From brother boy band to smoldering solo artist, Nick Jonas has been making a name for himself in the music business for almost a decade. After the disbandment of The Jonas Brothers, the youngest sibling quickly released his self-titled second album in 2014, featuring two Top 20 hits, "Chains" and "Jealous". Jonas then opted for the album re-release direction, changed up his sound slightly for "Levels", before moving forward with his full length follow up, the curiously titled Last Year Was Complicated. To build buzz, the artist shares the upcoming project's official lead single, the moody "Close", a collaboration with Swedish pop star Tove Lo.
While his previous single boldly dabbled in the world of electro-pop, the new "Close" sticks with Jonas' debut solo R&B-influenced sound. Carried by subtle trap beats, an alluring, tinkering intro and an always-seductive vocal performance from Jonas, the single opts for more of an emotional connection with a simplistic yet still textured approach, rather than noisy, dance energy supported by over-layered production. Add in the enticing, sensual vocals of Tove Lo and a song filled with passion and unease is effortlessly formed.
Seemingly inspired by his relationship with ex-girlfriend Olivia Culpo, the song seems to be dealing with trying to overcome the hesitancy of completely giving in to the unpredictable feelings that come with a new relationship. "Cause if I want you, and I want you, babe, ain't going backwards, won't ask for space, cause space is just a word made up by someone who's afraid to get too close," both artists eventually belt together on a captivating and straightforward hook.
What the track may lack in complex songwriting, things are kept fairly minimal, it makes up for in evident vocal chemistry and an overall brooding vibe that should earn Jonas praise from fans and critics alike. "Close" ultimately finds strength in the apparent vulnerability expressed by Jonas and Lo. Though there's a clear, soulful connection between the two, they appear timid and doubtful at the beginning, before embracing each other after considering the thought of being apart.
Jonas may have experienced a bit of a solo career setback with the release of "Levels" (it only peaked at #44 on the charts), but "Close" appears to be bringing him back to the mature, R&B, Justin Timberlake-like sound that fans initially gravitated towards. Lo's presence uses her raw, alternative and somewhat melancholy talents to good use, acting as an effective counter to Jonas' blatant macho-image. The song, and its intense accompanying music video, show that the male artist isn't afraid of showing his sensitive side every once in a while.
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