There's alot that has been said about this release, but I feel the need to throw in my .02 in regards to this extraordinary and influential record. Jane's Addiction had risen to critical acclaim as an extremely innovative and thoroughly original band during the time period of the mid to late 1980's and with their 3rd release in Ritual de lo Habitual, the group reached an apex of sorts. The sound and style of Jane's comes from a variety of musical flavors and genre's culminating in a curious blend of punk, heavy rock and goth-art with a dash of funk, folk and borderline heavy metal flavorings. Alternative wasn't quite coined yet as such, but Jane's Addiction were one of several bands whom had created this style quite uncannily.  From the beginning angst of Stop! to the dream-like ballad in Classic Girl, this record goes over leaps from their previous groundbreaking opus, Nothing's Shocking, and in my view, is their greatest accomplishment.

​

Been Caught Stealing was the hit single chosen for this record and is one of their most classic tracks to date. Its begun with an ensemble downbeat and bassist Eric Avery leads the charge with a solid bass line which drives the song throughout in tandem with Dave Navarro's melodic, metallic guitar chops and Stephen Perkins' steady, chugging drumming style combined with Perry Farrell's piercing and distinct vocalizing; culminating in a direct hit of what Jane's Addiction were about. The most adventurous numbers on offer are the surreal-like, organic builds of Three Days and Then She Did...; one can literally pinpoint the group's sum of parts while also understanding how collectively powerful they were as a band.  

​

Shorter cuts like No One's Leaving, Ain't No Right and Obvious have a tendency to display a rawer quality from a direct punk and hard rock vein, but remain just as vital to the record's appeal. Of Course has a tribal drumbeat as well as a violin part that adds a bit of color and style to its somewhat arty-goth flavor; ultimately though, hypnotic within its stripped down qualities. The aforementioned Classic Girl has a very dream-like guitar pattern, courtesy of Mr. Navarro and Farrell's vocalizing matches the mood of the number serving as an inspiration to/from his then, girlfriend Casey Nicolli. Its a great track to close out such an intriguing album with and on the whole, I would say this is Jane's Addiction's finest studio recorded moment despite the band splitting within a year of this release. If you haven't heard it, you're missing out. 

​

Rating Grade- A+