Since the purpose of this Blogathon is to raise money for Chi Cheng, bassist for Deftones, it’s only fitting that a post be made about their music. The Deftones have been around for over 20 years. Starting in 1988, I was only 6, and while, sadly, I wouldn’t learn about them for many years to come, it was well worth the wait.
Having been a fan since their first album, Adrenaline, I’ve seen first hand how the Deftones have changed and evolved. Sure some of it was due the vocal cord paralysis singer Chino Moreno suffered back in 2001, but I’m sure maturity had something to do with it. Lyrically, the Deftones have always been spot on, and with the talent of Chi, Stephen, Abe, and Frank, they form a force like none other.
In no particular order, here are my top 10 favorite Deftones songs:
1. Cherry Waves
The first time I heard Cherry Waves, I was blown away. Off of their 2006 album, Saturday Night Wrist, Cherry Waves is a haunting song that is both beautiful and sad. Chino’s voice really shines through in this track, and the bass provided by Chi really takes the listener on a journey. If you can’t figure it out, lyrically the song is about trust. In the song Chino talks about somebody sinking underneath the waves, how he’d go in to save them, but is wondering if they would do the same for him.
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2. Minerva
Off their 2003 self-titled album, Minerva is just stunning. From the music video in the desert, to the raw emotion in the lyrics. Again, another top notch track from Chino & The Gang, but there has always been something about Minerva that makes me a little down. I think a lot of it has to do with the way he says “I get all numb, when she sings that it’s over.” Either way, I could listen to this track on repeat and not get sick of it.
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3. Passenger
Chino + Maynard = amazingness. As a huge fan of both, you can imagine how giddy I got when I saw that Maynard would be featured on their White Pony album. This song, like Cherry Waves, takes listeners on a journey. The lyrics are both artful and descriptive, but it’s really Maynard who steals the show. I mean really, he’s freakin’ Maynard.
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4. Korea
Again off of White Pony, Korea has always had that extra something for me. Maybe it’s that sound in the middle where it sounds like a katana blade swiping through the air, or the fact that if I listen to this song I just want to own people in a video game. Whatever it is, Korea strikes something inside of me unlike any other Deftones track I’ve heard.
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5. Engine No. 9
This was the song that started it all. While I can’t remember how old I was, I just remember thinking that these guys were awesome. Off of their debut album Adrenaline, Engine No. 9 is just raw, angry, energetic, and just listening to it makes me feel exhausted. Should I ever get the opportunity to see them live, I’d have to hear this song.
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6. Lucky You
Whenever I hear this song, all I can think about is sex. I know, I’m dirty, but just listen to it. His voice has this soft whisper quality that makes you think it’s business time, and the beat has this sexy slink to it. Men, if your girlfriend or wife likes Deftones, have her strip to Lucky You. I promise, you won’t be disappointed. You’re welcome.
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7. Headup
Off of their second album, Around the Fur, Headup is a song that makes me want to just jump up and start breaking stuff. Not only do you have Chino giving it all, but you have Max Cavalera, the pipes behind Sepultura and Soulfly. While the song is uplifting and exciting, it’s actually a dedication to Cavalera’s deceased stepson, Dana.
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8. Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want
I know, the Deftones didn’t write this song… The Smiths did. But you know what? I’m a huge fan of The Smiths, and Chino himself has said numerous times that The Smiths are one of his influences. Normally I don’t like covers, but this one is done perfectly.
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9. Hole In The Earth
Again from their album Saturday Night Wrist, Hole In The Earth is just in your face. It has this melodious flow to it, and you can’t help but want to sway along to it. It was an excellent choice in terms of them using it as their first single for this album. I know some people were skeptical about this album due to their sound evolving, but I think they hit it out of the park.
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10. Bored
Another Adrenaline track, Bored has this hard guitar crunch intro, and then all hell breaks loose. Like Lucky You, Bored has this sexy swing to it, but I wouldn’t dub this as a strippery song. Sorry. It is though one of those songs where I love listening to it, and as the build-up comes, I just want to scream along with Chino.
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