Soul to Squeeze

Soul to Squeeze operates in natural minor territory that sits closer to folk-rock than to the funk-blues modes RHCP typically favored. The VII chord (G major) does the heavy lifting throughout, pulling the harmony away from any strong tonal center without creating tension that demands resolution. Brendan O'Brien's organ adds warmth without complicating the underlying structure. The result is one of the band's harmonically plainest songs — and one of the most emotionally direct.

Written by all four members of Red Hot Chili Peppers during the Blood Sugar Sex Magik sessions in 1991, the song was recorded but left off the album. It circulated first as a B-side on both 'Give It Away' and 'Under the Bridge' before being selected for the Coneheads film soundtrack, which gave it the platform for a proper single release in July 1993 on Warner Bros. Records.

Recorded during the Blood Sugar Sex Magik sessions in 1991 but ultimately cut from the album, 'Soul to Squeeze' first appeared as a B-side on 'Give It Away' and 'Under the Bridge' before landing on the Coneheads film soundtrack and being released as a standalone single in 1993. Its muted, introspective tone set it apart from the funk-rock density of the record that spawned it. The song reached number one on US Alternative Airplay and was later included on the band's 2003 Greatest Hits compilation.