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. CelineS.
    Mar 8, 2003
    10
    BEST CD IN THE UNIVERSE. Most poetic lyrics u'd ever hear. Anthony is a genius. all those people who say they rn't good... listen to it once more.
  2. Anonymous
    Nov 6, 2003
    10
    This is a great CD! I think it is one of their best albums; it is almost as good as Californication. With excellent songs, like By the Way and the Zeypher song, and other great songs, including Can't Stop and Dosed, this is a must-buy CD.
  3. BunsAnonymous
    May 25, 2005
    10
    An excellent album full of super chili's songs
  4. CenaniM
    Jan 13, 2003
    10
    I'd say this is one of their best albums!I would say that some of their songs on here are slow but the others make up for that.
  5. QMasta
    Oct 3, 2003
    10
    Some people don't like the change of sound but they're missing the point, it's uncommon to find a band who are creative enough to produce such diverse sounds and completely pull it off. Luv it!!
  6. AJW.
    Apr 2, 2006
    10
    Wow, simply the greatest album in the world ever, until maybe Stadium Arcadium.
  7. JosepherW
    May 1, 2006
    10
    I am pretty much sick that people are not giving this cd 100, this album is insanly good, and if you havn't herd it you don't know what your missing.
  8. TomB
    May 8, 2006
    10
    Simply gorgeous!! I love this album!
  9. [Anonymous]
    Oct 18, 2002
    10
    its sooooooooo cool
  10. Sam
    Jul 12, 2002
    10
    I luv it.
  11. MichaelE.
    Aug 2, 2002
    10
    Granted this isn't perfect, with a few songs that just kind of sound awkward, but this is still far and away the Peppers' best album. Their most consistent, and without the dullness of some of the 'Californication' material.
  12. VanessaP
    Aug 5, 2004
    10
    strange and beautiful everything music sholud be.
  13. C.D.
    May 26, 2005
    10
    Great Album! One of their best!
  14. patd
    Dec 2, 2007
    10
    Great Album
  15. ChrisR.
    Oct 6, 2007
    10
    SAVAGE TOAST gave it a4: fuck u all who think this album is incredible. any no name shit can right songs like these. i can rhyme just as well as rhcp Don't know the difference between right and write though, moron. Some of the best music this side of the 21st century. I wish they didn't make that shitty Stadium Arcadium album right after this one though.
  16. JoshH
    Sep 25, 2002
    10
    The greatest album I have ever listened to. Definitely worth a 10
  17. JeremyD
    Dec 17, 2004
    10
    This is one of the best album's ever. The reason I love the chili peppers so much is because of their diversity. They write so many different styles of music it's awesome. This is not one of those albums where you only listen to a few tracks. I love every single song on this record! It rocks! Buy it to support this awesome band!
  18. patd
    Apr 16, 2005
    10
    Great Album
  19. NatalieP
    Nov 27, 2006
    10
    -what Joesepher W said is so true- By the Way is their best album...itthe lyrics and the melodies are beautiful. the whole album is absolutely perfect . They make music like no modern rock artist can touch. Everyone should be required to listen to this album. And to that guy who said anyone can write like them, you're just jealous because you will never play or write like them- they -what Joesepher W said is so true- By the Way is their best album...itthe lyrics and the melodies are beautiful. the whole album is absolutely perfect . They make music like no modern rock artist can touch. Everyone should be required to listen to this album. And to that guy who said anyone can write like them, you're just jealous because you will never play or write like them- they are too talented and complex for someone like you to understand.… Expand
  20. mongoose_126
    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 their usual music, but they managed to get the record done perfectly. Highly recommend it.
  21. 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 with beautifully composed songs, my personal favorites being Don't Forget Me and Venice Queen.
  22. skyminster
    Jun 21, 2012
    10
    By the way is an absolute classic, it's a really, really good album. Out of the albums of red hot chili peppers I've heard, which are: One hot minute, Californication, By the way, Greatest hits, Stadium arcadium and I'm with you (I really want to listen to Blood sugar sex magik and the 80's albums!), this is the second worst one, the worst being: One hot minute. One hot minute is like aBy the way is an absolute classic, it's a really, really good album. Out of the albums of red hot chili peppers I've heard, which are: One hot minute, Californication, By the way, Greatest hits, Stadium arcadium and I'm with you (I really want to listen to Blood sugar sex magik and the 80's albums!), this is the second worst one, the worst being: One hot minute. One hot minute is like a 8.5/9 out of ten. I love Red hot chili peppers, they're my favorite band ever! My personal favorite songs of this album are: This is the place, By the way, On mercury and Venice queen. And my least favorite song of the album is: Dosed.… Expand
  23. Stewmista
    Mar 2, 2014
    10
    This is the album that introduced me to the Chilis' and I adore it for that. Although when I discovered their other work, I was surprised to see just how different this album is in comparison. They are a hugely diverse band and I love all their work but the melodic nature and beautifully chilled guitar melodies of this album fit my style perfectly being a laid back guy. This is their bestThis is the album that introduced me to the Chilis' and I adore it for that. Although when I discovered their other work, I was surprised to see just how different this album is in comparison. They are a hugely diverse band and I love all their work but the melodic nature and beautifully chilled guitar melodies of this album fit my style perfectly being a laid back guy. This is their best work in my opinion and its well worth a listen.… Expand
  24. 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 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.
  25. bigbenn03
    Oct 5, 2016
    10
    The song starts with a slow soft vocal this shows that the artist can show a calm side but then the change is amazing it goes from being calm to what you would expect from a rock song. The song then follows with loud drums and heavy guitar but still throws out amazing vocal skill. You can hear the artist’s musical intent. I personally think the artist keeps to their style of slow music andThe song starts with a slow soft vocal this shows that the artist can show a calm side but then the change is amazing it goes from being calm to what you would expect from a rock song. The song then follows with loud drums and heavy guitar but still throws out amazing vocal skill. You can hear the artist’s musical intent. I personally think the artist keeps to their style of slow music and amazing vocals it’s not a big budget song and you can tell by how pure rock and griping the song is.… Expand
  26. pinkenigma
    Oct 3, 2017
    10
    Pleasant melodies that accompany the rhythm of sweet instrumental arrangements attest to the virtues of the most sentimental work of Red Hot Chili Peppers.
  27. modern_football
    Jun 6, 2020
    10
    While it didn't top its predecessor in Californication, By The Way is about as good of a follow up as it gets and a nearly flawless album in its own right. At 16 tracks and over 68 minutes, this is a doozy of an album to get through, but there isn't a single bad song on here. The title track is a very fun and energetic song that makes for a great intro. "Universally Speaking" initiallyWhile it didn't top its predecessor in Californication, By The Way is about as good of a follow up as it gets and a nearly flawless album in its own right. At 16 tracks and over 68 minutes, this is a doozy of an album to get through, but there isn't a single bad song on here. The title track is a very fun and energetic song that makes for a great intro. "Universally Speaking" initially bored me, but over time I began to see its beauty. I can't find enough good things to say about "This Is The Place". It's in my top 5 favorite songs by the band, and one of their all-time most underrated. Yet another fantastically written tune about Kiedis' experience with drugs, including the death of Hillel Slovak, with a great vocal performance as well. "Dosed", "Don't Forget Me", and "The Zephyr Song" all make for absolutely wonderful listens. I'm sure everyone and their mother has heard the song "Can't Stop", which at this point just might be my least favorite on the whole album. While I wouldn't say I dislike it by any means, it's very overrated. "I Could Die For You" is yet another sweet tune, and "Midnight" was a favorite of mine growing up. "Throw Away Your Television" kind of sticks out like a sore thumb on this album sound-wise, but its grown on me. "Cabron" is okay, a little silly sounding but I don't take serious issue with it. The songs "Tear", "On Mercury", "Minor Thing", and "Warm Tape" make for a nice streak. I wouldn't count any of them among the Chili Peppers all-time best songs, but they are still very enjoyable to listen to. However, the crown jewel of the album comes in its epic closer "Venice Queen". This is once again in my top 5 favorite songs by the band, probably top 3. The song has three parts, from its slow-paced first two verses to its fast paced bridge, finishing out with amazing acoustic guitar work from John Frusciante. Overall, this album flows incredibly smoothly, and is a great album to mellow out to while still being plenty engaging. Don't sleep on this one- it is easily one of the Chili Peppers finest works.… Expand
  28. Dracool
    Jul 23, 2002
    9
    This is a very great album, I listen to it almost every day, the songs keep haunting you. I like the style of this album, more melodic and with some unpepperish instruments.
  29. DanielG.
    Jun 28, 2006
    9
    very good
  30. MichelB.
    Jul 10, 2002
    9
    Less rock than CALIFORNIFICATION, more pop/ballad. I really like this album, you can listen to it all night and not be bothered/bored at all. Good work RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS! I really like your music, keep up good work!
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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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