Heavy, dreamlike guitars and vocals that swerve from pig squeals to crooning – that’s what makes Deftones’ music identifiable. Fronted by Chino Moreno and supported by the godlike talent of lead guitarist Stephen Carpenter, the band have been making moves here in the UK with upcoming appearances at Glastonbury and Crystal Palace Park.

Are Deftones touring the UK in 2025? Only time will tell, but while we wait we’ve created the definitive list of the best Deftones songs that will hopefully be on upcoming setlists. With genre-defining albums that span decades, there’s plenty to choose from.

If you’re anticipating a Deftones UK tour as much as we are, register your interest to be kept up to date with announcements and VIP ticket sales. Plus, you can read our Deftones tour dates blog to find out more about current tour rumours and predictions.

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Deftones’ Best Songs in Order

No. 10: ‘Minerva’

There are many different sides to Deftones’ music, and this can be heard in the cathartic, dissonant ‘Minerva’ from their 2003 self-titled album. While it is still decidedly metal, there is a clear shoegaze influence in the song that makes the guitars blend into a syrupy, textured song that shocks with its dissonant notes and at once resolves them.

No. 9: ‘7 Words’

‘7 Words’ is an early example of the harder, angrier metal that Deftones are capable of. Lyrically, the song is about police brutality and racism with the title, ‘7 Words,’ referencing the phrase “you have the right to remain silent.” From their 1995 debut album, Adrenaline, you can feel the rage of high school friends Stephen Carpenter, Abe Cunningham, and Chino Moreno in this course, repetitive track.

No. 8: ‘Rosemary’

From the 2012 album Koi No Yokan, ‘Rosemary’ is simply euphoric. It's both beautiful and intense with metal guitars that slip into a more romantic, shoegaze sound as Chino Moreno croons about floating through space with his love. Koi No Yokan is an album that explores many themes of love, and Deftones are always able to create that soaring, floating feeling.

No. 7: ‘Cherry Waves’

‘Cherry Waves’ explores another facet of love, theorised to be about a toxic or even abusive relationship. The song is just ethereal, as Chino wails like he’s at the end of his tether, pleading with his partner over rolling snares and one of the best basslines in Deftones’ discography from Chi Cheng. It is at once haunting and heartbreaking, as is much of the Saturday Night Wrist album. 

No. 6: 'My Own Summer (Shove It)’

‘My Own Summer (Shove It)’ has been retroactively described as one of the defining songs in nu metal, and is consistently referenced by fans and critics alike as one of Deftones’ best songs. It’s the lead single from 1997’s Around The Fur, and with that iconic album cover you couldn’t forget it if you tried. There’s raw anger bubbling under that culminates in a chorus of satisfyingly addictive screams.

No. 5: ‘Digital Bath’

From the monumental album White Pony, ‘Digital Bath’ is beautiful and soothing with whispered vocals and reverberating effects that mirror the feeling of floating in water. It also features a rare high vocal pitch from Chino Moreno, showing just how varied and adaptable his voice is. The echoing guitars are both pretty and sinister, especially coupled with the almost violent lyrics.

No. 4: ‘Beauty School’

‘Beauty School’ is one of Deftones’ most sensual songs including some classic crooning from Chino and The Cure-esque guitars. The Diamond Eyes album is one of their best, and while born out of the tragedy of Chi Cheng’s car accident, it is lyrically optimistic. ‘Beauty School’ is a song that lacks the underlying sinister aspects of many of Deftones’ other romantic tracks, instead opting for sincerity. 

No. 3: ‘Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)’

This track is part of the run of singles Deftones released around the turn of the century, when it seemed like every one of their songs redefined nu metal and alternative rock. Featuring their usual eclectic mix of heavy metal and shoegaze, ‘Be Quiet and Drive’ is perhaps the best example of the duality of the band’s music. In the chorus Chino switches between screaming “I don’t care where just far” and crooning “away,” to give the listener an incredibly cathartic whiplash.

No. 2: ‘Change (In the House of Flies)’

‘Change’ is one of Deftones’ most popular songs, from the 2000 White Pony album. It received an uptick in popularity after gaining virality on TikTok, and the music video currently sits at 60 million views 25 years after its release. Delivered with Chino’s signature sultry voice, the lyrics detail a – literally – Kafkaesque story of metamorphosis into a fly, a metaphor for going through a traumatic breakup. It is surprisingly restrained for all the heaviness of its melody, not featuring any screaming despite how easily it could fit into the song.

No. 1: ‘Sextape'

‘Sextape’ is possibly Deftones’ most pop-leaning track, but it works in their favour to make what is the most captivating song in their discography. Right from those echoing opening strings it’s romantic and ethereal, leaning completely into the band’s more sultry sound. The verses build into an explosive chorus where Chino's voice just soars above it all with a croon that borders on moaning. It’s no wonder this is a favourite for so many fans.

Get Deftones Tickets

Deftones have a couple of upcoming UK performances, and fans are hoping this will become a full-blown stadium tour with the band visiting multiple cities across the country. Make sure you’re there in style by registering your interest in Deftones VIP tickets to be kept up to date with tour announcements and ticket sales.

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