By the Way

The alt-rock legends shatter all preconceptions with the idiosyncratic, unabashedly pretty *By the Way*. A lot of the credit goes to John Frusciante, whose puzzle-like fretwork, soulful eccentricity, and doo-wop backing vocals are all over this dazzler. “Universally Speaking” is psych-infused power pop laced with Beatles-esque harmonies; “Dosed,” meanwhile, is a delicate ballad featuring Anthony Kiedis’ honeyed falsetto. Perhaps the single most delightful moment arrives with “Tear,” a rippling meditation on life replete with warm electric piano.

Check out our album review of Artist's By The Way on Rolling Stone.com.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers' eighth studio album finds the California foursome exploring the more melodic freeways of harmony and texture, contrasting the gritty, funky side streets of their early days.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers still sound like a band of friends in a garage somewhere, conspiring for a revolution.

<p>Warners</p>