While most older bands trying to make a comeback by releasing new albums either produce something that’s a complete copy of their original music or so different that their fan base is left wondering if it is in fact the same band, the Red Hot Chili Peppers may have found the perfect medium with their newest album The Getaway.
The album was produced by Danger Mouse, the first time in 25 years that the band used a producer other than Rick Rubin, who’s produced every one of the band’s albums since Mother’s Milk. But rather than trying desperately to preserve and recreate the sound that made them famous, the band has clearly accepted that they’ve aged, music has changed, and they need to change to stay relevant with their audience.
The hybrid of classic Chili Pepper sound and modern electronic music that is born out of this album is economically brilliant. It appeals to fans of the band’s original music, but with enough of a twist to attract a newer, younger audience as well. Songs like “We Turn Red” and “Go Robot” remind listeners of the young, over-the-top music that the band was known for when they first started, while songs like “Encore” and “The Longest Wave” bring more of a soulful Californication vibe to the album.
No matter what era of Red Hot Chili Peppers music is your favourite, something on The Getaway will appeal to you. Take from the album what you can and leave the rest.
