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27 Years Ago, This Band’s Much Improved Comeback Divided Critics Over Lack of Trademark Funk

Californication revitalized the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ career, but a few critics scrutinized the lack of funk.

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On June 8, 1999, Red Hot Chili Peppers made a triumphant comeback with Californication, their first (successful) album since the 1991 breakthrough Blood Sugar Sex Magik. They released One Hot Minute in 1995, but it was generally considered a failure. It wasn’t until Californication that fans and critics began to pay attention to the Chili Peppers again.

But it wasn’t all overwhelmingly positive reviews for the Red Hot Chili Peppers at the time. As much as the album was a highly regarded commercial success, there were still some critics who were divided on the band’s sound.

Californication marked John Frusciante’s return as guitarist. He initially left the band after Blood Sugar Sex Magik brought them new, overwhelming popularity. Feeling uncomfortable with the spotlight, Frusciante took his leave. Dave Navarro of Jane’s Addiction replaced him until he also left in 1998.

Navarro’s hard psych-rock........

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