The Bottom Line: Closer is a classic industrial track. nine inch nails, led by Trent Reznor, is an amazing musician. This is yet another example of his skill.
lambchops's Full Review: Closer to God [Maxi Single] by Nine Inch Nails
In twenty years, rock and roll fans will look back at Trent Reznor fondly. As one of the major innovators of industrial rock music, Reznor has revolutionized the music industry. He's combined the elements of machinery and noise into a sound that critics and listeners alike have learned to appreciate.
Nine inch nails is an amazing example of his work and his talent. He's the main power behind this otherwise faceless and nameless band that's produced a number of amazing albums ranging from 1989's Pretty Hate Machine that produced such great tracks of "Head Like a Hole" and "Down In It" to 1994's The Downward Spiral that gave listeners "Hurt" and "Closer". Reznor has released dozens of versions of his songs in numerous formats. Actually, I own seven seperate albums...a collection that doesn't even begin to touch the body of the band's work.
As I already mentioned, "Closer" was originally a part of the 1994 album The Downward Spiral. That album marked the first time that nine inch nails found relatively widespread support including that of MTV. In fact, an instrumental version of the classic track was used in the credits of the severely twisted serial killer film Seven. As per normal, a maxi single was released of the song in addition to a few remixed tracks and extra gems. The music is rather abrasive and could be deemed offensive in certain circles.
Closer To God contains nine tracks. It's a misnomer to call this album just a single. Rather, this is an expansive look at the song "Closer". Released in 1994, this is one of my favorite nine inch nails singles. Here's a listing of the tracks on this CD:
1. closer to god
2. closer (precursor)
3. closer (deviation)
4. heresy (blind)
5. memorabilia
6. closer (internal)
7. march of the f*ckheads
8. closer (further away)
9. closer
Now, the first thing that has to be said about any version of "Closer" is that the main focus of the track is sexual. This is not uncommon with industrial music nor with nine inch nails. I ask that nobody be offended by the lyrics (I will censor them) or the content. I will make an honest attempt to be as objective as possible considering the content.
The first track is a fuzzy, difficult version. It's got elements of electronica mixed with heavy dance beats. The track actually is a less industrial example of the song....that is until you get to the great, driving chorus. The track actually infuses words that aren't in some of the other versions. It's great and definitely a superb beginning to an exceptionally rewarding single. And, as with all of nine inch nails' other tracks, one of the main focuses is Reznor's sneak-attack vocals and lyrics. here's an example of my favorite from this version.
You can have my isolation
You can have the hate that it brings
You can have my absence of faith
You can have my everything
The "closer (precursor)" is actually very similar to the version used in one of my favorite films, Seven. It's just got industrial and mechanical noise with an occasional piano tapping. What's diffent in this version than the film version is the addition of a disturbing, almost robotic voice sometimes. This version was a great pick for a film that should be classified as horror. The creaking, the whirring, and the whistling are bizarre and alarming. I like it. Quite a bit actually. As the song progresses, the mood is increasingly sour and twisted. There are mechanical voices mixed into the actual song. Unlike the original version of this track, the main focus of the song is the noise, sound, mix, and mood. This is one of the best versions available anywhere.
Beginning almost like a dance mix of the original, ”closer (deviation)” is unnervingly disturbed and twisted. The addition of dance grooves and even more electronic music make this a much more user friendly version of the song. But, as nine inch nails lovers know, the song isn’t a good listen for everybody. The chorus that is basically an ode to wanting to ”fu*k like an animal”. I prefer some of the other, more industrial, versions of this track to this one. Yet, it still remains to be very interesting and very good on the whole.
The ”heresy (blind)” mix is a special treat on this maxi single. It’s full of lots of bells and beats and synth noise. The song as a whole is quite well executed. Reznor is quite obviously a very talented man. The song is dark and dank, a common theme with all of the nine inch nails tracks. Reznor growls and screams with extreme anger throughout the entire song. It oozes with pain and hurt around the loud and heavy synthesizer beats.
”Memorabilia” is a rarity of sorts when it comes to nine inch nails music. It seems to be a nearly impossible task to collect every song ever recorded and created by Reznor’s dark mind. This song is loud and repetitive. The entire tempo of the song is in part governed by what sounds to be a fly…yes that annoying little insect. There are varied tempos, sounds, and emotions. Various voices chant and yowl occasionally throughout the track, sometimes behind and sometimes in front of Reznor’s vocals.
Bizarrely constructed, ”closer (internal)” is yet another great remix. The song is heavy hitting with bass-ridden noise outweighing Reznor’s voice at times. It throbs energy, increasing intensity as the track progresses. I’ll admit to being very partial to any version of ”closer”, but mechanically this is a great song. It’s not as catchy as the original. In fact, this version is much thicker, denser, and more complex.
Another special gift to listeners is ”march of the f*ckheads”. With an exceptionally loud and driving drum machine, this song grinds to the beat that nine inch nails listeners like best. It’s mechanical and dense. The ambiance created is nothing more than dark. What makes this a bit different are the sci-fi hovercraft (yes, like the Jetsons) sounds mixed with the industrial noise. Another great one.
”closer (further away)” is another very cinematic version. There are actually pig squeals interspersed throughout the introduction of the track. Reznor then growls ”I want to f*ck you like an animal”. It’s then apparent that the song is well underway. This is a much softer version of the track musically, although the entire mood is scary. The song then breaks into a great, loud version. Reznor is a master, as evidenced by this amazingly multi-layered version.
The final track of this album is also the original that inspired all of these mixes. ”closer” has a signature beat throughout the entire song. It’s got many layers of influences and noise. Reznor sings slowly and clearly throughout, making this a very easily sold track to MTV and the radio. Of course, as we’ve learned the track isn’t exactly radio ready thanks to its, um, racy lyrics. It seems cliché to say that the original is the best, well in this case it is. ”closer” is a classic for nine inch nails and for rock and roll alike. When people think of industrial music it’s my hope that they at least think briefly about this song.
As obvious as it seems, I love ”closer”. Reznor has an amazing imagination and knack at assembling truly creative and free flowing songs. In my humble, somewhat musically educated opinion, I feel that Reznor has one of the best ears for music in the rock industry. He’s dark (like his music) and feels it completely unnecessary to bend his ideals to fit in with the standards. I respect a spirit like that.
This maxi single deserves no less than 5/5 stars. It’s one of the best I own from nine inch nails, and is a must have for any industrial music fanatic. I recommend it only to people who already enjoy the original. Some people would surely be offended by the content, therefore it’s only for the musically adventurous.
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