"Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)" has been described as alternative metal[4] and nu metal,though some writers have noted that its style diverges from the heavier sound often associated with those genres.[5][6][7] Brendan Appleton of Kerrang! Radio remarked that "Some would question if it is truly nu metal," adding that the song leans toward a dreamy alternative rock feel and was reportedly influenced by Depeche Mode's "Never Let Me Down Again".[5]Wall of Sound's Bob Gulla likened the track to elements of the shoegaze movement rather than the "hyper metallurgy" found elsewhere on Around the Fur (1997).[6] Similarly,Jeff Terich in Treble described it as embracing pop sensibilities and a shoegaze-like atmosphere,comparing its sound to Siamese Dream-era Smashing Pumpkins more than to traditional heavy metal.[7] Punknews.org staff writer Johnathon1069 highlighted the track as the clearest example of Deftones' growth from their debut studio album Adrenaline (1995),noting that by Around the Fur their music had become more textured,the performances tighter,and the band more confident overall.[8]
"Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)" opens with a guitar line reminiscent of Deftones' nu metal contemporaries,but develops into a more melancholic and textured composition.[9] Sam Law of Kerrang! noted that the frontman Chino Moreno's vocal delivery,marked by what he called a purposeful androgyny,contrasted with the more aggressive style common in the scene.[9]Loudwire's Amy Sciarretto similarly described the track as both "maudlin but pretty",and highlighted it as one of the earliest examples of Moreno's androgynous singing style,as well as a clear instance of the band's use of quiet-loud dynamics.[10] Dan Bogosian writing for Consequence emphasized the sense of emotional release,writing that the track conveys the theme of escape most strongly when the band shifts into heavier passages and Moreno sings at full volume.[11]
Legacy
"Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)" has consistently appeared in critical rankings of Deftones' best songs,with writers emphasizing both its impact on the band and its continued recognition.[9][10][11][12] Sciarretto ranked it as the band's second-best song,noting that it marked a turning point in showing Deftones' ability to craft a commercially viable song. Despite its radio-friendly accessibility,she emphasized that "the song still had balls the size of apples".[10] Law placed the song at third in his list,saying it "felt like a rallying cry for a band and fanbase ready to step away". He suggested the song pointed toward the artistic growth that would be realized on White Pony and showed Deftones’potential for broader success.[9] Ian Cohen of Uproxx went further,ranking it as the band's greatest song. He posed the question:"Where are Deftones in 2020 without 'Be Quiet And Drive (Far Away)'?" and suggested that if another track had been chosen as Around the Fur's second single,Deftones might have continued only as a "respected cult act that never escaped the shadow of Korn". Cohen wrote that Maverick Records might have been "even less supportive,unaware that an audience exists for Deftones' more melodic and sensitive side". He concluded:"this is the song that had to top this list —it's the reason we can make one in the first place".[12]
Track listing
All tracks written by Deftones.
UK CD1
"Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)"–5:08
"Engine No. 9" (live)–3:49
"Teething" (live)–3:34
UK CD2
"Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)"–5:10
"Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away) (remix)" [acoustic]–4:33
"Birthmark (live)"–3:58
All live tracks recorded live at the Melkweg,Amsterdam on October 13,1997.
Personnel
Credits from the liner notes of Around the Fur.[13]
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