In a sea of auto-tuned pop stars, masochistic drag queens, and misspelled song titles — “California Gurls,” I’m looking at you — the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ new record breaks the monotony with some good ol’ rock ‘n’ roll. Though they are not the most innovative rock band in existence, their presence has been respected and their song-craft solid.

Nothing new but still quality

Five years after their wildly successful album “Stadium Arcadium,” the Chili Peppers refused to stick to the mold. This might have something to do with the departure of longtime guitarist John Frusciante. Many times the loss of a key band member forces a band to reinvent themselves. Though the Chili Peppers still sound like, well, the Chili Peppers, the sound of “I’m With You,” the latest album, is relatively fresh and new.

This isn’t an album chock full of radio-friendly smashes like some of the band’s previous albums were. But there is no shortage of solid songs that are sure to please many Chili Peppers enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

Somewhat disappointing

A barrage of dissonant guitar notes greets the listener’s ears as a prelude to the lead track, “Monarchy of Roses.” This boisterous beginning is reminiscent of the abrasive guitar intro to U2’s “Zoo Station.” In fact, the U2-esque sounds continue through the first verse, as singer Antony Kiedis’ typically clean vocals are submerged in a layer of sludgy distortion that characterized Bono’s croonings in the early ‘90s. However, soon the band launches into an ultimately classic Red Hot Chili Peppers chorus.

“Factory of Faith” is a classic funk-rock number that fuses Flea’s distinctive bass guitar work with a spirited delivery from Kiedis. It’s full speed ahead with these first two tracks, but the Peppers dial it down quite a bit with the first ballad on the record, “Brendan’s Death Song.”

Gently plucked acoustic guitar notes lay a bed of foundational sound under the tune. It is not a particularly genius track lyrically, with a chorus that reads, “Like I said you know I’m almost dead, you know I’m almost gone / and when the drummer drums, he’s gonna play my song to carry me along.” Sing-song melodies and cheesy lyrics do not mix well, and the whole song has a bit of a campy feel. However, it definitely grows on you; upon further listening, it is quite an enjoyable song.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers rip off their own song, “Dani California,” with the funky “Ethiopia.”
Chad Smith’s familiar, throbbing drum skills drive this one forward, and a chorus that is more than vaguely similar to the previous songs make for a disappointing listen. The rest of the record is peppered with some more decent songs and some not-so-decent ones, a continuous cycle of promise and disappointment. See “Police Station” and “Dance, Dance, Dance.”

A good attempt

“I’m With You,” however, is a strong comeback record for the 28-year veteran rockers. They remain true to their classic funk rock, while incorporating several new ideas to keep things new. It’s not experimental, but it’s not a rehash of older material either, which makes for an all-in-all enjoyable experience.