Top 10 Best Red Hot Chili Peppers Songs

For over 30 years, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have been slapping the bass and ripping the frets, filling our lives with their irresistible blend of funk, punk, and alt-rock.

Lineup changes? Sure, they've had 'em. But whether it's the classic Kiedis-Flea-Frusciante-Chad power combo or any other configuration, the Peppers have never compromised their sonic DNA. It's always that authentic Cali vibe that you can't help but jam to.
The Top Ten
1 Under the Bridge

Favorite song of all time. The Chili Peppers had a lot of big hits that are in my top 5, such as "Dani California," "Give It Away," "Californication," and "Scar Tissue," but none of the other songs ever came close to how good this one is. It's completely different from the others because it connects to feelings we all have, such as loneliness.

The song can, as its lyrics say, take you to the place you love. It's such a mellow, slow, yet hard-hitting, powerful, and thought-provoking tune. This is in the top five for the greatest alternative rock songs of all time, and I think "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana is the only thing that can beat, or at the very least, contend with this masterpiece. Simply put, there will never be a song like this one ever again.

I recently learned this on guitar. It's one of the greatest riffs of all time. The intro and outro are perfection. But the lyrics are amazing. Perfect. This song doesn't deserve a spot anywhere else but here. :)

2 Californication

I always have a favorite RHCP song, whether it's Snow, Under the Bridge, Can't Stop, Give It Away... it depends on my mood, the time of the year, etc. However, I have a special place in my heart for this masterpiece. No matter which is my favorite song of the moment, I listen to Californication at least once a day. That's because I never get tired of it. It's so well-composed that every time you find a different reason to love it: the solo, the vocals, the bass, the guitar, the message, and so on.

Unlike anything the Peppers ever wrote. The intro and verses are haunting as hell, the chorus is really catchy, and the guitar solo is just beautiful. No wonder Flea said this is the best song they ever wrote! It's No. 1 for me too!

What the hell is wrong with the top 2 songs? First of all, Californication should be #1. It is their masterpiece. Under the Bridge is not even nearly as good as some of their other songs, especially Californication. As for #2 and #3, Otherside and Scar Tissue should be in either of those slots. What in the world...

3 Snow (Hey Oh)

I love this song for so many reasons. Not only are the lyrics amazing, but the meaning is out of control in the best way possible. It's about the lead singer's drug addiction, but it turns into so much more. It's almost as haunting as Californication, but just as beautiful and methodical. Please go look up the meaning behind the lyrics of both songs. They're so amazing and really make you appreciate the song even more. That's one thing I love about RHCP: their songs are as meaningful as they are catchy, and that's more important than most of us realize. I hope you enjoy this song as much as I do.

This is probably the song I know for the awesome playing with a badass riff. It's definitely one of my favorites without even having to listen to the words. Still, the words are awesome, and the lyrics are really outstanding. I love this song, and at first, I admit it wasn't nearly one of my favorites, but now I think it has really grown on me.

4 Otherside

This song - I'm going to one of their concerts next week. While I don't think it would be an amazing one to hear live, I really believe this is one of their greatest songs. It's only beaten out by Scar Tissue, and of course, Under the Bridge.

Otherside. I can't listen to this song without singing along. It's a pure masterpiece. The chorus is amazing, the guitar is amazing - everything about it is. And it all goes together perfectly. It's a mixture of pure genius. I just can't really think of any adjectives that describe how good this song is. Definitely my favorite RHCP song, and probably one of my top 10 favorite songs of all time.

It's strange how so many amazing songs are about something as horrible as drugs and addiction. But it really makes you feel for the people who go through that. Sure, many of us look down on addicts for their choices, but everyone has their reasons. It's not our place to judge. I never really care for a song unless it has a meaningful message behind it like this one.

5 Can't Stop

I first listened to this song in 2013 when I was a freshman in high school and have been listening to it ever since. It brings back a lot of good memories for me, which is probably why I haven't been able to let it go for almost three years now. I am depressed now, and this song always makes me want to go out and live life. If I could have a soundtrack made for my life, this would be the first track. And it would definitely be a killer opening!

Everything that Anthony loves to sing about, he manages to sneak it all into this song. It's the most energetic he has ever been vocally. John's best guitar riff - come on, no argument there. The buildup, the love song interlude, the backup vocals... This is the best Red Hot Chili Peppers song.

This song has the best intro I've ever heard. It has an awesome chorus and some awesome lyrics. This is probably their most upbeat song, and every time I hear it, it puts a smile on my face. This is really a great song, and if this isn't in your top 10 RHCP songs, then I need a reason!

6 Dani California

I feel that Dani California should be number one on this list. Anthony Kiedis probably wrote the best song that RHCP has recorded so far. He uses his melodic rhythm to describe a girl whom he claims is wonderful. Also, the chorus can pump you up so much that you'll just want to keep rewinding the song when it's over. Thank you, RHCP, for giving your fans the song of the century.

Best. Song. Ever. RHCP is possibly one of the most versatile and amazing bands out there. They, of course, have Snow (Hey Oh), but with Dani California, it's different. I almost feel like I'm living in the song when I listen to it, you know? Amazing, amazing, amazing. Everything about this song is spectacular, and RHCP pushes new boundaries in the world of music, I think.

This is the song that got me into rock, period. I was a preteen in '06, listening to pop and rap, when I was introduced to this song. Now I'm an RHCP fanatic. When they performed this song here in Alaska last month, I went insane! This song has so much meaning to me, and I can jam out to it more than any other RHCP song.

7 Scar Tissue

With an awesome tune and great lyrics, this song is really the one for a chilled-out barbecue and a drink in hand just to relax. Just listen to the playing in this song, and you can tell this is really a feel-good song. I remember listening to this song for the first time on MTV and knowing it was RHCP maybe made it even better.

Clearly the best song of them all. It should be 1 or 2. Scar Tissue that I wish you saw. Come on, guys, it's about the pain that only you feel and that no one else can understand. With the birds, I share, it's a lonely view. The lyrics are some of the best I've ever heard, not to mention the guitar.

This song actually shows Frusciante at the height of his powers. The solos change the meaning of gut-wrenching, especially the last one. Every time I listen to the last solo, I get goosebumps. Excellent bassline by the best bassist in the world.

8 Give It Away

What is this doing here!? I was expecting this to be right at the top of the list! This was their first huge hit and is still one of their best songs to this day. I still listen to this nowadays.

It's the band's breakthrough song, and it deserves to be higher than 8. It should be in the top 3. It's an amazing blend of funk, rap, and rock. It's my favorite Red Hot Chili Peppers song.

This song changed my life. The meaning of this song is very touchable and deep. For those who have read Anthony's book, you know what I'm talking about! This is the best song ever!

9 By the Way

Very underrated tune. It's better than Snow, it's better than Soul to Squeeze, it's better than Can't Stop, and hell, it's even better than Otherside. It transitions from smooth yet feel-good to a total rush of a beat with Kiedis rapping to it. Then you've got arguably the best hook of any Chili Peppers song, besides Under the Bridge, of course. It all fits in perfectly, and I would probably put it at #6 because I don't think it can compete with Dani California, Give it Away, Californication, Scar Tissue, and definitely not Under the Bridge.

I think it's unfair that this song is above so many others from its album (i.e., The Zephyr Song, Don't Forget Me, Midnight). But it's still an absolute classic.

This is honestly the best song. It just shows the RHCP style all in one song. You've got their fast-paced music style at one point, and then boom - the best melody and chorus ever. So harmonious, yet so sporadic at other points. RHCP songs that are all harmonious mislead listeners as to what RHCP songs really are. There really is something great about RHCP. They have so many different styles, yet it's their own unique style. You can recognize it instantly if you're a fan.

10 Wet Sand

This song gives the listener a glance inside Frusciante's soul. There is a steady, mellow spirit, but the fire burns beneath. When that fire reaches the surface, there is a euphoric explosion of sound that pulls the listener in by the ears and leaves a piece of Frusciante forever on the listener's soul.

And they are better for that. For the listener has seen what it means to be so intensely passionate without sacrificing control. They have seen how pin-like precision at the tiniest level compounds and binds together to form true beauty.

When they next find themselves in turmoil, the piece of Frusciante inside of them will give them strength. They will remember the guitar solo at the end of Wet Sand and understand that perfection is difficult to obtain. To find it, one must not ever succumb to the challenges they face. If they are lucky, one day they may reach the enlightenment of spirit that they have longed for. One day, they will understand what it means to feel the world as Frusciante felt while he performed Wet Sand.

The Contenders
11 Higher Ground

It's a helluva song! Great riffs, great chorus - just a great song! No wonder it was played in the movie The Karate Kid.

They turn a good Stevie Wonder song into a mouth-dropping funk metal song. Amazing.

Such a great song. Ever since I heard this song on Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers: The Movie, I thought it was awesome.

12 Soul to Squeeze

I do this thing called a song showdown (corny, I know) where I put two songs against each other to finally find out which is better. Essentially, I listen to them back-to-back and make a decision. I couldn't decide which is better today - Under the Bridge or Soul to Squeeze? They've been at each other's throats for a while now: one is an overshadowing classic, and the other is a perfect ballad. After listening to them together, I've made my decision. Under the Bridge is a beautiful gem, but Soul to Squeeze is the definitive and best RHCP song.

This song always gets overlooked because it wasn't released on an actual album. It was supposed to be on "Blood Sugar Sex Magik," but was delayed and missed the album. It's a fantastic song with great guitar writing by John Frusciante.

Very mellow and solid. Nice guitar riffs, smooth bass, great drums, and nice vocals. Overall, a perfect song. The big instrumental bridge is a good break in the song. It shows that RHCP really has a lot of musical knowledge on top of their obvious talent.

13 Around the World

It's honestly just an amazing intro to one of the most influential albums in RHCP history. The fun guitar and fast bass in the intro, paired with a nice scream from Anthony, cut off with just a few simple notes by John. Anthony raps pretty well about going around the world in this one, and the chorus ties it all together in a nice little bow. Almost unrivaled on Californication.

The bass, the guitar - it's said that the gods listened to this song and made the earth. The bass intro in the beginning is fantastic, and the guitar during the chorus is just so melodious. Love this song.

This song has everything: it has rapping, amazing hard rock guitar and bass, and a great refrain. It's one of the best songs I have ever heard. I just can't believe it's only number 17 on that list. It should be the first on this top ten.

14 Suck My Kiss

This is one of the greatest songs ever. It has such a funky sound with a wondrous rhythm. This song honestly is so catchy that I find myself getting it stuck in my head while running. It has such a raw bass and guitar together that it's just mesmerizing.

I adore this song. Funky and catchy, you can sing and dance to this one. It is just an incredible song and it's on an incredible album.

How is Storm in a Teacup not even a contender?! It should be way higher than Wet Sand and Soul to Squeeze.

15 Venice Queen

A ranking of 20 is much too low for this beautiful, haunting masterpiece. It's one of the greatest post-millennial rock songs, and quite possibly one of the most beautiful as well. The Slane Castle live version is even better. If you haven't heard it, give it a listen right now. You won't regret it.

Not only is this my favorite Chili Peppers song, but it's also my single favorite song, period, by any artist ever. There's something about this one that cuts straight to the core of my soul. It's perfect.

I know you said you don't believe,
In God do you still disagree,
Now that it's time for you to leave,
G.L.O.R.I.A is love, my friend, my friend.
(Sniffs) This is so amazing. The best ending track to an RHCP album, ever. And this was in memory of Kiedis's deceased drug rehabilitation counselor!

16 Don't Forget Me

This song is incredible. You can't compare this song to some of the newer songs, simply because it has so much deep emotion. That emotion comes straight from the heart, especially when you hear some of the live versions, such as the one at La Cigale in France. John completely nails the solo, and the intro is superb. Seriously, this song is amazing.

This is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever listened to, and certainly one of the best the Chili Peppers have produced. I certainly won't forget it! Anthony Kiedis' vocals here are effortlessly captivating, and the guitar is excellent - a perfect melding of the simplistic and the breathtaking (the second verse in particular).

To me, this song is just a reminder that if you give up on life, you're giving up on every single thing you've ever known, seen, smelled, or cared for. Sometimes fickle situations in our lives will blind us from the bigger picture.

17 Aeroplane

A great, poppy song with an amazing bass lick that gets the song going. The bass and guitar solos are phenomenal as well.

This song is underrated! Flea's bass on this track is really second to none, and I love Chad Smith on this one.

One Hot Minute is so underrated. Most of its songs are great, like this one.

18 Breaking the Girl

What makes this song great is very little related to the lyrics. My favorite Zeppelin song is Friends, and I seem to be in the minority with this taste. When I realized that Frusciante pulled inspiration from that same song, it suddenly clicked. That's why this is one of my favorite RHCP songs.

Not only the best RHCP song but one of the greatest songs ever. The riff is brilliant, the lyrics heartbreaking, and the chorus majestic. As close to musical perfection as you can get.

Very underrated. One of their best songs, easily. Looking for an RHCP song to perform in our band, and this is a serious contender.

19 I Could Have Lied

This is my 3rd favorite song from BSSM. It stirs up indescribable emotions. Wet Sand may have a better solo, but this one is superior. I think this fully deserves a place among the top 5.

This song heals wounds that no band-aid in the world could heal. It really is an amazing song. The guitar riff is full of emotion, the lyrics are amazing, and the drumbeat is just right. Without a doubt, this is the best Chili Peppers song out there. Incredible.

The emotion that comes out of John's guitar is so strong. This is certainly my favorite song on the album, and probably my favorite song ever. Absolutely heartwarming.

20 Dark Necessities

Hey, this song is a masterpiece. It's the best song on their last album and one of the best songs of their entire career! The line "Dark necessities are part of my design" just makes you feel like the best person in the world. Awesome! I can't wait to hear it live. It should at least be in the top 20. I'm not surprised that it finished at No. 1 on the Rock Airplay (Billboard 200).

This song surpasses all other previous songs by RHCP. It's the most perfect song ever composed by RHCP, with a perfect mixture of classical and modern styles of rock music. Better listen to it and enjoy dancing to its groove.

It's got that funky bass line and that modern feel of new Chili Peppers. And it's beautiful. Yeah, I miss John. Who doesn't? But this is their best song without him since he's been gone.

21 The Zephyr Song

Amazing, absolutely amazing. I've been so obsessed with this song lately. It's just so uplifting and beautiful. I can say that I'm happy something like this is around the 20 mark, but that still doesn't do it justice.

The most underrated Chili Peppers song ever. This song really puts me in the best mood. I could go on about this song forever. It really just explains why I love this band. It's an amazing song, and the lyrics are probably my favorite of any Chili Peppers song. It has a tune that sticks in my head for days. Even after not listening to this for 4 years, I come back to it and suddenly I'm singing along. It's really one of their best, and I wish more people could see this.

The chorus is so chill. I remember first hearing this song on vacation on a Florida beach and instantly becoming addicted to it. "...And in this perfect weather, we'll find a place together."

22 Parallel Universe

I can't believe this song didn't reach the top ten. For me, it's one of the best songs. The lyrics are very intense. The more you listen to it, the better it gets.

Ok, how in the hell is this 24th? Come on, guys, this is easily the 4th best song on Californication!

Vocals. Drums. Guitar. Bass. All perfect, which means the song is perfect also.

23 This is the Place

This should definitely be higher. This Is The Place, lyrically, is probably one of the best Red Hot Chili Peppers songs ever. It has an amazing tune with a fantastic bassline and is unbelievably easy to listen to over and over again. Easily top 10 material.

One of the greatest, most original Chilis songs ever written. It's actually amazingly underrated and should easily be in the Top 10.

24 Monarchy of Roses

One of the best, catchiest, most addicting choruses they've written. It sounds even better because it contrasts so strongly with the dissonant verse. The solo is electrifying. It's such a fun song with so much energy.

Great song. The best part of the song is the change in pitch of the vocals. And listen carefully to the guitar riff. It's melodious. The next 50% of the song has a cherubic tune.

Amazing song. It's the best on the new album and just sounds so good. This sounds a bit like their old songs. Josh was a good replacement for John.

25 My Friends

I wouldn't say it's the RHCP's best song, but it's surely a top 10 song and the best one on One Hot Minute! Under the Bridge is rightfully number 1, so I've voted for this instead. It should be much higher up the list. Maybe fans forget about this song because it's a Navarro song. Don't get me wrong, Frusciante is way better, but Navarro did manage to contribute to some good songs. This being his best RHCP song.

This is a fantastic song - an RHCP classic! It's a shame to see that only the most recent albums get recognition on this list. In my opinion, their best music came from their earlier period. This song deserves to be right beside Under the Bridge!

How can I describe this song? Well, considering the tension going on, this is truly a light in a dark tunnel. This song kept their heads above water.

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