Long before Limp Bizket, Kid Rock or Linkin Park fused hip hop with a rock and roll attitude, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were busting out rhymes with a funk driven combination of punk and rap. While the bands 1995 recording, One Hot Minute, was a critical and commercial disaster in comparison to Blood Sugar Sex Magik, they regrouped with guitarist John Frusciante in 1999 and resurfaced with Californication. The record took creative liberties the band had previously not taken as they incorporated strings and heartfelt acoustic ballads. By The Way recommences in a similar vein as the Red Hot Chili Peppers continue to expand their musical repertoire.
If Californication was a reintroduction of the “new” Red Hot Chili Peppers, it was only foreplay to the climax of By The Way. Even though the band has almost totally shed their “Parliament-Funkadelic” sound on the latest album, they can still kick it where it hurts. The Red Hot Chili Peppers have always been known for their tight rhythms and Flea has been the groups’ long time focal point; this is the one thing that has not changed. The title track features Flea’s fierce and stylish bass lines along with Anthony’s Kiedis accomplished ability to spout out his unique style of “rap”. However, the song also showcases luscious and tight harmonies which are included through out the recording. Kiedis’s anti-drug messages continue as they have since the single ‘Under The Bridge’ (since his own bout with heroin addiction) with tunes laced throughout the disc such as ‘This Is The Place’ and ‘Don’t Forget Me’. With a symphonic intro and a trip-hop vibe, ‘Midnight’ takes the Peppers into unfamiliar yet gratifying territory. Now here’s where it get weird; with a Spanish rhythm, ‘Cabron’ has a salsa flavor complete with fluid acoustic pickin’ from Frusciante.
If you’re a hardcore fan of the completely funky Red Hot Chili Peppers earlier work (Freaky Style, The Uplift Mofo Party Plan or Mothers Milk), this CD will disappoint you. However, if you keep an open mind and embrace the newness, the recording will grow on you. Whether using a French horn or orchestral effects, By The Way is truly the Peppers most diverse and eclectic piece of work to date.
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