Introduction
The Closer You Get: A Song of Falling Deeper
Though many associate the hit song “The Closer You Get” with the iconic country band Alabama, the song’s origins lie with a different group. Songwriters J.P. Pennington and Mark Gray, members of the country rock band Exile, penned the tune in 1980. Exile released their own version as a single but it failed to gain significant traction.
Don King, another country singer, took a stab at the song in 1982, and his rendition saw some modest chart success. However, “The Closer You Get” wasn’t destined for widespread recognition until Alabama stepped in.
Alabama included “The Closer You Get” on their 1983 album of the same name. Released in April, the song became the album’s second single. Alabama’s smooth vocals and signature harmonies resonated with audiences, propelling “The Closer You Get” to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It wasn’t just a country hit – the song’s catchy melody and relatable lyrics also crossed over to mainstream audiences, solidifying Alabama’s place as superstars of the 80s country music scene.
“The Closer You Get” isn’t a love ballad in the traditional sense. It explores the intoxicating, yet potentially perilous, feeling of falling deeply for someone. The lyrics paint a picture of surrender, with the singer acknowledging the quickening pace of their emotions and the potential for a dangerous fall. Despite the underlying tension, the song’s overall tone remains optimistic, celebrating the thrilling intensity of newfound love.
With its enduring popularity, “The Closer You Get” remains a staple of country radio and a beloved classic for Alabama fans everywhere. So, crank up the volume and get ready to be swept away by this song’s exploration of the intoxicating power of falling in love.
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