Our top 10 Chevelle songs list celebrates a band that began with two brothers’ passion for music and evolved into one of rock’s most respected acts. Formed in 1995 by Pete Loeffler (lead vocalist and guitarist), Sam Loeffler (drummer), and bassist Matt Scott, the band soon saw a lineup change when Joe Loeffler replaced Scott in 1996. Joe played with the band until 2005, after which Geno Lenardo briefly joined as a touring member. Dean Bernadini, a relative by marriage, then took over until his departure in 2019, and since then, Kemble Walters has filled in as the touring bassist.
Chevelle’s journey began with self-taught musicians who transformed their raw skills into a profound musical force. Their debut album, Point #1, released on the small label Squint Entertainment, was a critical success and won the GMA Dove Awards for Hard Music Album. This early success set the stage for their breakthrough with the 2002 album Wonder What’s Next, which debuted at number fourteen and cemented their place in the rock music scene.
Chevelle’s sound, often compared to bands like Tool—a major influence—also contains elements reminiscent of Pearl Jam, Creed, and Metallica, creating a distinctive blend that has earned them critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Over the years and across nine studio albums, Chevelle has continuously honed their sound, leading to numerous award nominations and enduring popularity. This list reviews the best of Chevelle’s music, highlighting the tracks that define their impressive career.
# 10 – Closure
Kicking off our top 10 Chevelle songs list is “Closure,” a standout track from the band’s breakthrough album, Wonder What’s Next. This song showcases the exceptional songwriting abilities of Pete, Sam, and Joe Loeffler. The lyrics capture the tumultuous emotions of a person navigating through delusion, anger, and acceptance after the loss of a close connection.
Musically, “Closure” features dark, melodic verses that build into an aggressive second chorus and a heavy bridge, perfectly complementing the song’s intense emotional theme. This effective blend of melody and power helped “Closure” reach number seventeen on the US Mainstream Rock Chart, marking it as a significant piece in Chevelle’s discography and a strong start to our list of their top songs.
# 9 – Take Out the Gunman
“Take Out the Gunman” is a standout track from Chevelle’s seventh studio album, La Gárgola. Written by brothers Pete and Sam Loeffler, the song tackles the pressing and poignant issue of gun violence and mass shootings, a topic that resonates deeply within society. The lyrics call for reflection and action, capturing the urgency and gravity of this social problem.
Critics have praised “Take Out the Gunman” not only for its compelling musicality but also for its relevance and timely message, making it an essential listen. The song’s powerful impact is further evidenced by its success on the charts, where it reached number one on the US Mainstream Rock Chart.
# 8 – Well Enough Alone
“Well Enough Alone” is an emotionally charged track from Chevelle’s album Vena Sera, crafted by Pete and Sam Loeffler in response to their brother Joe Loeffler’s departure from the band in 2005. The departure of Joe, who was not just a bandmate but also family, added a layer of complexity and depth to the song, which deals with the themes of separation and change.
Originally intended for release on their third album, the band decided to hold off and further refine the song, ultimately including it on their fourth album, Vena Sera. This decision allowed them to capture the raw emotions and intricate dynamics surrounding Joe’s departure more effectively. The song combines striking lyrics with a compelling instrumental groove, making it a standout track that resonates with fans for its sincerity and powerful delivery. “Well Enough Alone” achieved notable success, peaking at number nineteen on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles Chart.
# 7 – I Get It
Also featured on Chevelle’s fourth studio album, Vena Sera, “I Get It” is another compelling track penned by Pete and Sam Loeffler. Chevelle has described the song as a motivational anthem for those hesitant to chase their dreams, embodying a spirit of encouragement and resilience.
The lyrics of “I Get It” reflect Pete and Sam’s feelings about their brother Joe’s departure from the band, possibly hinting at internal conflicts and the struggles they faced as a band and family. Some interpretations suggest that the song addresses feelings of frustration, perhaps directed towards Joe, for voicing concerns about not receiving enough recognition within the band.
“I Get It” achieved commercial success, peaking at number eighteen on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles Chart. Its blend of raw emotional lyrics with Chevelle’s signature hard rock sound makes it a powerful track that resonates with listeners, particularly those dealing with their own interpersonal challenges or feelings of being underappreciated.
# 6 – Jars
“Jars” is the lead single from Chevelle’s fifth studio album, Sci-Fi Crimes. This track, crafted by Pete and Sam Loeffler, delves into the album’s broader theme of eccentric and unusual stories, but with a distinctive twist. Described by Sam Loeffler as a playful take on words, “Jars” humorously tackles the topic of environmental conservation, using a light-hearted approach to engage with a serious subject.
The song’s catchy, robust delivery helped it connect widely with audiences, contributing to its inclusion in the video game Tony Hawk: Ride, which further amplified its reach. On the charts, “Jars” achieved impressive success, peaking at number two on the US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. This track not only showcases Chevelle’s ability to blend rock music with thought-provoking lyrics but also highlights their skill in engaging listeners with complex topics through a more accessible and entertaining approach.
# 5 – Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)
Number five on our top 10 Chevelle songs list is “Vitamin R (Leading Us Along),” a standout track from the band’s second studio album, This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In). Crafted by the three Loeffler brothers—Pete, Sam, and Joe—this song touches on a personal and poignant issue, inspired by a friend who was misdiagnosed with ADHD and subsequently developed an addiction to Ritalin, commonly referred to as Vitamin R.
The song explores the themes of prescription misuse and the impact of such misdiagnoses on individuals, making it a deeply resonant track for many listeners. Its powerful message combined with Chevelle’s intense musical style propelled “Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)” to become the band’s second number one hit on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.
# 4 – Send the Pain Below
“Send the Pain Below” is one of Chevelle’s most acclaimed tracks, featured on their breakthrough album Wonder What’s Next. This song, written by the three Loeffler brothers—Pete, Sam, and Joe—explores the theme of channeling personal hardships into artistic expression, resonating deeply with fans for its raw emotional depth and relatable message.
The track’s powerful lyrical content and compelling musical delivery helped it achieve significant chart success, reaching number one on both the Modern Rock Tracks and Mainstream Rock Tracks charts. It also made a notable appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number sixty-five.
# 3 – Face to the Floor
“Face to the Floor” stands out as one of the most compelling tracks from Chevelle’s album Hats Off to the Bull. Described by the band as an “angry song,” it delves into the frustrations and betrayals experienced by victims of a Ponzi scheme. The composition, credited to Pete and Sam Loeffler, channels this rage through intense lyrics and powerful instrumentation.
The song struck a chord with listeners, particularly for its heavy yet catchy guitar riffs, making it a favorite among cathartic alternative metal fans. “Face to the Floor” achieved significant success, reaching number one on the US Mainstream Rock Songs chart. It also marked Chevelle’s last top ten entry on the Alternative Songs chart to date.
# 2 – The Clincher
“The Clincher” is a standout track from Chevelle’s third album, This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In). Composed by the Loeffler brothers, this song delves into the theme of claustrophobia, as revealed by drummer Sam Loeffler. Despite its intended focus, many fans and listeners have interpreted “The Clincher” as a reflection on The Passion of Christ, highlighting the song’s depth and the multiple layers of meaning it can convey.
The song’s powerful and intense sound has resonated not only with Chevelle’s audience but also with the broader public through its inclusion in popular video games like Guitar Hero Live and Madden NFL 2005. This exposure has helped “The Clincher” reach a diverse group of fans, amplifying its impact. Chart-wise, the song achieved significant success, peaking at number three on the US Mainstream Rock chart. “The Clincher” is appreciated not only for its thematic complexity and engaging sound but also for its cultural impact, marking it as one of Chevelle’s most influential tracks.
# 1 – The Red
“The Red” is arguably one of Chevelle’s most iconic songs, deeply resonating with fans for its exploration of anger and frustration. This track, penned by the Loeffler brothers, vividly captures the emotional turmoil of feeling overwhelmed and antagonistic toward the world. Its accompanying music video, set in a Baptist Church, effectively visualizes the theme by portraying an anger management session, adding a layer of narrative depth to the song’s intense lyrical content.
Featured on the band’s successful album, Wonder What’s Next, “The Red” has transcended its album origins to become a cultural touchstone in various media. Notably, it was used during the 2021 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony and served as the walk-up song for baseball player Geoff Blum, illustrating its broad appeal and recognition. On the charts, “The Red” achieved notable success, peaking at number fifty-six on the Billboard Hot 100.
Feature Photo at top of page: C3 Management, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Updated April 19, 2024