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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.

By The Way
by Red Hot Chili Peppers


8.8

based on 21 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

based on 110 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album

Stadium Arcadium

Although their ride has been rocky at times, the Los Angeles band is nearing its 20th anniversary. (And if you grew up listening to the band, doesn't that make you feel old.) This, their eighth album, finds the Chili Peppers working with producer Rick Rubin.

LABEL:	Warner Brothers
RELEASE DATE:	09 July 2002
DISCS:	1 disc
GENRE(S):	Alternative, Rock

NOTES: Also available on vinyl.

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

Q Magazine

A fantastic record, full of wonder. [Aug. 2002, p.118]

E! Online

A majority of By the Way features astoundingly wise steps in new, mature directions.

Playlouder

'By The Way' is pretty much 'Californication' part two with a deeper exploration of the nu melodic Peppers, a classic LA record that somehow combines the melodic rush of the Beach Boys and Mamas and Papas and hints at the dark underbelly of the city of angels just like Love did way back in the late sixties.

PopMatters

Certainly the most absorbing rock album of 2002, if not the best.

Launch.com

Daring and inventive, it takes the kind of stylistic chances and creative leaps that were once the property of the heavies of '60s rock and pop.

Austin Chronicle

By the Way is orchestral, taunting, sinister, beatific, rousing, jocular, nervy, ethereal, and dare I say it, mature.

Billboard

This is one beautiful record.

All Music Guide

Overall, the album leans more toward the melodic end of their oeuvre, but they have grown into this kinder, gentler mode organically, progressively working toward this groove little by little, album by album.

CDNow

Sonically, this is the most diverse and intriguing work of their careers.... A welcome surprise.

Rolling Stone

A near-perfect balance of gutter grime and high-art aspiration, the Rick Rubin-produced By the Way continues the Peppers' slow-motion makeover.

Entertainment Weekly

For every successful foray... there's a less satisfying track; the album is less focused and has a mushier center than ''Californication.''

New Musical Express

By god is it ever long (it's 16 tracks), but on the whole it showcases enough of what makes the Chili Peppers a very good rock group – chief among these are John Frusciante's excellent, inventive guitar playing, and the fact that it is with tremendous conviction that Anthony Kiedis belts out even the most ridiculous words.

The Onion (A.V. Club)

By The Way inevitably suffers for its familiarity: Had it followed 1995's so-so One Hot Minute instead of Californication, it would qualify as a revelation instead of a worthy retread.

Dot Music

Underpinned throughout by the kind of melancholic edge discovered on radio friendly ode to smack 'Under The Bridge', and punctuated by a spontaneous, back-to-basics feel, it's an album that sees the Chilis revitalised.

Mojo

The strongest Chili's album since 1991's Blood Sugar Sex Magik.

Village Voice (Consumer Guide)

It's not enough for Anthony Keidis to get all mature--he's supposed to say something interesting about maturity. And he's never had thing one to say about anything else.

Uncut

By The Way presents a band who have mellowed and matured with unusual benefits to their music. [Sep 2002, p.118]

Blender

Essentially Californication 2, a reprise of their last album. [#9, p.142]

Village Voice

Kiedis's lyrics are absolutely baffling.

New York Magazine

By the Way is as enjoyable as being stuck in an elevator playing a Muzak version of "Under the Bridge."

Stylus Magazine

Spit-shine production, passionless instrumentation, (extremely) laid back grooves and laughably awful lyrics all conspire to do this once explosive band in.

The average user rating for this album is 8.8 (out of 10) based on 110 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

[Anonymous] gave it an8:
Mosy of the songs are good, some of them are crap.

Chris R. gave it a10:
SAVAGE TOAST gave it a4: fuck u all who think this album is incredible. any no name shit can right songs like these. i can rhyme just as well as rhcp Don't know the difference between right and write though, moron. Some of the best music this side of the 21st century. I wish they didn't make that shitty Stadium Arcadium album right after this one though.

Vid M. gave it an8:
Good stuff.

Natalie P gave it a10:
-what Joesepher W said is so true- By the Way is their best album...itthe lyrics and the melodies are beautiful. the whole album is absolutely perfect . They make music like no modern rock artist can touch. Everyone should be required to listen to this album. And to that guy who said anyone can write like them, you're just jealous because you will never play or write like them- they are too talented and complex for someone like you to understand.

Patrick B gave it a7:
A good album which I think is criticised simply because the Chilis' other albums are better.

kiefer h gave it a9:
savage what's up with you and all of your pessimistic, derogatory comments...i'd like to see you seriously make any album of some sorty, let alone play an instrument. Anyway back to the criteria of the moment--i believe this album represent symplistic riffs and tunes that only the red hot's could pull off...a very blissfully, mellow, and delicious album one could bask in with it's subtle and deep embraces

Daniel G. gave it a9:
very good

By The Way by Red Hot Chili Peppers

By The Way
by Red Hot Chili Peppers