There is just no questioning the fact that Red Hot Chili Peppers are one of the most important bands of the last 20 years. With the release of their 1991 album Blood Sugar Sex Magik, the classic lineup of vocalist Anthony Kiedis, guitarist John Frusciante, bassist Flea and drummer Chad Smith unleashed a fusion rock sound the likes of which had never been heard before.
This sound was utterly original and catapulted the band to international stardom. However, this writer believes the consistency they had always been searching for was finally found on 2002’s By the Way, the subject of this week’s RAMzine Classic.
The album’s tone is pure funk rock. The opening song, the title track ‘By the Way’, is a fantastic fusion piece. The rolling bass in the verse combined with Kiedis’ self coined “rap singing” makes for a wonderful combination, and when the chorus hits, the melody stays with you for days. It’s a great opener that sets a funky tone for the entire record.
‘Universally Speaking’ has a structure that flows perfectly. The drums keep solid time throughout, allowing the vocals and guitar to layer over the top beautifully. RHCP’s songwriting is second to none, and their ability to recognise what makes a song work in the simplest way is unparalleled. The use of a classical string section over the mid section chorus further demonstrates the Chilis’ versatility and cements their status as one of the best bands in the world.
‘This Is the Place’ is a vibrant song and a genuine surprise on the album. It has a 70s psychedelic feel, with guitar effects and keyboard chords adding to the strange vibe. The chorus is a real singalong moment that sticks in the listener’s head long after the song has finished.
‘Dosed’ is a soulful, reflective number. Kiedis has really outdone himself on this album, with lyrics and vocal melodies that stand out throughout. The raw emotion present in this song is remarkable and easy to identify with. This honesty allows fans to connect with the album on a deeper level, no doubt contributing to its amazing success.
‘Don’t Forget Me’ is a real classic, harkening back to The Doors’ more mellow material. Smith’s drums hold an ethereal beat, creating a stunning atmosphere for Frusciante’s manic guitar picking to soar over the top. Combined with Kiedis’ flowing vocal melody, the result is perfect. How a band can be this versatile while maintaining their own distinctive sound is incredible.
‘The Zephyr Song’ is one of the genuine highlights, a proper funk number with the vibe of something Stevie Wonder could have written, though the attitude the Chilis bring makes it entirely their own. The guitar chords in the chorus complement the vocals perfectly, and the piano chords used to fatten the sound work to great effect.
‘Can’t Stop’ is another amazing highlight. The buildup at the start sets the tone perfectly, and that high chorded riff is simple yet devastatingly effective. Chad Smith’s solid drumming here is inspirational, showing why he’s one of the best drummers on the planet. This song is another brilliant showcase for Kiedis’ rap singing, with melodies delivered at a rapid rate that bring out that wonderfully original sound while staying commercial.
‘I Could Die for You’ is a soulful ballad that uses keyboard chords brilliantly, with Kiedis’ distinctive voice soaring high over the music. Through this romantic song, the band demonstrate their versatility once more, with the bass in particular holding everything together.
‘Midnight’ opens with a wonderful classical intro before developing into a fantastic clean pop rock song, bouncy yet emotional. It’s a fantastic hybrid, and once more the chorus stands out as something special. A true unexpected highlight.
‘Throw Away Your Television’ is unbelievably funky, built on a furious tom pattern from Smith’s drums alongside Flea’s toe tapping bass. The lyrics tackle our dependence on television with contemporary relevance. The guitar’s simple yet effective chords really prove that less is more, making this one of the best tracks on the whole album.
‘Cabron’ is a folk acoustic number with such a happy vibe. It’s genuinely underrated and surprising that it isn’t more widely known. The guitar work is fantastic, and the skiffle drum beat keeps the song moving, dropping in and out to let the guitar breathe. Intelligent songwriting at its finest.
‘Tear’ is another soulful track showing Motown influences. The raw emotion on display allows the band to convey deeply personal points. People say the best songs are written about personal experiences and emotions, and that’s certainly the case here. The vocal harmonies are a joy to hear.
‘On Mercury’ harks back to The Clash and Iggy and The Stooges. The melody is wonderful, and the trumpet in the background accentuates the song perfectly. Solid drums provide the ideal foundation for melodies to flow, while the vocal harmonies in the chorus sound absolutely perfect.
‘Minor Thing’ is a class RHCP funk number with added emotional depth. The key to this album, what makes it different from everything they’d recorded before, is that it’s far more emotional and mature. They’ve found their sound and are running with it. The combination here is lethal, producing a stunning song with an utterly fantastic guitar solo.
‘Warm Tape’ is spooky, showing progressive influences. The effects conjure images of a foggy morning, something truly ethereal. The versatility on display is astounding. The chorus is a highlight, with the guitar riff mimicking the vocal melody.
Closing the album is ‘Venice Queen’, mellow and a fantastic way to finish what is a stunning, complete record. The vocals flow over the guitar riffs beautifully. Kiedis and Frusciante’s harmonies add an extra musical dimension, creating a truly special sound alongside the piano. Wonderfully written.
In closing, this is one of the most important albums to me personally, and one very close to my heart. It’s the album that kicked me off into playing drums seriously and ignited my real passion for music. With its inherent sense of melody, its understanding of how to play best for the song across all instruments, and its sheer amazing songwriting, this is one of the greatest albums of all time. Please add it to your collection. It will stand up there with the greats across the test of time.
FOR FANS OF: Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, Jane’s Addiction
