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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
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