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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
8.8 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 139 Ratings

Your Score
10 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. 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
  3. 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: 49 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 55
  3. Negative: 3 out of 55
  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
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  2. johns
    5
    I think they have turned into more of a slow, pop band. I liked the harder stuff. They are my fav band but this was a dissapointment.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. ChrisB
    1
    It has been heartbreaking to watch my favourite band gradually turn into a boring uninspired pop band. I never thought it would happen to a band that had seemed to have so much creative talent musically and lyrically on the fantastic 'BloodSugarSexMagik'. Californication was OK, but this record is just laughable. I mean listen to the lyrics: "Skin that flick she's such a little DJ??" I mean come on. Bad. Very bad. Don't buy this album … Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 55 User Reviews

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