Formed back in 1983, the Red Hot Chili Peppers (RHCP) have been wowing generations of rock listeners for more than 30 years. Classified under many variations of rock including alternative punk and indie, RHCP is sure to get your feet tapping. RHCP have released a total of 12 studio albums including their latest release: Unlimited Love. After teasing fans back in February with the release of their single “Black Summer,” the 17-song album was finally released to fans on April 1. 

RHCP never disappointed me until I heard Unlimited Love for the first time. I was not a fan at first, but I’m learning to groove to the album. It took me a couple times of listening to it to accept that it’s okay for them to have an album with a more relaxed vibe. I was comparing it to timeless bangers like “Dani California” and “Around the World” but this album shows how  artists’ music styles can grow and change with time. It is never a bad idea to embrace the change and enjoy it along with the music from the past. Milford Senior Colleen McMillen, who also loves the band said, “I always enjoy the classics. but I don’t think it is the worst, it’s just a bit different.” McMillen’s top three songs from the album are “Poster Child,” a song that features many stars from several generations implying that however famous you are, your merely just a poster child for said generation, “It’s Only Natural,” a love story of two mismatched lovers from different classes  and “Black Summer,” which refers to the vocalist going through a long season of depression.   

In spite of some criticism, the world is showing love for the album as it topped the Billboard 200 Albums Chart becoming the rock band’s second chart topper since the release of Stadium Arcadium back in 2006. If you haven’t already given it a try, or wouldn’t know what songs to start with, I recommend “Black Summer” for a song that is ever changing and satisfies from start to finish. If you pay attention to the lyrics, you can infer that the vocalist has gone through depression but the beat and speed of the music itself would not automatically point you in that direction. “Aquatic Mouth Dance,” which has more of a classic RHCP feel to it with their interesting lyrics and continual groove is another great choice. Their song “Veronica” is easy to hear their intended story of many different fans coming from many different places to see them but they all share the same love for their music. 

Some of the most common platforms you can find their songs on include Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon and Youtube. Although this album could come as a shock for the original listeners of the 90s and early 2000s, if you appreciate more relaxing tones and beats, this album can be a worthy addition to the RHCP’s amazing collection.