The Chainsmokers

The Chainsmokers is an American DJ and production duo composed of Alex Pall and Andrew Taggart. This is one of the most popular electronic dance music (EDM) superstars, popular for their distinct blend of pop, indie elements, which has brought them worldwide success by posting a series of hit songs, chart-topping albums, and sold-out concerts. Their songs usually contain catchy melodies, emotive lyrics, and pop and dance beats that attract many people.

Alex Pall and Andrew Taggart met each other in 2012, through a mutual friend that introduced them; by then, Alex was doing DJing jobs in New York City and Andrew was at Syracuse University. However, their collaboration was not immediate. Initially, Taggart joined the group as a co-producer but eventually turned out to be the lead vocalist during this time which defined much of the sound of the Chainsmokers.

Before becoming The Chainsmokers, Alex Pall was a DJ in clubs around New York. Andrew Taggart's background is in music; he was studying at Syracuse University for a while until dropping out to pursue full-time music. They first started getting popular with remixes of popular songs, among them the early buzz formed with "Sleeping Beauty" by The Bandit and "Sweet Disposition" by The Temper Trap.

"Selfie" (2014)

Selfie" was released as a single. Since the song became viral in no time, it eventually became a pop anthem. It is a satire of the obsession with selfies from social media and the influencer culture. It's not a very deep or complex song, but it came across to many, especially to most millennials, so the duo crashed into the spotlight and"Selfie" was a fun and quirky song, playing around with electronic and pop elements, marking the beginning of The Chainsmokers signature style. It reached the Billboard Hot 100 Top 20, and it instantly entered the lists of obligatory summer playlists in 2014. All this brings success and marks an important turning point in the history of the newly emerging genre which will soon be at the center of the sound performed by the duo: EDM-pop crossover. After "Selfie," The Chainsmokers made the transition into really emotional, vocally-based songs. They signaled this new direction with their huge single "Roses," released in late 2015. The song, through singer Rozes, was a sleeper hit, but with its more melodic, less satirical take, it showed how well The Chainsmokers were doing in making an emotionally driven song resonate with the masses, making them move from being a fun novelty EDM act to more serious pop performers.

"Roses" Ft. ROZES

"Roses" followed up to garner multi-platinum certifications in several countries, putting it at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. This further solidified the duo's place within the global pop map. What it also indicates is that the single represented part of a more panoramic trend, where electronic and pop music started to melt into each other, something which The Chainsmokers would go on to contribute much to in the following years.

"Closer" with Halsey

The Chainsmokers, however, were established by its greatest hit in 2016, "Closer," which featured the vocalist Halsey, was a gigantic commercial hit. When it hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for 12 straight weeks, it topped many of the longest running number one hits of the 2010s.  The song was not only commercial powerhouse but even in cultural phenomenon, especially as it was relevant to more young audiences due to its lyrics about love, youth, and nostalgia.

"Closer" is a real turning point in the music career of The Chainsmokers with its production being upbeat but quite stripped-back at the same time. With its contagious melody, Halsey's haunting vocal delivery, and catchy lyrics connecting on a personal level with the listeners, the song was successful. The track is often cited as one of the most iconic songs of the EDM-pop crossover era, during which DJs and producers were increasingly working with pop stars and songwriters to create crossover hits that could dominate both the dance charts and mainstream pop radio.After "Closer," The Chainsmokers became the biggest act in the world, headlining major music festivals like Coachella, Tomorrowland, and Ultra Music Festival, touring the world with sold-out crowds.

"Memories...Do Not Open" (2017)

Also in 2017, The Chainsmokers published their debut studio album, "Memories. Do Not Open," which included "Closer" and other hits such as "Don't Let Me Down" featuring Daya and "Something Just Like This" with Coldplay. The group demonstrated a more refined and mature sound when they mixed electronic, indie pop, and some indie rock element"Memories...Do Not Open" debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and garnered generally positive critics, who credited the duo to blend the electronic music style with mainstream pop sensibilities. The album solidified The Chainsmokers as a force to be reckoned in both the EDM and pop worlds, with most songs on the list achieving considerable chart success.Their collaboration with Coldplay, "Something Just Like This," became a global hit, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and garnering millions of streams. The track was particularly popular for its anthemic chorus and massive crossover appeal, showing that the Chainsmokers could work with artists with widely different styles from different genres.

"Sick Boy' (2018)

While many of The Chainsmokers's tracks have been huge successes, their 2018 "Sick Boy" marks a somewhat different approach. This track, unlike much of the previous upbeat, feel-good style that Chainsmokers is known for, is more muted and dark, with an introspective sound. "Sick Boy" explores fame, self-doubt, and the constraints of the modern world, signaling a shift into a more mature and reflective sound.

You Owe Me" and "Everybody Hates Me" are both songs that explore similar themes of disillusionment and keeping up with fame. Though these songs did not come close to the charts as the earlier hits from The Chainsmokers, they served as an important step in showing that the band was keen to evolve musically as well as explore more serious themes and deeper meanings.

"World War Joy" (2019)

The Chainsmokers' 2019 album, World War Joy, features a collection of catchy pop songs with collaborations from various artists like Amy Shark, Kygo, Sabrina Claudio, and Blink-182. The album blends elements of EDM, pop, and even hints of country-pop, creating a diverse sound that reflects the duo's versatility. While some tracks lean towards their signature radio-friendly style, others explore more experimental sounds. Overall, World War Joy showcases The Chainsmokers' ability to craft infectious melodies and collaborate with talented artists, solidifying their position in the music industry.

"So Far So Good" (2022)

As the early 2020s approached, the Chainsmokers continued on their musical evolution with their 2022 album, "So Far So Good". The album differed from what the duo has previously done in the past, but only now delves deeper into more personal and introspective themes such as mental health issues, problems in their relationship, and self-identification. Tracks like "High" and "iPad" are quintessential examples of blending pop-rock with electronic elements but with a significant inclination towards organic instrumentation and songwriting.

This period saw a shift in the public persona of The Chainsmokers as Alex Pall and Andrew Taggart started involving themselves more intensely with the creative side of their tracks, from writing the lyrics to producing tracks and overseeing the visual elements of their brand. The men also focused much on mental health, with various interviews and statements seeking to unravel some of the pressures and challenges of life in the spotlight.

The Chainsmokers have been instrumental in bridging the gap between EDM and mainstream pop music. Their success has paved the way for other artists and DJs who wish to cross over into the pop world, and they are often credited with helping to define the EDM-pop sound of the mid-2010s. Their ability to blend catchy melodies with emotional lyrics, paired with their knack for creating anthemic tracks that appeal to both the club and radio, has made them one of the most commercially successful acts of their generation.The duo’s success can also be attributed to their ability to collaborate with a wide range of artists, from indie stars like Halsey and Rozes to pop icons like Coldplay and Kelsea Ballerini. Their versatility as producers and their understanding of the pop market have made them one of the most enduring acts in the music industry.The Chainsmokers’ impact on pop music has extended beyond just their chart success. They have helped reshape the way that DJs and producers are perceived in the music industry, turning them into bona fide pop stars in their own right. Their music has been widely featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials, and they have amassed billions of streams across platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.