By 2006, the Chili Peppers had long since folded up their socks, and critics had begun to call them "mature" – a dreaded term that has signaled the death of many a great rock band. But with their huge ninth album, Anthony Kiedis, Flea and company proved that artistic growth and unapologetic Californicating funk-rocking can go hand-in-hand. Sprawling out over 26 songs and two CDs, Stadium Arcadium offered up everything the band do best: mordant L.A. stories ("Dani California"), ballads about love and renewal ("Snow") and a classic Chili Peppers party anthem whose title, "Hump de Bump," says it all.

Related:
• Rolling Stone's Original 2006 Review

• Inside the Red Hot Chili Peppers' Comeback Album

• Exclusive Photos and Excerpts from 'The Red Hot Chili Peppers: An Oral and Visual History'