Be Quiet and Drive cover

Be Quiet and Drive

Deftones · 1998

13 min · 3 tracks · alternative metal

A swirling blend of atmospheric guitars and intense vocals, embodying a haunting yet cathartic emotional journey.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away) — The original track encapsulates the album's emotional core, with its ethereal guitar work juxtaposed against powerful lyrics that convey a sense of longing and escape.
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    Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away) (remix) — This remix offers a fresh perspective on the original, emphasizing different sonic elements while retaining the raw emotion that characterizes Deftones' sound.
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    Birthmark (live) — The live rendition captures the band's energy and connection with their audience, showcasing how their music translates powerfully in a performance setting.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The single blends atmospheric elements with intense vocals, marking a significant moment in Deftones' evolution.

What we noticed

  • The main track features a dynamic interplay between soft, atmospheric verses and explosive choruses, creating a stark contrast in intensity.
  • The live track 'Birthmark' showcases raw vocal delivery and guitar work, differing from the polished studio sound of the main single.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This single marked a pivotal moment in Deftones' transition to wider recognition.
Themes
late-night drives· emotional turbulence· California landscapes
Career context
Released in 1998, 'Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)' marked a pivotal moment for Deftones as they transitioned from their debut album to defining their sound. This single followed the commercially successful 'Around the Fur' and solidified their presence in the nu metal scene while exploring more melodic elements.
Stylistic neighbors
Glassjaw· System of a Down· A Perfect Circle
New to Deftones? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away) 5:10
  • 2 Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away) (remix) 4:32
  • 3 Birthmark (live) 3:58

What to play next

White Pony
Listen next

White Pony

2000

Continues the atmospheric sound with deeper exploration of themes and textures.
Around the Fur
Go back to

Around the Fur

1997

Sets the stage for the emotional intensity and sonic layers found in 'Be Quiet and Drive'.
Full Deftones discography Where to start with Deftones Artists like Deftones
alternative metal nu metal

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata