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Rating: After 5 years, RHCP come back to the spotlight with "I'm with you", an album that marks the guitar debut of Josh Klinghoffer.
In my opinion, the album showcases some great tracks like the exhilarating "Factory Of Faith" and "Goodbye Hooray". On the downside, they continue to cater to new generations of fans by creating purely pop songs, such as "Dance, Dance, Dance" and "Meet me at the corner", reminiscent of the "By the Way" style (which I consider the band's worst album).
"Brendan's Death Song" is very beautiful, a moving song dedicated to their friend Brendan Mullen, who passed away in 2009. "Look Around" is incomprehensible, somewhat copying from "Purple Stain" and "By The Way". Overall, the album is enjoyable, Flea plays fantastically, especially in the bass/drum intros, though his typical slaps are missing.
Josh makes himself heard and shows he is not a clone of Frusciante, avoiding excessive virtuosity and instead using sharp, at times psychedelic riffs. Chad's rhythmic section is reliable and he does a good job throughout the album. Anthony does his part, obviously with the limitations we know, some songs aren't suited to his vocal range and it will be quite evident live.
The final score for the album is 6.5, with some good and not-so-good aspects. It will surely not go down in history like BSSM, OHM, or CALI, but we must realize that this is the average standard of the band. Therefore, those who loved BTW and SA will surely consider the latest album high-level. For those who, like me, got to know the band through BSSM and OHM, they will notice the totally different style that began its clear inversion in 2002 (or even in 1999).
+ Chad excellent rhythm
+ Josh great style and personality
+ 3-4 tracks are of good quality
- Absence of Flea's slaps
- Anthony sings beyond his abilities
- Some tracks are a bit plain and too pop
Tracklist and Videos
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Other reviews
By Ronky23
In the end, what matters is the music, and this group has composed absolutely valid tracks even in the first decade of this century.
Klinghoffer doesn’t look out of place at all, and while he is similar to his friend and illustrious predecessor, he has a personal imprint.
By Workhorse
RHCP continue to offer us what they have been offering for fifteen years without substantial variations in quality.
Not beautiful but pleasant, not bad but avoidable.
By ghigno92
Let's take the album for what it is: a whine.
After two songs you already hope it ends.
By rdegioann452
"Now that that pain in the neck, John Frusciante, has stepped aside, Anthony, Flea, Chad, and the new wonderful Josh can create their alternative mix of rock, funk, and pop without hindrance."
"A milestone that cannot be missing in the collection of a true fan."
