It’s been just after a week since the RHCP released their latest album, I’m With You. To be honest, I thought this album wouldn’t be for me, especially since my first impression of their first single “…Rain Dance Maggie” was not very memorable (which has now changed). And, I knew I was going to miss Frusciante’s guitar/vocals (he was love). Though, I was still interested to hear what they sound like, especially with a new guitarist, and since it was such a long time from Stadium Arcadium (2006).
I’ve had the album playing more than a handful of times (more like 10 times, actually), and I must say, it is growing on me. While there is a lot of funk and rap, and the style distinct from their previous stuff/old favourites (e.g. Blood Sugar Sex Magik, Californication and By The Way), it is catchy and clearly Kiedis, and after a few times of spinning it, I couldn’t help but bop along. I guess it really is a “rebirth” from the old Chili Peppers as Flea put it in the Stereogum progress report. Another thing that stood out was the falsetto that appeared quite frequently, which I hadn’t anticipated (post-Frusciante).
My first impressions (Disclaimer: not a review, just my personal thoughts):
- Monarchy of roses
I’ve had a good feeling about this song from the beginning, and after a few plays, it became one of my favourites of the album. So catchy, easy to sing along to, and just a great opening to the album, setting the mood. Loving the backup singing in this one too!
- Factory of faith
Very funky bass at the start (love the beat), cut to Kiedis’ semi singing/rapping which I was initially partially against, but it was forgiving as it suited the song well. Overlooked it so much that this has also become one of my favourites. I liked how it ended with the little instrumental.
- Brendan’s death song
As soon as it started playing, this sounded like it was going to be the “ballad” of the album; a completely different feel from the first two songs. Although about death (of a long-time friend, Brendan Mullen), it was described as a song of “celebration than a bummer”, and you can hear that with the lyrics and with the light high pitched vocals in the background nearing the end of the song (it sounds very liberating). The lyrics are very sweet; I especially liked “It’s safe out there and now you’re everywhere, just like the sky. And you are love, you are the love supreme, you are the rye. And when you hear this, you know it’s your jam, it’s your goodbye.” Anyway, another favourite, and often find myself singing an imaginary backup in the chorus.
- Ethiopia
Heard it first with Mr AG, and as soon as it went “EIOIEIA”, we looked at each other and cracked up. For some odd reason, it was amusing hearing that for the first time… but now that I’ve gotten used to it, it’s not that funny anymore. Instead, it has grown on me, and after finding out that it’s about being clean (from drugs) and reading the lyrics, I think it’s definitely a sweet one (“Tell my boy I love him so, tell him so he know. Lost in Ethiopia, walk out in that road.”). Plus, I love how upbeat it is!
- Annie wants a baby
The first verse and bridge sounds really good (especially the guitar)… the verse actually reminds me a bit of “Hey” (from Stadium Arcadium). But as the chorus hits us with, “Annie wants a baby any way she can”, it got a bit strange. Nice sounding if I can look past baby thing, especially when you know an unsuiting Annie wanting a baby.
- Look around.
Apart from the rapping, this reminds me of an older Chili Peppers song, though I can’t pinpoint which, or what about it. This song is okay.
- The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie
Very random title (how RHCPish)! I wasn’t sure the first time listening to it, but now I think it is very fun and funky, especially the catchy bass (and later on, the guitar). The only thing I’m still unsure about is the chorus; sounds a little awkward to me…
- Did I let you know
I really like this song! It reminded me of “Hard to concentrate” (from Stadium Arcadium), but upon listening to the two, they don’t really resemble one another that much. I think what made me group the two together is the subtle feeling of the songs… or perhaps some of the notes played. Hard to describe, and I don’t even know if I’m the only one, but that’s how I feel anyway.
- Goodbye hooray
Heavier funk opening, the beginning reminds me of a faster version of “Ethiopia”, then you get a busy-ish chorus, and then there’s a sudden change of pace with some mysterious-sounding falsetto (I think it is?), going right back into that fast-paced chorus. The fast bit isn’t that special to me, though I do like the slow paced part!
- Happiness loves company
Title alone reminds me of Good Charlotte’s “Misery loves company”, though the song absolutely does not! Another one about being clean and loving family from what I can tell… I like the beat of this song, it makes one feel strong.
- Police station
Another slow one of the bunch, I like the riffs and vocals on this one, and the instrumentals between singing is just great! Very nice song!
- Even you Brutus?
Every time I hear the rapping, I skip the song. When I skipped those bits, I do find some RHCP familiarity. But I think I’ll stick to skipping it. Perhaps one day, I’ll look/listen past it and appreciate the song.
- Meet me at the corner
I like it, but at the same time, feel a bit mixed about it.
- Dance, dance, dance
This reminds me more of Ethiopia actually. It’s friendly, playful, and upbeat, just like the title suggests.
Anyway, I liked the album more than I’d expected (though it will never be like one of the older favourites), and I think they still rock! =] On a side note, I’m loving their new band photos (so I went a bit crazy with them), how flattering do they look!!! Also, don’t they look like one happy family? Awww!
Images courtesy of Red Hot Chili Peppers Facebook Page
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