The New Oldies: #3 Album of the Year 2022: Red Hot Chili Peppers – Return of the Dream Canteen

Something seems to be missing these days. It seems that record companies, radio stations, and streaming services are pushing some the great established musicians to the background. As a result these veteran artists are not getting the attention they deserve. Enter the Top 10 Album Countdown: The New Oldies. The main point is simple – to make this list you must have at least 20 years of producing established music. The album by the artist must have been released between November 1st, 2021 and October 31st, 2022.

#3 Red Hot Chili Peppers – Return of the Dream Canteen

2022 was sort of a comeback year for the Red Hot Chili Peppers as the Funk Rock legends would release two albums. These two albums would be the Red Hot Chili Peppers first in six years. At the same time, the band would see guitarist John Frusciante return to the band for a third time. Frusciante’s return would essentially re-establish the quartet of Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Chad Smith, and Frusciante – the lineup that has generated the Red Hot Chili Peppers most success. As a result of recording sessions with the reconvened lineup, it would produce material that would be released on two albums: Unlimited Love and the album that lands on the 2023 New Oldies podium at #3, Return of the Dream Canteen.

When you listen to Return of the Dream Canteen, you just really how the Kiedis/Flea/Smith/Frusciante quartet is a powerful combination. All four members play a key role in the final product that was produced. Return of the Dream Canteen, along with Unlimited Love was produced by Rick Rubin, and he has to be given credit to getting the most out of the quartet. The two albums have a combined 148 minutes of music, and none of it seems to be filler material. Of the two albums, “Dream Canteen” gets the edge here.

The opening track, Tippa My Tongue will immediately get you into this collection as you have that the powerful bass/drum combination of Flea and Chad Smith with rap-style vocals from Kiedis. Fake as F@ck will evoke memories of Under the Bridge. My Cigarette is a great classic R&B style track. Possibly the highlight of the album is the song Eddie, a song that is a tribute to the late Eddie Van Halen. Frusciante’s guitar work is simply next level and shines. It’s a fitting homage to the legend of Eddie Van Halen, and I’m sure Eddie would be proud.

Return of the Dream Canteen delivers some amazing work by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It’s music that will grab you, and then grow on you.