Ordering the Chili Peppers' Studio Albums Quiz

The Red Hot Chili Peppers released their debut self-titled studio album in 1984. It features the first song written by the band "Out in L.A." which was composed for their debut live show in 1983. The album was based on songs from their 1983 demo tape. Anthony Kiedis and Flea have both expressed their regrets about the recording and production direction of the album which lacked the raw energy of their original demo tape and live shows.

"Freaky Styley" was released in 1985 and features the return of original guitarist Hillel Slovak who was tied up in another band when the debut Chili Peppers album was being recorded. The album was produced by George Clinton of Parliament/Funkadelic fame and features a drastic shift towards straight funk compared to their first album.

"The Uplift Mofo Party Plan" was released in 1987 and is the only album to feature the band's original line-up, with drummer Jack Irons returning to join Anthony Kiedis, Flea and Hillel Slovak. New producer Michael Beinhorn took the band's signature funk rock and added reggae and heavy metal influence. Shortly after the album tour, Slovak died of a heroin overdose, ending the early era of the Chili Peppers and leading to Irons' departure.

"Mother's Milk" was released in 1989, with Chad Smith joining on drums and 18 year old fan John Frusciante taking on the guitar. Both would go on to form the quintessential band line-up alongside Keidis and Flea. Michael Beinhorn returned as producer, with Frusciante bringing a more melodic sound than the rhythm-based sound of previous albums.

The album went on to be a commercial success for the band and is seen as a first step towards their international success.

"Blood Sugar Sex Magik" was released in 1991, featuring the same line-up as "Mother's Milk". Rick Rubin took over production, and the heavy metal riffs of "Mother's Milk" made way for more funk and melody. With smash hits including "Give it Away" and "Under the Bridge", the album launched the international career of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and was influential in the rise of alternative rock in the 1980s.

This success took its toll in Frusciante, who became increasingly disillusioned with fame and quit the band during the 1992 tour.

"One Hot Minute" was released in 1985 with Dave Navarro of Jane's Addiction taking over the guitar. The band struggled immensely in the song-writing and creative process, with Navarro's song-writing style clashing with the band's existing jam-based style. Navarro influenced the album's direction with more psychedelic and heavy riffs.

While still successful, the album didn't reach the peaks of "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" and Navarro was eventually fired, with Frusciante returning to the band.

"Californication" was released in 1999, going on to become their biggest commercial success. With Frusciante back in the line-up and refreshed after his long absence and drug detox, the album's tone shifted towards more minimalist and pop riffs, while Kiedis departed from his rap-heavy vocal style to incorporate more melodic singing.

"By the Way" was released in 2002 and was another commercial success for the band. It features yet another drastic shift in style, with Frusciante taking control of more of the song writing. The album features more experimental guitar tones and layered arrangements, and almost no funk or metal elements.

"Stadium Arcadium" was released in 2006 and marks the end of a string of three albums featuring Keidis, Flea, Frusciante and Smith. It comprises 28 songs over two discs named "Jupiter" and "Mars", with over two hours of run time in total. Frusciante left the band for a second time in 2009 after touring for the album concluded, leading to a long hiatus for the band.

"I'm With You" was released in 2011 with Josh Klinghoffer coming in to replace Frusciante on the guitar. He had already played with the band during the "Stadium Arcadium" tour, and had collaborated with Frusciante on solo work. Guitar riffs were notable by their relative absence, with Flea driving the songs with more prominent bass lines.

The album received mixed reviews, with a sizable reduction in album sales compared to the preceding Frusciante albums.

"The Getaway" was released in 2016, with Klinghoffer returning for a consecutive album. The album features a much richer guitar soundscape than "I'm With You", with Klinghoffer having grown into his role in the band. Unfortunately for Klinghoffer, Frusciante had intentions to rejoin the band following the album's release, and Klinghoffer was fired in order to make way in 2019.

"Unlimited Love" was released in 2022, again featuring the classic line-up of Kiedis, Flea, Frusciante and Smith. It had a generally positive reception, with Frusciante bringing back the classic melodic guitar riffs fans had grown to expect in earlier works. The album pays homage to the various styles the Chili Peppers have played over the decades, yet still feels fresh and innovative.

Just five months after "Unlimited Love", the Chili Peppers delighted fans with a second studio album in 2022, recorded during the same sessions as the previous album. It features the more experimental tracks from the session, employing drum loops and electronic synths alongside the classic instrumental line-up.