In typical fashion, the Red Hot Chili Peppers make it worth the hiatus in their 2011 full length release ‘I’m With You’. Following up their Grammy Award winning 2006 smash ‘Stadium Arcadium’, the California based rockers remain true to themselves while adding more of a pop element to their latest album.
Fans will notice long time lead guitarist John Frusciante has left and been replaced by newcomer Josh Klinghoffer (handpicked by Frusciante himself) who brings a bit more of a pop element to the Peppers already eclectic sound. The band seems to hone in on the more refined sound brought in with 2006’s ‘Stadium Arcadium’; that’s not to say that this album will disappoint fans hoping the band will stick to its roots. Anthony Keidis’ polished vocals, Flea’s heavy bass, drummer Chad Smith’s steady, always present beats and the band’s catchy backing vocals have not disappeared. Each new album represents a slight transition in sound and this one is no different.
The lead single ‘Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie’ is a microcosm of the whole album with its smooth, bass infused introduction and melodic bridge. ‘Happiness Loves Company’ offers an upbeat introduction with a piano subtly in the background the entire way through. ‘Look Around’ takes the same upbeat beginning and adds some guitar funk highlighted by Keidis’ lyrics. Another lyric heavy track, ‘Even You Brutus’ showcases how far the band has come in 27 years. For a change of pace, ‘Brendan’s Death Song’ is a masterful switch into a much more mellow tone, yet still guitar and drum laden. Also, just to prove they still have their signature bass, ‘Factory of Faith’, ‘Ethiopia’, and ‘Annie Wants A Baby’ treat listeners to the deep introductions that they have become known for, although it almost comes at the expense of the rest of the song.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers have long since cemented their status as one of the most original and influential bands to come out of the nineties (or eighties depending on your perspective). Their newest effort reinforces the fact that they are still relevant. If you like any element of the band’s sound you will not be disappointed with ‘I’m With You’. Of course, it’s hard to be disappointed by a group with such a versatile sound.