The Chainsmokers, Collage (EP) | Album Review 💿

Hit-making DJ duo The Chainsmokers give listeners a compelling Collage to whet their palettes with.  

The Chainsmokers have yet to release a full-length album. Nonetheless, the DJ duo of Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall are on fire, dropping hit after hit. On their latest EP, Collage, The Chainsmokers look to build more success off the momentum they’ve established.  EPs are rarely prolific.  Collage falls into a similar boat – it’s not profound.  Despite this, it is fun, and every song that isn’t already a hit sounds as if it could be one.

“Setting Fires”

Collage opens compellingly with “Setting Fires,” a slick joint featuring XYLØ.  While the verses are respectable, it’s the infectious chorus that seals the deal. Besides being infectious, it’s also conveys a notable message: I can’t shield you, you’re killing me.

“I can’t keep you from harm

But I’m set on fire to keep you warm

I can’t go on and on

setting fires to keep you warm…”

“All We Know” follows, exchanging XYLØ for singer/songwriter Phoebe Ryan.  Released after mega-hit closer, “All We Know” didn’t have the same hit potential. As a song, it is enjoyable, but doesn’t necessarily soar. Taggart contributes his first set of vocals, blending seamlessly with Ryan.  Thematically, it centers around a fading relationship: “Are we fading lovers? / we keep wasting colors / maybe we should let this go.” Once more, the chorus is the selling point. Interestingly, it doesn’t sound far-fetched from the vibe of “Closer”.

“I’ll ride my bike up the road

Down the streets right through the city

’ll go everywhere you go

From Chicago to the coast

You tell me, ‘hit this and let’s go

Blow the smoke right through the window’

‘Cause this is all we know.”

“Closer”

Easily, “Closer” is the crowning achievement of Collage.  As of publication date, it spent a rare 12^th week atop the Billboard Hot 100.  The chemistry between Taggart and burgeoning superstar Halsey is magnificent. Like the previous two records, the chorus rocks:

“So baby pull me closer in the backseat of your Rover

that I know you can’t afford

Bite that tattoo on your shoulder

Pull the sheets right off the corner

Off the mattress that you stole

From your roommate back in Boulder

We ain’t ever getting older.”

The most electrifying moment of “Closer” comes during the build-up section with Taggart and Halsey towards the end.  

After opener “Setting Fires,” “Inside Out” (featuring Charlee) is the brand new, unfamiliar moment from Collage.  With Taggart sitting out from a vocal perspective, it’s all on Charlee to deliver.  She is perfectly suited for this record.  That said, the production is the selling point with the boys cooking up a sick beat and exuberant synths.  Top-five Billboard Hot 100 hit “Don’t Let Me Down” (featuring Daya) concludes the EP delightfully.  Nothing more that needs to be said about that.

Final Thoughts

All in all, Collage gives listeners something to whet their palettes with.  The two big hits are the best songs – “Closer” and “Don’t Let Me Down.”  The new songs are enjoyable, but don’t supplant the previously mentioned gems. Still, Collage provides a snapshot as to what a full-length album by The Chainsmokers might sound like.  Overall, it works without a hitch.

The Chainsmokers • Collage EP • Disruptor/Columbia • Release: 11.4.16

Photo Credit: Disruptor/Columbia