Tell Me Baby

Last updated • 2 min readFrom Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia
"Tell Me Baby"
Tell Me Baby Cover.gif
Single by Red Hot Chili Peppers
from the album Stadium Arcadium
B-side
  • "A Certain Someone"
  • "Mercy Mercy"
ReleasedJuly 17, 2006
Recorded2005
Studio The Mansion, Los Angeles, California
Genre Funk rock, [1] alternative rock [2]
Length4:07
Label Warner Bros.
Songwriter(s) Flea, John Frusciante, Anthony Kiedis, Chad Smith
Producer(s) Rick Rubin
Red Hot Chili Peppers singles chronology
"Dani California"
(2006)
"Tell Me Baby"
(2006)
"Snow (Hey Oh)"
(2006)
Music video
"Tell Me Baby" on YouTube

"Tell Me Baby" is a song from the Red Hot Chili Peppers' ninth studio album Stadium Arcadium . The song was released as the follow-up to the hit single "Dani California" on July 17, 2006. [3] The single was not as successful as their prior single "Dani California" nor their next single "Snow (Hey Oh)" as far as chart success, but did reach number one on the Billboard Modern Rock chart and remained there for four weeks making it the band's second straight number one on that chart from Stadium Arcadium and tenth number one overall.

Contents

Composition

"Tell Me Baby" incorporates both the old funk rock sound from their Blood Sugar Sex Magik days in the verses of the song, and the chorus focuses on the more melodic sound found on more recent Chili Peppers albums. The song is about the dreams of pilgrims in Los Angeles who want to obtain fame and fortune. [3]

Reception

Nick Mitchell at The Skinny gave the song three out of five stars, stating "Neither particularly complex nor memorable, "Tell Me Baby" is nevertheless an upbeat little number that may well ingratiate itself on your eardrums." [4]

Music video

The music video for "Tell Me Baby" was directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, a directing duo that has worked on many other Chili Peppers videos. Flea said, "It's the best [video] we ever did." [5] For the video, Dayton and Faris interviewed and auditioned people who originally came to California to achieve some sort of fame and people who play music just for the sake of playing music. During the callback for the auditioned people, their second audition was filmed and the members of the Chili Peppers surprisingly entered the room during auditions to join in playing along.

Live performances

"Tell Me Baby" was performed often on the Stadium Arcadium World Tour and has been featured on all the tours that followed.

Formats and track listings

CD version 1 5439 15673-2
  1. "Tell Me Baby" 4:07
  2. "A Certain Someone" 2:25
CD version 2 9362 42956-2
  1. "Tell Me Baby" 4:07
  2. "Mercy Mercy" 4:01
  3. "Lyon 6.6.06" (Live) 3:53
7" Picture Disc 5439 15973-2
  1. "Tell Me Baby" 4:07
  2. "Mercy Mercy" 4:01

Personnel

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI) [35] Silver200,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<i>Greatest Hits</i> (Red Hot Chili Peppers album) 2003 greatest hits album by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Greatest Hits is the second greatest hits album and second compilation album by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, released on Nov. 18, 2003, by Warner Bros. Records. Aside from their cover of "Higher Ground", all songs on the album are from the band's tenure on Warner Bros. Records from 1991 to 2002, in addition to two newly recorded songs.

<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). 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. Released in March 1992 by Warner Bros. Records, "Under the Bridge" was praised by critics and fans for its emotional weight. The song was a commercial success and the band's highest-charting single, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, number one on the Cash Box Top 100 and certified platinum. It was also a success in other countries, mostly charting within the top 10. Gus Van Sant directed the song's music video, which was filmed in Los Angeles.

<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.

<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">Aeroplane (Red Hot Chili Peppers song)</span> 1996 single by Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Aeroplane" is a song by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers from their sixth studio album, One Hot Minute (1995). It was released in February 1996 by Warner Bros. as the third single from the album and a music video, directed by Gavin Bowden, accompanied its release. The song was written by Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Dave Navarro and Chad Smith, and produced by Rick Rubin. It peaked at number eleven on the UK Singles Chart and number eight on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. Although the song was left off the band's Greatest Hits album, the music video was included on the accompanying DVD.

<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 24, 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">Can't Stop (Red Hot Chili Peppers song)</span> 2002 single by Red Hot Chili Peppers

"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.

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

Since 1983, the American funk rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers has released 13 studio albums, two live albums, 12 compilation albums, 11 video albums, five extended plays, 66 singles, and 53 music videos. To date, the band has sold over 120 million records worldwide. According to the RIAA the Chili Peppers have 6× Multi-Platinum, 2× Platinum and 3× Gold albums in the US, totalling 28.5m. They also have 9× Multi-Platinum, 3× Platinum and 6× Gold singles too, totalling 46m. They have been nominated for 19 Grammy Awards, of which they have won 6. They have the most no.1 singles (15), the most cumulative weeks at no.1 (91) and most top-10 songs (28) on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart.

<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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Desecration Smile</span> 2007 single by Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Desecration Smile" is a song from the Red Hot Chili Peppers and was on their 2006 double album, Stadium Arcadium. The song was the fourth single released from the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hump de Bump</span> 2007 single by Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Hump de Bump" is a song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers from their 2006 double album, Stadium Arcadium. The song is the fifth and final single released from Stadium Arcadium and the last single the band would release with John Frusciante until "Black Summer" in 2022, as he had quit the band in 2009 before returning in 2019. Originally expected to be the fourth single for the US, Canada and Australia, the Red Hot Chili Peppers decided to make the single and video a worldwide release thanks to the positive feedback on the video, which was directed by comedian and good friend Chris Rock. The single was released in the US on April 7, 2007 while it was released May 10, 2007 in the rest of the world.

<i>Im with You</i> (album) 2011 studio album by Red Hot Chili Peppers

I'm with You is the tenth studio album by the American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. The album was released by Warner Bros. Records on August 26, 2011, in Europe and on August 29, 2011, in the United States. The album made its debut at number one in 18 countries including the United Kingdom, while reaching number two in the United States and Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie</span> 2011 single by Red Hot Chili Peppers

"The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie" is a song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, released as the first single from their tenth album I'm with You (2011). It was their first single since "Hump de Bump" in 2007, and their first with new guitarist Josh Klinghoffer. The song was released to radio on July 15, 2011, three days earlier than expected, due to an accidental release. The download was made available on July 18 while the CD single was released four days later.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dark Necessities</span> Song by the band Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Dark Necessities" is a song by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers and is the first single from their eleventh studio album, The Getaway. After announcing the single through their Twitter page on May 2, 2016, the single was released three days later on May 5, 2016. The music video was released on June 16, 2016. The song was released as a limited edition cassette single that was included in a deluxe package of The Getaway available only through the band's website.

"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.

<i>Unlimited Love</i> 2022 studio album by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Unlimited Love is the twelfth studio album by the American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, released through Warner Records on April 1, 2022. Produced by Rick Rubin, the album marks the return of guitarist John Frusciante, who left the band in 2009 and rejoined in 2019. A second full studio album, Return of the Dream Canteen, was recorded during the same sessions and was released on October 14, 2022.

References

  1. "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Tell Me Baby (4:07)". Billboard . Vol. 118, no. 30. July 29, 2006. p. 51. ISSN   0006-2510.
  2. mgallucci (9 April 2014). "Top 10 Alt-Rock Videos From 2006". Diffuser.fm. Retrieved May 19, 2016.
  3. 1 2 "The 15 Best Red Hot Chili Peppers Songs". PopMatters. Retrieved March 23, 2015.
  4. "Red Hot Chili Peppers - Tell Me Baby" . Retrieved March 23, 2015.
  5. Michael Balzary (June 5, 2006). "Fleamail June 4, 2006". Redhotchilipeppers.com. Archived from the original on October 5, 2007. Retrieved July 31, 2007.
  6. "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Tell Me Baby". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  7. "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Tell Me Baby" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  8. "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Tell Me Baby" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  9. "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Tell Me Baby" (in French). Ultratip.
  10. "Chart History". Billboard . Retrieved December 9, 2018.
  11. "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 24. týden 2006 in the date selector. Retrieved 1 December 2014.
  12. "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Tell Me Baby". Tracklisten.
  13. "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Tell Me Baby" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved March 18, 2019.
  14. "Chart Track: Week 23, 2006". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
  15. "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Tell Me Baby". Top Digital Download. Retrieved 7 January 2015.
  16. "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 29, 2006" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.
  17. "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Tell Me Baby" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  18. "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Tell Me Baby". Top 40 Singles.
  19. "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Tell Me Baby". VG-lista.
  20. "Listy bestsellerów, wyróżnienia :: Związek Producentów Audio-Video". Polish Airplay Top 100. Retrieved January 19, 2014.
  21. "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 200616 into search. Retrieved 15 December 2014.
  22. "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Tell Me Baby". Singles Top 100.
  23. "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Tell Me Baby". Swiss Singles Chart.
  24. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
  25. "Red Hot Chili Peppers Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 11, 2014.
  26. "Red Hot Chili Peppers Chart History (Adult Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
  27. "Red Hot Chili Peppers Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
  28. "Red Hot Chili Peppers Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
  29. "Red Hot Chili Peppers Chart History (Mainstream Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
  30. "Pop Rock" (in Spanish). Record Report. August 19, 2006. Archived from the original on July 16, 2006.
  31. "Brazilian Top 100 Year-End 2006". Crowley Broadcast Analysis. April 3, 2018. Retrieved January 30, 2022.
  32. "Top Canada Rock Songs" (PDF). Radio & Records . Retrieved January 10, 2024.
  33. "Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 2006". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved January 12, 2020.
  34. "2006 UK Singles Chart" (PDF). ChartsPlus. Retrieved November 15, 2021.
  35. "British single certifications – Red Hot Chilli Peppers – Tell Me Baby". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved September 10, 2024.