By Chris Campanelli (January 18, 2003)

As one of the most original and dynamic bands of the past 15 years, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have impacted the music world once again with their recent release of By the Way. This cd demonstrates the long journey on which the Chili Peppers have come from their original fusion between rap and funk. The Red Hot Chili Pepper’s unmistakable growth toward the perfection of their unique mellow style shows exactly why this band has lasted so long in a time of musical drought. 

By the Way demonstrates the Chili Peppers’ song writing ability at its finest. The way the guitar and bass compliment the vocals is reminiscent of only the best of their song-writing ability. The addition of perfect, CSNY-caliber harmonies provides great depth to the music. The product of this mixture creates an undeniable masterpiece, no matter what your taste may be.

For those who praise the early RHCP style, By the Way seems to be a sellout cd, a sort of last stop on a declining career. But in reality, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have been growing toward this type of music since their beginning. The band has grown older, and away from the sock-crotch antics, but it is still growing toward a better sound, and a better knowledge of their own music.

The growth can be seen in previous songs such as "Soul to Squeeze," "Under the Bridge," and "Californication." With each new release, the proportion of driving rap and funk gave way to these more relaxing songs. As quality improved with little additions here and there, the Chili Peppers continued to grow toward a more perfect form of music.

By the Way is a masterpiece of a style. It is the polished product created from years of development and practice. But an appreciation for this CD does not come from an appreciation of the band, or an appreciation gained from the pop charts, but only from an appreciation of music itself.