Red Hot Chili Peppers “I’m With You” – Album Review

It was 1991, I was 17 years old and the Red Hot Chili Peppers had just released their fifth studio album “Blood Sugar Sex Magik”.

Now it’s 2011, I’m 37 years old and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are still moving forward releasing their tenth studio album “I’m With You”.

Go out and buy it. It’s amazing. But remember a change has been made, John Frusciante long time Peppers guitarist has parted ways for the last time to focus on his solo career, and sideline guitarist Josh Klingoffer has joined the band on a permanent basis. Josh is exactly what the band needed. He provides a fresh, mature sound, bringing the Chili Peppers back to life. One thing is for sure, it’s a far better choice than Dave Navarro, who was chosen for their 1995 release “One Hot Minute”. One hot minute, was one hot disappointment.

After you download or purchase the “I’m With You” CD, I suggest starting it off with track #2 “Factory of Faith”. Flea, a God on bass, brings back that funk you’ve missed since “Blood Sugar Sex Magik”. It’s borderline Disco, without the giant spoon of cocaine in the sky. It’s still Anthony Kiedis, Flea, and drummer Chad Smith, but it’s a complete new vibe. Josh Klingoffer is the bands savior, the glue that has been missed for so many years. He’s come into the band with the same passion John Frusciante did back in 1989 when he was only 18 years old. For members Anthony, Flea, and Chad time has flown by, they’ve matured, have children, and side projects. It’s only fair for you to listen to this CD more than just a couple of times before you’ve passed judgment. Life’s journeys have taken their toll on the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, on all of us, and they've lived up to the title "I'm With You". After 20 years they still continue to put out inspirational music.

As a soon to be father, I see myself pushing a baby cart around listening to this CD. Three suggested tracks: Track #2 “Factory of Faith”, Track #13 “Meet me at the Corner”, and Track #14 “Dance, Dance, Dance”. I’ve grown, through thick and thin, with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and plan on passing on it on to the next generation.

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