Artist: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Title: I'm with You

Label: Warner Bros.

"The holiness of play is here to stay," sings Anthony Kiedis on "Dance, Dance, Dance"—the last track off the first Red Hot Chili Peppers album in five years, I'm with You. That's encouraging, because after such a lengthy hiatus and the second departure of incomparably inventive guitarist John Frusciante, many wondered if the ever-deepening feel-good band could rise again. It has, and this record may well be an artistic high point, combining old charms with new strengths.

Rhythmically, I'm with You is an outright stunner thanks to original bassist Flea and longtime drummer Chad Smith. Opening cuts "Monarchy of Roses" and "Factory of Faith" mix disco and New Romantic beats into dance floor perfection. "Look Around" and "Even You Brutus?" are immediate funk and rap/rock standouts that could quickly be associated with the repeat button.

By the time we get to the killer bass solo on "Goodbye Hooray," lyrical nods to Stevie Wonder, The Mothers of Invention, and John Coltrane throughout the set make total sense: here are musicians that may have been an aimless novelty at youthful inception twenty-eight years ago, but are clearly serious artists today, childlikeness still intact but deserving of close attention.

In that vein, "Brendan's Death Song" may be the most enduring piece, an acoustic-led jam for a late friend with the lovely passage, "Let me live so when it's time to die even the reaper cries."

Kiedis also impresses as a maturing vocalist and poet on "Police Station" and "Meet Me at the Corner," both about complex characters (himself included) and emotional unrest. His words can still reflect a sad upbringing—his drug-dealing father introduced a preteen Anthony to illegal substances and sex, sparking decades of addiction and unhealthy partnerships—but the overriding sentiment is one of hope, however physically and spiritually nebulous.

It's also important to mention incoming guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, who wisely refrains from trying to overshadow his new band mates, yet offers exactly whatever a given song needs. Much like Johnny Marr (The Smiths, Modest Mouse), he can play spacey or lush and nimble as on the aforementioned "Faith" and "Corner," or journey with the Chili Peppers in other directions.

When they all step up for the twitchy "Ethiopia" and dreamily smooth "Did I Let You Know"—both influenced by African music—it sounds fresh and exciting, as does I'm with You in general.

*This review first published 9/6/2011