Stadium Arcadium (by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rock)

STADIUM ARCADIUM is the Red Hot Chili Peppers' ninth studio album in a career spanning more than 20 years, and gives us a chance to see how this once-groundbreaking group has grown over time. The double disc is the band's first release in four years and actually started out as 38 new tracks –- more than enough for three new albums. Edited down to a relatively manageable 25-song double CD, Stadium Arcadium lopes along at a comfortably mellow pace, featuring more ballads and less frantic energy than the band's earlier offerings -- the word "comfortable" comes to mind. The lyrics reflect a more mature outlook, with more love and less lust in the message. The funk factor, though still present, isn't as front and center as on past releases.

The songs are good, though most stop short of brilliant -- catchy and fun, or sweet and melodic. The production values are excellent, as all four band members appear to energize and inspire one another to new levels of musical excellence. What Stadium Arcadium does not do is break any new musical ground, but that's really okay. It's a terrific look at a long, exciting career, presented with taste, charm, humor, and integrity.

Released on: May 9, 2006
Label: Warner Brothers
Genre: Rock