I’m With You, the tenth record from the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the first after a five-year hiatus, takes the signature Pepper funk sound in a different direction.

The new route is undoubtedly due to the departure of long time guitarist John Frusciante, the band’s musical compass, and his subsequent replacement by Josh Klinghoffer.

It is evident that Frusciante’s exit has triggered a streak of self-reflectiveness among the remaining members, given the succinct length of the record and the wistful, intuitive nature of the lyrics. Anthony Kiedis’  voice is steady and poised as always. His classic speak-sing technique doesn’t have the same range as other front men, but he projects confidence in the power and depth of his vocals. Flea’s funky bass lines and Chad Smith’s pounding, cathartic beats are quick and excellent as always. Klinghoffer is searching for his footing with the band, however he does an admirable job finding his place with three men who have been playing together since the ‘80s.

Standout tracks include “Meet Me at the Corner,” a melodic, soulful number, and the cool funk of the album’s first single, “The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie.”

It’s a solid and enjoyable album, but not fully up to Chili Pepper standards. Far from needing to prove themselves as musicians, a few tracks give a bit of a waning edge and could have been snipped for an even more concise, clipped gem.