“Like I said, you know I’m almost dead, I’m almost gone“

This phrase rings throughout “Brendan’s Death Song” and offers a memorable, emotional glimpse at the pain of the loss of one of the Pepper’s close friends.

Red Hot Chili Pepper’s 2011 effort “I’m With You” is finally here. It’s been five years since the marvelous Stadium Arcadium which gave us the mega hits “Snow (Hey Oh)” and “Dani California”. Since then, there have been a few changes. Long time guitarist John Frusciante has left once again, and the young Josh Klinghoffer has replaced him. Klinghoffer has always been around the Peppers and Frusciante, frequently collaborating with him on solo albums.

The album begins with the thunderous 12 second jam of “Monarchy Of Roses” and then jumps into a lo-fi verse. The song then breaks into a more RHCP sounding poppy-alternative chorus. The song really takes off when the guitar solo hits, and Klinghoffer presents his skills as the new guitarist. He doesn’t disappoint. This song is definitely good, but on this album, it really might just come and go because some of the best songs come right after it.

“Factory of Faith” caught my attention upon first listen. It’s got that funky bass signature of Flea. Kiedis’s vocals are fast, yet memorable. When the chorus hits, it’s apparent you will remember this song. The lyrics are written and performed so well; they got stuck in my head for a while.

“Brendan’s Death Song” is a heartfelt ballad about the death of Brendan Mullen, owner of a small L.A. punk rock club that gave the Red Hot Chili Pepper’s a spot opening for punk rock superstars Bad Brains in 1983. In 2009, while working on “The Red Hot Chili Peppers An Audio/Visual History” he passed away from a stroke. Now, the Peppers are paying their respects through song, and a great song at that. The song is overall powerful. Klinghoffer’s acoustic guitar, Kiedis’ lyrics and vocals, and the death march drums of Chad Smith combine in a slow march on the river styx. When the chorus hits “Like I said, you know i’m almost dead, you know I’m almost gone,” it’s moving. Kiedis has said the bridge that follows the first chorus is his favorite part, because of it’s dark and deathly nature. This song really is the emotional centerpiece of the album.

“Ethopia” is another funky song like “Factory of Faith”. Flea plucks his bass with amazing grooves. The song is a departure, lyrically, from the old Chili Pepper’s constant lyrics about sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll. Instead, the song is about family as portrayed in the lyrics: “Tell my boy I love him, so”. Kiedis has stated in interviews that “It reflects the new spirituality of the band”. Another great RHCP tune.

“Annie Wants A Baby” is a less energetic alternative rock song that slows down the momentum of the album after some big songs. It does this subtly, not with a crashing hard rock track, but with a groovy tune that has some real high points.

”Look Around” is a funky rock song that has a repetitive, classic Chili Peppers sound. This one kind of passes by, without much notice. A solid song, but it’s not the best of the album.

“The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie” is the first single from the album, and it is perfect for a single. It has a funky bass, catchy lyrics, and a rock’n’roll guitar for the chorus. The song also features a little cow bell, which is funny, because drummer Chad Smith is essentially Will Ferrell’s doppelganger. The song has some recycled lyrics, “Hey Now” and the excessive use of “Girl” are two of these. That is a sad fact, but it really doesn’t take away from the awesome song.

“Did I Let You Know” is another great song. The song shows a little versatility with the jazzy sessions and call and response chorus. The song does still stay true to the Pepper’s funky style though.

“Happiness Loves Company” is a diversion from the themes of death, as it’s a pretty happy, dancing, song that can get you on your feet. The song is quite mesmerizing, and you might remember it from the glorious chorus.

“Police Station” is a entirely well written song. It’s a journey through the lives of two people. The instruments all create a giant sound. The song also has a pleasing blend of loud and soft. The song is a sad testament to someone lost, and is truly fantastic.

“Even You, Brutus?” uses a different kind of vocals, where Kiedis does a little of shouting to tell the story. This shouting is actually pretty catchy, and really does make this song stick out. The piano also sounds really good. The silence, about the end of the second minute, really shows off the piano. This is one of the top tracks on the album.

“Meet Me at The Corner” is about a man whose former girlfriend went down the wrong path, and is now “At The Corner”. The lyrics are rather good, especially the verses. This song probably wouldn’t be one of my favorites on the album, but it isn’t bad at all.

The title “Dance, Dance, Dance” sounds like a Fall Out Boy song, but rest assured, this song is all the way a Red Hot Chili Pepper’s dancing funk tune. The song is really a celebratory end to an awesome album. You’ll probably find your self singing it in the car sometime. The song sounds like it could be played on the beach in Hawaii at a party, or at the end of a movie. This is definitely a great ender to the album.

Best Song – “Brendan’s Death Song”,
This track was written with extreme heart, as it was written as soon as Kiedis received the text message that Mullen passed. The song’s lyrics paint tremendous pictures of death and loss. The song is a memoir to the death of a man who will be remembered with the help of this song.

Worst Song – “Goodbye Hooray”
While this is not necessarily a bad song, it is the one that really did not go over as well as the other songs. The song is a hard rocking song, but didn’t really show off any cool chorus lines or guitar riffs.

5 out of 5

“The Chili Peppers Have Done It Again“

A near perfect album, “I’m With You” captures the same magic that has propelled the Peppers throughout their career, with massive songs that can really please. The songs are emotional, funky, rockin’, and generally amazing. This album can surely be one of the best of 2011.

Learn More:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/preorder/im-with-you/id450258003

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I%27m_with_You_(album)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Hot_Chili_Peppers

http://redhotchilipeppers.com/