With the departure of their lead guitarist John Frusciante, the Red Hot Chili Peppers seemed to be going downhill. To your credit, they still have a little funk in them to keep going and with the release of their latest album I’m With You. The guidance of former members like Anthony Keidis (vocals), Michael “Flea” Balzary (bass) and long term drummer Chad Smith, helped the new guitarist Josh Klinghoffer succeed in helping to create a stellar album.

Recorded between September 2010 and March 2011 at the East-West Studios in Los Angeles and Shangri-La Studio in Malibu, and released August 29th, it was one of the most anticipated albums of the year. I’m With You marked the biggest gap between the band’s studio albums. This is their 10th studio album, trying to channel their previous commercially successful albums like Stadium Arcadium, By the Way, and Californication.

They didn’t hit the mark, but they sure are close to the target.

The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, selling 229,000 copies its first week. Internationally, the album peaked atop the charts in over ten countries.

The first single off their recent album, “The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie” with the catchy chorus and funky guitar you would expect from The Peppers. The single reached number one on the Billboard alternative songs chart, giving them their 12th number one single.

The music video was also filmed on one of California’s most toured beaches, Venice Beach, filmed on the roof top of a very artsy building, surrounded by hundreds of people.

From start to finish, I’m With You is a very solid album. With the start of the scratchy guitar, rhythmic drums and distorted vocals in “Monarchy of Roses,” it’s sure to catch your attention with the wonderful voice of Keidis. The bass riffs used in “Factory of Faith” by the legendary bassist Flea having the technicality of the Klinghoffer guitar blends well with the powerful lyrics of their vocals.

Lyrics are sung with much emotion in “Brendan’s Death Song,” adding to a blissfully sounding guitar for a ballad for the band’s now deceased friend. “Look Around” starts off with Keidis’ clever rapping and sing-along chorus, sure to have you jumping to beat of the music.

The first sign of change in their music, “Did I Let You Know,” is very modest and pleasant to listen to, with a trumpet solo having you feeling a little happy inside. A very upbeat song to note: “Happiness Loves Company,” with the piano taking over what would be the lead guitar, still having a lovely sound and even resembling the Rolling Stones.

It seems that even though they’re young at heart and very passionate about their music, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have matured their music to catch the attention of their old fans. I’m With You is an album to be heard by young and old, a must listen of the year, just waiting for the musical wisdom to touch souls of all ages.