Red Hot Chili Peppers - By the Way
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Free Music Notes for By the Way
Free Music Review: close to flawless album
Hit: 5 Stars
Some reviewers said they lost their passion and energy during this album. I'd like to state clearly that they certainly did not, but they definitely redirected it into a somewhat slower-paced but more introspective group of songs. I see this album as so much more of a reflection on what the group had done as a whole, the obstacles they overcame, the people they lost along the way (Hillel is def. referenced), and a great bunch of somber-type love songs. The California sun-drenched melodies permeate through the entire album and although it ends up feeling bittersweet, the mix of emotions through the whole CD are a perfect blend. I especially like Warm Tape and Venice Queen as songs that took some time to grow on me, but after a few years of loving this album, these two have come back into my favor. Venice Queen is such a great epic song how it goes into an acoustic transition at the end, but still keeps it's energy. It's more poppy of an album as a whole, but it makes it much more listenable than their early funk stuff and what it might lack in musicianship, it makes up for with very, very catch songwriting. To me musicianship is a misnomer for playing incredibly fast and intricate stuff. But as a guitar player myself and really "listening" to John's work, musicianship is also about playing what "fits" the song or sometimes when not to play. It's having that clever taste and writing "music", not shred or super funk. Frusciante is at his finest in the studio, layering his Brian Wilson-type vocals with incredible precision. I think as a production piece, this one is definitely the Chili's finest by far. It's such a THICK album and that's what I love about it - all the textures. It's fully playable from beginning to end, no need to skip songs, but I'd say my favorite is 'Don't Forget Me'. That song is so haunting and powerful and to any reviewers who said they lost their energy on this album, I suggest viewing the Slane Castle live version of this song, then try to tell me they put more passion into their wildly ridiculous funk from the early 80's and 90's. Not to take anything away from their older stuff, but they have matured into songwriters as opposed to untamed virtuosos back then. And even now on Stadium Arcadium, they've found a happy medium of both. Still, any Chili's fan should have this album and I think many of you sincerely love it as much as I do.Free Music Review: Back in form!!
Hit: 5 Stars
When I first heard that John Frusciante had rejoined the ChiliPeppers I was thrilled. But by the time that 'Californication'
had been release, I was decidedly mixed about that album. While it's true that there were a few great songs on that album,
'Californication' just never really grabbed me, I didn't feel that it completely gelled. While I appreciated RHCP's progression
as songwriters, that album, production and preformance wise just fell flat. So with some reservation I picked up the new album,
'By The Way'.
Was I ever floored with this album, my jaw just dropped after
hearing the first three songs. From that point onward, my jaw just stayed open all the way through the rest of the album. I had
a smile on my face that never went away. 'By The Way' without a doubt may be the best RHCP's since 'Blood Sugar Sex Magic'. Now I know that some of the older chili pepper's fans my be disapointed with this album. It doesn't have the punk funk aggression of 'Mother's Milk' or 'Uplift Mofo Party Plan', but it
has a great balance of all of the different styles and shades that RHCP are known for. I saw a few negative comments from a few
others that I felt were a bit much, the Peppers have not become
another 'Train' as someone suggested.
The title cut is a great opener, some of the other highlights for me are 'Universally Speaking, Don't Forget Me, I Could Die For You' is in a similar vein to 'Under The Bridge', I think 'Midnight' has to do with Sept 11th and it's a great, powerful song. 'Cabron, Tear, On Mercury' are the three biggest surprises. 'Venice Queen' is a great, hypnotic album closer. I want to stress that this is a great album overall, strong opening, great middle and great closer. The use of various Keyboards and textures really add to the album. Anthony Keidis's vocal style has really evolved. The vocal harmonies show just how much they have evolved as songwriters. Even Fleas trumpet makes an appearance.
For myself, I find that the best albums always come when Musicians focus on writing well developed songs as opposed to
flashy riffs. It's Ironic, but the reason that RHCP have remained
relevant, is the very thing that some older fans of the band have complained of, because they have chosen to grow up and out of the 'Mother's Milk' phase of their career.
Free Music Review: Timeless piece of music
Hit: 5 Stars
It's been worth the 3-year wait to be able to listen to new Chili Pepper music. Their sound has changed so much over the years, and I'm completely for it. I can't imagine how people can say that "Californication" was a better CD. There's only 1 song on this CD I would skip (#13 On Mercury) whereas I would stop listening to "Californication" after the sixth song. That's where most of the best music stops on that album. Not so here. I do miss songs like "Suck my kiss," but the Peppers' new sound is spectacular. The title track is a nice single, with the only downside being Anthony's short spurts of words during some parts of the song. "Universally Speaking" is an easy-to-listen-to song, and then the haunting music starts. "This is the Place" just has an aura to it. What a great song. "Dosed" is the first example of how great John's guitar intros are throughout the CD. "Don't Forget Me" showcases Anythony's great voice. He just makes that song. He shows so much range on By the Way. The sixth track has more of a "positive" sound to it, which is why I'm still wondering why some people say the CD is depressing to listen to. "Can't Stop" is my personal favorite song, and John just kills it. That riff is just amazing. The following ballad is strangely placed in my opinion, but it works with the LA vibe. "Midnight" sends us back to the eerie feel, but after a bit the song gets going and sounds like an anthem. The next song is good stuff because Flea kicks in first, then Chad starts going, and John makes this song for me. I don't like Anthony's lyrics, but they can't ruin the song for me. About 2 minutes into the song, John gets it going with another great riff. It adds to the eerie feel. I could care less for "Cabron's" lyrics, but again its the intro which is hot. "Tear" is the song that I think most represents the album. Beautiful lyrics, Anthony sounds great, the background vocals are wonderful, and John sounds great throughout the song. "On Mercury" is the only track I don't care about, but it's not horrible. I just don't think it fits on this album. "Minor Thing" sounds like something off of BSSM (Which is a good thing), "Warm Tape" is yet another song with that LA feel, and "Venice Queen" is a nice way to end the album. Maybe "Californication" rocked harder but "By the Way" is the complete package. Right up there with BSSM.Free Music Review: The best album of all time!!!
Hit: 5 Stars
Do yo want to get an album that you can't let go of? Well this is the album for you. If you have ever liked any of "The Red Hot Chili Peppers" music, this album is like a greatest hits with a lot of variety. When I had first heard the album, i thought that it might not be one of there best, but like all of thee albums, it took a few listens to really enjoy it. I have now heard the album atleast 4 times a day since its release. It is absolutely the best album of all time. It will take a little while for everybody to spread the news. I have given a 1-100 review rating system since it is such a great album. 90-100 definetley are classics!!
90-By The Way-This song is definetley all there music combined.
I didnt like this song after they played it on
the radio a million times. but it grows on you.
91-Universally speaking-This song has a great chorus.It sounds
like a christmas song.
99-This is the place-verry addictive!!great bass line.
100-dosed-This will be a classic. Verry romantic
100-Dont forget me-The best song of all time. I hope they make a
video for this. John is amazing on guitar.
Sounds like the Doors. Great vocals
95-Zephyr song-There next single. One song that you dont get
tired of.Great overall.
99-Can't stop-This should of been there first single. Similar to
By The Way, But way better.
95-I could die for you-This could have been there best song, but
It is verry repetitive.Geat vocals
89-Midnight-A lot of people like this song, I got kind of tired
of it.Verry diferent song. Unlike anything i have
ever heard
88-Throw away your Television-Verry inmature party song. catchy
81-cabron-If you like latin music, this is the best song ever.
98-tear-verry "Under the Bridge", Good single.
81-On Mercury-If you like Ska music, This is the best song ever.
98-Minor Thing-Very Catchy. Definetely a Classic
99-Warm Tape-love making song. Verry seductive
100-Venice Queen-Best song ever. sadly probably wont be a single
because theres no chorus line.
Go see them in concert. There awesome.
Free Music Review: Staggering, poetic, breathtaking; it's all here!
Hit: 5 Stars
This is a flat out modern rock smash that also happens to be a personal favorite, and an extreme high point in the creative affairs of Kiedis and co. I've never been a die hard Peppers fan; "Bloodsugarsexmagic" was never my thing, and funk-infused hybrid rap rates as a low point in my musical economy. BUT...this record is a spellbinding and flawless MASTERPIECE. "Californication" is a very good album, and it began as the neutral ground where the Chilli's began to meld their trademark style with a newer, more musically relaxed, melodic scope. And what a breath of fresh air this disc is! It is artistically compelling, poignant and endearing, as well as thought-provoking, haunting and beautiful. You can't go wrong with this record. I never thought I'd actually buy this album, but when I heard "Dosed" being played in a Sam Goodys, I knew that this record was an open invitation into a sublime peice of art. There are absolutly no filler tracks, no excessess, and no pointless excursions into funkadellic madness. This is REAL art with depth, and with sweeping sonics(thanks to Rick Rubin at the helm board) it cements the Peppers as artists of the greatest rank and range. Their trademark wry expressions of funk are apparent here, but only briefly(such as "Can't Stop" and "Throw away your Television")and the remaining tracks sculp and mold a fine form cinergi of heart-wrenching ballads of genuine integrity. The opening track kicks things off the commercial way, which is good and dandy, but the tracks that follow are sensitive to emotion and never heavy-handed. "Dosed" is a beautiful and bittersweet ballad that is open to numerous interpretations(I think it's about heroin related deaths)and "Tear" is a marvel of beauty that mixes The Beatles and The Beach Boys into a passioante statement. I can't over-stuff this album with praise;it warrants it. Pick up this disc and go along for the ride. It's a wonderful record that outdistances ALL previous Chilli Pepper releases. This is the type of music that captivates the heart, mind and soul. An all around winner! Pick it up now, here at Amazon, and enjoy an album this good. One of the BEST defining rock records to come along and in my book,frankly, one of the best...EVER.Cheers!