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Return of the Dream Canteen
by
Return of the Dream Canteen Image
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 54 Ratings

  • Summary: The second release in 2022 for the Red Hot Chili Peppers features songs from the same recording sessions as Unlimited Love and includes the return of guitarist John Frusciante.
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  • Record Label: Warner Records
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Funk Metal
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Classic Rock Magazine
    Oct 13, 2022
    80
    A fine album by any standards, not least the Chili Peppers' own. [Oct 2022, p.70]
  2. Clash Music
    Oct 13, 2022
    80
    The band promised that they weren’t going to play it safe with this record, and it seems to have paid off.
  3. Consequence
    Oct 14, 2022
    75
    Return of the Dream Canteen is a pretty faithful second helping of Red Hot Chili Peppers as they stand in 2022. ... It’s hard not to wonder what kind of splash the album could have made had it been pared down or if there was more time between the two releases. As it stands now, though, Return of the Dream Canteen still manages to add more than it takes away.
  4. Sputnikmusic
    Oct 14, 2022
    68
    Return of the Dream Canteen is better overall than the previous effort. It might have a couple of higher sonic peaks, but suffers from similar flaws. Obviously, one hour-long album with the strongest tracks recorded in the past couple of years would have been enough for a stronger comeback.
  5. Pitchfork
    Oct 19, 2022
    63
    While some of these songs can feel regressive or at least undercooked on their own, they’re reframed by the open-hearted sadness that takes over the album’s second half.
  6. New Musical Express (NME)
    Oct 13, 2022
    60
    This album is an almighty slog, one where the vibrant new is weighed down with a lot of the same old tricks. For all glimpses of bold musical and lyrical steps forward, they remain largely the same band they’ve always been with ‘Return Of The Dream Canteen’ offering an all-you-can-eat buffet that often feels overwhelming.
  7. The Telegraph (UK)
    Oct 14, 2022
    60
    Mildly soulful, rarely unpalatable, the Chili Peppers keep delivering American fast-food for the ears, even as they enter their sixties.

See all 10 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. AlanSully
    Oct 17, 2022
    10
    This album is quality from start to finish. Every band member takes it up a level. It’s creative, it’s funky, it’s everything you would expectThis album is quality from start to finish. Every band member takes it up a level. It’s creative, it’s funky, it’s everything you would expect from the Chili Peppers after reuniting with John F. For me it’s the best album since Stadium Arcadium. Highlights include Eddie, Bella, Roulette, Bag of Grins and Carry me home.… Expand
  2. pusherman55
    Oct 15, 2022
    10
    Exactly the album I wanted when hearing Frusciante was returning. UL was really good, but this might just blow it out of the water…
  4. Shrimpy
    Oct 14, 2022
    10
    Too bad E diddy shrimp is a clown and can’t see good music with his own eyes and stuff. This is easily their best since Stadium Arcadium. ULToo bad E diddy shrimp is a clown and can’t see good music with his own eyes and stuff. This is easily their best since Stadium Arcadium. UL was good but this is great. Better bass by Flea throughout better guitar shreds by Fruciante as well as better harmonizing. Anthony’s vocals sound better here as well.… Expand
  5. erolsabadosh
    Oct 16, 2022
    9
    Excellent album! Arguably more cohesive and funkier than Unlimited Love although whether you like it more or less depends on the kind ofExcellent album! Arguably more cohesive and funkier than Unlimited Love although whether you like it more or less depends on the kind of Chilis you want. I'm amazed that they still have this much creativity left to be honest as a handful of these songs easily stand up to their best work. Frusciante absolutely SHREDS on this album! Anthony's vocals dip less often into cringe here (Handful is particularly guilty though) with some absolutely golden choruses and Chad and Flea are on fire throughout. Standout tracks for me are Peace & Love, Eddie, Roulette, Afterlife, Copperbelly & In the Snow.… Expand
  6. SooperChris86
    Oct 14, 2022
    9
    Probably their best since Stadium Arcadium. They are clearly enjoying themselves this year and so am I.
  7. lobmo78
    Oct 14, 2022
    9
    Blows Unlimited Love away, easily their best work since Stadium! This sounds like a proper return to that RHCP sound, and is a proper sequelBlows Unlimited Love away, easily their best work since Stadium! This sounds like a proper return to that RHCP sound, and is a proper sequel to Stadium Arcadium. The first album I bought, listened to it twice trying to get a groove for it, couldn't. Got this one on day one and I am on my second run through it enjoying everything about it. The sonics of the album sound like a high fidelity Stadium Arcadium, the guitar and vocal tones sound like they haven't aged a day in the almost 17 years since. The melodies are memorable, solo's well thought out, and the BG vocals are something only Frusciante could deliver. My only critique is the My Cigarette sounds like it belongs on the UL. A little too digital, and probably one a left over Frusciante synth track.

    Makes me hope that album three will revisit BSSM.    … Expand
  8. bhaveshpawaskar
    Oct 17, 2022
    4
    Album is all over the place. Missing Josh's magic on last two albums. Songs are good but just average sounds like Statium Arcadium nothing newAlbum is all over the place. Missing Josh's magic on last two albums. Songs are good but just average sounds like Statium Arcadium nothing new and creative. This needs to be heard, Josh may not be as good as John in guitar playing, but he put out two good albums but unfortunately, all he got was heavy criticism. Dark Necessities is one of the greatest rock songs of the new RHCP era. Its really sad, no matter what happens John just walks in whenever he wants and gets replaced immediately and he wouldnt even play any RHCP songs live??? Like you quit twice mate. Have some respect for the band and someome who replaced you and kept the band alive while you were gone away. You wouldnt be thabkful and playing if Josh wasn't there for all these years. John is a better guitarist but Josh is a great musician and a good human being overall. They surely had a good future with Josh but the songs and the last two albums says it all. Very upsetting and sad.… Expand

See all 19 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

49
#49 Most Discussed Album of 2022

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