Californication is the seventh album by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, released on June 8, 1999 (see 1999 in music), with John Frusciante, their former guitarist from the Blood Sugar Sex Magik days, returning to the band, replacing Dave Navarro, the former guitarist of the alternative band Jane's Addiction. With John back in the band, the Red Hot Chili Peppers faced a new musical direction with the albums following. Many fans believe this is the turning point of the band since the Blood Sugar Sex Magik days towards a more mature Red Hot Chili Peppers.

"Californication" is the Red Hot Chili Peppers' 4th single from their hit album, Californication. It was released in 2000, the song only reached #61 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the USA, and #16 on the UK charts, though it remains as one of Red Hot Chili Peppers' best known songs and has been played at nearly every concert since its release. It is notable for its sparse yet haunting combination of guitar and bass notes in the intro.