"By the Way" is the eighth studio album by the American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, released on July 9, 2002, by Warner Bros. Records. The album sold over 286,000 copies in its first week and peaked at number two on the Billboard 200. The album's singles included "By the Way," "The Zephyr Song," "Can't Stop," and "Universally Speaking," while "Dosed" was also released as a promotional single in the US and Canada. The lyrical themes explored by vocalist Anthony Kiedis in "By the Way" mark a departure from the band's earlier work, featuring a more introspective and reflective approach.
 
Critics praised "By the Way" for its departure from the band's previous styles, noting its melodic and subdued emotional tone. Guitarist John Frusciante played a pivotal role in shaping the album’s sound, contributing most of the melodies, backing vocal arrangements, bass lines, and guitar progressions. His warm, understated guitar work and doo-wop style vocal harmonies were central to the album’s direction, which moved away from the signature funk-metal fusion for which the band was known. Frusciante described the writing of "By the Way" as “one of the happiest times in my life.”
 
The album was a commercial success, ultimately selling over eight million copies worldwide, and is recognized for its melodic evolution and departure from the band's earlier sound.