So, the RHCP staged a comeback of the year kind of deal with Californication. What's next? The follow up. Released in the summer of 2002, By the Way is the Red Hot Chili Peppers' eighth album, and it's their gentlest one to date. It's a matured effort compared to the energetic, heavy headbanging anthems of the past.

But they still know how to rock out. The title track (and first single) prove this. Heavy verse, little rapping, softer chorus. It's the quintessential song for this album, showing off just about all the moods it encompasses. But it's not quite the BEST song on the album.

There are a lot, A LOT of close contenders for the best songs here. "Universally Speaking," "Dosed," "The Zephyr Song," "Minor Thing," "Can't Stop," "Venice Queen"… just about every song here has something to offer. Most of the songs are surprisingly introspective in some way or another, and the Peppers stray farther and farther from their style in the early 80's and early 90's. Can't mess with evolution, right?

The album is at its best in its softer moments, too. Anthony Keidis' voice, always improving, is one of the most versatile voices in the business. He can still handle raps, but his voice has, over the years, become more accustomed to actually singing. And sing he does, with the subtlety and soul that only a seasoned vet can provide.

The album is a fair piece of music from any band, and it's quite the sign of maturation from the Red Hots. Some fans might be disappointed in the lack of REAL heavy rockers a-la "Give It Away" or "Knock Me Down." But fans who liked the more tranquil moments of Californication should be pleased to find that they continue to develop their sounds and skills as musicians.