Deftones are a seminal alternative metal band that have been captivating audiences with their unique sound for over three decades. Their music has been described as a fusion of genres, including heavy metal, shoegaze, and post-hardcore, which has set them apart from their contemporaries. Deftones’ ability to create intense and emotional music has earned them a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. With ten studio albums under their belt, it can be challenging to pick out their best work. In this article, we will delve into the Top 10 Best Deftones Songs of All Time, showcasing the band’s ability to craft powerful and emotional music that resonates with listeners. From classics like “My Own Summer (Shove It)” and “Change (In the House of Flies)” to more recent hits like “Sextape” and “Leathers,” this list will take you on a journey through the band’s discography and highlight their standout tracks. Whether you are a diehard fan or a newcomer to their music, this list will offer a comprehensive overview of Deftones’ greatest hits.
10. Rocket Skates
“Rocket Skates” is a high-energy rock song by American alternative metal band Deftones. It was released in 2010 as the lead single from their album “Diamond Eyes”. The song features a heavy guitar riff and pounding drums, along with frontman Chino Moreno’s signature vocals that range from soothing melodies to guttural screams. The lyrics are about letting go and experiencing freedom, with the “rocket skates” metaphorically representing the ability to break free from constraints and fly away. The song’s powerful energy and catchy chorus make it a fan favorite and a staple in the band’s live shows.
9. Leathers
“Leathers” is a dark and brooding track from Deftones’ 2012 album “Koi No Yokan”. The song features intricate guitar work and haunting vocals from Moreno, who delivers lines that touch on themes of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. The lyrics suggest that even though we may try to control our destinies, ultimately we are at the mercy of fate. The song’s driving rhythm and heavy instrumentation create a sense of urgency, conveying the message that time is running out. Overall, “Leathers” is a powerful and introspective song that showcases Deftones’ ability to create complex and emotionally charged music.
8. Back to School (Mini Maggit)
“Back to School (Mini Maggit)” is a single released by Deftones in 2001. The song was a remix of their earlier track “Pink Maggit” and was included on the soundtrack for the film “The Matrix Reloaded”. The song features a catchy chorus and driving guitars, with Moreno’s vocals ranging from soft whispers to intense screams. The lyrics touch on themes of isolation and disillusionment, with the chorus suggesting a desire to break free from the constraints of everyday life. Overall, “Back to School (Mini Maggit)” is a high-energy and engaging song that showcases Deftones’ ability to blend heavy instrumentation with memorable hooks.
7. Bored
“Bored” is a track from Deftones’ 1995 debut album “Adrenaline”. The song features a simple but effective guitar riff and Moreno’s raw vocals, which range from soft crooning to angry shouts. The lyrics are about feeling trapped and suffocated by the mundanity of everyday life, with lines like “I’m bored, I’m bored, I’m bored” repeated throughout the song. The track’s relentless energy and driving rhythm make it a standout on the album and a fan favorite. “Bored” showcases Deftones’ early sound and their ability to craft powerful and emotional music.
6. Cherry Waves
“Cherry Waves” is a dreamy and atmospheric track from Deftones’ 2006 album “Saturday Night Wrist”. The song features delicate guitar work and Moreno’s soothing vocals, which contrast with the heavy instrumentation found on many of the band’s other tracks. The lyrics touch on themes of loss and heartbreak, with the chorus featuring lines like “I’ll never let you go”. The song’s dreamlike quality and beautiful melodies make it a standout on the album and a fan favorite. “Cherry Waves” showcases Deftones’ ability to craft emotionally resonant music that transcends traditional genre boundaries.
5. My Own Summer (Shove It)
“My Own Summer (Shove It)” is a classic track from Deftones’ 1997 album “Around the Fur”. The song features a driving guitar riff and Moreno’s signature vocals, which range from soothing melodies to aggressive screams. The lyrics touch on themes of isolation and detachment, with lines like “I want to be much more like me and much less like you” conveying a sense of individuality and defiance. The song’s infectious energy and memorable chorus make it a fan favorite and a staple in the band’s live shows.
4. Nosebleed
“Nosebleed” is a fast-paced and intense track from Deftones’ 1995 debut album “Adrenaline”. The song features heavy guitar riffs and Moreno’s aggressive vocals, which convey a sense of anger and frustration. The lyrics touch on themes of power and domination, with lines like “I’m in control, you’re not” suggesting a desire for control and superiority. The song’s frenzied energy and raw intensity make it a standout on the album and a fan favorite.
3. Sextape
“Sextape” is a hauntingly beautiful track from Deftones’ 2010 album “Diamond Eyes”. The song features delicate guitar work and Moreno’s soothing vocals, which create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. The lyrics touch on themes of love and connection, with the chorus featuring lines like “Let’s watch this city burn the world”. The song’s dreamlike quality and emotional depth make it a standout on the album and a fan favorite. “Sextape” showcases Deftones’ ability to create powerful and emotional music that resonates with listeners.
2. Mx
“Mx” is a track from Deftones’ 1995 debut album “Adrenaline”. The song features heavy guitar riffs and Moreno’s aggressive vocals, which convey a sense of anger and frustration. The lyrics touch on themes of identity and self-expression, with lines like “I want my name to be the one you remember” suggesting a desire for individuality and recognition. The song’s intense energy and raw power make it a standout on the album and a fan favorite.
1. Change (In the House of Flies)
“Change (In the House of Flies)” is a hauntingly beautiful track from Deftones’ 2000 album “White Pony”. The song features delicate guitar work and Moreno’s emotive vocals, which convey a sense of longing and desperation. The lyrics touch on themes of loss and regret, with the chorus featuring lines like “I watched a change in you”. The song’s atmospheric quality and emotional depth make it a standout on the album and a fan favorite. “Change (In the House of Flies)” showcases Deftones’ ability to create powerful and emotionally resonant music that connects with listeners on a deep level.