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. 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 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 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
  2. tilenb.
    Jul 23, 2002
    2
    the worst album they ever made. even worse than californication, which is hard to imagine...

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.
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  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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