For nearly 30 years, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have graced radio waves, television sets and sold out arenas across the globe with their unique trademark of funk-infused punk rock.
Their 10th studio album, “I’m With You,” serves as a perfect recap of the band’s storied career, as it uses different elements of their various styles to create a cohesive and entertaining listening experience.
New to this album is guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, who replaces virtuoso and longtime RHCP John Frusciante.
Frusciante served as a staple to their sound on five of their most successful studio releases such as 1989’s “Mother’s Milk” and 1999’s “Californication.”
Vocalist Anthony Kiedis, drummer Chad Smith and bassist Flea remained at their respective positions for this album.
The RHCP also stayed constant with longtime producer Rick Rubin for “I’m With You.”
The band requested that Rubin master the album specifically for iTunes customers, clearly realizing the importance of a strong online marketing strategy in today’s world. This, I think, serves as a testament to their knowledge not just of music, but of the music business as a whole.
“I’m With You” is another strong outing for one of the most famous acts of our generation. Like always with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the sound is largely focused on funky bass lines, unique vocal melodies and chorus hooks for listeners worldwide to sink their teeth into.
I feel, however, that some songs stand out more than others. So, below I have compiled a sampling of those tracks worth checking out.
Track One, “Monarchy of Roses”
The opening track to “I’m With You” immediately grabs the listener’s attention with Anthony Kiedis’ trademark vocal style layered with effects as a slow build up to the main riff.
The song is carried home from there with Flea’s bass line driving the rhythm section and Keidis finding a catchy chorus melody worthy of replay.
Overall this track serves as a reminder that, despite a five-year hiatus, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have not forgotten the sounds that made them a household name in the early ‘90s.
Track Four, “Ethiopia”
This song showcases the Chili Peppers’ African influences in full bore.
The song begins with a bass line and drumbeat played in an odd time signature that exhibits their talents as musicians a bit more than previous tracks. The song develops into a traditional Chili Peppers song from here with Kiedis rapping and singing his way through a track that is vintage Chili Peppers funk rock.
I feel this song captures their unique sound better than any other track on the album, and it is definitely a track worth checking out if you are new to the band.
Track Twelve, “Even You, Brutus?”
Track 12 is one of the Chili Peppers’ grooviest tunes to date. Driven by jazz piano courtesy of bassist Flea and rhyme-laden rapping by Kiedis, “Even You, Brutus?” is a track that will make heads across the globe bob in unison.
It also marks the evolution of the band’s members, with Flea stepping off the bass and behind the piano to put on display his well-rounded musical talents.
“I’m With You” is a perfect reminder of why the world fell in love with the Red Hot Chili Peppers and is certainly an album worth checking out if you’re a fan of their previous work.
It seems the new guitarist is a bit lackluster, a void left by Frusciante when he left the group.
Despite this minor failing, the album is solid and will stand as another shiny feather in the band’s already filled cap.
The new album incorporates some of the softer side of RHCP while keeping a grasp on the catchy tunes that made them who they are today. This album is worth the purchase.