Review / 200 Words Or Less
Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Getaway

The Red Hot Chili Peppers have seen their fair share of detractors over the years. No need to rehash the descriptives here, but the naysayers should give their mouths and keyboards a rest for a while, as The Getaway is the band's strongest album since Blood, Sugar, Sex Magic. Yes, you heard that right. This is the band's strongest album in 25 years.

On the first time hearing it, what strikes you is that it has a much softer edge and mellow vibe than any previous RHCP release.

Now, before anyone starts freaking out and saying the band has lost their edge, just chill out because there's a big difference between losing your edge and acting your age. The average age of the original members, Anthony Keidis, Flea and drummer Chad Smith is 54. Should we still be expecting funky crimes and talking dolphins?

Guitarist Josh Klinghoffer remains the baby in the group, replacing John Fruciante in 2009, The Getaway is Klinghoffer's second album with the band and showcases his talent on every track.
There's a subtle nuance to his playing here that just wasn't achieved on the band's previous effort, 2011's I'm With You and it serves their new songwriting style well, particularly on tracks like "The Hunter" and "Dark Necessities."