Post by Josh McLaughlin on Sept 27, 2011 1:23:50 GMT -5
Red Hot Chili Peppers
"I'm With You"
Released August 2011
Produced by Rick Rubin
The Red Hot Chili Peppers are back with "I'm With You", their long-antipated studio album; their first in over five years. Will the departure of John Frusciante and the fact that three quarters of the band are nearing fifty years old, the band that's done it all looks to show that they still have lots left to offer. Will this be a new beginning for the legendary funk-rockers as they show they are still steaming hot, or does it mark the beginning of the end for the icons?
Feedback adorns the album's opening track "Monarchy of Roses", as we are introduced to Josh Klinghoffer, the newest member of Red Hot Chili Peppers as he takes over Frusciante's role as lead guitarist. We hear that he is no Dave Navarro; the sound is undoubtedly fitting to the band. Anthony Keidis's unmistakable vocals enter with a tinge of Chris Cornell along with a chugging bass riff from Flea (we expect no less) before bursting into a catchy chorus very fitting to Stadium Arcadium-era 'Chili Peppers. A strong opening with parts as funky as Blood Sugar Sex Magic with the catchiness and sheen of By The Way and Stadium Arcadium.
"Factory of Faith" continues with a funky bass and vocal section which has that classic Red Hot Chili Peppers song, again with the mixing and quality of a more recent release. Klinghoffer's guitar work is as groovy and spacey as his predessecor's, showing the work they have done together on Frusciante's solo albums. This track clearly shows that the band was inspired by 80's music such as Rolling Stones while creating this album, sounding reminiscent of that era without seeming outdated. The harmonic ballad "Brendan's Death Song" is third on the album, becoming an instant anthem that will have you singing along by the end of the first listen. The song shows clearly hear how much Keidis's vocals have improved over the years and the tightness of the band is incredible considering how short a time they have been writing music with Klinghoffer. Passionate and emotional is how I would describe this song in two words.
"Ethiopia", drummer Chad Smith's favourite from the album reeks of classic Red Hot Chili Peppers funk and groove with possibly their most complicated rhythm section ever. Anthony Keidis is catchy; through the verse's "E I O I E I A"s, to the chorus's anthemic qualities; almost begging to be played in front of 50,000 people worldwide. "Annie Wants a Baby" shows the more modern side of the band with the vocals and guitar speaking to each other and working in harmony, supported by a solid rhythm section; one of the most talented in the world. This more modern sound continues with "Look Around", which could prove to be one of the albums "anthems", like "Can't Stop" was to 2002's "By The Way" release. It's instantly catchy and shows how well Klinghoffer fits with the band.
"The Adventures of Raindance Maggie", the album's first single seems a little more generic than other songs on the album, and is one that grows on you with multiple lessons. Having said that though, it still has that Chili Peppers charm and mood. "Did I Let You Know" is more adventurous, as it features Klinghoffer prominently on back-up vocals as well as a trumpet solo from Flea. It's another solid track, and though not as tight as other tracks, still stands out as something original and good. The guitar work in this song is my personal favourite on the album.
"Goodbye Hooray" opens with bursting drums and bass along with keys in the background. The only picking I have with this album at this point is that at many areas it seems like Klinghoffer is left in the background, overpowered by the other members. The solo and bridge in this track are fantastic. The keys continue in "Happiness Loves Company", which shocks me as the band made it to song ten before mentioning LA! It's a rhythmic track, and although not particularly a standout on the album, it's still a solid effort. "Police Station" is a very moody and atmospheric song, and also very melodic. Though i'm sceptical that this will ever be a RHCP staple, it's another one of my favourites from the album.
"Even You, Brutus?" opens with an almost Eminem-esque keyboard intro that bursts into a very funky riff with Kiedis using hip-hop styled vocals. It's a great song that matches intensity with classic Red Hot Chili Peppers fun. "Meet Me at The Corner" is another spacious, moody song that uses background noise and minimalization to perfection. "Dance, Dance, Dance" picks up the mood again for the big finalé, still having the solemn mood but adding it little more rhythm and flair to the mixture; making for a good last song on the album.
"I'm With You" may lack the mainstream catchiness and appeal that "Stadium Arcadium" (2006) and "By the Way" (2002) had, but what it lacks in that aspect; it makes up for in substance. It is adventurous from the start to the end, with a lot of great mood-setting tracks; and the signature funk that the band is known for. It's possibly my favourite album, as a whole, since "Californication" (1999), showing that despite age and the fact that this is their 10th studio album, they are STILL red hot! Standouts from the album, in my opinion are "Brendan's Death Song", "Look Around", "Ethiopia" and "Even You, Brutus?".
8.5/10
"I'm With You"
Released August 2011
Produced by Rick Rubin
The Red Hot Chili Peppers are back with "I'm With You", their long-antipated studio album; their first in over five years. Will the departure of John Frusciante and the fact that three quarters of the band are nearing fifty years old, the band that's done it all looks to show that they still have lots left to offer. Will this be a new beginning for the legendary funk-rockers as they show they are still steaming hot, or does it mark the beginning of the end for the icons?
Feedback adorns the album's opening track "Monarchy of Roses", as we are introduced to Josh Klinghoffer, the newest member of Red Hot Chili Peppers as he takes over Frusciante's role as lead guitarist. We hear that he is no Dave Navarro; the sound is undoubtedly fitting to the band. Anthony Keidis's unmistakable vocals enter with a tinge of Chris Cornell along with a chugging bass riff from Flea (we expect no less) before bursting into a catchy chorus very fitting to Stadium Arcadium-era 'Chili Peppers. A strong opening with parts as funky as Blood Sugar Sex Magic with the catchiness and sheen of By The Way and Stadium Arcadium.
"Factory of Faith" continues with a funky bass and vocal section which has that classic Red Hot Chili Peppers song, again with the mixing and quality of a more recent release. Klinghoffer's guitar work is as groovy and spacey as his predessecor's, showing the work they have done together on Frusciante's solo albums. This track clearly shows that the band was inspired by 80's music such as Rolling Stones while creating this album, sounding reminiscent of that era without seeming outdated. The harmonic ballad "Brendan's Death Song" is third on the album, becoming an instant anthem that will have you singing along by the end of the first listen. The song shows clearly hear how much Keidis's vocals have improved over the years and the tightness of the band is incredible considering how short a time they have been writing music with Klinghoffer. Passionate and emotional is how I would describe this song in two words.
"Ethiopia", drummer Chad Smith's favourite from the album reeks of classic Red Hot Chili Peppers funk and groove with possibly their most complicated rhythm section ever. Anthony Keidis is catchy; through the verse's "E I O I E I A"s, to the chorus's anthemic qualities; almost begging to be played in front of 50,000 people worldwide. "Annie Wants a Baby" shows the more modern side of the band with the vocals and guitar speaking to each other and working in harmony, supported by a solid rhythm section; one of the most talented in the world. This more modern sound continues with "Look Around", which could prove to be one of the albums "anthems", like "Can't Stop" was to 2002's "By The Way" release. It's instantly catchy and shows how well Klinghoffer fits with the band.
"The Adventures of Raindance Maggie", the album's first single seems a little more generic than other songs on the album, and is one that grows on you with multiple lessons. Having said that though, it still has that Chili Peppers charm and mood. "Did I Let You Know" is more adventurous, as it features Klinghoffer prominently on back-up vocals as well as a trumpet solo from Flea. It's another solid track, and though not as tight as other tracks, still stands out as something original and good. The guitar work in this song is my personal favourite on the album.
"Goodbye Hooray" opens with bursting drums and bass along with keys in the background. The only picking I have with this album at this point is that at many areas it seems like Klinghoffer is left in the background, overpowered by the other members. The solo and bridge in this track are fantastic. The keys continue in "Happiness Loves Company", which shocks me as the band made it to song ten before mentioning LA! It's a rhythmic track, and although not particularly a standout on the album, it's still a solid effort. "Police Station" is a very moody and atmospheric song, and also very melodic. Though i'm sceptical that this will ever be a RHCP staple, it's another one of my favourites from the album.
"Even You, Brutus?" opens with an almost Eminem-esque keyboard intro that bursts into a very funky riff with Kiedis using hip-hop styled vocals. It's a great song that matches intensity with classic Red Hot Chili Peppers fun. "Meet Me at The Corner" is another spacious, moody song that uses background noise and minimalization to perfection. "Dance, Dance, Dance" picks up the mood again for the big finalé, still having the solemn mood but adding it little more rhythm and flair to the mixture; making for a good last song on the album.
"I'm With You" may lack the mainstream catchiness and appeal that "Stadium Arcadium" (2006) and "By the Way" (2002) had, but what it lacks in that aspect; it makes up for in substance. It is adventurous from the start to the end, with a lot of great mood-setting tracks; and the signature funk that the band is known for. It's possibly my favourite album, as a whole, since "Californication" (1999), showing that despite age and the fact that this is their 10th studio album, they are STILL red hot! Standouts from the album, in my opinion are "Brendan's Death Song", "Look Around", "Ethiopia" and "Even You, Brutus?".
8.5/10