The Deftones have been a staple in the alternative metal scene since their inception in 1988.

Their hard-hitting, yet melodic sound has made them one of the most influential bands of their time.

This list of the 15 best Deftones songs of all time is sure to bring back some great memories for fans who’ve been along for the ride since day one.

From their more classic hits like “Change (In The House Of Flies)” and “My Own Summer (Shove It)” to more recent releases like “Diamond Eyes” and “Passenger”, this list has something for everyone.

Whether you’re an old fan or new to the band, it’s sure to provide an introduction to some of the greatest tracks that Deftones have ever released.

1. “Beware”

“Beware” is one of Deftones’ most beloved and iconic songs.

Released in 2006, it quickly became a fan favorite and continues to be a staple of their live sets to this day.

It’s hard not to get caught up in the emotion of the song; with its captivating and brooding atmosphere, it’s easy to see why it remains so popular after all these years.

The track begins with an eerie guitar riff that slowly builds before crashing into a powerful chorus driven by Chino Moreno’s passionate vocal delivery.

Every note feels deliberate and meaningful, making each section of the song feel like an important piece of the puzzle.

It’s clear that Deftones put everything they had into creating this timeless track, as evidenced by its lasting impact on music lovers around the world.

From its unique instrumentation to its emotionally charged lyrics, “Beware” is sure to remain a classic for many years to come.

2. “Diamond Eyes”

“Diamond Eyes” ring out across the crowd.

All eyes are on frontman Chino Moreno as he passionately belts out the lyrics in his signature style, backed by bassist Sergio Vega’s driving rhythms and Stephen Carpenter’s heavy guitar riffs.

The energy of “Diamond Eyes” is palpable as it builds in intensity verse after verse.

From its heavy breakdowns to its delicate interludes, every nuance of this song captivates its audience.

Fans scream along with every word and jump up and down in unison to the beat of drummer Abe Cunningham’s thunderous drums.

It’s clear why “Diamond Eyes” has become a fan favorite over the years; its powerful message resonates deeply with listeners from all walks of life.

A testament to Deftones’ artistry and craftsmanship, this song continues to captivate audiences long after their shows have come to an end.

An anthem for resilience and hope, “Diamond Eyes” will remain one of the greatest hits in Deftones’ discography for years to come.

3. “Digital Bath”

“Digital Bath”, the fourth single from Deftones’ 2000 album White Pony, is one of their most beloved songs.

It features an ethereal vocal performance by Chino Moreno and a melodious instrumental arrangement.

The lyrics cleverly explore themes of loneliness and alienation in a dreamy yet powerful way.

The song opens with a slow-building guitar line that quickly transitions into a heavy chorus.

Moreno’s singing is at times both low and high, creating a unique contrast between his voice and the instrumentation.

He sings about finding solace in a digital bath; it’s an analogy for escaping from reality into a safe place, which many of us can relate to.

The music video for “Digital Bath” is also worthy of mention.

Directed by the renowned Paul Hunter, it follows the lead singer as he wanders around an eerie wasteland filled with surreal imagery.

The visuals perfectly showcase the song’s melancholic tone while adding another layer of depth to its meaning.

This timeless classic has been covered by various artists over the years, making it one of Deftones’ signature songs – a testament to its lasting impact on music culture even two decades later.

4. “Prayers/Triangles”

Switching gears from “Digital Bath” to “Prayers/Triangles” is an intense, raw experience that encapsulates the Deftones’ signature sound.

From the beginning of the track, a heavy distortion sets the tone for the song’s journey; it doesn’t let up until its heartbreaking conclusion.

The lyrics are emotionally charged and sung with power and conviction by Chino Moreno, pushing the listener to delve deeper into their own emotions.

The drums and bass line provide a powerful rhythm section to carry the song through its course.

Guitars twinkle in and out of focus, adding layers of texture to each phrase.

As with many Deftones songs, “Prayers/Triangles” builds in intensity until it reaches a fever pitch.

The dissonance of the guitars carries over into a thunderous drum beat that brings the song to its climax.

Yet there is also beauty in this cacophony; one can sense how much emotion has been poured into every sound and every lyric.

“Prayers/Triangles” is an emotional rollercoaster that leaves listeners feeling exhausted yet somehow fulfilled by its journey.

It’s no surprise that this song has become one of the Deftones’ greatest hits – it never fails to capture hearts and minds.

5. “Romantic Dreams”

“Romantic Dreams” is a song that has been loved by Deftones fans ever since it was first released.

It’s a classic piece of music that captures the emotions of love in its purest form.

The combination of the gentle guitar riffs, soft vocals, and melodic chorus make for an unforgettable track that will never be forgotten.

The lyrics reflect the blissful feeling of being in love and how it can bring so much joy to those who experience it.

The song also serves as a reminder to never forget what true love feels like and to always strive to find someone who will give you that same kind of happiness.

“Romantic Dreams” is an inspiring track that encourages people to keep their hearts open and remain hopeful for finding their soulmate.

It’s definitely one of the best songs Deftones have ever written and will continue to be cherished by fans for years to come.

6. “Minerva”

With its dreamy, ethereal atmosphere and energetic yet calming riffs, “Romantic Dreams” was a fitting way to close the first chapter of Deftones’ greatest hits.

Now, the time has come to move on to the next song in their discography: “Minerva”.

From the very first note of “Minerva“, it is clear that this tune is something special.

It’s an intense, pounding track that builds up with every measure, each riff leading into the next.

Chino Moreno’s vocals soar over the instrumentation like a bird dancing through the sky.

He sings about longing for something he can never have and how he still finds beauty in his sorrowful situation.

The emotion behind it is palpable and resonates with listeners all over the world.

The outro of this track is particularly memorable as it slowly fades away into an ambient soundscape of guitars and strings before finally ending abruptly on a single ringing note.

It leaves you feeling both energized and reflective at the same time – a perfect representation of what makes Deftones such a unique band.

Their music has always been able to capture both sides of our emotions: joyous excitement alongside melancholic nostalgia.

“Minerva” is certainly no exception to this rule.

7. “Rocket Skates”

“Rocket Skates” is one of the best songs from the band Deftones.

The track is an upbeat and energetic song that features a mix of heavy guitar riffs and melodic choruses.

This juxtaposition between light and dark is a recurring theme in Deftones’ music, and Rocket Skates exemplifies it perfectly.

The song also features an infectious chorus that will stay stuck in your head for days.

Overall, “Rocket Skates” is one of Deftones’ most well-known songs and deserves its place among their greatest hits.

Its memorable lyrics and powerful sound make it a must-listen for any fan or listener looking to explore the Deftones’ discography.

It’s easy to see why this track remains popular to this day, despite being released nearly two decades ago.

8. “Change”

With its groundbreaking blend of melodic vocals and heavy riffs, “Rocket Skates” electrified the alt-rock scene.

It was a song that signaled a shift in the Deftones’ sound from their grunge influences to something more experimental.

Now, it’s time to move on to another track that shook up the Deftones’ repertoire: “Change”.

“Change” is a masterful combination of hard rock and R&B.

The opening guitar riff sets an intense atmosphere that builds throughout the song.

Chino Moreno’s passionate delivery conveys a sense of longing and desperation that resonates with listeners.

Meanwhile, Abe Cunningham’s drumming provides an intricate backbone between the verses and chorus.

The lyrical content is just as poignant as the music; it follows a narrator trying to make sense of their chaotic life.

They feel trapped in their current situation and yearn for something different yet don’t know how to get there; they’re searching for change but can’t find it alone.

This gives “Change” its unique power — it speaks to anyone struggling with difficult times but doesn’t offer any easy answers.

9. “Be Quiet And Drive (Far Away)”

“Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)” is one of the most recognizable and beloved songs by Deftones.

It was released in 1997 as part of their second studio album, Around the Fur.

The song has a unique soundscape, created with a combination of heavy riffs, melodic vocals, and driving drums.

The lyrics explore themes of desperation and loneliness but also provide a sense of hope for finding peace.

The music video for “Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)” is an interesting visual interpretation of the song’s lyrics.

It follows three characters – two men and a woman – as they travel along an isolated highway in a rundown car.

As they drive, the characters slowly come to terms with their fears and their pasts, culminating in an emotional confrontation at the end of their journey.

The song has remained popular over the years due to its powerful message and energetic sound.

It is often considered one of Deftones’ best songs and has become one of their signature tracks.

Its success has made it a staple at live shows, where it is always performed with intense passion and energy that resonates with audiences everywhere.

10. “Tempest”

Moving on from “Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)”, the next song to be discussed is “Tempest”.

This hard rock anthem from the Deftones’ 2012 album, Koi No Yokan, is an adrenaline-pumping jam that showcases the band’s unique blend of heavy riffs and melodic chorus.

The track opens with a heavy guitar riff that sets the stage for Chino Moreno’s passionate vocals.

He sings about his struggles with past relationships, conveying a sense of desperation and longing in his delivery.

The chorus is especially powerful as Moreno expresses his feelings of isolation and helplessness over an intense guitar solo.

The song builds up to a powerful climax in the bridge, with all four members playing together in harmony.

The guitars are tight and precise, while Stephen Carpenter’s ominous bass fills out the soundscape.

Abe Cunningham’s drums provide a driving beat that keeps the groove going throughout the song.

Moreno screams out his frustrations during this section, his voice reaching its peak as he sings about wanting to escape from it all.

“Tempest” is both a dynamic and emotionally charged track that demonstrates the Deftones’ musical brilliance and creative energy.

It’s an essential piece of their catalog that captures their signature sound perfectly; an aggressive yet melodic mix of hard rock and dreamy atmospherics.

From start to finish, it remains one of their most exciting songs ever recorded; a testament to their musicianship and songwriting skill.

11. “My Own Summer (Shove It)”

“My Own Summer (Shove It)” is widely considered to be one of the best Deftones songs of all time.

Its hard-driving bassline and wall of distortion bring an intensity that was largely unheard of in the alternative rock genre at the time.

The lyrics, sung by Chino Moreno, capture a sense of anxiety and rebellion that perfectly encapsulates the angst of youth.

This melody has been used in countless movies, television shows, and commercials since its release in 1997.

The bridge is also noteworthy for its eerie atmosphere created by a slow piano melody and Moreno’s hauntingly beautiful voice.

“My Own Summer (Shove It)” is undoubtedly one of the most iconic Deftones songs ever written.

Its combination of heavy instrumentation and melodic passages makes it an enduring classic that will continue to captivate listeners for generations to come.

From its memorable chorus to its unique soundscape, this song stands out as one of the greatest hits from this band.

12. “Passenger”

Continuing the exploration of Deftones’ greatest hits, the next standout track is “Passenger“.

This song sees vocalist Chino Moreno’s remarkable range take center stage, as he sings a heartbreaking duet with Tool’s Maynard James Keenan.

With its heavy guitar riffs and powerful chorus, this track stands out as an example of Deftones’ willingness to experiment and push boundaries.

The lyrics evoke a sense of longing and regret in the listener, making this song a unique and powerful piece of music.

The structure of “Passenger” is markedly different from most other Deftones songs.

While most of their tracks are built around heavy guitar riffs, this one features more subtle instrumentation that builds up over time.

The two vocalists trade verses rather than singing together in harmony or overlapping each other, creating an ethereal atmosphere that builds tension as the song progresses.

The result is a song that feels like it has been carefully crafted to evoke deep emotion in the listener.

The combination of Moreno’s emotive vocals, Keenan’s haunting harmonies, and the gradual build-up of instrumentation make “Passenger” an unforgettable track from Deftones’ catalog.

It stands out for its thoughtful composition and ability to draw out emotion from its listeners.

This makes it one of the band’s most memorable hits and an essential part of any fan’s collection.

13. “Pink Maggit”

“Pink Maggit” is one of the best Deftones songs of all time.

The song, from the 2000 album White Pony, has a heavy and intense sound that leaves its listeners captivated.

It’s atmospheric and moody, with an ebb and flow that creates a dreamlike state for the listener.

Chino Moreno’s vocal delivery is powerful and emotive, making it easy to get lost in the lyrics.

The guitar lines are also mesmerizing, combining with the intricate drum line to create an atmosphere of tension and release.

The music video for “Pink Maggit” is equally as captivating as the song itself.

Directed by Paul Hunter, it features a mysterious figure wearing a mask walking through an urban landscape while interacting with some strange characters.

This video perfectly complements the mood of the song, adding another layer of emotion to it.

The combination of compelling visuals and intense music makes “Pink Maggit” one of the best Deftones songs ever recorded.

It’s an unforgettable track that will stay with you long after you’ve heard it – an amazing experience that any fan of metal should experience at least once in their life.

14. “Knife Party”

Continuing with Deftones’ most beloved songs, “Knife Party” is a tribute to the band’s former bassist Chi Cheng.

The track was released in 2000 and has become one of the group’s most iconic hits.

It starts off with an acoustic guitar melody that quickly turns into a full-blown rock number.

The song also features a strong vocal performance from Chino Moreno, which is complemented by Stephen Carpenter’s brilliant guitar work.

Despite its simple structure, “Knife Party” manages to be an incredibly powerful song that speaks volumes about the power of friendship and solidarity in times of difficulty.

As one of Deftones’ signature tunes, “Knife Party” remains a fan favorite after all these years for its message of togetherness and strength amidst adversity.

Its impact on the scene has been undeniable, inspiring countless bands to create music that speaks to similar themes of resistance and hope even in the face of oppression.

It stands as a testament to Deftones’ legacy as one of the most influential rock bands of all time.

15. “Bored”

“Bored” is one of the most popular songs by Deftones and is known for its heavy riffs and haunting lyrics.

The song starts off with a slow, ominous guitar riff that builds until it transitions into the full chorus.

The lyrics are dark and brooding, talking about how life can feel meaningless and hopeless at times.

Chino Moreno’s vocals are powerful and convey a feeling of desperation as he sings about his struggles with depression.

The song then shifts to a faster tempo as it goes into the bridge.

Moreno’s passionate screaming harmonizes perfectly with Stephen Carpenter’s heavy guitar playing.

This section of the song provides an emotional release after the slower verses, adding another layer to the already complex track.

This line is hopeful despite everything that has come before it and acts as a reminder that no matter how low we feel, there is always hope for something better in the future.

Bored” is an excellent example of Deftone’s ability to craft emotionally charged metal songs that leave their mark long after they finish playing.

Best Deftones Songs of All Time – Final Thoughts

In conclusion, I would have to say that the Deftones are one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

Their songs are powerful and emotive, and each song has its own unique flavor.

My personal favorite Deftones songs include “Beware”, “Diamond Eyes”, “Digital Bath”, “Prayers/Triangles”, “Romantic Dreams”, “Passenger”, “Pink Maggit”, “Knife Party” and “Bored”.

There really is no definitive list of best Deftones songs as each person has their own individual tastes, but these selections offer a great starting point for any fan looking to explore more of their music.

Listening to the Deftones’ music is an experience like no other; they never fail to provide an unforgettable listening experience.

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