10 Bands That Saved Their Career With One Album

Out of all the alternative bands rising to prominence in the early '90s, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were by far the most original. With their unique brand of funk, rock, and hip hop, the entire band felt like a small musical brotherhood whose musical chemistry almost seemed telepathic. Once John Frusciante left the band though, that lack of telepathy wasn't lost on the fans.

Though the band's followup album One Hot Minute was certainly not bad, the arrival of new guitarist Dave Navarro seemed to really turn fans off. Coupled with vocalist Anthony Kiedis getting hooked on hard drugs left the future of the band uncertain. Quickly firing Dave Navarro, a musical miracle occurred at the end of the decade with Californication. After reconciling their differences, Frusciante was back in the fold contributing some of the most melodic guitar parts of the band's career on songs like "Scar Tissue" and "Parallel Universe."

Kiedis also found ways to expand his vocal chops on this record, quickly shifting from his usual free flowing percussive singing style to traditional singing for most of the songs here. The Chilis had been through the ringer more than a few times at this point, but Californication let the rock world know that their musical foundation could weather anything.