The 80s were a unique time for music. The bluesy rock groups such as Led Zeppelin had completely disappeared, disco was gone, funk was out and a new era of music was beginning. Acts like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest hit high in the early 80s creating a new style of rock widely later to be known as metal. But as more and more metal bands such as Metallica and Slayer thrived, one group was still trying to keep funk alive; the L.A. based Red Hot Chili Peppers. The Red Hot Chili Peppers were formed in 1982 by bassist Michael Balzary (Flea) and singer Anthony Kiedis who were friends at Fairfax high school. Together, recruiting Jack Irons on drums and Hillel Slovak on guitar, The Red Hot Chili Peppers were formed and quickly with their mixture of funk, rap, and punk became a very popular band in the L.A. area known for their stunning live shows. Soon they released their first self-titled album but it did not live up to their live shows mainly because Hillel and Jack could not record on the album because they were signed to another band and were replaced for the recording. But the following year Hillel was able to record on the bands 1985 sophomore album Freaky Styley.
Freaky Styley wonderfully captures the funk-rock style that the Red Hot Chili Peppers perform. It has many funky elements that make this a strait up funk album. Hillels fast staccato strumming and Hendrix influenced solos fit well with fleas chunky slap bass while Anthony adds a unique rap like vocal style that makes nearly every song enjoyable. Also, a very noticeable element that is heard throughout the album is the use of a brass section that in songs like Nevermind, the Brothers Cup, and Yertle the Turtle really makes the songs sound more mature and developed. As well as being funky, tracks such as Battleship and Catholic School Girls rule show the punk influenced side of The Red Hot Chili Peppers and how they can melt different styles together creating a truly unique sound.
The album opens up with Jungle Man, which is a great opener and example of what the Red Hot Chili Peppers can create as a band. The funky bass line and in your face chorus is heard commonly on many songs such as American Ghost Dance all over the album. Next a cover song, Hollywood (Africa) gives a different feel to what the chili peppers can accomplish. Soon another great cover song, If You Want me to Stay originally by Sly and the Family Stone, begins and displays Anthonys great vocal style. The album continues with more great songs such as The Brothers Cup but begins to lack. Songs start to sound very similar and the poor songwriting turns the fun, funky songs into annoying, repetitive tracks. The stupid lyrics like in the title track can sometimes ruin the songs and make them sound unserious. Also, short, pointless songs such as Lovin and Touchin and Thirty Dirty Birds bring the album down. Another bad thing about the album is the production. The drums often sound annoying and sometimes there is an imbalance between the instruments and the vocals.
Although Freaky Styley has many apparent flaws, the funky bass lines and guitar playing can make up for its similarity. Hillel and Flea are great players and shine a light on all the albums songs. Also, George Clinton does a pretty fair job producing the album and, although the songwriting isnt top notch, keeps the music fun and enjoyable. This album is funky, fierce, and fun and sometimes that can make up for the flaws. Take the song Sex Rap for example. The lyrics are stupid and the song is not very catchy or appealing but the crazy energy displayed in Anthonys voice and Slovaks playing could make this song a favorite. Similar to Sex Rap, the energy seen on Battleship also makes up for its flaws. So in general, what keeps this album alive is the instrumentation and its high energy level seen in literally every track on the album.
Freaky Styley is not a bad album. The songwriting may be lacking and the production is poor, but this quirky fun filled album isnt bad for a sophomore release from the young and eager chili peppers. So if you liked their self-titled album or Uplift the Mofo Party Plan, you will probably like this album as well. Although this is a good Red Hot Chili Peppers album, its not for all its fans. Freaky Styley sounds very different from newer albums such as By the Way and Stadium Arcadium and just because you liked those albums, doesnt mean youll like their much older stuff. In conclusion, Freaky Styley is a funky, fun, and energy filled album that is perfect for any fan of The Red Hot Chili Peppers that enjoyed their albums during the 80s.
3/5 good
Pros.
Funky
Fun
Energized
Instrumentation
Bass lines
Unique style
Cons.
Production
Songwriting
Repetitiveness
Similar sounding songs
Recommended Tracks
Jungle Man
If You Want Me to Stay
Nevermind
The Brothers Cup
Yertle the Turtle
Pleas Comment and Enjoy
Flea is Godly
Odd
