The Red Hot Chili Peppers have always had a diverse discography, ranging from funk to rock, and they haven’t shied away with their newest album, Return of the Dream Canteen.

“Tippa My Tongue” is rightfully a fan favorite. The lyricism is admirable, and the blues riffs keep the listener wanting to hear more. 

Meanwhile, Flea’s bass on “Peace and Love” does not go unnoticed; the bass, combined with the continuous keyboard, emphasizes the funk sound. The song displays the love the band members have for their friends.  

However, the album does stray from their sound a bit, with a few strange outliers. 

“My Cigarette” features a repetition of the title over and over again. It’s clear the band is attempting to experiment with the synth and drums, but it feels amateur and lazy, especially knowing what the band is usually capable of. The only thing that saves the song is the jazzy saxophone outro. 

But more important is “Eddie,” an absolute essential that is possibly the best song on the album. Being a Van Halen tribute, it must have some classic rock elements. John Frusciante’s impeccable guitar solo and bass add to the classic rock feel that transports the listener back to the ’70s and ’80s.