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. 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.
  2. 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 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,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 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.… Expand
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. tilenb.
    Jul 23, 2002
    2
    the worst album they ever made. even worse than californication, which is hard to imagine...
  6. Happymonk
    Dec 9, 2011
    8
    The perfect example of the basic, unchanging Red Hot Chili Peppers we all know and love. The only reason that it's not on a 9 out of 10 is the fact that it's a step down in quality from Californication. Some of the songs on the album however are complete classics. It's just a shame they didn't really try anything too complicated or away from the norm.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. BunsAnonymous
    May 25, 2005
    10
    An excellent album full of super chili's songs
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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!!
  14. 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.
  15. AJW.
    Apr 2, 2006
    10
    Wow, simply the greatest album in the world ever, until maybe Stadium Arcadium.
  16. 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.
  17. TomB
    May 8, 2006
    10
    Simply gorgeous!! I love this album!
  18. DanielG.
    Jun 28, 2006
    9
    very good
  19. [Anonymous]
    Oct 18, 2002
    10
    its sooooooooo cool
  20. 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!
  21. MitchW.
    Jul 10, 2002
    9
    Rick Rubin did an excellent job producing this cd. What I like about By The Way that wasn't on Californication was the very diverse music. Not only the style of it, but also the speeds and sounds of each song. Also, the guitar is much better than on Californication. Overall, a great cd and a must-buy.
  22. Sam
    Jul 12, 2002
    10
    I luv it.
  23. 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.
  24. ChrisP.
    Aug 3, 2002
    8
    very smooth and melodic feel - solid followup to Californication
  25. 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.
  26. zacko
    Jul 29, 2003
    9
    im a big peppers fan, and this was a new twist to what i expected, but i really liked thier new style
  27. SNIKON
    Oct 1, 2004
    9
    I think listeners should not expect "blood sugar" from this album, that was over 10 years ago! A band changes over time and I can tell you now most critics would be complaining if they stayed with the same sounds over these years. This record is a move in the right direction, just look at their peers these days... ... still looking, thats because their peers (and most other ageing bands) I think listeners should not expect "blood sugar" from this album, that was over 10 years ago! A band changes over time and I can tell you now most critics would be complaining if they stayed with the same sounds over these years. This record is a move in the right direction, just look at their peers these days... ... still looking, thats because their peers (and most other ageing bands) didn't age well and tried to stay with the same sound (look at the Rolling Stones)... these guys are heading in a new direction, and even if the sound might be better or worse, its a better direction than going no where... For the record, this album is excellent and deserves full due credit.… Expand
  28. 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.
  29. VanessaP
    Aug 5, 2004
    10
    strange and beautiful everything music sholud be.
  30. C.D.
    May 26, 2005
    10
    Great Album! One of their best!
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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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