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By The Way Image
Metascore
70

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

User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 269 Ratings

  • 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.

Top Track

By The Way
Standing in line To see the show tonight And there's a light on Heavy glow By the way I tried to say I'll be there Waiting for Dani the girl Is... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 21
  2. Negative: 3 out of 21
  1. Q Magazine
    100
    A fantastic record, full of wonder. [Aug. 2002, p.118]
  2. Certainly the most absorbing rock album of 2002, if not the best.
  3. 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.
  4. For every successful foray... there's a less satisfying track; the album is less focused and has a mushier center than ''Californication.''
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Spit-shine production, passionless instrumentation, (extremely) laid back grooves and laughably awful lyrics all conspire to do this once explosive band in.

See all 21 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 61
  2. Negative: 2 out of 61
  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. Collapse
  2. C.D.
    May 26, 2005
    10
    Great Album! One of their best!
  3. Dec 29, 2010
    10
    By the Way is a great album, with nothing to boot. The Chili Peppers utilized instruments and melodies that are uncharacteristic to theirBy the Way is a great album, with nothing to boot. The Chili Peppers utilized instruments and melodies that are uncharacteristic to their usual music, but they managed to get the record done perfectly. Highly recommend it. Expand
  4. HaakonH.
    Aug 5, 2002
    9
    While I like thier funk rock music and wish this album had a bit more I can't deny that this is an very good CD.
  5. Dec 30, 2013
    9
    The best thing in this album is the variety, if you listen to midnight and then don't forget me and it's like you're on a different album. InThe best thing in this album is the variety, if you listen to midnight and then don't forget me and it's like you're on a different album. In the most of the songs the guitar riffs are pretty simple but they're original and beautiful. Expand
  6. Apr 23, 2012
    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,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
  7. ChrisB
    Jun 3, 2004
    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 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

See all 61 User Reviews