have more melodic basslines.
The guitar styles of the guitarists that have recorded albums with the group share common traits, featuring a sharp, distorted sound with strong range. Replacement players appear to have tried to stay as close as possible to original guitarist Hillel Slovaks style with its heavy blues and funk elements. However, Dave Navarro focused on a style rooted in heavy metal, progressive, and psychedelic rock. Current guitarist John Frusciante brought a more melodic, textured, and deep sound.
Kiedis provides a range of vocal styles for RHCP songs, with his style of rapping and spoken verse (the latter being the primary characteristic of his vocals up to Blood Sugar Sex Magik) complemented with more traditional vocals have helped the band maintain a relatively consistent style.
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Themes
The Red Hot Chili Peppers have written several songs addressing political topics. The song “Johnny Kick a Hole in the Sky” from Mothers Milk is about the plight and affliction of the Native Americans, and this particular song made the public see Kiedis as of native-american heritage[citation needed], “I was born in a land, I dont think you understand god damn what I am. Im a native of this place, Please dont slap me in my face, My race has been disgraced.”
The song “Green Heaven” from the eponymous album Red Hot Chili Peppers discusses police brutality and racism in America.
The song “The Power of Equality” also speaks out against racism, and the lyrics are very similar in style to those of rap group Public Enemy, who are referenced in the song.
“Californication” is critical of Hollywoods perceived superficiality.
The song “Pea”, from the album One Hot Minute, is about a personal experience