The Red Hot Chili Peppers have returned with a new album, “I’m With You,” and a new guitarist, Josh Klinghoffer. Having already sold over 65 million albums world wide, won seven Grammys and boasted numerous chart-topping singles, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have had an extremely successful career.

This begs the question of whether “I’m With You,” released in August, meets the standard that the Red Hot Chili Peppers set for themselves. As fan of the band I can say yes. The album is a welcome addition to their body of work. Although losing John Frusciante did hurt their overall sound, there are some notable tracks accompanied by an astonishing lack of bad songs on the new album.

“Look Around” is a throwback that sounds a lot like something off the group’s previous album, “Stadium Arcadium,” because of its feel good style. The song begins quickly with an upbeat rhythm, signature alternative rock guitar, and the always funky bass line from Flea. The guitars quiet momentarily as the lyrics come in, beginning a sort of call and response. It’s those of elements that make the song so great.

However, in “Even You Brutus,” the band takes a chance and changes the sound up quite a bit. The song manages to combine vocals that only Anthony Kiedis could deliver, with a piano led rhythm and offbeat lead guitar. The most notable, and innovative part of the song is the large and powerful use of piano.

But whether or not the style is old or new, “Factory of Faith” is simply fascinating. Its main riff is the bass line, backed lightly by drums. Build- ing a foundation to the swing with some swing to it. Then lyrics come in, shortly followed by ambient guitar. Between the bass, and the shout spoken lyrics, this is my favorite song on the album.

Overall, “I’m With You” is a solid album, with fourteen good, if not great songs. The only reason I would have given it four and not five stars, is that it could have been so much better. For that same reason, the next album they make with Klinghoffer should be excellent.

Written by William Choulos. This article originally appeared in the September 2011 issue.