The Red Hot Chili peppers have been stimulating radio airwaves with their distinctive, funky sound for nearly 40 years, and they’ve had no issues traversing the ever-changing musical landscape and adapting to the alternative rock scene in the meantime. Their newest album, Unlimited Love was released on April 1st, 2022, and proves that you truly are never too old to rock hard.

     Without a doubt, the most exciting part of this album was the return of the prodigal son himself, John Frusciante. Although there’s been multiple lineup changes over the years, Frusciante is definitely the Peppers’ most well known guitarist, so fans were beyond ecstatic when it was announced that he would be rejoining the group yet again, reforming one of the most legendary band lineups ever.

     Aside from Frusciante’s long awaited return, the album offers some seriously awesome tracks as well. There are 17 tracks in total, all of which have their own distinct feeling, yet still feel like they’re a part of something bigger rather than just a bunch of songs put on a record for no particular reason. The bassline in Aquatic Mouth Dance makes for possibly the catchiest song on the album, and the addition of a horn section made for a different sound, a call back to the funk roots that the band originated from, while the lo-fi style guitar tone that Frusciante uses on Black Summer signals a new direction for the Peppers, fusing new and old to form something completely distinct and entirely unique. 

     To no one’s surprise, the chemistry between the band members was incredible, and the instrumentation was some of the best the Chili Peppers have ever brought to the table. Throughout the entire album, the absolute powerhouse of a rhythm section made up of Flea and Chad Smith provides a musical playground for Frusiciante to put his melodic genius to work, and although often criticized for his voice, Anthony Kiedis showed that his iconic style and poetic lyricism has aged like fine wine.

    Like all their releases, this record offers great riffs, catchy hooks, and some seriously groovy basslines. Every song feels like it’s where it belongs, and the amount of time and effort put into crafting this masterpiece is crystal clear from the first listen, and one thing that’s even clearer is that the future looks bright for The Peppers.