Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Black Summer” | Track Review 🎵

Ecology is on the minds of Red Hot Chili Peppers, who return with their first new single, “Black Summer,” in nearly six years. 

“I

t’s been a long time since I made a new friend / Waitin’ on another black summer to end.” Well, hopefully, 🎙 Red Hot Chili Peppers, this 🎵 “Black Summer” ends much sooner than your six-year hiatus between releasing an album! “Black Summer” shows us this legendary band still has a pulse! The last we heard, RHCP were singing about 🎵 “Dark Necessities” on 💿 The Getaway (2016).  Thankfully, besides the new single at hand, the Peppers have a new album on the horizon, 💿 Unlimited Love.  But first, we analyze/overanalyze “Black Summer”!

There is plenty to heart about “Black Summer,” despite those dark, pessimistic vibes from the chorus! From the onset, the intro is ‘sweet,’ establishing the minor key that last throughout the record.  Despite the six-year-hiatus, a now 59-year-old 🎙 Anthony Kiedis remains a force as the lead vocalist.  Honestly, I don’t believe the man misses a beat, or better yet, a note.  Of course, he gets ample fuel from the fire with 🎙 Flea (bass), 🎙 Chad Smith (drums), and the return of the one-and-only 🎙 John Frusciante (guitar).  Frusciante shines on guitar, as he always does, earning a solo following the chorus.  Also, worth noting, 🎛 Rick Rubin is behind the boards – another win!

The theme and lyrics might be the most interesting part of “Black Summer.” The lyrics are focused on nature, specifically ecological happenings. Even if ecology doesn’t strike one as a the source of poetry, RHCP make it poetic.  From the start, the words are ear-catching:

“A lazy rain am I, the skies refuse to cry

Cremation takes its piece of your supply

The night is dressed like noon…”

Intriguing, right? It doesn’t end there, with the likes of, “My crater weighs a tone, the archer’s on the run / And no one stands alone behind the sun.” Woo! As “Black Summer” progresses, the band’s intensity ratchets up, led by a spirited, on-point Anthony Kiedis.

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Final Thoughts 💭 

Six damn years, man! Well, at least the return of Red Hot Chili Peppers is worth it! “Black Summer” sounds different than “Dark Necessities” that greeted 💿 The Getaway, but I’m onboard with the contrast.  The band has still got it, so, I’m excited to see what they serve up on Love Unlimited.

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🎙 Red Hot Chili Peppers • 💿 Unlimited Love • 🏷 Warner • 🗓 4.11.22
[📷: Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay, Warner]

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