One of the most iconic bands to spawn from the prolific ‘00s Alternative Metal scene, Chevelle shone over their predecessors due to their heavier sound and huge anthemic choruses. Equal parts Tool and The Cure, the group managed to stay consistent and relevant over 9 albums and more than 20 years of activity, and we’re here to choose the 10 best songs of their career.
10. Closure – Wonder What’s Next
Taken from their worldwide 2002 hit record, “Closure” is a brooding tune that sees Chevelle at their darkest. Its eerie riff sets the mood for the chorus of “Closure has come to me, myself/You will never belong to me” to carry us perfectly until the heavy outro arrives.
9. Self Destructor – NIRATIAS
A highlight of Chevelle’s 2021 sci-fi concept album, “Self Destructor” makes its way in with its quirky guitar riff, but it’s Pete Loeffler’s intense vocal delivery during the whole song that makes it an essential track 20 years into the band’s career.
8. Take Out the Gunman – La Gárgola
2014’s “La Gárgola” was received by fans as Chevelle’s return to form, and it’s easy to see why in “Take Out the Gunman”. The song’s hypnotic guitar lines perfectly blend with Loeffler’s evocative lyricism as he pleads “Had to shoot, had to fight”.
7. I Get It – Vena Sera
Though 2007’s “Vena Sera” remains a divisive album among Chevelle fans, it’s hard to argue with the brilliance of “I Get It”. Its bass line is as catchy as it gets, and the powerful chorus of “You’re right, I get it” was designed to make entire arenas stand up and sing.
6. Fell Into Your Shoes – Sci-Fi Crimes
One of the most dynamic songs in their catalog, “Fell Into Your Shoes” saw Chevelle flirt with Prog leanings way back in 2009. A dynamic tune with enough room to breathe in its slower sections before jawbreaking riffage, it raises its impact with a playful guitar solo for good measure.
5. Face to the Floor – Hats Off to the Bull
Led by an incredibly infectious guitar riff, “Face to the Floor” sees Chevelle at their grooviest. With a simple but effective rhythmic section and vocal hooks for days, the song is accessible and Pop-leaning without sounding too polished.
4. Vitamin R (Leading Us Along) – This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In)
Arguably the catchiest song in Chevelle’s discography, “Vitamin R” has so many memorable melodies that any of them could have been the highlight of another song. From its “stop-go” dynamic verses to the arena-ready chorus, the track peaks during the raw emotion in the delivery of the “Became over and over a slave” bridge.
3. Jars – Sci-Fi Crimes
Tool has always been mentioned as Chevelle as one of their main influences, as “Jars” is shining evidence of that. Loeffler’s vocal dynamics are as close to Maynard James Keenan’s as they will ever be, and the crunchy guitar tone oscillates between atmospheric and punchy with ease.
2. The Red – Wonder What’s Next
The single responsible for making Chevelle rockstars, “The Red” remains one of the finest moments of ‘00s Alternative Metal. Its webbed verses are weaved through a perfect flow between guitar and vocals, only to culminate into the gigantic chorus that still stands as one of the band’s best today.
1. Send the Pain Below – Wonder What’s Next
Few bands balance sheer heaviness, raw emotion, and Pop sensibilities as well as Chevelle, and “Send the Pain Below” is a seamless example of this. From the tortured singalong moments of “I’d send the pain below/Much like suffocating” to the squeaky clean verses and the crushingly heavy bridge, this is Chevelle in peak form.
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