What is the best Red Hot Chili Peppers song of all time?

From the funky hard rock of Blood Sugar Sex Magik to the melodic masterpieces of Californication, Red Hot Chili Peppers have delivered some of rock's most iconic songs — pick the one that defines the band for you.

1

Under the Bridge

A haunting ballad about loneliness and addiction in Los Angeles, featuring Anthony Kiedis's most intimate lyrics.

2

Californication

The cinematic title track from their 1999 comeback album, a meditation on Hollywood excess and the dark side of celebrity.

3

Give It Away

Their breakthrough 1991 funk-rock anthem that defined the RHCP sound and earned the band their first Grammy Award.

4

Can't Stop

An addictive funk workout from By the Way, known for its relentless energy, rapid-fire wordplay, and Flea's bass mastery.

5

By the Way

The bright, harmony-driven title track from their 2002 album, showcasing layered vocals and Flea's melodic bass lines.

6

Dani California

A driving rock anthem from Stadium Arcadium, tracing the story of a fictional girl across American states.

7

Soul to Squeeze

A beloved B-side that became one of their most emotionally resonant tracks, with lush melodies and reflective lyrics.

8

Otherside

A moody, cinematic ballad from Californication exploring themes of loss, self-destruction, and the search for peace.

9

Snow (Hey Oh)

An anthemic rock song from Stadium Arcadium with intricate fast-picked guitar arpeggios and themes of new beginnings.

10

Breaking the Girl

A gentle acoustic-influenced ballad from Blood Sugar Sex Magik with haunting falsetto harmonics and an emotionally complex narrative.

11

Higher Ground

A supercharged funk-rock cover of Stevie Wonder's classic that showcased RHCP's raw energy to a whole new audience.

12

Stadium Arcadium

The grand opening track from their double album of the same name, blending romance and stadium-sized arena rock.

13

The Zephyr Song

A dreamy, psychedelic gem from By the Way with layered harmonics and a hypnotic groove that invites escapism.

14

Dark Necessities

The lead single from their acclaimed 2016 comeback album, featuring one of Flea's most inventive bass grooves.

15

Around the World

An exhilarating funk-rock opener to Californication with a hypnotic, seemingly endless chorus that captures RHCP at their most electric.

16

Knock Me Down

An emotional 1989 single inspired by bandmate Hillel Slovak's death, showing a vulnerable side of the band.

17

My Friends

A tender acoustic-influenced ballad from One Hot Minute with yearning vulnerability and unexpected emotional depth.