A Perfectly Fine Album by a Perfectly Fine Band

When bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers have been around as long as they have, one may begin to question their relevance in the 21st century music scene. One of the biggest issues with rock and roll in this day and age is that all of the really big acts are now at the “grandparent” age. Yes, there are definitely newer acts keeping the scene alive, but with the demise of local radio in lieu of large corporate broadcast networks and the rise of “talent scout” network TV shows, it’s become much more difficult for new alternative bands to get their foot in the door on a national/international level.

Which is why, of course, bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers can still find an audience as well as airplay. What could go wrong with a record company making an investment in a well established rock band, with more than a dozen albums under their belt…many of which were million sellers? Yes, the Peppers have been around since the early 80’s, and have an incredible rock and roll history of drug abuse, overdoses, lineup changes, and a career that has navigated time and space. Think about it. When they formed in 1983, their genre was still being referred to as “New Wave.” And yet here they are, 39 years later, selling out stadiums and making perfectly fine albums.

More Than Just a Band Reunion

While the Red Hot Chili Peppers certainly built up a loyal fan base in their early years, it can be said that their explosion onto the worldwide scene, and all the pop success that comes with it, happened with the release of their 1991 epic LP Blood Sugar Sex Majik. By then, two extremely talented additions (to put it mildly) helped to make that happen. The first was guitarist John Frusciante, who replaced DeWayne “Blackbyrd” McKnight (Who replaced Hillel Slovak after his untimely death due to an overdose in 1988).  McKnight, by the way, lasted exactly 3 gigs with the Peppers before he was fired.

Frusciante’s guitar skills added an element to the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ music that weaved and darted through their songs in a way that left an indelible mark in the minds and imaginations of its listeners.

Second, and equally important to the rise of the Chili Peppers was the addition of legendary producer Rick Rubin, who produced all but one of their albums since BSSM was recorded. Rubin’s “finger on the pulse” of the Chili Peppers’ sound has been instrumental in their continued rise since the early 90s.  The return of both Frusciante and Rubin is duly noted, and appreciated, on their latest effort, Unlimited Love.

Released in April, Unlimited Love debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart, and has seen similar success worldwide. And why not? After 39 years, with the core band intact and back in business, along with their longtime producer, would anyone expect anything less?

A Kinder, Gentler Chili Pepper

Unlimited Love has everything a Red Hot Chili Peppers fan would expect; great vocals from Anthony Kiedis. Flea’s weaving and/or funky basslines that occasionally seem to defy time and space. Chad Smith’s solid drumming, and of course John Frusciante’s sometimes melodic, occasionally driving guitar punctuated with beautifully haunting moments. Of course, for any of us who have been around for a number of decades well knows, age has a way of mellowing the soul. For those looking for sexual innuendo (or outright musical sexual intercourse), songs peppered with F-bombs, or hard driving rhythm, you may be surprised to find that most of the songs, while catchy and well done, are also quite tame. Even the opening track, Black Summer, starts off slow and sort of kicks in before it mellows out again. In fact, two of the songs with “Explicit Lyrics” warnings are almost laughable in their tameness. Aquatic Mouth Dance, a song about the good old days of the early punk scene, has the word “tit” near the end, and Bastards of Light is labeled simply for the title itself. Considering the early wild and crazy roots of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, this album is mostly “grandma-proofed.” Then again, most of us who have been listening to them since the beginning are indeed “grandparent” aged.

What We Think About Unlimited Love

The Red Hot Chili Peppers have indeed put out a perfectly fine album. The songs themselves don’t really break new ground, and there are a lot of familiar “Scar Tissue” type rhythms and melodies to be found peppered throughout. However, each song has strength in their own right, and the combination of Kiedis, Flea, Frusciante, and Smith is one that still holds true to their sound, which is quite comforting. Long time fans shouldn’t be disappointed. Though you might listen to Unlimited Love as if you have reunited with old friends, catching up, having fun, but staying away from talking about the wild days of your misspent youth.