Spring’s almost over, so get ready for a Black Summer. On April first, The Red Hot Chili Peppers released their album “Unlimited Love”. The album includes songs such as “Here Ever After”, “Aquatic Mouth Dance”, “Poster Child”, and much more. While the steady beat and funky guitar strums of most of the songs are hot stuff, the lyrics tell deep tales. 

The Red Hot Chili Peppers (also known as the guys who wrote Under the Bridge) have come out with a truly emotional and unique album. According to them, the album is a reflection of their thoughts on the universe. After listening to the lyrics, I gotta say, they have the most interesting perspectives I’ve ever heard. Whether it be comparing depression to a long summer or nostalgia for an aquatic mouth dance, the Red Hot Chili Peppers use great subtlety in their lyrics to portray reality. “Black Summer” is a great example of this. While the guitar is funky and the beat is something to tap your foot to, “Black Summer” is referring to the devastating wildfires in Australia in 2020. However, it seems to be about depression, a la “Waiting for a black summer to end”. It’s a simple line that says so much. While it can be interpreted many different ways, to me it’s about waiting for a heavy, horrible feeling to wash over. That being said, this song will move you.

The next song being “Here Ever After” is a love song, however, you wouldn’t want unlimited love from the subject of this tune. Once again, the song is fun and fast-paced, but it also has a darker meaning. The song even cleverly reflects the wild nature of the story by having a wild melody. Along with that, the beat is louder and more abundant than usual. It gives the song a “loud and proud” feel. The girl Anthony Kiedis (the lead singer) sings about is supposedly a bad influence, and the relationship itself is an unhealthy one. Something that the narrator is very aware of. A red flag for sure, but this song is otherwise red hot. 

However, on a much higher note, Unlimited Love’s third song “Aquatic Mouth Dance” is a groovy song about the early years of Red Hot Chili Peppers. There are many references to songs that inspired Kiedis to become a singer, such as the Misfit band and The Message. A thank you to everything and everyone that made the band what it is today. A nostalgic piece reflecting on the pieces that created the band. It really is a pleasure, the vibrant drum and subtle guitar strums make for a fun song. It might even make you break into an aquatic mouth dance.

Another great song with a light story is “Poster Child”. It’s like a homage to music in general. Similar to “Aquatic Mouth Dance”, it’s stock-filled with many pop culture and musician references, such as mentions of Led Zepplin and the movie Caddyshack. Once again an appreciation of other artists. The funk-inspired tune is the song equivalent of reclining on a chair outside on a warm summer day. That being said, it is a bit too slow for me, but I do appreciate the relaxing feel of the song. 

Ultimately, “Unlimited Love” doesn’t disappoint. It does something many songs don’t do for us today. The lyrics allow one to think and ponder, whether it be about the meaning or just the story it tells in general.  While some of the stories the Red Hot Chili Peppers tell may be sad, the songs still have a funk to them that will get anyone tapping to the beat. The melodies might even warm your heart.