Artist, Message Variety Brings Chainsmokers ‘Closer’ to Fans

Lily Grieve, A&E Editor

In a summer full of overplayed, uncreative Justin Bieber, Adele and Twenty One Pilots songs, there was a single light in the music business: The Chainsmokers.

The Chainsmokers caught public attention when their catchy, timely and ridiculous single “#Selfie” debuted in 2014. The satirical single kickstarted the career of the DJ duo, according to MTV.

Since then, the Chainsmokers released their EP “Bouquet,” featuring the song “Roses” ft. ROZES, as well as about seven singles.

Their ability to collaborate with other popular artists is the Chainsmokers’ distinguishing feature. While many other DJs, such as Calvin Harris, also feature popular artists, they seem to have a style the listener will expect.

Four of the Chainsmokers’ most popular songs– “Closer” featuring Halsey, “Don’t Let Me Down” featuring Daya and “Roses” featuring ROZES– each seem to have an individual style that is made even more noticeable by the artist featured.

Released June 16, 2015, “Roses” features American singer-songwriter ROZES. Her whimsical voice paired with the romantic lyrics contrasts, in a satisfying way, with the harsher, dance background mix.

“Don’t Let Me Down” featuring Daya was released about eight months after “Roses” on Feb. 5 2016, but didn’t make an impact until the summer. Despite the delay, the song held the No. 4 Billboard Top 100 spot for 10 weeks until it reached the No. 3 spot this past week.

Unlike “Roses,” “Don’t Let Me Down” took the longing and heartbreak angle. Daya’s smooth voice kept the melody pristine and added interest when a soulful plead interrupted the original melody. Because of the upbeat, brassy guitar background and bass drops, though, the song was more windows-down-jam-session appropriate than depressing.

Not long after the popularity of “Don’t Let Me Down” spiked, the Chainsmokers released their single “Closer” featuring Halsey on July 29.

“Closer” begins with a piano intro that gradually strengthens, leading into an upbeat melody performed by The Chainsmokers’ own Drew Taggart. He and Halsey play out the narrative of a couple reunited after four years apart through a call and response melody in the chorus.

The upbeat tune and easy-to-relate, catchy lyrics made “Closer” a summer hit that has carried into the fall. Since its release, the song has climbed to the No. 1 Billboard Top 100 spot where it continues to rest today.

With such a variety of artists, sounds and messages fans can’t help but anticipate the Chainsmokers’ next move. Like those fans, “I think I’m losing my mind now” waiting for new music to arrive.