Californication . By The Way . Stadium Arcadium . Over the past decade or so, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have released these smash hit albums, transforming them from alternative rock gods to full-fledged international superstars. The leading force behind these albums, some might say, has been now-legendary guitarist John Frusciante. But in 2009, to the surprise of fans across the globe, Frusciante announced his departure from the band. Now, the Chili Peppers are back with a fabulous new guitarist, Josh Klinghoffer, and a new album, titled Iâm With You (released Aug. 30). Frusciante originally left the band in 1992, soon replaced by Janeâs Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro. This time, RHCP has elected to place Klinghoffer, a former touring guitarist, in the lead spot, and it seems theyâve made a good decision. Klinghofferâs style is distinctly less funky than Fruscianteâs, as he opts for more understated rhythm parts, but both players have a similar lead style, weaving together strands of notes and chords to create an ear-pleasing but not overanalyzed style. Iâm With You âs musical style is appropriate, in that, with a new guitarist, the Chilies have also added some new sounds to their repertoire. More complex arrangements grace the album, and interesting influences abound, from the African beat of the appropriately titled âEthiopiaâ to the straight-up hip-hop verses of âEven You Brutus?â. Added instrumentation is also noticeable, including a trumpet solo on âDid I Let You Know,â plus keyboards and piano contributed by both Klinghoffer and bassist Flea on several songs. That said, the music on the album remains in the realm of RHCPâs classic style. Lead vocalist Anthony Kiedis can still easily transition from in-your-face funk to graceful melodies, and the rhythm section of Flea and drummer Chad Smith still remains one of the best in the business. Fleaâs funky, stand-out, and, at times seemingly impossible bass lines drive the songs along with Smithâs deceptively intricate drum beats. All these traits are perhaps best exemplified on the albumâs standout lead single, âThe Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie.â Ultimately, Iâm With You serves as a vehicle for the Red Hot Chili Peppers to showcase their new, more complex arrangements along with their classic style. This isnât just an album of desperate filler, as is proved by fantastic songs such as âRain Dance Maggie,â âEven You Brutus?â, the quite catchy âFactory of Faith,â and the delicate, beautiful âBrendanâs Death Song,â plus plenty of others. In the end, while Iâm With You isnât the best album the Red Hot Chili Peppers have ever made, it also doesnât have any major flaws and shows that they still deserve to be known as one of the greatest acts in modern music. Overall rating: 8/10