Can't Stop (Red Hot Chili Peppers song)

Last updated

"Can't Stop"
RedHotChiliPeppersCantStop.jpg
Single by Red Hot Chili Peppers
from the album By the Way
ReleasedFebruary 3, 2003 (2003-02-03) [1]
Genre
Length
  • 4:29 (album version)
  • 4:06 (radio version)
Label Warner Bros.
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Rick Rubin
Red Hot Chili Peppers singles chronology
"The Zephyr Song"
(2002)		"Can't Stop"
(2003)		"Dosed"
(2003)
Music video
"Can't Stop" on YouTube

"Can't Stop" is a song by the American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, from their eighth studio album, By the Way (2002). It was released as the third single from the album on February 3, 2003.

Contents

"Can't Stop" became the band's eighth number one on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, where it was number one for three weeks. It reached number 57 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Can't Stop" performed well on international charts and the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks and Mainstream Rock charts.

Composition

The song is instrumentally composed in 4/4 standard time and in the key of E minor. The verse plays twice before the bridge, as well as the chorus. During the bridge, Frusciante plays sparsely in a reggae style, only strumming on the up-beat. Following the bridge, Frusciante utilizes a fuzz (Big Muff Pi by Electro Harmonix) in his solo. He also makes extensive use of a tone-bend. [2]

Lyrically, "Can't Stop" is a prime example of the band's occasional use of writing lyrics to an established rhythm, rather than rhythms to established lyrics. [3] Anthony Kiedis writes in his typical circumlocutory style. Nonetheless, the predominant theme of cultivating an inner, personal energy (evidenced in the title and the final line: "This life is more than just a read-through.") can be understood in almost every line. The verses are addressed to the listener (or perhaps to himself), in an instructional tone, with references to Kiedis's own life, as well as citing the inspiration of Defunkt ("Defunkt, the pistol that you pay for") and Julia Butterfly Hill ("J. Butterfly is in the treetops"). The bridge marks a slight departure, as Kiedis suggests he had temporarily forgotten this philosophy, and looks to a new girlfriend to help himself back on his feet.

Reception and chart performance

The song itself is distinct, especially when in comparison to the various other tracks on By the Way. Some consider the song to be among the only true punk/funk sounds on the entire album, along with "Throw Away Your Television". [4] [5] "Can't Stop" was considered to be "energetic" and melodically encompassing, by combining textured, melodic, and funky themes together into one.

The song was the Chili Peppers' eighth number one on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, and second from the album By the Way. It also peaked at number 57 on the Billboard Hot 100. [6] The song is a live performance staple for the band.

Music video

The Mark Romanek-directed music video for the single, released on January 24, 2003, [7] features all four of the band members doing seemingly random and excessively abstract actions such as holding many water bottles or attempting to balance buckets on their heads. It begins with the camera swooping through a yellow tube to Anthony Kiedis, wearing glasses, and is subsequently followed by the foursome running through a hall with light fixtures attached to their backs. The band engages in various activities, such as wearing a giant purple hippopotamus mask, playing with rubber balls, jumping, abstract scenes with boxes, buckets, water bottles, trash cans, flying through the air, pink foam peanuts, plants, playing guitar in a room full of empty blue chairs/room with lamps turning on and off.

At certain segments of the video, guitarist John Frusciante is playing a silver Fender Stratocaster and an orange Toronado, [8] which is unlike his style due to the fact that he only plays vintage guitars (both guitars being under five years of age). Frusciante later explained he was instructed to play the guitars by director Mark Romanek since they blended well with the color scheme used in the video. [9]

Inspiration for the video was attributed to Austrian artist Erwin Wurm, as indicated by the sign at the end of the video. [10] The lighting was positioned in order to provide a clean-cut, contemporary atmosphere which would integrate with the video's concept. [10] Orange was chosen to be the backsplash color by Romanek. His creative hand attempted to mirror Wurm's abstract "One Minute Sculptures", by having the band perform random scenes, which seem to fit no purpose. However, in retrospect, they were not intended to be anything more than an homage.

The music video includes alternate audio mixing than what was published on the feature album, By the Way . The alternate mixing was provided by Frusciante, who made the bass, backing vocals, and handclaps much less quiet.[ citation needed ] This alternate mixing was released under the CD singles 2, 3, & the 7-inch single as "Can't Stop" (John Frusciante single mix).

Track listings

CD single 1

  1. "Can't Stop" (John Frusciante single mix) – 4:29
  2. "If You Have to Ask" (live)
  3. "Christchurch Fireworks Music" (live) – 5:42

CD single 2

  1. "Can't Stop" (John Frusciante single mix) – 4:29
  2. "Right on Time" (live)
  3. "Nothing to Lose" (live) – 12:58

CD single 3 and 7-inch single

  1. "Can't Stop" (John Frusciante single mix) – 4:29
  2. "Christchurch Fireworks Music" (live) – 5:42

Personnel

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Charts

2003 chart performance for "Can't Stop"
Chart (2003)Peak
position
Australia (ARIA) [14] 38
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40) [15] 65
Canada (Nielsen SoundScan) [16] 31
Croatia (HRT) [17] 7
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100) [18] 47
France (SNEP) [19] 68
Germany (GfK) [20] 48
Ireland (IRMA) [21] 30
Italy (FIMI) [22] 22
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) [23] 23
Netherlands (Single Top 100) [24] 65
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) [25] 40
Scotland (OCC) [26] 16
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan) [27] 70
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade) [28] 39
UK Singles (OCC) [29] 22
UK Rock & Metal (OCC) [30] 2
US Billboard Hot 100 [6] 57
US Alternative Airplay ( Billboard ) [31] 1
US Mainstream Rock ( Billboard ) [32] 15
2023 chart performance for "Can't Stop"
Chart (2023)Peak
position
Japan Hot Overseas ( Billboard Japan ) [33] 20
2024 chart performance for "Can't Stop"
Chart (2024)Peak
position
Global 200 ( Billboard ) [34] 194

Certifications

Certifications and sales for "Can't Stop"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Denmark (IFPI Danmark) [35] Gold45,000‡
Germany (BVMI) [36] Platinum300,000‡
Italy (FIMI) [37] Platinum50,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ) [38] 4× Platinum120,000‡
Portugal (AFP) [39] 3× Platinum30,000‡
Spain (PROMUSICAE) [40] Platinum60,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI) [41] 3× Platinum1,800,000‡
United States (RIAA) [42] 3× Platinum3,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Release history and formats for "Can't Stop"
RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
AustraliaFebruary 3, 2003CD Warner Bros. [1]
United KingdomFebruary 10, 2003 [43]
JapanFebruary 13, 2003 [44]
GermanyFebruary 20, 2003 [25]

In other media

The Los Angeles Rams often use the song to start crowd chants or when the team enters the field from the player tunnel. Alice Cooper guitarist Nita Strauss often performs the song in an effort to entertain fans. [45]

The song was performed by the Red Hot Chili Peppers during the LA28 segment of the 2024 Summer Olympics closing ceremony. [46]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red Hot Chili Peppers</span> American rock band

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1982, comprising vocalist Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea, drummer Chad Smith, and guitarist John Frusciante. Their music incorporates elements of alternative rock, funk, punk rock, hard rock, hip hop, and psychedelic rock. Their eclectic range has influenced genres such as funk metal, rap metal, rap rock, and nu metal. With over 120 million records sold worldwide, the Red Hot Chili Peppers are one of the top-selling bands of all time. They hold the records for most number-one singles (15), most cumulative weeks at number one (91) and most top-ten songs (28) on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. They have won three Grammy Awards, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, and in 2022 received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

<i>Blood Sugar Sex Magik</i> 1991 studio album by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Blood Sugar Sex Magik is the fifth studio album by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, released on 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.

<i>One Hot Minute</i> 1995 studio album by Red Hot Chili Peppers

One Hot Minute is the sixth studio album by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, released on September 12, 1995, by Warner Bros. Records. The worldwide success of the band's previous album Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991) caused guitarist John Frusciante to become uncomfortable with their popularity, eventually quitting mid-tour in 1992. Following a series of short-term replacements, the band hired guitarist Dave Navarro in 1993; it was his only studio album with the band. Recording for the album took place at the Sound Factory in Hollywood from June 1994 to February 1995. It marked the second collaboration between the band and producer Rick Rubin.

<i>By the Way</i> 2002 studio album by Red Hot Chili Peppers

By the Way is the eighth studio album by the American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, released July 9, 2002, on Warner Bros. Records. It sold more than 286,000 copies in its first week, and peaked at number two on the Billboard 200. Singles included "By the Way", "The Zephyr Song", "Can't Stop" and "Universally Speaking". Additionally, "Dosed" was released as a promotional single in the US and Canada. The lyrical subject matter vocalist Anthony Kiedis addresses in By the Way is a divergence from previous Red Hot Chili Peppers albums, with Kiedis taking a more candid and reflective approach to his lyrics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Under the Bridge</span> 1992 single by Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Under the Bridge" is a song by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers and the eleventh track on their fifth studio album, Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991). It was released in March 1992 by Warner Bros. Records. Vocalist Anthony Kiedis wrote the lyrics while reflecting on loneliness and the struggles of being clean from drugs, and almost did not share it with the band.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Give It Away (Red Hot Chili Peppers song)</span> 1991 single by Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Give It Away" is a song by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers from the group's fifth studio album, Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991). It was released as the lead single from their album in September 1991 by Warner Bros. Records. The music was written by guitarist John Frusciante and bassist Flea during a jam session months prior to the album recording sessions. Vocalist Anthony Kiedis wrote the song's most prevalent lyrical refrain in response to an experience he shared with former girlfriend Nina Hagen regarding altruistic behavior and the value of selflessness.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Californication (song)</span> 2000 single by Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Californication" is a song by the American rock band the Red Hot Chili Peppers from their seventh album, Californication (1999). Released as a single in June 2000, it reached number 69 on the US Billboard Hot 100, number 16 on the UK Singles Chart, and number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks and Modern Rock Tracks charts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scar Tissue</span> 1999 single by Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Scar Tissue" is the first single from American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers' seventh studio album, Californication (1999). Released on May 25, 1999, the song spent a then-record 16 consecutive weeks atop the US Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart as well as 10 weeks atop the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, and it reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also successful in Iceland, New Zealand, and Canada, reaching numbers one, three, and four, respectively. In the United Kingdom, it charted at number 15 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Otherside</span> 2000 single by Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Otherside" is a song by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. It was released as the third single from their seventh studio album, Californication (1999), and confronts the battles addicts have with their prior addictions. The track was released in Australia, New Zealand, and Japan in 1999 and was given an international release in January of the following year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fortune Faded</span> 2003 single by Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Fortune Faded" is a song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It was released in 2003 as a single, to coincide with the release of their Greatest Hits album. The song, along with "Save the Population", was recorded at The Mansion and produced by Rick Rubin. A music video was also produced.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Breaking the Girl</span> 1992 single by Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Breaking the Girl" is a song by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers from their fifth studio album, Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991). It was released as the fourth single from their studio album in August 1992 and is a melodic ballad that refers to a turbulent relationship between frontman Anthony Kiedis and his former girlfriend, Carmen Hawk.

<i>Stadium Arcadium</i> 2006 studio album by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Stadium Arcadium is the ninth studio album by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. It was a double-album, first released in Germany on May 5, 2006, and released on May 9, 2006 in the United States on Warner Bros. Records. It produced five singles: "Dani California", "Tell Me Baby", "Snow ", "Desecration Smile" and "Hump de Bump", along with the band's first fan-made music video, for the song "Charlie". In the United States, Stadium Arcadium became the band's first number-one album. Stadium Arcadium was originally scheduled to be a trilogy of albums each released six months apart, but was eventually condensed into a double album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dani California</span> 2006 single by Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Dani California" is a song from American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers' ninth studio album, Stadium Arcadium (2006). The single was first made available at the iTunes Music Store and was officially released on April 28, 2006. The international radio premiere was on April 3, 2006, when Don Jantzen, from the Houston radio station KTBZ-FM, played "Dani California" continuously for his entire three-hour program.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Around the World (Red Hot Chili Peppers song)</span> 1999 single by Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Around the World" is a song by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, appearing as the opening track on their seventh studio album Californication (1999). The song was released as the album's second single on August 23, 1999. The single peaked at number seven on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and number 16 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Zephyr Song</span> 2002 single by Red Hot Chili Peppers

"The Zephyr Song" is a song by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, released as the second single released from their eighth studio album, By the Way (2002), on August 17, 2002. The song, as a single, was released in two parts. Both editions held two previously unheard-of B-sides, making it, collectively, hold four non-LP tracks. The single peaked at number six on the US Billboard Modern Rock chart, breaking the band's streak of three straight number-one hits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">By the Way (Red Hot Chili Peppers song)</span> 2002 single by Red Hot Chili Peppers

"By the Way" is a song by American funk rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. It is the title track and first single released from the band's eighth studio album of the same name (2002), on June 10, 2002. The song was the band's sixth number-one hit on the Modern Rock Tracks chart and spent seven weeks at number one on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. Internationally, the song reached number two in the United Kingdom, becoming the band's highest-peaking single there alongside "Dani California", and peaked atop the Italian Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Soul to Squeeze</span> 1993 single by Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Soul to Squeeze" is a song by the American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers that was originally recorded during the production of their fifth studio album, Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991). Although it was not featured on the record and was used as a B-side on the singles "Give It Away" and "Under the Bridge", "Soul to Squeeze" was later released as a single in 1993 by Warner Bros. Records. The song was included in the Coneheads film soundtrack. "Soul to Squeeze" was eventually re-released for the 2003 Greatest Hits album. It can also be found on the band's Live Rare Remix Box and The Plasma Shaft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Road Trippin'</span> Song by Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Road Trippin'" is a song by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers from their seventh studio album, Californication (1999). It was released as the album's fifth and final single in November 2000.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Snow (Hey Oh)</span> 2006 single by Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Snow (Hey Oh)" (occasionally stylized as "Snow ((Hey Oh))") is a song by American band Red Hot Chili Peppers from their 2006 double album, Stadium Arcadium. The song was released as the follow-up single to "Tell Me Baby" in 2006, and became the band's third straight number one hit on the Billboard Modern Rock chart, a spot it held for five straight weeks. The single was their 11th to top that chart, setting a record they still hold, extended in 2016 to 13 number ones.

"Black Summer" is a song by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers and is the first single from their twelfth studio album, Unlimited Love. The single was released on February 4, 2022, and it was their first song in 16 years to feature guitarist John Frusciante, following his return to the band in 2019.

References

  1. 1 2 "The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 3rd February 2003" (PDF). ARIA. February 3, 2003. p. 26. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 6, 2003. Retrieved November 21, 2021.
  2. ↑ Can't Stop Guitar Commentary; John Frusciante
  3. ↑ Spin Magazine Interview. August 13, 2002.
  4. ↑ Rolling Stone Magazine; By the Way Review – Tom Moon
  5. ↑ PopMatters; By the Way Review – Kimberly Mack
  6. 1 2 "Red Hot Chili Peppers Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved February 16, 2013.
  7. ↑ "Timeline". redhotchilipeppers.com. Archived from the original on February 6, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2022.
  8. ↑ "John Frusciante's 1999 Fender Custom Shop Silver Sparkle Stratocaster ("Can't Stop" music video)". August 6, 2019.
  9. ↑ The Making of Can't Stop: The Video – Red Hot Chili Peppers Greatest Hits
  10. 1 2 Red Hot Chili Peppers 'Can't Stop' video; interview with Director of Photography, Jeff Cuttler. .
  11. ↑ "Red Hot Chili Peppers - Can't Stop - Live at Slane Castle". YouTube . - In most live performances, Flea takes over for Anthony Kiedis on the last line of each verse before the chorus, presumably to let Kiedis catch his breath before singing
  12. ↑ "Red Hot Chili Peppers - Can't Stop - Live Earth, London - 07 [Remastered]". YouTube .
  13. ↑ "Red Hot Chili Peppers - Intro + Can't Stop - Lollapalooza Chicago 2016 HD". YouTube .
  14. ↑ "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  15. ↑ "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  16. ↑ "Top 50 Singles". Jam! . Archived from the original on April 15, 2003. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
  17. ↑ "Top Lista Hrvatskog Radija". Croatian Radiotelevision. Archived from the original on April 24, 2003. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  18. ↑ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 21, no. 11. March 8, 2003. p. 11. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
  19. ↑ "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop" (in French). Les classement single.
  20. ↑ "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved February 25, 2019.
  21. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Can't Stop". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved January 29, 2020.
  22. ↑ "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop". Top Digital Download. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
  23. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 11, 2003" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
  24. ↑ "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  25. 1 2 "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop". Top 40 Singles.
  26. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
  27. ↑ "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop". Singles Top 100.
  28. ↑ "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop". Swiss Singles Chart.
  29. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
  30. ↑ "Official Rock & Metal Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
  31. ↑ "Red Hot Chili Peppers Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard.
  32. ↑ "Red Hot Chili Peppers Chart History (Mainstream Rock)". Billboard.
  33. ↑ "Billboard Japan Hot Overseas – Week of March 1, 2023". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved March 1, 2023.
  34. ↑ "Red Hot Chili Peppers Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
  35. ↑ "Danish single certifications – Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop". IFPI Danmark . Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  36. ↑ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Red Hot Chili Peppers; 'Can't Stop')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie . Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  37. ↑ "Italian single certifications – Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana . Retrieved January 2, 2022.
  38. ↑ "New Zealand single certifications – Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  39. ↑ "Portuguese single certifications – Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop" (PDF) (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa . Retrieved September 18, 2024.
  40. ↑ "Spanish single certifications" (in Spanish). Productores de Música de España . Retrieved March 12, 2024.Select Canciones under "Categoría", select 2024 under "Año". Select 10 under "Semana". Click on "BUSCAR LISTA".
  41. ↑ "British single certifications – Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  42. ↑ "American single certifications – Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  43. ↑ "New Releases – For Week Starting 10 February 2003: Singles". Music Week . February 8, 2003. p. 23.
  44. ↑ "CDリリース" [CD Releases] (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on February 7, 2003. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
  45. ↑ "The Rocker Gets Her ring! Rams' guitarist Nita Strauss with her Super Bowl Bling".
  46. ↑ Ashley Iasimone (August 11, 2024). "2024 Olympics Closing Ceremony: Billie Eilish Brings 'Birds of a Feather,' Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre Deliver 'The Next Episode' & More". Billboard. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.