Red Hot Chili Peppers Have Returned with "I'm With You"

            After a two-year long hiatus, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have tapped back into their roots with new guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, to release their funk-driven album I’m With You.  Released August 29, 2011, a day earlier than expected, I’m With You deeply represents the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ ability as musicians and growth as a band.

 I’m With You is the tenth studio album to be released by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and the sixth album to be produced by Rick Rubin, who has been working with the band since Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991). 

The album was recorded at EastWest Studios in Los Angeles, where the band also recorded Californication (1999).

After completing a United States tour for the bands last album, Stadium Arcadium (2006), in 2007, the Red Hot Chili Peppers decided to take a two-year hiatus.

 In December 2012, guitarist John Frusciante publicly announced his departure from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, stating his desire and need to continue in another direction.  This was the second time that Frusciante had left the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the first time being after the success of Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991). 

            Briefly after John Frusciante’s departure, Josh Klinghoffer, a musician who has previously toured with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and worked with Gnarls Barkley and Beck, joined the band in December 2009, replacing John Frusciante.

            The Red Hot Chili Peppers began recording in September 2010, until March 2011.  Prior to the recording, the band wrote the lyrical content of I’m With You.   The lyrical theme throughout the entire album is life and death. 

            During the band’s two-year hiatus, Flea (bass) learned how to play the piano while studying Music Theory at University of Southern California.  Josh Klinghoffer also introduced piano into the Red Hot Chili Peppers.  During the recording, many songs were actually written on the piano, and then transcribed to rock music.

            I’m With You peaked at no. 2 on the U.S. Billboard following it’s release.  The album was praised by many critics and fans, everyone eager to welcome the new funk sound Josh Klinghoffer had to deliver.

            The album begins with “Monarchy of Roses,” a song beginning as dark and chaotic, then developing into a melodic chorus.  The striking contrast between the verses and the chorus quickly grab the listener’s attention from the beginning.

            “Brendan’s Death Song” was recorded promptly among entering the studio for rehearsal.  On the first day of recording, the band received the news of Brendon Mullen’s death, an L.A. Club Owner and autobiographer, and a close friend to the band.  This inspired “Brendan’s Death Song” to be the first prepared piece of I’m With You.

            “The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie” was the first single of I’m With You, reaching No. 1 on the U.S. Billboards it’s second week.  The bass-driven funk beat of the song combined with Anthony Kiedis’ vocals singing, “I want to live a little bit,” make the single stand out among other songs on I’m With You.

            The Red Hot Chili Peppers are expected to tour the United States and Australia in 2012, promoting their new album.  I’m With You can be purchased at a store near you today, or off of iTunes, where a special remastered version of the album is posted.