Red Hot Chili Pepper fans everywhere wondered about the future of the band after John Frusciante, the band’s famous lead guitarist, quit for the second and final time in 2009, three years after their ninth studio album “Stadium Arcadium.”
However, with Josh Klinghoffer as an acceptable replacement, the band returns the tenth time around with something more to say — a statement that’s new and more mature than ever.
“I’m With You” is significantly different from previous Red Hot Chili Peppers’ albums, featuring slight hints of different styles. Found on the album is a disco vibe in “Monarchy of Roses” and rap-rock in “Even You Brutus?” However, the band does not stray from their signature funk-rock sound. The core of each song is funky, with legendary bassist Flea’s clever melodies and Anthony Kiedis’ ever-eccentric lyrics.
The album may surprise longtime listeners with the new sound, but it also pleases true Chili Peppers fans with the group’s ability to stay true to their original sound. The band delivers a typical Red Hot Chili Peppers-esque steamy song in “Did I Let You Know” and an expected slow power ballad in “Brendan’s Death Song.”
Newcomer Josh Klinghoffer clearly emulates John Frusciante’s work, but still remains in his shadow. We do get a glimpse of what Klinghoffer is capable of in his guitar solo in the ever-so catchy single, “The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie.” However, in a majority of the fourteen tracks, Klinghoffer humbly allows the original band members to outshine him. Although Klinghoffer may not be as creative a guitar player as John Fusciante, he still supplies some unique riffs for the album.
Overall, the album is unique and captivating. Not all tracks are memorable, but they do enough to remind Red Hot Chili Peppers fans why they loved the band in the first place. With a new guitarist and all members a few years older, the band still supplies the same amount of energy and passion for playing on their tenth album, a trait seldom found in most modern music.
Reach the reporter at jocelyn.gee@asu.edu
