The prodigal son is back. After 15 years, the gifted string plucker John Frusciante returns to the lap of his regular band Red Hot Chili Peppers, his replacement Josh Klinghoffer was unceremoniously kicked out. It’s not the fine English way, given the achievements of Frusciante, who in the past had an essential influence on Chili Peppers masterpieces like “Blood Sugar Sex Magik” and “Californication” with his varied, innovative guitar playing, but understandable. The expectations for “Unlimited Love”, the new album by the funk rock combo from Los Angeles, who are now back in their regular formation, were correspondingly high. Admittedly, the record produced by Rick Rubin can only do this to a limited extent.
Because even if singer Anthony Kiedis never tires of emphasizing how experimental and surprising the musical influences of the LP are, you don’t hear it. “Unlimited Love” is, quite simply, a classic RHCP record, with some great songs and lots of filler in just under 73 minutes.
More promise than fulfillment
Just how fantastic the quartet can sound when all the pieces come together is demonstrated by the incredibly funky, Prince-wedding-esque “She’s A Lover,” which is among the best songs the chili peppers have ever recorded. “Aquatic Mouth Dance”, “Poster Child”, “The Great Apes” and “Veronica” also sparkle brightly, not least thanks to Frusciante’s virtuoso string magic. In between, however, there are too many pieces that sound more like a relaxed jam session than finished material. In the end, “Unlimited Love” remains more of a promise than true fulfillment.
CD review: Red Hot Chili Peppers “Unlimited Love” (Warner Music)
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