Yes, many people are welcoming the return of classic-era guitarist John Frusciante and noting the song's sonic similarities to 2006's Stadium Arcadium. But most hot takes are focusing on frontman Anthony Kiedis's odd choice to sing the song with a Celtic vocal affectation that resembles a swashbuckling sea shanty. Making it even stranger, the ole scallywag's voice comes smothered in a very noticeable helping of Auto-Tune. Shiver me timbers!
Below, see a small sampling of the reactions to the new song, as me hearties try to decide whether Kiedis is doing a pirate voice, some sort of a bad Irish accent, or something else entirely.
Listen to "Black Summer" here, ye filthy landlubber, and decide whether the song should be forced to walk the plank. Unlimited Love is out April 1.
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i’m still crying over these anthony kiedis sea shanty comments- anyway, first song in 6-7ish years, bit underwhelmed but i got a good chuckle out of it. frusciante, great. rhcp is a weird band. in a good way. looking forward to the rest of the songs
WAIT THIS IS ALSO OUT LMAOOO WHY IS ANTHONY KIEDIS SINGING LIKE A PIRATE BRO IM CRYING I LOVE HEARING FRUSCIANTE’S GUITAR AGAIN BUT I CANNOT DEAL WITH THESE VOCALS- AK I LOVE U, BUT WHAT WAS THAT INTRO
okay I’ve had it on repeat for 30 minutes (mental illness) and i LOVE IT. but also f whoever told Anthony to sing like an Irish pirate because what the hell is that? But i also don’t hate it??? It kinda works??? Rhcp is so damn weird 💀 music.apple.com/us/album/black…
Story with Kiedis singing like a pirate? You’d have to imagine he was watching Wellerman TikToks when he was recording this song. Overall this is a big pile of meh, Frusciante or no Frusciante. #RHCP youtu.be/OS8taasZl8k
RHCP: hey John, you wanna come back? John: yes, but only if Anthony sings like a pirate Anthony:
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I don’t know why Anthony Kiedis is singing like a pirate/shipman, but hot damn do I love hearing John Frusciante tickle the strings again. @ChiliPeppers
Apart from Anthony’s weird Irish/pirate twang and the obvious auto tuning, the new Red Hot Chili Peppers song is great. Sounds like Stadium Arcadium B-sides. reddit.com/r/RedHotChiliP…
New Red Hot Chili Peppers single is a great return. Black Summer has a lovely JF solo, Anthony doing his best pirate impression, Flea being Flea and Chad lays down a very nice propulsive rhythm. Even more excited to see them in June. Hoping Unlimited Love will be a great album.
#RHCP Just as awful but now with an Irish lilt in Kiedis's vocals...very weird.
Instead we’re left with another rehash riff and chorus with some weird Kiedis sea shanty accent lyrics and singing. Still hopeful for the new album but damn.
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Despite the new chili peppers song being a bit weird at the start and sailor sounding, I can confirm it’s a peach! 😍😍 #BlackSummer
