The Chainsmokers' "Closer" arrived a bit late for summer consideration, but surely won the honors. From September to November 2016, the electropop duet with Halsey reigned over Billboard's Hot 100 chart, making it the season's most popular hit.
As the track shines even brighter, so did Drew Taggart and Alex Pall, the DJs behind the EDM duo. They haven't even released a full-length record yet, but their songs - "Don't Let Me Down" with Daya, "Roses" with Rozes is remarkable tracks, whether you're dancing at a club or listening to the radio.
The "Closer" phenomenon starts in summer 2015, when "The Chainsmokers" share this snap with Halsey. At the time, Halsey is an up-and-coming artist riding the success of her breakout single, "Ghost," after gaining a solid Tumblr following. She releases her debut album "Badlands," a few months later and shaves off her signature blue hair.
One year later, "Halsey" joins "The Chainsmokers" at Bonnaroo to preview their new song. Drew Taggart has never sung lead vocals before, but "Closer" brings him out from behind the DJ booth. They release "Closer" with a swoon-worthy lyric video that makes anyone who's self-conscious about PDAs cringe. After all, the songs about hooking up with an ex even though you know you'll regret it.
The Chainsmokers secretly add Joe King, guitarist of the band named The Fray to the tune's songwriting credits. The main notes in "Closer" mirror those in "Over My Head (Cable Car)," so presumably the addition is made to avoid a lawsuit.
The first week last September, "Closer" accelerates from No. 6 to No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, dethroning Sia's "Cheap Thrills" as the most popular song in the country. The song dominates the chart for 12 weeks. The "Closer" video, which stars Taggart and Halsey as exes who rekindle their flame, arrives months after the song's release.
