By The Way - Red Hot Chili Peppers
By The Way Image
Metascore
70 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.7 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 158 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Summary: 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.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 21
  3. Negative: 3 out of 21
  1. Q Magazine
    100
    A fantastic record, full of wonder. [Aug. 2002, p.118]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. All Music Guide
    80
    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.
  3. Uncut
    60
    By The Way presents a band who have mellowed and matured with unusual benefits to their music. [Sep 2002, p.118]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    20
    By the Way is as enjoyable as being stuck in an elevator playing a Muzak version of "Under the Bridge."

See all 21 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 50 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 57
  3. Negative: 3 out of 57
  1. cbm
    10
    By the Way represents a different direction for the Red Hot Chili Peppers compared to Californication. By the Way us is very melodic with beautifully composed songs, my personal favorites being Don't Forget Me and Venice Queen.… Expand
  2. Ricko
    8
    Many will disagree but I feel this is RHCP strongest overall album. While it's all high quality, over two thirds of it is outstanding, especially the first half of the album. As usual for the band, the record is too long by several tracks but in this case that doesn't take too much from the album. I don't think they've really come near to this level with the records they've put out since.… Expand
  3. manurock
    7
    Yes, I agree. Some songs, especially on the first part of the album, sound like a side B of californication. However, the second half of the album has some great songs like "TEAR", "Cabron" or the first 2 mins of "Venice Queen". As Californication had a 9 I will give this record a 7 out of 10.… Expand
  4. tilenb.
    2
    the worst album they ever made. even worse than californication, which is hard to imagine...

See all 57 User Reviews

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