The title song reveals an unglamorous side of Hollywood stardom. “This Velvet Glove” concludes, “It’s such a waste to be wasted.”
Obscure ramblings stray out of bounds. Several cuts refer to giving people “the finger.” The metaphysically confused “Parallel Universe” uses Christ’s name inappropriately. Lead singer Anthony Kiedis refers to California women as “muthaf—ing girls” (“Around the World”), invites someone to cuss him out (“Emit Remmus”), speaks of slitting his own throat and having sex with a movie star (“Otherside”), and gives a nod to reincarnation (“Right on Time”). The suggestive “I Like Dirt” appears to describe oral sex. Vulgarity, profanity and disrespect for police make “Get on Top” a lyrical bottom feeder. Though vague, “Savior” could be interpreted as blasphemous for questioning Jesus’ divine nature.
This unfocused stream of consciousness contains a lot of neutral material. Even a few positives. However, trashy language, sexual imagery and anti-Christian sentiment drown out any redemptive pondering. Don’t let teens plan a trip through Californication.
