Red Hot Chili Peppers “Dark Necessities” – Single Review

6th May 2016 Off By Paul Barclay

So, the Red Hot Chili Peppers are back with their first piece of new material since their last album, 2011s underwhelming I’m With You, which was their first album with new guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, after the departure of John Frusciante.

With this new single, entitled Dark Necessities, it was hoped that the band would be able to recapture some of the greatness they presented on their 1999 album Californication, which is arguably the last great album they released. Have they succeeded?

The answer is almost. There are elements of this new track that are really interesting.

The intro has a really nice build up, but then when Flea’s instantly identifiable bass line comes in, it degenerates into typical post By The Way era Chili Peppers.

The chorus is ok, but is missing something. A chorus from the first single of a new album by a commercial act should have a hook to it, but this one does not linger long in the memory.

Now, the song does have a more mournful tone, so maybe the idea is that it is not a get up and dance song, but at the very least, the single should make you want to buy the album. This does not achieve.

Overall, this song is solidly average. There is nothing to get angry about or truly dislike, but at the same time, there is nothing to really recommend. Hopefully, upcoming album The Getaway has more to offer than this. Must try harder.