10 Perfect Rock Albums For Summer 2022
2. Red Hot Chili Peppers: By The Way (2002)
Nothing screams summer like references to the golden state of California and the ever sunny Los Angeles. With the recent release of the Chili Pepper's twelfth studio album, Unlimited Love, their back catalogue has seen a sudden spike in attention. Even without the catalyst of new music, however, Chilis fans will already be loading up summer playlists with their material.
This music is made for this time of year. But which album to chose? Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991) is a strong contender, but it's pumped with a little too much macho-peacocking. Californication (1999) has some nice jams but it's a little too sombre, and Stadium Arcadium (2006) is too vast an undertaking - who's got two hours to listen to an album?
The only other option is By Th Way. You've got the silky ambience of "Midnight" and the twinkly calm of "Dosed" for the relaxed summer afternoons; the comforting warmth of Venice Queen for the late nights; and then the no- f**ks-given energy of "Cant' Stop" and "By The Way" for when the 3pm beers turn into 11pm shots.