Deftones Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)

Ranking the discography of a band like Deftones is a formidable task.

For decades, they have consistently released albums that challenge, captivate, and push boundaries. Nearly every record holds a special place for a segment of their dedicated fanbase.

This list of Deftones albums ranked is guided primarily by fan sentiment. We're looking at the records that have generated the most passionate discussion and acclaim within the community to determine what many consider the best Deftones albums.

Further down, we'll also see how they stack up based on current popularity data.

Ranking Deftones's albums: The fan favorites

Here's how the albums stack up based on fan sentiment, community discussions, and overall buzz.

We're starting with the most beloved.

1. White Pony (2000)

Released in 2000, White Pony is the third studio album by Deftones and is widely seen as a landmark release.

The album showed a significant evolution in the band's sound. It incorporated diverse influences from post-hardcore, trip hop, and shoegaze into their alternative metal foundation.

This was the first record to feature Frank Delgado as a full-time member. It was also the first time singer Chino Moreno contributed rhythm guitar parts.

Upon release, White Pony received glowing reviews and includes the Grammy-winning track "Elite" for Best Metal Performance.

Key tracks:

• Change (In the House of Flies)
• Digital Bath

It's no surprise to see White Pony at the top of this fan-driven ranking. For many, it's the definitive Deftones statement.

Its blend of ethereal atmosphere and crushing weight created a sound that was entirely its own, securing its place as a masterpiece in modern rock.

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2. Deftones (2003)

The band's self-titled fourth album arrived in 2003. It was produced by Terry Date, who had worked on all their previous releases.

Deftones is often considered one of the band's darkest and heaviest records. It continued to explore trip hop and shoegaze influences while leaning into a more brooding, atmospheric sound.

This would be the last album produced by Terry Date for 17 years, until he returned for 2020's Ohms.

Key tracks:

• Minerva
• Needles and Pins

Securing the number two spot, the self-titled album is revered by fans for its raw, unfiltered heaviness and emotional depth.

While perhaps not as commercially accessible as its predecessor, its uncompromising vision has made it an enduring favorite for those who appreciate the band's heavier side.

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3. Adrenaline (1995)

Adrenaline is the explosive debut studio album from Deftones, released back in 1995.

Produced mostly by Terry Date, the album captures the raw, aggressive energy of the band's early days. A hidden track, "Fist," was produced by nu-metal pioneer Ross Robinson.

This record laid the groundwork for the band's signature sound, blending heavy riffs with Chino Moreno's dynamic vocal shifts from whispers to screams.

Key tracks:

• 7 Words
• Engine No. 9

Coming in at number three, Adrenaline remains a crucial part of the Deftones story for fans. It's the sound of a young, hungry band creating something new.

Its raw power and foundational tracks are why so many listeners continue to hold this debut in such high regard.

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4. Around the Fur (1997)

Deftones' second album, Around the Fur, was released in 1997 and marked a significant step forward for the band.

The album saw the band refining the sound established on their debut. It introduced more nuanced dynamics and atmospheric textures that would become central to their music.

It produced two of the band's most iconic singles, "My Own Summer (Shove It)" and "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)."

Key tracks:

• My Own Summer (Shove It)
• Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)

Placing fourth in the fan ranking, Around the Fur is celebrated as the moment Deftones truly found their unique voice.

Fans often praise its perfect balance of aggression and melody, viewing it as a bridge between their raw beginnings and the experimental heights they would later reach.

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5. Diamond Eyes (2010)

Diamond Eyes, the band's sixth album, was released in 2010 during a difficult period for the band.

It was the first record to feature bassist Sergio Vega. He stepped in after original bassist Chi Cheng was left in a coma following a serious car accident in 2008.

The album they had been working on, Eros, was shelved. The band started fresh, creating what became a critically and commercially successful album.

Key tracks:

• 976-EVIL
• Do You Believe

Ranked at number five, Diamond Eyes holds a special place for many fans. It represents the band's resilience and creative rebirth in the face of tragedy.

The album is often praised for its focused, powerful songwriting and the optimistic energy that shines through its heavy soundscapes.

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6. Gore (2016)

Gore is the eighth studio album from Deftones, released in 2016.

The record was a commercial success, debuting at number two on the US Billboard 200. It's the band's highest-charting album since their 2003 self-titled release.

The album's sound was shaped by a noted creative tension between singer Chino Moreno's melodic sensibilities and guitarist Stephen Carpenter's heavier, more rhythmically complex style.

Key tracks:

• (L)MIRL
• Phantom Bride

Holding the number six spot, Gore is often seen as one of the band's more polarizing efforts among fans.

Its champions praise its atmospheric, experimental qualities and beautiful melodies, while others felt it strayed too far from the band's riff-centric core.

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7. Saturday Night Wrist (2006)

Released in 2006, Saturday Night Wrist is the band's fifth studio album.

Its creation was notoriously difficult, lasting nearly two years and straining relationships within the band. Chino Moreno's personal struggles at the time heavily influenced the album's lyrical themes.

This was the final album to feature bassist Chi Cheng, who was in a tragic car accident two years after its release.

Key tracks:

• Cherry Waves
• Hole in the Earth

At number seven, Saturday Night Wrist is often regarded by fans as a complex and challenging listen, born from a period of turmoil.

Despite its fragmented creation, many fans deeply connect with its experimental song structures and raw, vulnerable emotional core.

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8. Koi No Yokan (2012)

Koi No Yokan is the seventh studio album by Deftones, released in 2012.

The title is a Japanese phrase that translates to "premonition of love," reflecting the album's lush and romantic, yet heavy, atmosphere.

The album was met with widespread critical acclaim upon its release. It debuted at number eleven on the Billboard 200, selling over 65,000 copies in its first week.

Key tracks:

• Rosemary
• Entombed

Its placement at number eight may surprise some, given its critical success. This album is a favorite for a dedicated portion of the fanbase.

Fans who love Koi No Yokan praise its expansive soundscapes and the masterful blend of beauty and brutality, considering it one of their most sonically rich works.

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9. Ohms (2020)

Ohms, the band's ninth studio album, was released in 2020.

The album marked the return of producer Terry Date, who had not worked with the band since their 2003 self-titled record. It was also the final album to feature bassist Sergio Vega.

Ohms was met with critical acclaim and earned two Grammy nominations for the tracks "Ohms" and "Genesis."

Key tracks:

• Ohms
• Genesis

Ranking ninth, Ohms is the band's most recent full-length effort at the time of this list.

While celebrated by critics for its focused intensity and classic Deftones sound, it has had less time to cement its legacy among fans compared to the band's older, more established work.

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10. private music (2025)

private music is the tenth studio album by Deftones, set for release on August 22, 2025.

It marks the longest gap between two Deftones studio albums. The record was produced by Nick Raskulinecz, who previously worked on Diamond Eyes and Koi No Yokan.

This is the first album to feature touring bassist Fred Sablan, following Sergio Vega's departure from the band in 2021.

Key tracks:

• my mind is a mountain
• locked club

Placing at the bottom of the fan ranking, private music's position is understandable as it is the newest release.

The album has not yet had the time to build the deep connection with listeners that defines the rest of the Deftones catalog.

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Picked your top Deftones classic? Check out Deftones's discography on their Roll The Record Artist hub.

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Deftones albums: A look at popularity data

While fan sentiment paints a rich picture, current popularity data can offer another interesting angle.

This looks at an artist's discography through a different lens.

Below is a ranking of Deftones's albums based on their popularity scores from available data. This reflects which releases are currently seeing significant engagement.

Popularity Rank	Album Title	Release Year
1	Around the Fur	1997
2	White Pony	2000
3	Koi No Yokan	2012
4	Adrenaline	1995
5	Deftones	2003
6	Saturday Night Wrist	2006
7	Ohms	2020
8	Gore	2016
9	Diamond Eyes	2010
10	private music	2025

Quick FAQs about Deftones's albums

Q: What does the album title White Pony refer to?

A: The title has multiple interpretations. "White pony" is street slang for cocaine, but Chino Moreno has also mentioned it can refer to sexual dreams based on dream interpretation books.

Q: Are there any guest vocalists on White Pony?

A: Yes, Maynard James Keenan from the bands Tool and A Perfect Circle provides additional vocals on the track "Passenger." The song "Knife Prty" also features vocals from Rodleen Getsic.

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So there you have it, a look at the Deftones albums ranked from multiple perspectives.

It's clear that from the raw energy of Adrenaline to the atmospheric heights of White Pony, each record offers a distinct and powerful experience.

Ultimately, the "best" Deftones album is a personal choice. It's the one that connects with you at the right time, in the right way.

What does your personal ranking of Deftones's albums look like?