Blood Sugar Sex Magik

Blood Sugar Sex Magik is the fifth studio album by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, released September 24, 1991, by Warner Bros. Records. Produced by Rick Rubin, its musical style differed notably from the band's previous album Mother's Milk (1989), reducing the use of heavy metal guitar riffs and accentuating the melodic songwriting contributions of guitarist John Frusciante. The album's subject matter incorporates sexual innuendos and references to drugs and death, as well as themes of lust and exuberance. Blood Sugar Sex Magik peaked at number three on the US Billboard 200, and produced hit singles "Under the Bridge," "Give It Away," "Suck My Kiss," "Breaking the Girl" and "If You Have to Ask." The album propelled the band into worldwide popularity and critical acclaim. Frusciante quit the band during its 1992 tour, uncomfortable with fame; he rejoined in 1998. Blood Sugar Sex Magik is widely recognized as an influential and seminal release of the alternative rock explosion of the 1990s, with Steve Huey of AllMusic calling it "probably the best album the Chili Peppers will ever make." Flea shared the same sentiment in 2023, calling it his favorite Red Hot Chili Peppers album. It is the band's second best-selling album behind Californication. The band's previous album, 1989's Mother's Milk, was the band's second album to enter the Billboard 200, peaking at number 52, at the time the biggest of their career. Although the album was somewhat successful, the band felt unsatisfied with producer Michael Beinhorn. He convinced Frusciante to play with a heavier guitar tone, and instructed Anthony Kiedis to write lyrics that would be more radio-friendly, causing the band to feel restricted creatively. As the band's contract with EMI came to an end, they began looking for a new record label. The group reached a consensus to go with Epic, with the proviso that they buy out their last album from EMI. Though the label promised it would take only a few days, the process stretched out into several months.