My First Red Hot Chili Peppers Experience! Vocal ANALYSIS of "Under The Bridge"

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

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[@clarkcorwin]

Nooo, not you too. This company is the worst.

[@petersage5157]

While this sponsor has its detractors, I respect its goals and believe they have the best intentions for their target market. Also, this song's lyrics pair well with this sponsor. It's clearly an intentional pairing, but it works.

[@nickshutteretc]

BetterHelp has been caught upcharging people for services, they make canceling an incredibly difficult process and they will continue to charge while they dig their heels in during that process, and the quality of therapists on there ranges from fine to outright frauds.

[@Warlock_UK]

@@petersage5157 I think people are just bothered that they sold personal medical information to advertisers after saying that they wouldn't. They had to pay a $7.8m fine.

[@rakninja]

@@petersage5157 i dont. it's a scam.

[@johnjapuntich3306]

Should listen to "Give it away" immediately following this song and contrast the difference...LOL!

[@wildwillie5408]

Or just listen to weird Al's version where he combined the 2 songs into 1

[@ethanmccaffrey2994]

I was thinking "Suck My Kiss" personally...

[@lucasr90]

Better "Sir Psycho Sexy".

[@pokeholicmaster]

​​@@wildwillie5408 I too immediately thought of Bedrock Anthem

[@shawnswinehart3461]

Yeah she needs to do back to back lol

[@metalmark1214]

Red Hot Chili Peppers lead singer Anthony Kiedis wrote "Under The Bridge" about his days as a heroin addict and the loneliness that went with it. The bridge mentioned in the song is a place where he sometimes went to buy drugs and get high. Originally a poem Anthony wrote while driving home on LA's 101 freeway. It was not meant to be a song until their producer Rick Rubin found it in Anthony's notebook and convinced him to turn it into a song.

[@TR4Ajim]

Yes, and the lyric “where I drew some blood” really underlines his addiction.

[@TopekaVigilanteOne]

The Ruck Beato interview with Rick Rubin provides great info on this album.

[@UMfan21]

If I remember correctly I think Rick Rubin was also the one who suggested the guitar intro and it was added later. Probably why the tempo doesn't match exactly or it feels a little disjointed.

[@the.witch.of.november]

iirc, he was also trying to get clean while those around him (especially band members) weren't, and the struggles with that.

[@eauhomme]

And "I don't ever want to feel like I did that day..." the day he found original guitarist (and best friend) Hillel Slovak had a fatal overdose.

[@kevin.skorupa]

This speaks to me, I have tons of involvement in my community: my church, local volleyball community, my work, I'm a coach, I coordinate open gyms and sports teams, and yet I go home at night with no one to talk to or text and all my thoughts to ruminate in my head. It's nice to get these reminders that I'm not the only one who feels that way. "At least I have her love, the city she loves me. Lonely as I am, together we cry"

[@mikenighbor4524]

Sorry to here about your loneliness. I too haveots of involvement with coaching and such. My kids moved out and same with my wife. Don't know why. I go out doing my best i am the foreman and my son works and we joke all day. I still coach my daughter in an U22 league and this Christmas I was listening to my refrigerator and furnace for half an hour

[@Iexpedite1]

Sitting in English class I hear the girl behind me humming this song. I turned around in my chair and started singing it in almost a whisper. She joined in and we sang the song together until the teacher began to speak. I graduated school in the early 90s. That peaceful moment has stuck with me. The room was full of activity but the two of us were sharing a completely different experience.

[@calebgood4966]

thats so awesome, sounds like a movie scene

[@One_Flew_West]

I love this so much. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@eriklambert3809]

94 here. Many night cruising and listening to this cd

[@Robert_Douglass]

You two still together?

[@darb4091]

That's a sweet memory from 30 plus years ago; maybe you should reach out she may be hanging on to that moment too.

[@johnlemon874]

The choir was performed by John Frusciante's mother. "After the song was recorded, Rubin felt the grand ending would benefit from a large group of singers. Frusciante invited his mother, Gail, and her friend, both of whom sang in a choir, to perform."

[@booneh]

I swear I can hear John in there too. Maybe he just sounds a lot like his mom!

[@Robert_Douglass]

Flea really shows his quality as a bassist in this song.

[@johnlemon874]

@@booneh No that's correct, he's singing too like he does in the live concerts

[@mrtveye6682]

Saw them on a festival just after the record came out. The roadies had the "honour" to sing the backing vocals. Don't know if that's a regular thing or if it was just on that occasion, but the didn't seemed to be very comfortable with that... :D

[@bafirebat]

It's Frusciante's mother Gail and two other women from her church choir I believe

[@solleytara]

As someone who struggled with heroine addiction for many years, and also listening to this song since it came out , ive always had a sentimental connection with it. It floods me with an emotional roller coaster of feelings. Love RHCP. 1991 was an amazing year for music. Thanks for this one Elizabeth. ♡

[@JMKidd75]

Not only is Flea an amazing bassist, but he's also a huge supporter of the arts. He co-founded the Silverlake Conservatory of Music in Los Angeles that helps to fill the void of arts education funding in LA public schools.

[@adamr149]

Incredible baselines.

[@cmatte82]

Yeah and he did a lot of session work too. He’s on a lot of records that most people don’t realize. He didn’t just play with the RHCP.

[@GreatDaneRock]

@@cmatte82 Exactly, Alanis M. "Oughta Know" is Flea's bassline.

[@Daveyboyz1978]

He also plays brass on Jane's Addiction. He's pretty handy on trumpet and french horn.

[@roboparks]

Flea is crazy . He played Naked at Woodstock 99 LOL

[@jimwilliams8663]

“Soul to Squeeze” has always been one of my favorites. Their sound has varied so much that they can’t be pinned down but that one gives me feels every time.

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Yes, Live in La Cigale France is my favorite version. John kills it.

[@packrat-y7j]

I wanted to comment on this track too. I love Soul to Squeeze, and I introduced a bunch of youngins to it the other night. I think the other thing that is important to understand is that these two tracks, were the first time we would hear this side of the Chili Peppers really. From 87 to like what ...92/93, the rhcp the world new was so not this 🤣

[@JohnLoutsenhizer]

I have a love/hate relationship with Soul to Squeeze. The beginning of the song is absolute fire. The strumming and melody is some of the best ever, but it is completely abandoned for the rest of the tune, which is very unfortunate. Can't Stop is my favorite by them.

[@JAMBI_T00L]

YESSS

[@joefairbairn1978]

I came here to recommend this exact tune, Under the Bridge is all well and good but the rest of this album, including Soul to Squeeze, is the gold ❤

[@jonireson9946]

This started as a poem Anthony wrote about his heroin addiction. He didn't show it to the band because he didn't think it was "the chili peppers sound". They loved it and it was the first real ballad they wrote which showed a new vulnerability to them. I'm so glad you've done this Elizabeth. The chili peppers were my first exposure to alternative music in the early 90s and their music has had such an impact on me and opened my eyes to the non radio generic pop. Please delve into their musicality and history as a band and as individuals. John on guitar does the falsetto you hear when live, and he's amazing live too. He very nearly didn't survive his heroin abuse of the 90s and we would have been robbed of one of the most incredible guitarists of the modern era. Also please enjoy John Chad and Flea (on bass) when they jam/face off on stage. Such incredible chemistry and history. Love your videos Elizabeth, and seeing you hear bands for the first time and see and hear your emotions reminds me of mine when I first heard these songs, and I also find it interesting your analysis on WHY they make me feel how I did/do. Much 💕

[@timjb19621]

This album came out in 1991. Take a look at all the albums that debuted that year. Red Hot Chilli Peppers Blood Sugar Sex Magic, Nirvana Nevermind, Pearl Jam Ten, Soundgarden Badmotorfinger, Metallica's self titled album, Smashing Pumpkins Gish, Guns And Roses Use Your Illusions 1 & 2, Rage Against The Machine self titled and more. 1991 was one of the greatest years in the history of modern music.

[@peterheath7960]

Best year ever!

[@blindriv3r]

And Neil Young Ragged Glory..to speak of imperfect delivery being more artistic...

[@L-jc4qw]

LOL you just listed half of my high school cassette tape collection 🎉

[@WilliamTurk]

Can't hold a candle to 1984.

[@timjb19621]

@WilliamTurk there were a handful of good albums that year too but nothing compared to 1991. I was born in 62 so the 80s should be my wheelhouse, but it's not one of my favorite decades of music overall.

[@John_Locke_108]

When this song came out, you couldn't go 5 minutes without hearing it on the radio or seeing it on MTV. It literally was a phenomenon.

[@exodus2682]

it was my first intro to rhcp, and its been a helluva ride since then!

[@melissayost4888]

For good reason

[@loadedorygun]

And yet he could still walk through downtown LA and make a video and people didn’t know who he was lol. That ended quickly.

[@steveshroder2401]

Literally the worst song on that album. Still not bad tho.

[@angeliccow]

I remember it battling 1st place on video hits with Mr big to be with you for weeks on end

[@enthropy8611]

this song saved my life... therapy has kept me here. Thank you for making a safe place.

[@jamesparker3027]

Keep going you got it

[@thepetermullins]

Drummer here! Love that you singled out the simplicity of Chad Smith. He's not a big flashy drummer, but he nails the assignment. I have a Chad Smith story you might enjoy. He was at the 2005 Modern Drummer Festival and in these shows the drummers get a 10 minute solo slot to show off. Most drummers go wild and I'll be honest, unless the person is amazing, it all kind of blurs together. Chad Smith sat down and played a basic 4/4 groove with no variation for 10 solid minutes. He was then asked "What was that about Chad?" and he replied, "That's why I'm a millionaire!"

[@cirrustate8674]

Chad is a modern version of Ringo, in that regard.

[@autohmae]

This is a bit out of left field, but I still call him ChadMetal 🙂 (to indicate a whole back story, etc. where I'm not sure where to begin... I guess the most condensed: he did a favor to perform a medley of 2 Judas Priest songs)

[@UrbanomicInteriors]

In the pocket, as they say.

[@MikkoRantalainen]

Chad Smith also performed in a Drumeo video about a year ago and that's definitely worth watching.

[@funkyjbass7762]

His drumming is why Flea can shine as a bass player and come up with the bass lines he does. Chad gives him the room and space to and not competing for the space in the rhythm. But then he has flair when it is required too. They work so well together as a rhythm section.

[@samanderson7745]

Guitarist here, John was great at writing some really fun, and challenging, songs to play. I believe he was only 20/21 years old when he wrote this song. It has some pretty tricky chord/finger placement changes. Really impressive stuff and he doesn't get included in the conversations of top guitarists as much as he should.

[@prakashprem373]

Couldn't agree more 💯

[@chipsterb4946]

He nails the feel of Hendrix’s rhythm guitar and makes it sound effortless. That ain’t easy to do.

[@barnysgaming]

I'd say John is the best technical guitarist of the last 30 years, He may not be the most prolific and not someone you'd hear every day (Unlike Chad Smith who has done drums for a lot of other artist). He just has this god given ability to write and play such technical parts and mix them in and make it all sound effortless.

[@chipsterb4946]

@@barnysgaming and it’s all for the sake of the musical expression, not technical for its self.

[@PianoDentist]

Yup JF's Hendrix style double stops, are iconic.

[@niemiradave5047]

"Suck my kiss" and "Give it away" have the sound you were expecting. Great tunes

[@UnholyMistMonster]

Dancing in the rain too!

[@flyingardilla143]

Thankfully most 90's music wasn't ruined by pitch correction.

[@Verias1983]

Hell yeah. Pitch correction would be the antithesis of most 90's music.

[@stevemcbain1816]

Best comment on here!

[@StunThePuppy]

But the peppers were ruined by Anthony taking singing lessons

[@spideymcgee4718]

Yeah, man 🍻

[@88wildcat]

Pitch correction did for the music industry what the Hindenburg did for the airship industry.

[@kenleppek]

There are so many sounds from RHCP. That is a very deep rabbit hole to go down and I suggest diving in head first.

[@radiofreedom7840]

Yea, their sound is all over the place. They really liked to try things out.

[@Butzemann123]

I love that in your first listening you can already point out all the characteristics that make this band sound so unique. The tiny off pitch, the laidback high tones, the tiniest of vibrato, all that stuff went over my head for all the years i know this song. Fascinating how differently a professional experiences music. Thank you for sharing that with us, because it really makes me love music more.

[@ktvindicare]

Flea is quite a character. He's one of the best rock bassists around, and he's also done everything from voice work in cartoons to cameos in movies. Dude is also at pretty much every LA sports home game. Guy's an icon. LA loves Flea.

[@rebeccaklempner9666]

I was also thinking when Elizabeth commented on the "Oooh, jazzy!" -- Flea's first musical love IIRC was jazz.

[@0okamino]

Though he’s vastly more well known as a bassist, he also plays trumpet.

[@grilledspaghetti]

Part of both the Back to the Future and Star Wars universes.

[@brucemurray8865]

The voice of "Donnie" in "The Wild Thornberrys".

[@kingztaph]

Flea was one of the nihilists in Big Lebowsky

[@george8873]

Anthony Kiedis once saved a baby's life while filming Carpool Karaoke for The Late, Late Show. They stopped to do something off camera, a woman ran up to them saying her baby wasn't breathing. She handed the baby to him, the baby wasn't breathing so he did some baby CPR and the child was breathing again by the time the ambulance arrived.

[@alecholmes4500]

It's stories like these that I like to find. Thank you for sharing.

[@knockoutking3764]

That is an amazing story! I have always been a huge fan of Anthony. But, that makes me love him even more. ❤

[@nickperrone7382]

We ALL know how much Anthony Kiedis loves little kids…

[@vinbuf8622]

@@nickperrone7382bro 😂

[@jhtar]

Loved this! I find Anthony's vocals fascinating in the way that he is really expressive and authentic while not actually being a great singer, lol. Really glad you pointed out the imperfections and how they really make his sound. This comment probably will get lost, but just in case I'd like to recommend Strip My Mind by RHCP as one of your follow-ups. Not one of their most popular numbers, but one of my favourites, especially because of what goes on vocally in there.

[@ciphex7470]

You mentioned wanting to know more about chad smith's drumming. Drumeo did an amazing interview with him called "grooves and fills" that you should definitely watch if you get the chance.

[@laurieemme1534]

I love watching Drumeo even though I don't play drums! I love the segments where the drummers hear a song for the first time (minus drums) and have to come up with the drum part!

[@ciphex7470]

@laurieemme1534 omg me too. Funny enough, they did one of those with chad smith as well where he does "the kill" by 30 seconds to mars. Great performance!

[@laurieemme1534]

@ciphex7470 I saw that one!

[@eauhomme]

And for a little fun, Chad Smith and the SNL comedian Will Ferrell look enough alike to be mistaken for each other in public. They both play drums, so they showed up together on Jimmy Kimmel for a drum off. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqalgKeHhLRqZrs

[@g00nie9183]

Came to say the same thing. Definitely check out Drumeo for anything drums. I love seeing my favorite drummers attempt songs with their own style to songs they've never heard. Love Chad Smith's...All his vids with Drumeo are great. I'm really grateful I got to see him among all the other incredible drummers at Hawkins tribute at Wembley.

[@HobDobson]

No matter when or where it's played, there's always someone who needs to hear "Under The Bridge".

[@850spirates3]

Ok so I love watching you talk about these singers and there voices and the reactions you get from them, but I must confess I’ve never heard or seen you sing. I looked you up. I began to watch your 2011 voice finals for the Queens competition thinking I would only watch a minute or two, I found myself mesmerized by you. Your voice is angelic,soft yet so powerful. I have a new found love for music and a broadened outlook on music because of you. Thank you very much.

[@ozymandiastheking2139]

Anthony's autobiography 'Scar Tissue' is one of the crazies holy $h/t moment filled books you will ever read. Its amazing that this guy lived past his twenties.

[@cmatte82]

@@ozymandiastheking2139 I need to read that. I’ve heard some stories from it. He def lived in a different world than most people.

[@HerveBoisde]

Flea's book is also that way

[@shawngross5420]

The book "Scar Tissue" has some mind-blowing stories. A lot of dysfunction and neglect in Keidis' younger life. I am glad he is still alive and kicking after all of that! I recommend the book. I was honestly surprised by the quality of Flea's book, "Acid for the Children" (2019). He is a great writer, funny, insightful, and you can tell he is well-read. Interesting facts: Australian born, and he funds a music program for kids. I was moved by Flea's descriptions of his deep, meaningful friendship with Keidis since high school. So much respect, admiration, and brotherly affection.

[@lka9900]

It’s such a great autobiography!

[@dancarter482]

@@shawngross5420 _DAMN!_ Didn't know he'd written one - love autobiog's ~ ordering it now. _CHEERS!_

[@blakerbnsn]

If you're gonna listen to the Chili's, you must listen to their cover of Higher Ground by Stevie Wonder. It's a banger!!!

[@matthewchapes2967]

I love that jam! always play it loudly!

[@Laurie473]

Yep.. I 3rd that ! ..... as I did already above :)

[@johnfarmer2047]

The funk is strong with this one.

[@KevinMooney-p5o]

This!

[@rom65536]

Much like NiN "Hurt" being taken by Johnny Cash, the Peppers took Higher Ground. It's a Chili Peppers song now.

[@darkvisiongothacked]

i still remember hearing this at 5am when i was 6 years old, first time it was played as far as i know in all of Illinois. i was BLOWN away immediately. you could hear the shock and awe in the DJs voice after the song ended and he said the name of the band and the song name. all these years later...it still blows me away. been waiting/recommending this one for a while. cant wait.

[@EzequielMeilij]

Very good choice, I also suggest Soul to Squeeze and Breaking the Girl. ❤❤❤

[@73N5H1]

Both amazing RHCP songs

[@DestructionGlitter]

Oh, yes! Breaking the Girl! I used to sing it to my daughter every night as a lullaby when she was a baby 🙈 the meldoy is soothing and she didn't understand the lyrics because she was a baby!

[@clintlandrum9498]

Love "breaking the girl." And the solo.

[@dmo530]

These are the best suggestions I've seen posted thus far. People suggesting Higher Ground just want to hear a song they like and not one that is vocally interesting.

[@quillant757]

came here to say this. saw your comment. said it anyhow. needs repeating

[@infinitedurr]

Friendly reminder about pitch correction: Auto Tune, the first major plugin for pitch correction wasn't even released until late 1997. It first gained popularity with Cher's "Believe", which came out in 1998. So everything released before 1997 (and even most of the music for quite a while after) ostensibly had no pitch correction on it. Under the Bridge was released in 1991, so it's no surprise that there was no correction. Aesthetically, it also wouldn't fit the gritty, raw, unpolished vibe that defines Blood Sugar Sex Magik. I have a hard time imagining Rick Rubin wanting to auto tune the vocals on a record.

[@skaughtmc6591]

Believe sounded so weird to me when it came out.

[@infinitedurr]

@@skaughtmc6591 same! I was like "WTF is this?!" Then it became a THING

[@mrufino1]

This album was recorded on tape, so any pitch correction would have been by other means anyway (there were ways to do it but it wasn’t very easy). There was an auto tune rack unit before there was a plugin, but I don’t know when that came out. Either way, the vibe of this album wouldn’t have incorporated auto tune. When believe came out, Antares made the producers sign an agreement that they would not say it was auto tune. They said it was a digitech guitar pedal for years. It’s funny how they’ve now embraced that sound (although I can’t stand it).

[@Shadow0fd3ath24]

also a good 50% of what people think is autotune after the 90s ISNT AUTOTUNE but gain and reverb or doubled takes with 2 lines or something else lol

[@danshepard5083]

Unfortunately the record companies are going back through old stuff and pitch correcting them when they do new releases. It's a disgrace, and we're starting to lose these amazing performances because some moron thinks every note need to be snapped to a line.

[@aimfuldrifter]

"Melodic writing" is what John does in an amazing way. He may not be the biggest shredder of guitar but his awareness of harmonies, chord progressions and soulful solos are a treat for so many people, including me. And he has a great vocal as well! :)

[@aimfuldrifter]

Also: You probably already know that but Red Hots were more energetic and fast in the past but became more soulful and mellow over the years and ESPECIALLY since John joined the band. They still play and perform with high energy with their "funk rock" vibes though! That's why I love these guys. They have great stuff from both sides - mellow and energetic.

[@liamgillespie4839]

Otherside - live slane castle is RHCP best vocal performance and an INSANE harmony / backing vocal.

[@squidobarnez]

so much yes to this!

[@garethgrieve945]

Totally agree 👍

[@doryu1491]

She should analyze the whole concert. I watch the whole thing at least once a year. They kill every song (mostly… one of John’s solos got a little out there lol)

[@JimmyWallace284]

She would love this !!

[@AmandaHugandKiss411]

Yes! My favorite live version of Otherside, all of Slane Castle, is my all-time best live RHCP concerts of all time!

[@Sircooligor14]

Should definitely check "Can't Stop". The play between backing vocals by John Frusciante and the main vocals is legendary!

[@oguzcercel3179]

Finally the day has come, I've been wanting you to analise RHCP for so long, I'm so happy, hope there is more to come

[@1938superman]

27:16 John Frusciante (the guitarist) invited his mom and her choir to perform that part.

[@fishinfool247]

The guitar solo at the end of scar tissue is heart wrenching emotion and one of the most emotion filled solos ive ever heard

[@leethrelfalllt]

Such a lonely sounding tune!

[@andrewm8040]

I love that the first thing you noticed about the guitar is that it sounds as if it could be a duet but is only one. Frusciante said that is precisely what he was trying to do and got inspiration from Jimi Hendrix. I like that you pointed out the off-pitch parts. A friend of mine saw them live and said he was off-pitch a number of times and got me thinking that's probably something Kiedis struggles with. Chili Peppers (with Frusciante) is one of my favorite bands and still I enjoy hearing you pointing out imperfections or would like to hear if and why you downright didn't like something I did. We all have different tastes. I would encourage some more critiquing. I imagine you might be apprehensive because you're breaking down art people love and it may turn them off. I think done authentically and tastefully and adds good dimension to the video.

[@BlindPanda4]

John Frusciante as a guitarist is simply amazing so I hope you cover other songs that show more of what he’s got 🤘🏻

[@warpig67]

A musical genius. Love to hear them just jam.

[@djoksicproks]

JF is my fav musician ever, but this girl covers vocals reactions only, so rhcp aren't that much recognizable in that aspect

[@BlindPanda4]

Yea if she did do more chili peppers it would be best to do something live from Slane castle where John is going off

[@reliablereindeer]

Would be great if she reacted to some of his solo work. The Past Recedes would be good song.

[@BlindPanda4]

@@reliablereindeer completely agree 👍🏻

[@johnraygun9868]

Flea and Anthony were the surfers in point break that fought Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves as well lol

[@grilledspaghetti]

He also kidnapped princess Leiah and drag raced Marty McFly.

[@PeterLarge-jg1sb]

Anthony was in PB but not Flea. Flea had a good role in Big Lebowski among others.

[@johnraygun9868]

@@PeterLarge-jg1sb old age setting in I guess, could have swore they both were, too many blast injuries to the old noggin I guess 😂

[@johnraygun9868]

@@grilledspaghetti nice I didn’t realize that!

[@class5bodyworks]

The Chili Peppers were in the movie "Tough Guys" with Burt Lancaster and Kurt Douglas. They were playing in the club scene.

[@GrimMeowning]

In vocal part of RHCP their main thing is that their back vocalist has much better singing techniques and voice than the lead singer, however, he uses that voice to empower the main more simple and "grounded" voice of main singer. Which makes some of their songs really cool.

[@josephdefilippis07]

You mean Frusciante?

[@garyyeargain3706]

Follow this with either"Give it Away" or "Suck my Kiss". Would LOVE to see your reaction to either!!!

[@dancarter482]

_Suck My Kiss_ is the best track on BSSM. followed by _Naked in the Rain._ ~ CHOON!

[@nathanmoss3347]

Choral: Under the bridge downtown Keidis: Is where I drew some blood Choral: Under the bridge downtown Keidis: I could not get enough Choral: Under the bridge downtown Keidis: Forgot about my love Choral: Under the bridge downtown Keidis: I gave my life away Choral: Away... away... away... As others have said, it's a very personal poem Keidis wrote about kicking his heroin habit (by himself) under a bridge somewhere in downtown L.A. You should listen to the live version at Slane Castle in Ireland. It's so beautiful it makes me cry.

[@JoeThornhill]

Thank you. Now I know why they called it Under the bridge. I keep thinking of Scar Tissue. Like "un-der the bridge where I think you saaaw. Sky captain with a moonlit jaaw" (if those are even the lyrics).

[@janskia]

@@JoeThornhill the times I've seen a reactor trying to guess what this song is about, sometimes even missing the drawing blood line. Only very few have said straight away that if you're under a bridge in LA, you're either doing drugs, homeless, or both.

[@robmitchell3039]

As I always heard it, the bridge is where he would to to shoot up.

[@nathanmoss3347]

@@robmitchell3039 it's my understanding that it was both; that is to say it was both a regular spot for him to shoot up, but it was also the place where he kicked, as well.

[@achimwitcoustic9585]

It is one of most sad but still weird way uplifting and hopeful chorus' ever written.

[@vanyadolly]

One Hot Minute is my favourite RHCP album and I'm not afraid to admit it. So many good tracks that deserve a listen. Warped, Transcending, and My Friends which is practically Under The Bride, part two.

[@thedisciple516]

why would you be afraid? It's by far their #1 and none of their other's come close

[@hazi5961]

You should check out "Higher Ground". Although originally a Stevie Wonder song, RHCP did a very good cover of it.

[@TheNudeBrewer]

If you like it, there is a super, SUPER funky version of it that was released on a CD-single. It's flipping AMAZING! :)

[@hemlock399]

I *love* "Under The Bridge", but as a metalhead, I have to say that their cover of Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground" is my favourite piece by RHCP. They made it into a really funky rocker, and it's glorious!

[@hazi5961]

@hemlock399 same. As a bass player, the bass playing by Flea is amazing on that song.

[@hemlock399]

@@hazi5961 Absolutely!

[@shawnmiller286]

RHCP has so many great songs, Dani California is my absolute favorite. I've literally listened to it 20 times after watching your analysis of Under the Bridge. Give It Away makes me jump up and do the primal dance of joy.

[@BigTroyT]

I could talk about any of these guys for an hour, but I'll talk about Flea here. First, he's an amazing bass player (and a fair trumpet player) who has such a unique style that you can detect his playing immediately. There was a period in the 90s where the RHCP weren't working a lot and Flea did a number of guest appearances on other people's music, and it seems like every single one of those songs was a huge smash. He was on everything from Young MC's "Bust A Move" to Alanis Morrissette's "You Oughta Know" and there's no question who you are listening to when you hear his bass lines. But he's also done a TON of cameos in movies. He was in Back To The Future III ("Needles" the drag-racing pickup-truck driver at the end), The Big Lebowski (one of the Nihilists with the ferret), Baby Driver, and has done a bunch of animation voice-over work, including voicing himself in both The Simpsons and Family Guy, and Disney stuff like Toy Story 4 and both Inside Out movies.

[@herickgh3]

That at the end was the guitarrist's (John Frusciante) mom's choir group. He called them to record that. In the live performances, Frusciante does this vocal part.

[@walterfleury3840]

The song is about Anthony's heroin addiction at the time. The closing verse of the song "Under the bridge downtown, is where I drew some blood", "Under the Bridge Downtown, I could not get enough", "Under the bridge downtown I gave away my love", "Under the bridge Downtown, I gave my life away".

[@pdsmith11803]

*Forgot about my love

[@walterfleury3840]

@pdsmith11803 thanks

[@dsboyce1977]

This is one of a handful of songs that helped me get through some really tough times. Things are good now, but the song still holds a lot of sentimental value for me. It’s one of the few I know word for word.

[@gary_payton]

RHCP started off as a post punk funk band garage band. Spicy? They used to go on stage wearing only socks covering their Magic Johnsons.

[@eeyore13]

I had a poster of this at uni on my wall 😂

[@dancarter482]

They used to play the LA club scene - back when clubs were worth going to - check out the old film _Tough Guys_ - they are playing the club in that just as it was back then.

[@class5bodyworks]

​@@dancarter482 Funny! I just posted that too! I wondered if anyone else remembered that.

[@dancarter482]

@@class5bodyworks _Krazy daze!_

[@tom9188]

"Red hot chili peppers-right on time (Sox on cox)" youtube

[@cbdawg4242]

This song brought me to RHCP, along with Give it Away

[@jimmysster2571]

mine was Snow, hey oh! and till this day is my favourite song ever

[@AlecSmith94]

Mine was can’t stop.

[@landmarkcreations1183]

The look on your face when “under the bridge downtown” was sang 😂 26:49

[@MLawrence2008]

Great reaction as always Elizabeth!

[@mynamesmiked]

I absolutely love Under the Bridge, but my all time favorite RHCP song is undoubtedly Soul to Squeeze

[@ralfkohler3671]

I second that. It is one of those songs you will come back to year after year, decade after decade. How many of those songs do actually have in your live? So so beautiful. 🙏🏻

[@markgallagher1376]

Yes, I love Soul to Squeeze. Definitely one of my favorites.

[@doofinator4285]

Under the Bridge, Soul to Squeeze, and Breaking the Girl are my top 3 so I’ll give this a thumbs up.

[@lizmatthei3424]

It remains one of my favorite vignettes ever about the recording of this song. The choir is the guitarist’s mom and a couple of other ladies from her church choir.

[@tbmike23]

This song was EVERYWHERE for at least 5 years. They wrote it, and didn't even want to put it out there, but legendary producer Rick Rubin convinced them that it was amazing, and worth putting out there. Rick actually met them years earlier and was afraid of them, due to the hold drugs had on them, and only came back to them later, to help them make this legendary ballad about it.

[@TrtlMaster]

Might be a little unconventional, but I would HIGHLY recommend listening to Tom Waits. He has had over 50 years of music, and his voice is incredibly unique. It's been described as sounding like he "eats nails and drinks gasoline"... Appealing, I know. Anyways, he did write music before and after sounding so gritty, so I'd recommend something in his younger years before diving in. "Heart of Saturday Night" is a fantastic one and so is "Step Right Up." both really show off his skills before his mid/later growly stuff. If you are brave, however, I would recommend "Make It Rain."

[@MetalDrew]

I love that kind of music Primus is one of my favorite bands

[@73N5H1]

For Tom Waits, I'd go Chocolate Jesus or God's Away on Business

[@jerrydavison1665]

I would add On the Nickle

[@Tinus-pi3il]

I asked my singing instructrice how can I sound more like Tom Waits? She said: smoke more and drink Scotch". Ol'55 or Jersey girl.

[@blairhaffly1777]

The Blue Valentine album.

[@PrecursorLegend]

This is the song that convinced me to finally buy a guitar and start learning it right after college. In that sense, you could consider it the most important song I ever listened to. It also made me fall in love with the band - shortly after, I listened to no one else for months on end. John Frusciante is a genius.

[@andrew-davidbjork2912]

Give it Away. Scar Tissue. Californication in that order to see their evolution through the 90's

[@Cruellers4Life]

Scar Tissue is great if she wants to hear more of that twangy-ness in Anthony's voice

[@jeffm9770]

Maybe followed with By the Way to go into the early 2000s

[@kylelewis4685]

Dani California

[@bobsaggit]

Just add soul to squeeze on top and I agree

[@zacharyalan4977]

Hard to Concentrate, She Looks to Me. Amongst many other songs.

[@peten6691]

Great to see you getting to the RHCP. They have so many great songs. I love their variety of sound, sometimes in the same song you go from beautiful melodies to an aggressive sound and back. Never boring for sure

[@jeffafa3096]

First album I ever bought on CD was Californication from the Peppers. My favourite song on that album is Otherside. I love the vocals, the guitar and everything else about that song sooo much!

[@ExtraFancy96]

Fun fact about Flea, he voiced Donnie in the wild thornberrys. For spicier chili peppers songs, I recommend “give it away” or “suck my kiss” as they are more what I imagine you had in mind. RHCP might be my favorite band of all time, so many incredible tracks both fast and wild and also slow.

[@darkelfling65]

I think spicier would be the earlier stuff like True Men Don't Kill Coyotes, or Fight like a Brave.

[@sth9669]

Flea also was one of the drag racers at the beginning of "Back to the Future". . .

[@screwthisin]

​@@sth9669if I believe he was also at the end where he got Marty to bite initially but Marty took a right at the intersection instead.

[@HighlandCoo]

Or Apache Rose Peacock. That’s a pretty spicy one!

[@hvbarata]

This song holded me on for so many times that I still can't hear it without tears coming to my eyes. As bit of background, when Anthony wrote this, it was not supposed to be a Peppers song (he wrote this after one of his best friends OD). Anthony felt like this wasn't Peppers style. But when he song it to Rick Rubin (the legendary producer of much of 90s albums), Rick told him to sing it to John Frusciante, which come up with the guitar riff almost on the spot. They show it to the rest of the band, and it became a Peppers song and kind of redefined what the Pepper sounded like. And the rest is music history

[@kylep292]

yep, ya got the creativity of the drums playing with the lyrics and the guitar line filling in the underlying theme. it gets broader, but one of my favorite themes. a song I can sing with and never have to correct the pitch in the shower, or my car... love it!

[@2462bf2]

Dark necessities is my favourite rhcp song. Just incredible. I've always said I could listen to rhcp and never get bored. Their whole catalogue is just amazing

[@pdxgrl1]

One of my top 3.

[@cb034]

Like, theyve been around since the 90s amd are still making new music, their style has evolved, but they are still so great

[@rorytheright5003]

I recommend "My Friends" for review as another RHCP masterpiece. It's beautiful and often overlooked.

[@dathorndike4908]

One Hot Minute ate my nuts. What a trainwreck of an album.

[@alanaldaj7402]

Whole One Hot Minute is overlooked, very good album.

[@ChefHummel24]

While there are some noteworthy songs a lot of fans like to ignore the Dave Navarro Red Hot Chili Peppers happened....lol

[@diosyntaxa]

You're spot on with the off-center comment, it feels more HUMAN when it's not quite perfect :) Even the singers that seem like they get it 100% perfect, if you analyze it you see tiny variances and them being slightly sharp or flat a lot of times, and of course some of the very best are perfect more often, but it's still not 'perfect' when you really look into it, which is makes it warmer so to speak. It's like when some people say "You can't grid the blues", it's as much about the moments in between as in the moment itself, if that makes sense. This is one of the reasons I love your reactions and analyses, your appreciation for the genuine nuances :)

[@barbarino2000]

Flea is a fantastic person. What he’s done to educate kids on music is worthy of attention. “60 Minutes” recently did a feature on him.

[@cyrocya1]

I feel that starting with this song for the RHCP is like starting with sound of silence for Disturbed. Its beautiful. Its powerful, but not what I'd call the iconic style of the peppers

[@janjansens8724]

Yeah, I cant stand the rest.

[@gishjalmr5628]

Every time I hear this song it takes me back and I remember a girl I knew from Gold Coast, Samantha. It's crazy how even decades later you can be transported back just by a song.

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

The entire band's sense of Rhythm and percussion is what makes them so great. Even Anthony, he's basically a rapper and this was his first real try at really "Singing."

[@bovinicusdivinicus]

Bassline for this song is so solid. Like the terra firma. But at the end he's making you tumble and fly. So expressive and solid.

[@ToneDaBass]

As a professional a cappella singer, I am tuned into hearing vocal nuances. I love that I can learn new perspectives from your videos, thank you.

[@traog]

I would hear RHCP on the radio, often without knowing who I was hearing. I thought it was good, but when I really noticed them was when I heard them cover Stevie Wonder's song "Higher Ground", they honored the original but still elevated it, and made it theirs.

[@evam4182]

Oh I have been waiting so long for this video!! Thanks Elizabeth! ❤❤❤ hope you’re feeling good, mama! We’re due a few weeks apart!

[@jenh9221]

I’ve been waiting super long for Mudhoney. I hope I get my day too.

[@tinatammaro1694]

All the different genres such as reggae and others were hugely popular when this band was coming into being. There's even a hint of blues there and jazz! The melancholy behind it all is gripping! They blended it all together into something very unique and special! Anthony's autobiography is heartbreaking and inspirational. I feel that every time I hear this song! So glad their music exists!

[@yodaphobic96]

Every member of this band is such a unique character. We don’t get bands like this anymore.

[@a.ramosakadrumgrl6677]

The original guitarist of the RHCP died of a drug overdose and that is the story behind this song; Anthony’s story of getting clean and sober. Under the Bridge is a reference to where he would go to do the deed. The guitarist in this video, he played shows without using pics and finger picked every string. It’s a rare thing to see a guitarist to do these days.

[@robertaucoin6050]

Nope, Hillel's song was Knock me Down off of Mother's Milk - The song serves as a tribute to Slovak; according to Kiedis, "It was a song that described what it was like to be a drug addict, to have that ego and to think you were impenetrable and impervious to the forces of nature and life. But it was also a love song for Hillel."

[@a.ramosakadrumgrl6677]

@ thanks for the history, I only have ever seen them once in 85 or 86 before they were famous. They opened for X.

[@robertaucoin6050]

@@a.ramosakadrumgrl6677 Yeah, I got into them between Uplift Mofo and Mother's Milk. Met Frusciante in like 88 (I think) when they played Houston with the Meat Puppets. John was hanging outside the after party and my friend and I recognized him. He chatted with us (probably because my friend was a looker) but we were all too young to be inside the bar for the party.

[@a.ramosakadrumgrl6677]

@ I know how you feel, I went and saw my drum teacher play in a bar way back when. I was barely old enough to be in the bar, but glad I got to see what it was like to be on stage. I learned drums late in life. I still had the best teacher, he now plays with Tears for Fears. He’s still a good man!

[@nephlemhunter2171]

I never thought about the choir in the outro. Had to look it up. JOHN'S MMOOMM!!!!!! 🤯 WWOOWW!!

[@anthonyvalade2959]

Live at Slane castle californication and live at la cigale don't forget me....both are epically legendary!

[@laurieemme1534]

For a different style and energy from RHCP - "Higher Ground" and "Give It Away" 😀

[@eauhomme]

And for more twang and introspection, "Scar Tissue".

[@jofflock]

John the guitar player, is my favourite musician. He wrote this guitar part when he was. 20 Which is so wild. He was super inspired by Jimi Hendrix at the time

[@billucf96]

Agree, Give It Away is a must.

[@ericawiley4524]

You just keep digging deeper and deeper into the artists that have built my music repertoire! As someone classically trained in vocals and piano, I love watching you fall in love with my favorite artists!! At the top of my list are Fleetwood Mac, RHCP, and Foo Fighters! They all have their own unique sound and their own interpretations of classical sounds and vocal expressions. Thank you so much for being the vocal guide I need in my life!! 💕

[@NegotiableHemingway]

This is my top 5 favourite songs of all time and the intro still gives me chills after all these years.

[@TheStacanova]

You should react to the Druneo video “Chad Smith plays 30 seconds to mars”. What Druneo does is plays a track the drummer doesn’t know, with the drums muted and the drummer can make up their own part. Usually, the drummers will listen to the whole song, take notes, and do a couple run throughs. Chad just jumps in during the 1st verse on the the 1st listen and prettty much nails it!

[@adamruddle6558]

Yes

[@2462bf2]

Yes he's isane

[@BoBo15507]

I've so much messed up thing's to live with.. People like you doing music thing's, reviews and opinions make me laugh and giggle.. You doing the channel you have brightens everyone's day

[@andrewedmonds5431]

I was never a massive fan of RHCP but this video always brings back memories for me. In the early-mid 90s I was working at my best friends dad's restaurant. We'd do a busy Saturday night and then my friend and I would go and watch whatever was the last showing at the cinema, I'd always sleep in his lounge on a Saturday night and we'd get back around 2ish. I didn't have satellite tv at that time so it was always a novelty for me, as he did. I'd settle down in my lounge bed and put MTV on (back when MTV was actually focussed on music!). This video came on so much at that time and is always a big nostalgia hit when I see it!

[@GManWrites]

When are we going to hear the first Supergroup, Cream? I would suggest Sunshine of Your Love Live at the Royal Albert Hall 1968.

[@joergojschaefer3521]

I haven't counted, how many band projects did Ginger Baker actually have, including Cream? 10 at least, right? 🤔

[@GManWrites]

@joergojschaefer3521 Not to mention his African adventure.

[@mongonius]

Wow! What a review!!I love this channel more each time I watch.

[@robbob5302]

The first time I heard this song, I was in love from the opening chords. And as the song went on, it just kept getting better.

[@maggedo-x1s]

'Flea': RHCP's🌶️hecka crazy & hella cool bass player, was also in a hot rod daring Marty McFly to race w: "Whatsa matter? Are ya Chicken?!" in Back to the Future!

[@STRAKAZulu]

Flea does a lot of acting, mostly bit parts. He was in the Kenobi show for the first two or three episodes.

[@Laurie473]

& also in the BTTF # 2 - doing a shady Business deal on a Face-time / Zoom Call, ' C'mon McFly, stick your card in the slot, & I'll handle it..... ' which gets " Mc FRY!!! " terminated. by Fujitsu -san, who tell's Masry to "Read My Fax ! " - YOUR'E FIRED 😅

[@Chudchanning]

I like him as the tattoo artist in son in law

[@Kristen_kiki]

@@Chudchanningyou pick it, I stick it.

[@maggedo-x1s]

@@Chudchanning You're right, that is Flea tattin' the daughter w: "Son in Law" being Pauley Shore in that rare Thanksgiving fam'-com' movie! 🤔👍

[@sirenblue5356]

I would really like to reccomend reacting to Fiona Apple, not only a great voice, but also such artistry, expression, and brilliant songwriting. Maybe something like "Shadowboxer" from earlier years or "I want you to love me" from the newer stuff, but seriously, I would like to hear your take on Fiona:)

[@wozzablog]

another vote for Fiona Apple

[@themealena817]

Really hard to believe you made it so far without having heard this song at least once in your life. Even here in France, it is still on air on radio.

[@williamnettnin957]

It’s like starting with Nothing Else Matters then listening to Master of Puppets lol

[@KaninTuzi]

To be fair, that's how a lot of us were introduced to RHCP. I was just a kid and loved this song when it would play on MTV. That warm chill vibe etc. Then I bought Blood Sugar Sex Magik as my first album purchase ever and I was literally disappointed that almost none of the songs on the album sounded like this 😂

[@gtjacobs3994]

"Give it Away" would be a good follow up if you want to hear them spicy! "Soul to Squeeze" and "Scar Tissue" are two more great mellow ones.

[@newtonsclaw5304]

I think what you said is so spot on we really are losing the humanness in music and hearing a voice falter slightly really makes it so much more beautiful to me because the human really shines through in those moments

[@mcsquared981]

We're all saying it. Try Give It Away next if you want a contrast. Released in consecutive years that'll give a true feel for the breadth of their music.

[@jimdunlap5761]

I keep hoping for the Animals’ House of the Rising Sun live 1968 moving stage version. Such a charismatic voice!

[@devindraper8511]

Absolutely agree! One of my favorite performances ever.

[@Savian2501]

I'd give 20 more thumbs up for that one. I've seen a live version that was done a few years ago and he still has the voice that just rocks.

[@altuno]

Been listening to this song for years and didn't realize the tempo shift not even once! It took her a milisecond :) Incredible.