Our top 10 Chevelle Songs introduce us to a band that has moved from two brothers’ fun in learning and playing music started to one of the most reputable rock bands. Chevelle was formed in 1995 by lead vocalist and guitarist Pete Loeffler, drummer and percussionist Sam Loeffler, and bassist Matt Scott. The two brothers, Pete and Sam, would replace Matt with their kinsman, Joe Loeffler, in the following year. However, Joe only stuck with his fellow brothers in the band till 2005, having Chevelle sub in Geno Lenardo as a touring band member until Dean Bernadini, Pete, and Sam’s in-law joined them. With Bernadini departing from Chevelle in 2019, the band has found no permanent replacement but uses the services of Kemble Walters as their touring bassist.
Chevelle rose from humble beginnings having each of the band members being self-taught musicians. With quite a profile, the band would only have their first album, Point #1, recorded on Squint Entertainment, which by then was a small record label. However, Chevelle would gain popularity for their sublime music having the band compared to Tool, one of the members’ musical influences. Point #1 was such a magnificent album that it won the GMA Dove Awards Hard Music Album award. The band built on the success from Point #1, releasing their 2002 second album Wonder What’s Next with a bang. Wonder What’s Next shot to success imminently having it debut at number fourteen. Since then, Chevelle has enjoyed one of the best rock music careers with a string of awards nominations for awards for their art. There is a little bit of Pearl Jam, Creed, and Metallica in their sound. Our top 10 Chevelle songs list reviews the best of the band’s releases from its nine studio albums.
# 10 – Closure
Ushering us into the top 10 Chevelle songs is “Closure,” a hit song from the band’s album Wonder What’s Next. “Closure” brings the best of Pete, Sam, and Joe Loeffler’s songwriting skills, having the lyrics allude to someone who is juggling between a state of delusion, anger, and acceptance after a close soul. The song features a dark though melodic verse with quite an aggressive second chorus and heavy bridge, which serves its theme right. “Closure” peaked at number seventeen on the US Mainstream Rock Chart.
# 9 – Take Out the Gunman
“Take Out the Gunman” is one of the best Chevelle songs from the band’s seventh studio album La Gárgola. Written by Pete and Sam Loeffler, the song’s lyrics allude to addressing the guns and mass shooting social problem. Critics were quick to validate this song worthwhile listening with this social problem affecting many people in the society. “Take Out the Gunman” peaked at number one on the US Mainstream Rock Chart.
# 8 – Well Enough Alone
After spending quite some successful years as a great pillar in Chevelle, Joe Loeffler decided to leave the band in 2005. With Joe being more than a band member but also family, seeing him go made the whole process more complicated. Pete and Sam Loeffler composed “Well Enough Alone,” a song about their brother and former bassist Joe Loeffler. The song features striking lyrics and a grooving instrumental, which makes it an epic release for the band’s album Vena Sera. Lead vocalist Pete Loeffler revealed that the song was scheduled for release in their third album but opted to refine it for release in the fourth album Vena Sera. The song peaked at number nineteen on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles Chart.
# 7 – I Get It
Also from the band’s fourth studio album, Vena Sera, is “I Get It,” a song written by Pete and Sam Loeffler. The song has been described by Chevelle as a motivational cry to those afraid to pursue their dreams. “I Get It” has the two brothers, Pete and Sam Loeffler, indicate how they felt about their brother. Could the brothers be chastising Joe for complaining about getting inadequate spotlight? The song went on to peak at number eighteen on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles Chart.
# 6 – Jars
“Jars” is the leading single from the band’s fifth album Sci-Fi Crimes. Written by Pete and Sam Loeffler, the song makes reference to the eccentric themes of Sci-Fi Crimes. Delivered in what Sam Loeffler described as a kind of play on words, the song is more of a joke about saving the environment. The song went on to be featured in the game Tony Hawk: Ride. “Jars” also performed great on the charts having it peak at number two of the US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs.
# 5 – Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)
Number five on our top 10 Chevelle songs list is “Vitamin R (Leading Us Along),” a song from the band’s second studio album, This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In). Written by the three Loeffler brothers, Pete, Sam, and Joe, the song was Chevelle’s second number one hit on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks. The song was inspired by a friend the brothers shared who was misdiagnosed with ADHD and developed an addiction to Vitamin R, medically known as Ritalin.
# 4 – Send the Pain Below
Chevelle takes pride in “Send the Pain Below” from the band’s second album, Wonder What’s Next, thanks to its great message that propelled it to chart success. The song reached number one on the Modern Rock Tracks and Mainstream Rock Tracks charts. “Send the Pain Below” moved up the Billboard Hot 100 chart peaking at number sixty-five. Written by the three Loeffler brothers, the song is about taking the hardships in your life and making art out of them.
# 3 – Face to the Floor
“Face to the Floor” is one of the best Chevelle songs from the band’s album Hats Off to the Bull. Chevelle describes “Face to the Floor” as an angry song about people who got conned by a Ponzi scheme. Pete and Sam Loeffler take credit for the composition of this hit that charted at number one on the US Mainstream Rock Songs chart. Cathartic alternative metal fans love the song’s heavy yet catchy guitar riffs. The song is Chevelle’s last top ten songs to date to chart on the Alternative Songs chart.
# 2 – The Clincher
The Loeffler brothers collaborated in composing “The Clincher,” a sensational song from the band’s third album, This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In). Sam Loeffler revealed that the song is about claustrophobia even though many infer that the hit is Chevelle’s take on The Passion of Christ. Video game lovers might have met with “The Clincher” with the song appearing on the soundtracks of video games Guitar Hero Live and Madden NFL 2005. The song peaked at number three on the US Mainstream Rock.
# 1 – The Red
“The Red” is by far the best Chevelle song of all time ever written by the Loeffler brothers. The song alludes to dealing with anger and frustrations after being so mad at the world. Its video, filmed in a Baptist Church, depicts an anger management session. Featured on the band’s album Wonder What’s Next, the song has been used in other media, including the 2021 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony and by Baseball player Geoff Blum as his intro song when he came up to bat. The song peaked at number fifty-six on the Billboard Hot 100.
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
