"My Own Summer (Shove It)" is a nu metal[a] and alternative metal[7] song that has been noted for its emphasis on tension and dynamic contrast.[8][9][5] Amy Sciarretto of Loudwire described Deftones' approach as "exercises in tension building", and identified the track as a key example of that style.[9] A writer for Rolling Stone similarly referred to the song as a "master class in tension building".[5] Stephen Hill in Metal Hammer stated that "On 'My Own Summer (Shove It)', they stretched their musical dynamics to breaking point."[3]Kerrang! writer Sam Law pointed to the track's "quiet/loud dynamism", suggesting a stylistic link to bands like Nirvana.[8]
A 29-second sample of "My Own Summer (Shove It)", showcasing the songs ethereal verses and anthemic chorus.[3][6] Moreno "delivers both shushed-but-dread-inducing moans and a fully-enraged vocal meltdown".[10]
Chino Moreno's vocal performance on "My Own Summer (Shove It)" features shifts between restrained and intense delivery,[5] moving from whispered lines layered with distortion to sudden, forceful outbursts.[6][10] The lyrics have been noted for their complexity and are considered an integral part of the song's dynamic character.[5]Stephen Carpenter's guitar work on "My Own Summer (Shove It)" is a defining feature of the track, driven by a central riff that has been described as dark, intense, and progressively more forceful.[5][8] It has also been characterized as "lascivious"[6] and "rolling", with a vivid, electric quality.[9]Abe Cunningham's drumming on "My Own Summer (Shove It)" has been noted for its precision. According to Stuart Williams of MusicRadar, the song begins with a simple tom-to-snare fill. The drum sound is described as "bone-dry", featuring a popping snare and a distinct 10-inch tom. Cunningham's main beat is minimal but requires careful control and timing to maintain the groove. His performance is both kick and snare-focused, with hi-hats that cut through the mix sharply. During the choruses, his fills are placed strategically, enhancing the rhythm without disrupting the overall flow of the song.[11]
The music video for "My Own Summer (Shove It)" was directed by Dean Karr and filmed at Lake Piru, Los Angeles.[17] The video features the band performing on shark cages in the lake, using mechanical sharks on set alongside footage of real sharks. The bassist Chi Cheng recalled falling off one of the cages during filming, leaving his dreadlocks with a strong odor for a week. To supplement the video, Karr later traveled to Australia to capture real sharks on film, but after spending a week and a half there without results, he was given an extra trip.[18][19] The music video began receiving regular to moderate rotation on MTV by December 1997.[20][21]
Reception and legacy
"My Own Summer (Shove It)" has received consistent retrospective acclaim and is frequently cited as one of Deftones' most significant songs.[b] Sam Law of Kerrang! ranked it as the band's best song, describing it as their most effective and impactful statement, even if less complex than later material.[8]Consequence's Jon Hadusek stated that the song "create[d] the intoxicating combination that would become the template for their sound going forward: heavy, sexy, poetic".[6] It also appeared in other retrospective rankings, including fourth by Ian Cohen of Uproxx and seventh by Amy Sciarretto of Loudwire.[9][19] "My Own Summer (Shove It)" has also become a staple of Deftones' live performances and is one of their most frequently played songs in concert.[8][10] Gregory Adams of Revolver named it the fifth-best Deftones song to experience live and described the track's opening snare hit as a "Pavlovian trigger to multiple generations of metalheads", noting that it "absolutely crushes every damn time."[10] Law wrote that the energy and anticipation surrounding the song's performance continues to resonate with audiences, calling it a "pulse-quickening, crowd-surging" moment.[8]
"My Own Summer (Shove It)" has been cited as one of the best nu metal songs.[2][3][4] Hadusek noted that it "sounded like nothing else at the time," distinguishing itself within the nu metal landscape.[6]Rolling Stone included it at number 80 in its list of "the 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Songs of All Time," stating that the song would "come to define the sound of nu metal for decades to come".[5]Annie Zaleski of Spin ranked it the third-best nu metal song, calling it a standout from Deftones' early work that contributed to an "indelible body of work".[4] The track was also ranked in other top nu metal songs lists, including fifth by Mike Diver of Clash and 35th by Stephen Hill of Metal Hammer.[2][3]
All lyrics are written by Chino Moreno, except "My Own Summer (Shove It)" and "Lotion", by Chino Moreno and Deftones; all music is composed by Deftones.
Disc one
No.
Title
Length
1.
"My Own Summer (Shove It)"
3:35
2.
"Lotion" (Live)
3:54
3.
"Fireal — Swords" (Live)
6:23
4.
"Bored" (Live)
5:17
Disc two
No.
Title
Length
1.
"My Own Summer (Shove It)"
3:35
2.
"Root" (Live)
4:36
3.
"Nosebleed" (Live)
4:23
4.
"Lifter" (Live)
4:49
The live tracks on both CDs were recorded at the Melkweg in Amsterdam on October 13, 1997.[24][25]
Personnel
Credits from the liner notes of Around the Fur.[26]
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