This absolute gem of an album, released in 1985, and produced by the godfather of funk himself - George Clinton, is a masterpiece in the Peppers' discography. George Clinton could not have been a better individual to work with at the time. The Peppers' high energy and Clinton's funk vision is definitely a magical combo of music. You got to hand it to a band such as the Chili Peppers, who have tackled several genres and styles of music; and still keep it fresh; now matter what direction their music goes in next.

Before they were international superstars known for their soothing, mellow and soulful ballads, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were four poverty-stricken L.A punks making some of the funkiest music known to man. In the spirit of P-Funk recordings from the 70s, Freaky Styley is laden with springy bass lines, funkdafied guitar, and edgy, uneven drum grooves. Far from accessible, Freaky Styley is nonetheless an interesting, unique, and extremely original white-boy funk album.

The most intriguing prescence on the album would most certainly be guitarist Hillel Slovak, whose funky guitar dominates almost any track, lifting all of them to new heights. Tracks such as "Hollywood" and "Jungle Man" are guitar heavy, with super-charged funk-laden riffs that are as musically complex and interesting as much of John Frusciante's work. His noodling will no doubt be respected by listeners of all ages and backgrounds, even if it's not necessarily their kind of music. The virtuoso bassist Flea has some interesting pieces here as well, but don't be expecting any of his genius that comes through on Mother's Milk or BloodSugarSexMagik. He was surely one of the most talented bassists of the eighties, but he had yet to come into his own as a songwriter, as some of the basslines are repetitive and are consistently dominated by the outstanding guitar; Slovak and Flea are both extremely talented, but don't have the chemistry that the Frusciante-Flea team display.

Anthony Kiedis also had yet to become the lead singer he is today, his voice has very little range on this album, and his lyrics are seriously undeveloped. Tracks like "Catholic School Girls Rule" are fun, but will leave the listener wanting more after five songs in a row witht he same lyrical content. His charismatic and confident voice however, makes up for many of its shortcomings, and he definitely connects with the rest of the band. Cliff Martinez gives very strong work here as well, easily rivaling anything current drummer Chad Smith has done over the years.

If you've heard Californication and By the Way and are looking for some of the funkier Chili Peppers, I would suggest starting with BloodSugarSexMagik. If you enjoy tracks on that such as "Mellowship Slinky in B major" and "Sir Psycho Sexy," Freaky Styley would be a great second purchase. Drenched in L.A cool, it's a unique, funky and outright weird experience you won't soon forget.

I first bought this on a cassette back in 1985 when it was released. I wore the tape out. Yes, enough playing can do that. I first hear the single "Jungleman" on an independant radio station. I am disappointed that there are other review on here that compare this tape, album, cd, mp3 to anything current by the RHCP. Does any band sound the same as they did 20 years ago? Would they still share the same success if they did. I agree that there is a heavy funk vibe to this cd. I agree that George Clinton might have influenced the band a bit more then another producer might. But it was the 80's and it was a largly trasitional time for music. Name another time that rap, funk, disco, rock, pop, new wave, metal, glam, goth, punk and dance shared popularity prior to the 80's. This is a gem of an album which gives you an idea of the roots of the band. RHCP have continued with the funk. In this album they discovered it. A must have for anyone who is a fan.

Freaky Styley is the Chili Peppers funkiest album. It does'nt mean its their best but some do think its their best. I enjoy it very much and I think its the most underrated Chili Pepper album out there. George Clinton really helped the Chili Peppers make a fantastic, Funked up album. Highlights are Jungleman, Blackeyed Blonde, Catholic School Girls Rule, and Yertle the Turtle. This album is highly reccomended. Also pick up Uplift Mofo Party Plan, and Mother's Milk.

Freaky Styley is without question not only the funkiest Red Hot Chili Peppers album, but also one of the best funk albums since the heyday of Parliament/Funkadelic. After getting mixed results with their self titled debut, the Chili Peppers stepped up their game musically thanks to the return of original member Hillel Slovak and the strong production by the godfather of funk, George Clinton. Every song is worth listening to, especially Jungle Man, The Brothers Cup, If You Want Me To Stay, and Catholic School Girls Rule. Freaky Styley doesn`t have the strong songs and production of the later albums, but it`s definitely a good old school album.