|
| |
|
|
|
Review Summary: Despite coming dangerously close to being generic, The new Chili Peppers lineup takes a step sideways and delivers a catchy album full of highlights. This band has been in the industry for nearly 30 years. More amazingly, they have managed to stay commercially relevant for the past 20 of these years. Not many bands can say that (nice try, Metallica). After losing the primary inspirational and creative force that propelled them to these heights, they are still expected to make a splash with their 10th effort, *I'm With You*. That, in itself, is a monumental achievement.
After the departure of guitar whiz John Frusciante, the Peppers had huge shoes to fill. They recruited Josh Klinghoffer: a good friend to both John and the rest of the band. Nervous fans didn't know what to expect, and naysayers weren't exactly swayed with the release of single "The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie." The song is pretty much a showcase for the other three members; there's a nice, rollicking bassline from Flea and some catchy-as-f*ck rapping from Anthony. Also, we are treated to an energetic resurgence for Chad Smith. But the track certainly doesn't belong to Klinghoffer.
Before I dive into my opinion of Klinghoffer, I'll get in a quick word about the other three. Tremendous musicians in their own right, I believe that these three are downright incapable of making a bad album, though they often delve into mediocrity if the guitar parts are lacking. Each has a time to shine. Anthony's lyrics are as quirky as ever, as his rapped and clean vocals show neither regress nor improvement. His clean vocals can, however, become a little grating on songs like otherwise pleasant "Brendan's Death Song". Flea, always excellent, delivers some nice bass work on songs like "Look Around" and "Ethiopia". The solo on "Goodbye Hooray" is unexpected but tremendous. Something like a fuzzy, funky Cliff Burton. Chad, ever consistent, kicks up the energy on songs like "Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie" and "Dance Dance Dance". Okay, now that those three have received their due props, let's move on to the album's X factor.
Klinghoffer turns in a very inconsistent performance with great highs and disappointing lows. He is, at times, nearly absent. He adds a couple great licks on nearly every song, but his parts almost always take a backseat to the others. Even worse, when he's given a shot at a solo, Klinghoffer often chooses to add repetitive layering and effects. This pattern is most prevalent on Maggie, and also on otherwise energetic cuts "Factory of Faith" and "Ethiopia".
This is not to say that Klinghoffer is without impressive chops. In fact, the songs with greater influence from their new member turn out to be highlights on the album. "Meet Me At The Corner" has Josh turn out some incredible, bluesy guitar licks, as well as take the lead on vocals at one point (his vocals are excellent). But the true gem of the album is "Did I Let You Know." Chad kicks the song into high gear with an energetic, pounding rhythm. Josh then contributes a great, high-pitched riff. This groove leads into the chorus, which features an absurdly catchy call-and-response chorus from Anthony and Josh. With a solid trumpet solo to boot, this energetic slice of pop-rock is certainly the best song on the album, while perhaps giving insight into a new direction for the band.
Though "I'm With You" certainly won't come near the success of "BSSM" or "Californication," fans should be encouraged by the band's willingness to branch out and freshen their sound. With a new guitarist/singer/songwriter and well-exectuted turn at piano, there is certainly reason to believe that this new lineup has a bright future in front of them.
Download:
Brendan's Death Song
Look Around
Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie (if you haven't already)
Did I Let You Know
Meet Me At The Corner
| other reviews of this album |
|
Album Rating: 3.5
Didn't mean to go after TommyGun; Cam was the one with the more pessimistic view of the band's future. Sorry about that.
| | |
All good man, great review. Did I Let You Know is so good
| | |
Review is alright, probably going to get this album tonight though expectations aren't very high.
| | |
Good review overall; however, I feel that the ending seems a bit rushed. Maybe the review would be more powerful if you tried to sum up your feelings about the album at the end.
| | | Album Rating: 2.0 | Sound Off
Ahh, review needs focus...a lot of focus...
"If you're reading this review, odds are you know the story of John Frusciante's entry, departure, re-entry, and re-
departure. So, I'll skip it. But, I will say that he is a huge inspiration to me both musically and personally; a man of
incredible talent, driven to low depths and risen as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. His solo work is
tremendous, and I'm looking forward to seeing what he has to offer when he dedicates all his focus into his solo
efforts.Back to the Peppers. Josh Klinghoffer is no Frusciante. But he does bring something fresh and interesting to
the band."
for example, the topic of the paragraph quoted above should of been wrapped up in one or two sentences. Instead,
you ramble on for about 6, and therefore seem incredibly off topic. The last sentence of the paragraph though is
wonderful, it brings what you were trying to say into focus and lets us know what to expect in the next paragraph, a
beautiful lead-in. The only problem is that in the next graph you don't talk about Klinghoffer at all, you again go off-
topic about you fanboy-ship, which, if it did belong in the review, would be in the intro, but in this review..it doesn't
belong at all. Outline things out before you review, make sure everything flows together and is coherent. It'll help
you a lot. Also the cool thing to do is to wrap up the review up in a conclusion... just so you know
Still not a bad job for a first review. Keep writing man. 
| | |
i like the review pos
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
Thanks for the constructive criticism, I'll be sure to stay a little more focused... the rambling was a result of a strong urge to heap praise on their past accomplishments. Also, a fair portion of my review (including the conclusion) was cut off the end of it; I just wanted to find out if this is a mistake or an editing thing. Thanks again
| | | Album Rating: 2.5
If you're reading this review, odds are you know the story of John Frusciante's entry, departure, re-entry, and re-departure.
Made me stop reading. Don't use throwaway sentences like this one.
| | |
7 paragraphs
1 about the album
Not a good ratio
| | |
I confess to be somewhat of a Chili Peppers fanboy, as they have been my favorite band since Californication (released when I was 7). Their lineup from 1989-2009 (minus that Navarro time), I believe, might be one of the most deeply talented four-piece bands of all time (Zeppelin being my number 1). It makes sense, then, that my first review is of their latest effort.
i don't care
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
Touche. In retrospect, this review got off-topic pretty easily. But still... some of my best paragraphs were cut off the end of it. In fact,
"This is not to say that Klinghoffer is without impressive chops. In fact, the songs with greater influence from their new member turn out to be highlights on the album."
This sentence was actually the intro to another paragraph where I talked about the album's highlights. After that, I came up with a conclusion. If I had known the review would be shortened, I would've cut out some of the less-relevant intro stuff (most specifically my fanboyship paragraph). But in the end, it wasn't very well-written, and I'm the only one to blame for that
| | | Album Rating: 2.0 | Sound Off
You can go in and add those paragraphs back on. Just to your profile, on the left should "edit my reviews", click and go at it.
and in any amount, don't be discouraged man. Learn and keep going,.
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
Don't have any huge problems w/ this review, other than the summary. Is this really "dangerously close to being generic"? Name one band that sounds like this album, lol. You won't be able to.
| | |
| |
