By the Way

Artist: Red Hot Chili Peppers

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Go your own way

Despite being arguably the Red Hot Chili Peppers' most mature album to date, By the Way is likely to split the band's fan base. This outing sees the band in top form both musically and lyrically; but those who loved the harder edge of Blood Sugar Sex Magik will be rather bemused by this kinder, gentler release.

By the Way continues the more tuneful approach the band began with Californication, but takes it a step further. While there are still elements of metal and punk in the mix, they're pushed to the background as the Peppers concentrate on melody and rhythm.

The title (and opening) track is probably the exception to that rule, and wouldn't have been out of place on Blood Sugar Sex Magik. Anthony Kiedis' vocals trip and flip over Flea's frenetic lead guitar. The first single though, The Zephyr Song, is far closer to pop music than may be comfortable for long-term Peppers' fans. Sure, it still has an edge, but you could easily imagine Oasis handling similar material. Cabron is in the same vein, and marks an intensifying of the Latin music influence that emerged on Californication.

The Peppers are at their best when they capture that quintessential Californian groove; and Minor Thing does just that, making it one of the standout tracks on the album. The same can be said for Throw Away Your Television and the lyrically brilliant This is the Place. Occasionally, the album hits a bit of a dull spot (such as the forgettable Universally Speaking), but ultimately, the highlights far outshine the lowlights.

While By the Way probably won't galvanise Peppers' fans the way Blood Sugar Sex Magik did, it should really be viewed for what it is. This is a much more composed and consistent effort from the band than Californication; one that hasn't abandoned their roots, but which blends them more completely into a richer, but not so edgy, groove.

Karen Bennett