"Closer" is a song by English singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae, released as the third and final single from her second studio album The Sea (2010). It was the third UK and worldwide single, and was released on 2 August 2010.UK Forthcoming Singles - 2 August 2010 . Radio 1. Retrieved 2010-07-14. It was also issued on the radio alone in the United States on 25 January 2010.Corrine launches new singles. News Press Room. Retrieved 23 January 2010.
Promotion Bailey Rae's first television performance of the song was on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on 28 January.Corinne Bailey Rae - Closer(live on The Ellen DeGeneres Show EllenShow Retrieved 28 January 2010
Critical reception Early comments regarding "Closer," in album reviews for The Sea, were mixed.
Nick Day of Slant Magazine gave a mixed review of the song, stating:
"The moment the rhythm breaks, as with "Closer," it's a struggle to reengage with music that is so intensely personal, so overwhelmingly desolate and yet somehow unmemorable.To The Sea review by Slant Magazine Slant Magazine Retrieved 21 April 2010
Also in a mixed review, Tony Hardy of Consequenceofsound wrote, "'Closer' finds the artiste in more of a classic R&B mode... the sentiments are bleak. It's accomplished stuff, but not as strong as the earlier songs."
However, Mayer Nassim from Digital Spy was more positive, expressing:
"The best moments here are when Rae lets her hair down. The deep soul of 'Closer' is a good example."Digital Spy Album Review: Corinne Bailey Rae - The Sea Digital Spy Retrieved 28 January 2010
Formats and track listings
UK Promo CD
"Closer" (Radio Edit) - 3:36 "Closer" (Instrumental) - 4:17
Music video The music video for "Closer" was directed by Adria Petty and premiered on 1 July 2010. It features the singer as she performs the song in a dark room, bringing "a dreamy, sensuous feel, perfect for a steamy summer playlist."
"I had such an amazing time making this video. The director, Adria Petty, has brilliant ideas," Bailey Rae said. "We both thought about the song's feel and independently imagined a slightly seventies look, Donna Summer sexy, abandoned roller disco fun." Of her favorite scene in the clip, she chooses the one which features her "with the veil inspired by a 1970s Vogue cover by Bianca Jagger." She added, "The choreographer Frank Gatson was on hand to offer me advice about movement in the video. He helped me focus on the strength shape I was making."Closer video at MySpace
Chart performance The single spent 31 weeks inside the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and peaked at number 31, her highest chart single ever.[ Closer by Corrine Bailey Rae at Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs] Billboard Retrieved 23 June 2010 On the week of 28 August 2010, the song returned to the Top 50 R&B/Hip-Hop Songs at number #50, and on the week of 4 September 2010, the song climbed higher to number #36.[ Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart]. Retrieved 27 August 2010
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (2010) Peakposition
Year-end charts Chart (2010) Position US Adult R&B Songs (Billboard) 15 US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) 70
Airplay and release history
Airplay
Country Date Format United States 25 January 2010 Radio airplay United Kingdom 7 July 2010 Video airplay
Purchasable release Country Date Format Label United Kingdom Retrieved on 16 July 20102 August 2010Digital downloadEMI Records FranceChartsInFrance.net Corinne Bailey Rae choisit "Closer" Retrieved on 16 July 2010
References