Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 10
  2. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. 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.
  2. Oct 14, 2022
    60
    Like its sibling Unlimited Love, Return of the Dream Canteen benefits from the positive energy of these four friends just having fun in the studio, and is designed for listeners to plug in and bliss out without any expectations of mainstream-ready fare.
  3. 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.
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 54 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 54
  2. Negative: 6 out of 54
  1. Oct 14, 2022
    9
    Unlimited Love was just training, Dream Canteen is the real deal. Their best work since Stadium Arcadium.
  2. Oct 14, 2022
    9
    Probably their best since Stadium Arcadium. They are clearly enjoying themselves this year and so am I.
  3. 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. Full Review »