Remembering Mother's Milk, the legendary Red Hot Chili Peppers album that might not have existed

Today it's easy to forget, but in the late '80s. Red Hot Chili Peppers were not as influential a funk-rock band as we've come to think of them. What's more: their story could have been completely different, because in 1989 the band's career almost went down the drain... It was a turning pointbut the young rockers managed to turn adversity into an advantage and take a giant step forward!

Today we're going to talk about "Mother's Milk"The album that proved to the world, to the fans and to the members of RHCP themselves in the first place: any tragedy. can be overcomeand even more - to restore yourself and your sound with an innovative approach!

Tragedies as prerequisites

"Mother's Milk" became well-deserved breakthrough Red Hot Chili Peppers. The record demonstrated an innovative approach and a truly explosive sound, skilfully realised in 13 tracks. By the way: RHCP have been drawing their funk influences for years, back when they were students and worked with funk king George Clinton on their second studio record "Freaky Styley". But what really made a huge impact on them during the recording of "Mother's Milk" (as the title translates) was... tragedies.

Rather, though, there was only one serious tragedy: and that was the death of the Hillela Slovak - guitarist, founder and creative leader of the band. He passed away after taking too many substances. He was only 26 years old. It's not hard to guess that after what happened, the RHCP members were facing complete ignorance about his future. The departure of the drummer also added its colours Jack Irons.

Something had to be done immediately, otherwise the story of the Chilli Peppers could end before it began. The first thing Kiedis did was get rid of his own addictions. And after that. the composition has been reformed: the band was joined by the drummer Chad Smith and a phenomenal teenage guitarist John Frusciante.

Controversy

The revamped line-up gave the opportunity "venturing into uncharted territory." - to experiment, to try something new... The band, as well as the producer Michael BeinhornThey made the most of the situation, even if there was tension between them. And it couldn't have been without it - given the presence of a very young Frusciante in the studio! From Kiedis' memoirs:

"John and Michael were literally fighting over the sound! Beinhorn demanded a powerful, crunchy, almost metallic guitar tone from Frusciante, whereas before we always had interesting acid rock guitar timbres and lots of sleek, sexy, funky guitar tones. The problem was also that John was drowning out the sound of the other instruments and even my vocals with his playing!"

Nevertheless, the sessions were safely completed. Despite the clash of personalities, the end result was to the liking of fans and musicians alike.

A little bit about the tracks

By releasing "Mother's Milk."With this record, it was clear that RHCP now cared about issues a little deeper than just romance and having a good time. With this record, it was also clear that RHCP are now concerned with issues a little deeper than just romance and having a good time. In short, the record demonstrated maturation the band, its interest in experimentation and the skills of the new, very young guitarist Jonah Frusciante. It was the first glimpse of the Red Hot Chili Peppers' big future.

"Good Time Boys"

"Higher Ground."

"Subway to Venus"

"Magic Johnson."

"Nobody Weird Like Me"

"Knock Me Down"

"Taste the Pain."

"Stone Cold Bush."

"Fire."

"Pretty Little Ditty"

"Punk Rock Classic."

"Sexy Mexican Maid"

"Johnny, Kick a Hole in the Sky."

Album track list variedwhich allows everyone to find something for themselves. Opening "Good Time Boys" proved that the band can deftly blend different genres into one rhythmic hybrid. Funky "Nobody Weird Like Me" is a return to the more eccentric and youthful style of the band that characterised their early years. There's also some more punkish songs, including "Magic Johnson."as well as covers-- "Fire." or "Higher Ground.". The latter track serves as an interpretation of a Stevie Wonder classic that launched a crew of young and grief-stricken rockers into another stratosphere.

One last thing

The commercial breakthrough didn't hit RHCP until after the release of their next work, "Blood Sugar Sex Magik". 'Mother's Milk' still carries weight, however: its fusion of funk, hip-hop and hard rock clearly paved the way for the band's subsequent achievements, which eventually achieved status as a legendary. And the addition of Frusciante and Smith proved to be the last ingredient these brilliant lads needed.