By The Way
by Red Hot Chili Peppers
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

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  1. JasonJ.
    Jul 10, 2002
    5
    The new direction the Chili Peppers has taken has thoroughly dissapointed me. Instead of highlighting thier good points they have decided to send forth an album of very melodic stuff. Unfortunately Kiedis' vocals just dont hold up under the spotlight of this type of music. Lets go back to the funk rock days that put the backing band on center stage.
  2. LivVid
    Apr 11, 2003
    6
    sounds like the B-sides to Californication. has some great songs but overall, i think it's weak. Californication and BLOOD SUGAR... were WAY better.
  3. johns
    Mar 18, 2004
    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.
  4. johns
    Mar 18, 2004
    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.
  5. LetzTalkMoveez
    Oct 21, 2012
    5
    As with any Chili Peppers album, you're guaranteed a few slammin' tracks, but overall, a lack of vigor and RHCP personality are unfortunately quite clear here.

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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. The A.V. Club
    70
    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.
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  2. Dot Music
    70
    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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
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