By The Way
by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 21
  3. Negative: 3 out of 21
  1. Village Voice
    20
    Kiedis's lyrics are absolutely baffling.
  2. 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."
  3. Stylus Magazine
    10
    Spit-shine production, passionless instrumentation, (extremely) laid back grooves and laughably awful lyrics all conspire to do this once explosive band in.

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Most Discussed Album of 2002
3
#3 Most Shared Album of 2002

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 269 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 249 out of 269
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 269
  3. Negative: 8 out of 269
  1. cbm
    Aug 2, 2011
    10
    By the Way represents a different direction for the Red Hot Chili Peppers compared to Californication. By the Way us is very melodic withBy 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.… Full Review »
  2. thegetaway
    Apr 15, 2021
    10
    My 2nd favourite Red Hot Chili Peppers album, right after Californication and my favourite album of the 21st century. The combination ofMy 2nd favourite Red Hot Chili Peppers album, right after Californication and my favourite album of the 21st century. The combination of Kiedis' angelic voice, Frusciante's piercing guitar and also angelic harmonies, Flea's melodic basslines and Chad Smith's powerful drumming touch my heart every time. A perfect record that sends me right down to 2002-2003.… Full Review »
  3. DeVr33z
    Oct 22, 2010
    8
    It's very mellow. That might be what annoys a lot of people about it, because the Chili Peppers have always been about the funk. It's also aIt's very mellow. That might be what annoys a lot of people about it, because the Chili Peppers have always been about the funk. It's also a little monotonous at times but there really are some great songs here if you're willing to listen in a way you haven't before. The lyrics don't make sense, but who cares about that? It's a chill-out album. "Venice Queen" is my personal favorite, followed by "Can't Stop" and the title track. Great stuff.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »