2011 is going to be an insanely good year for new rock music.

The Strokes, Radiohead and R.E.M. have all hinted that their upcoming records will be released next year* and now it appears as if Red Hot Chili Peppers are in the same boat.

*Radiohead has hinted and The Strokes are woefully slow workers, so a 2011 release isn’t certain for either band. R.E.M. is definitely coming out with a new record, though, so get excited for that.

“I think we’ve tracked about 20 songs already, and there’s a few more left to do,” RHCP drummer Chad Smith told MusicRadar. “Then we’ll whittle them down to make the best record. We always cut a lot of songs and see which ones rise and which ones fall — that’s just how we like to work. But the new one won’t be a double album like Stadium Arcadium, I can tell you that.”

RHCP are currently tracking their record while simultaneously incorporating new guitarist Josh Klinghoffer into the band.

“You know, [Klinghoffer]’s a different guy. But he’s doing great,” Smith said. “He’s got a terrific sound, he’s very musical, he’s full of ideas — we’re enjoying working with him. Things are coming along pretty easily, so that’s always a good sign. I’ve been playing with him for over a year now, so it’s feeling very natural.”