Music Monday: The Chainsmokers Artist Spotlight
Electronic-pop duo, the Chainsmokers, are well known already due to their hit single “Closer” and many others like “Roses” and “Don’t Let Me Down.” The group is known for releasing only singles, with the occasional EP, but after years of this they announced an album and tour via their Facebook page. However, fans did not receive a release date, just the title of the tour, which will most likely be the title of the album: Memories, Do Not Open.
Since their formation in 2012, Rhett Bixler and Alex Pall have been creating hit song after hit song, but there are still some tracks that those who claim they are fans of the Chainsmokers have never heard. Many of them hidden away in EPs, which listeners only know the main hits from. However, the lineup changed since Bixler left and was replaced by Drew Taggart. They became a group in New York City to pursue their musical dreams, which has taken them places already.
The Chainsmokers have released two EPs, Bouquet and Collage in 2015 and 2016, along with a large catalog of remixes. Bouquet had hit songs like “Roses” and “Until You Were Gone,” along with other stand out tracks like “New York City” and “Good Intentions.” Although these two tracks don’t get as many plays as the singles, they are just as fun, catchy, and as much as the Chainsmokers as the others.
“Good Intentions” stands out compared to the other Chainsmokers songs because of its unique verses and chorus, mixed with the EDM drops that fans adore. On top of that, the duo continues with their fun lyricism that gets easily stuck in your head.
“New York City” begins as a slower song and appears to be an ode to the city where they began their musical journey. The song picks up and shows off their creativity, as it is a unique track, similarly to “Good Intentions.”
Collage contains a large number of hits, from their most popular song, “Closer,” to “All We Know,” and “Don’t Let Me Down.” However, “Setting Fires” and “Inside Out” are the other two tracks that complete this EP. After all, for those sick of hearing “Closer,” you have some other options.
“Setting Fires” utilizes a higher pitch synth in the verses that sounds different from other tracks on Banquet. XYLØ’s guest vocals add even more to the track because her high register vocals blend well with the high pitch electronics.
Although “Setting Fires” is catchy and fun to listen to, “Inside Out” is even more so. The lyrics are not only catchy after one listen, but even the electronic effects (specifically where the drop is) get stuck in your head. This happens with most of the Chainsmokers’ tracks, but this one in particular has a profound effect.
The Chainsmokers have the talent to stand out to the mass of EDM and electronic-pop acts that are making their way on the charts. As someone who rarely listens to this style of music, it can be said that this duo found their style and ability to make their name known in such a short period of time. This is impressive for an artist to do, so be on watch for their new album and what the Chainsmokers have up their sleeve next time around.
Allison Wulfhorst is a freshman majoring in journalism. To contact her, email her at akw5392@psu.edu.
