Music is an art that communicates directly with the soul. It stimulates emotions, evokes memories, and connects people across the world. Some songs have become timeless classics, remembered and loved by generations of music lovers. “The Closer You Get” is one such song that remains popular even four decades after its release. But who wrote this beautifully haunting ballad that has captured the hearts of millions?
The Creators: J.P. Pennington and Mark Gray
“The Closer You Get” is a song that was written by two exceptional artists, J.P. Pennington and Mark Gray. Pennington, born in Kentucky in 1949, is a skilled guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He began his career as a session musician and went on to form the country rock band Exile in 1973. Pennington contributed to many of Exile’s hits, but “The Closer You Get” remains his most famous composition.
Mark Gray, born in Texas in 1952, was a talented songwriter, as well as a singer and pianist. He worked as a session musician in Nashville before moving to Los Angeles in the 1980s to pursue a solo career. Gray is also known for his contribution to “The Closer You Get,” which became one of his most successful songwriting credits.
The Inspiration Behind “The Closer You Get”
“The Closer You Get” was written in 1980, a few years after Exile achieved commercial success with their hit song “Kiss You All Over.” Pennington and Gray worked together to create a ballad that would showcase their songwriting abilities. The song is a story of unrequited love that explores the timeless theme of longing for someone who is out of reach.
The lyrics of “The Closer You Get” express the heartache and frustration of the singer who yearns for the one person he cannot have. The refrain of the song, “The closer you get, the further I fall,” captures the emotional intensity of the message and provides a haunting and memorable melody that remains with the listener long after the song has finished.
The Success of “The Closer You Get”
“The Closer You Get” was released in 1981 by Exile as the title track of their album of the same name. The song was an immediate success, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
The song also crossed over to the pop charts, reaching number 41 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 26 on the US Adult Contemporary chart. The success of “The Closer You Get” firmly established Pennington and Gray as talented songwriters and helped cement Exile’s reputation as one of the leading country rock bands of the 1980s.
Conclusion
“The Closer You Get” is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time and remains a favorite of music lovers around the world. J.P. Pennington and Mark Gray’s exceptional songwriting talent, combined with the haunting lyrics and melody that capture the heartache of unrequited love, have made the song a masterpiece that will remain with us for generations to come.
FAQ
What songs did Exile write for Alabama?
Exile is an American rock band formed in Kentucky in the year 1963 that gained fame in the 1970s and 1980s. In the years that followed, Exile band members wrote and recorded several songs that found success with other artists. Two of these successful songs were written by Mark Gray and J.P. Pennington and found a place on Alabama’s album “The Closer You Get”. These songs were titled “The Closer You Get” and “Take Me Down”. “The Closer You Get” was co-written by Pennington, and was a number one country hit for Alabama that spent a total of fourteen weeks on the country chart in 1983. The song earned a gold certification from the RIAA and was later included on Alabama’s first greatest hits compilation. “Take Me Down” was also written by Pennington, along with Bob Corbin and was a top five country hit for Alabama in 1982. These two songs set the path for Exile members to write more country hits. Many country music listeners and fans were impressed with the songwriting quality of Exile’s band members and this proved that they had much to offer the country music industry.
Who plays the theme music for the closer?
The theme music for the television show “Closer” is a song called “Closer (Bordertown Theme),” and it is performed by Kaae & Batz, featuring Maria Holm-Mortensen. The song was written by Brian Batz and Kaspar Kaae, who make up the electronic music duo Kaae & Batz. Holm-Mortensen provided vocals for the track.
The song “Closer (Bordertown Theme)” has a unique sound that incorporates elements of electronic, pop, and indie music. It is an instrumental track, with a driving beat and catchy melody that capture the mood and tone of the show. The song has been popular with fans of the show, who appreciate its high-energy sound and memorable hook.
Kaae & Batz are based in Copenhagen, Denmark, and have gained a following for their experimental approach to music-making. They have released several albums and EPs, and their work has been praised for its eclectic mix of styles and genres.
Kaae & Batz, featuring Maria Holm-Mortensen, perform the theme music for “Closer,” the popular television show. Their song “Closer (Bordertown Theme)” is a unique and catchy instrumental track that captures the mood and tone of the show. The duo’s experimental approach to music-making has earned them a following among fans of electronic, indie, and pop music around the world.
Where is HGTV Closer filmed?
The popular HGTV show Closer is filmed in St. Louis, Missouri, at the office of Lauren Risley’s real estate company, Lauren Risley Real Estate. The show follows Risley as she helps clients find their dream homes in the city’s charming neighborhoods and bustling downtown area. While the show is primarily focused on real estate, it also offers viewers a glimpse into all the exciting things St. Louis has to offer, from its museums and cultural attractions to its lively food and nightlife scene.
Risley, who never dreamed of being on TV, started making YouTube videos a few years ago to promote her real estate business. Her quirky personality and passion for helping clients find their perfect homes caught the attention of HGTV producers, and soon after, Closer was born.
The show’s popularity has only continued to grow, as viewers tune in to see Risley and her team navigate the competitive St. Louis real estate market. From historic homes in Lafayette Square to modern condos in the Central West End, Closer offers a wide range of properties for viewers to drool over.
Not only does Closer showcase St. Louis’s unique architecture and vibrant neighborhoods, but it also celebrates the city’s residents and diverse communities. It’s clear that Risley has a deep love for her home city, and her enthusiasm is infectious.
Hgtv Closer is an entertaining and informative show that highlights all the best aspects of St. Louis. As long as Risley and her team continue to find and sell amazing properties, it’s safe to say that the show will continue to have a devoted fanbase.
What album is Closer on nine inch nails?
“Closer” is a song by the highly acclaimed American industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails. It was released as the second single from their second studio album, entitled “The Downward Spiral,” which was released in 1994. This album was produced entirely by the lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, Trent Reznor.
“The Downward Spiral” is a concept album that explores themes like depression, self-loathing, nihilism, and several other dark subjects. The album’s overall tone is dark and heavy, with distorted guitar riffs, electronic sounds, intense drum beats, and industrial textures that have become Nine Inch Nails’ signature sound.
“Closer” is one of the most well-known songs from the album and has become a staple song in Nine Inch Nails’ repertoire. Its popularity can be attributed to its catchy melody, somber lyrics, and driving beat. The song features provocative and explicit lyrics, which have caused some controversy and censorship in radio play and live performances. It is often considered to be one of their signature songs, along with other classics like “Head Like a Hole” and “Hurt.”
“Closer” is a song by the reputable industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails, and it was released as the second single on their critically acclaimed second studio album, “The Downward Spiral.” The album is a concept album that explores dark themes, and the song has become one of their most well-known and controversial tracks.