Deftones’ return with their new 10th album called “Private Music,” introducing new music after 30 years since their debut. The release has brought a mix of reactions from fans, with some surprised and others impressed.
OH senior Nicholas Gallo admitted that the album wasn’t what he expected. “I wasn’t that excited for Private Music because I thought Deftones went downhill. But ‘Private Music’ felt like a step above ‘Ohms.’”
‘Ohms’ is Deftones’ ninth album, and Gallo said the new release surprised him by showing the band’s growth from their last album compared to their newer one.
“They added new elements and revisited some of their older shoegaze style. For instance, ‘I Think About You All the Time’ really embodies that vibe, like tracks on Saturday Night Wrist and Diamond Eyes,” Gallo said. He mentioned how “Private Music” has a mix of nostalgia from their older music and some experimentation that makes this album stand out from the rest.
Gallo also adds that, “Every Deftones album is different in some way. This one borrows from older albums but also builds on them. It brings nostalgia while adding new modern ideas in shoegaze and metal.”
His reaction shows what many fans have felt, that “Private Music” brings back some of the band’s nostalgic style while also exploring some modernistic music.
“I think some fans are connecting with this album because it sounds more like their past albums,” said OH sophomore Sana Khulmi, sharing her insight on how fans are connecting to the album. “And the reason why I think other fans may not be connecting is because maybe they were expecting something new.”
“I think this album will bring in new fans because it’s trending on various platforms like TikTok, and this genre of music is starting to rise in newer generations as well,” said Khulmi, “I believe that social media platforms will help spread it and bring in newer fans as well as keep older ones hooked.”
Social media’s influence shows that Deftones isn’t just holding on to their old fans but also gaining the attention of newer generations.
Not only did fans have strong opinions, but Billboard also reported that the album “Private Music” debuted to No. 1 across the rock album charts including “Top Rock & Alternative Albums,” “Top Rock Albums,” “Top Alternative Albums,” and “Top Hard Rock Albums.”
Billboard also stated that “’Private Music’ also starts at No. 5 on the all-genre Billboard 200, becoming the fifth top five title for the group, which first reached the region in July 2000 with the No. 3-peaking ‘White Pony.’” This is a huge growth for the band since they last reached the Billboard 200 range, and continue to progress as they further expand their music.
Even when the album has received mixed reactions, it still shows that Deftones is still able to connect with fans in different ways and continue to stay relevant even after 30 years.
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