Closer

The defining harmonic characteristic of 'Closer' is the total avoidance of the tonic (I) chord, Ab Major. By looping IV-V-vi-V, the song creates a sense of perpetual motion and unresolved yearning. This 'circular' harmony is a hallmark of modern EDM-pop, ensuring the energy never 'lands' or feels finished, which mirrors the lyrical theme of a recurring, unsettled relationship. The use of the vi chord (Fm) provides a melancholic 'tonic substitute' that keeps the song from feeling overly bright despite being in a major key.

The song was co-written by Andrew Taggart, Shaun Frank, and Frederic Kennett. It describes a chance encounter between two former lovers at a party four years after their breakup, leading to a nostalgic but complicated hookup. After listeners noted a similarity to The Fray's 'Over My Head (Cable Car)', Isaac Slade and Joe King were also given songwriting credits.

Closer is a genre-defining electropop smash that blended future bass production with a relatable narrative of youthful regret. The track famously features Andrew Taggart's vocal debut alongside Halsey, cementing its place as a 2010s cultural touchstone.