Red Hot Chili Peppers
By The Way
In 1999, Red Hot Chili Peppers rose from the ashes of stardom with a somber, life-affirming masterpiece, Californication. It was the band’s best effort in nearly a decade, and undeniable proof of just how crucial was the presence of guitarist John Frusciante, whose melodic contributions have become the backbone of the Chili Peppers’ sound. Frusciante’s miraculous comeback from years of heroin addiction was the defining moment for the band – it came at a point where things probably would have fallen apart, and we would have been left with 1997’s lackluster One Hot Minute as the band’s swan song.
Instead, the members of the group are tighter than ever, both personally and musically, and they have found themselves on the opposite side of adversity, clear-headed and primed to write glorious 3-part harmonies until the end of their days. By The Way completely bypasses the ‘70s funk and ‘80s punk influences that had become the band’s trademark, instead focusing on writing tender, falsetto-laden beams of California sunshine, embracing all the right qualities of mid-60’s Beach Boys records. Lead singer Anthony Kiedis has never sounded better, especially on the astounding harmonic swirls of tracks like "Dosed" and "Tear." The man has taught himself to truly sing, leaving his shouting days behind and taking his angelic voice to surprising new heights.
As always, the X factor on By The Way is Frusciante. His guitar playing is subdued and beautiful, wrapping itself around Flea’s equally reserved and effective bass lines. His backup vocals are staggeringly pretty, spiked with a few drops of sadness and regret, much like the songs themselves. Considering how close to death the soft-spoken guitarist was, each subtly expressive solo, each trembling oooo or aaaa is quite a special gift.
This band that most had written off five years ago has made a triumphant, damn-near-perfect album of gorgeous, sun-tanned pop songs, soon to be devoured by rock radio and VH1, serving as a reminder of just how painful existence can be, and that you’d better not be going it alone. The title track is a touching and majestic acknowledgement of the inherent family dynamic that has kept the Peppers together for two decades, through death, addiction, fame and controversy. The record as a whole serves largely as a look back at these dark years – a testament to undying friendship, and a glimpse at what it feels like to finally break the shackles of the past and come out on the other side.
There is honestly no band akin to Red Hot Chili Peppers in this day and age, and By The Way is the most meaningful record of its career; one that takes an outdated image and discusses it fondly and candidly, like it was a yellowed photo in the band’s tattered old scrapbook.
Appeared in Issue Five of Traffic East ©2002.