By the Way

the take

By the Way is the Chili Peppers at their most melodic and open, trading much of their funk aggression for shimmering, harmony-rich songwriting. The concept isn’t rigid, but the album feels unified by a sense of longing, fragility, and Californian melancholy. Anthony leans into vulnerability and romanticism. His words are still impressionistic but here they feel warmer, more human, less about persona and more about connection and loss. Musically, it’s a showcase for John. His layered guitars and backing vocals define the album’s sound, bringing a lush, almost dream-pop sensibility to the record. The rhythm section—Flea and Chad—is more restrained than usual, favouring groove and texture over slap-heavy fireworks. It’s not as explosive or immediate as their earlier work, but that’s the point. By the Way is a band maturing in real time and it’s all the better for it. Fav Track Universally Speaking