Parallel Universe (song)

"Parallel Universe"
Single by Red Hot Chili Peppers
from the album Californication
Released	March 2001
Recorded	1999
Genre	Alternative metal, alternative rock
Length	4:29
Label	Warner Bros.
Writer(s)	Flea, Frusciante, Kiedis, Smith
Producer(s)	Rick Rubin
Red Hot Chili Peppers singles chronology
"Road Trippin'" (2000) "Parallel Universe" (2001) "By the Way" (2002)

"Parallel Universe" is a radio promotional single by the Red Hot Chili Peppers from their 1999 album, Californication and was released in 2001 as the album's sixth and final single. Although it never was released as a tangible CD single, it charted on the US Modern Rock Tracks at number 37 during the week of March 24, 2001, and appeared on Greatest Hits.

Although being one of the album's loudest songs in terms of distortion, it does not contain any of the Chili's signature funk-orientated bass lines which they had been primarily known for in the past. Anthony Kiedis' vocals are subdued during the verses, reflecting an approach towards melodic balladry, while similarly the song lyrically tackles darker, more introspective themes than those that the band generally had a reputation for.

Despite only being a promotional single, "Parallel Universe" remains a live favorite in the band's setlists and has been performed over 230 times since its release, making it one of the band's most performed songs since its first performance in 1998. No music video was made for the single.