For fans of:
Modest Mouse, Incubus, Maroon 5, Foo Fighters

Singles to download:
“Annie Wants a Baby,” “The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie,” “Even You Brutus”

“I’m With You,” the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ new album, maintains a sound that is distinctly theirs while blending in adult-alternative and contemporary sounds. This album sounds most similar to the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ past three albums, but it unfortunately loses the band’s earlier funk vibes to be more mainstream. The songs are still excellently composed and diversified enough to distinguish the album from its well-established brothers.

The music holds true to the band’s sound, especially in the rhythm section. Chad Smith on drums and Flea on bass are consistently locked in a groove that defines every song. This album debuted the band’s new guitarist, Josh Klinghoffer, who managed to fill John Frusciante’s shoes quite nicely. While Frusciante made a name for himself through standout guitar licks and solos, Klinghoffer focuses more on complementing singer Anthony Kiedis’s familiar vocals. The new guitarist contributes to the band rather tremendously without taking over. In “Brendan’s Death Song,” he offers beautifully subtle acoustic parts, while in “Goodbye Hooray” he offers sounds reminiscent of what Frusciante did on the band’s past three albums. Nonetheless, he creates his own distinct sound in fun and progressive, dare I say indie-like, songs such as “Dance, Dance, Dance” and “Monarchy of Roses.”

Overall, “I’m With You” displays the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ ability to remain mainstream while making their songs without-a-doubt theirs. The band has certainly managed to keep their music fresh and current. Those who focus on a specific period of the band’s music may really hate this album because it’s progressive, and it may not stand out as anything special. However, those who have admired the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ distinguished sound over the years will really like “I’m With You.”