Despite being lifted by the colorful, dance production work, The Chainsmokers, alongside NGHTMRE, are on moderately successful on single, “Save Yourself.”

The Chainsmokers have remained busy throughout 2018.  After releasing Memories…Do Not Open in 2017, I thought that Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall might slow down a might.  Boy was I wrong.  The duo released a four-song EP, Sick Boy, and essentially, continue to build towards another full-length album, or so it seems.  The latest record from The Chainsmokers – “Save Yourself,” working alongside NGHTMRE.

In case you were missing his singing, “Save Yourself” features vocals performed by Andrew Taggart.  He’s not the greatest singer to ever walk planet earth, but he’s also not the worst.  The lyrics aren’t particularly great – at least not notable or game changing.  Basically, the song focuses on a fading relationship. While the chorus bears the titular lyric, it doesn’t perfectly summarize “Save Yourself,” which isn’t clearly written in my opinion.

“So call it what you call it / But I just won’t be afraid of myself / ‘Cause I know that I got it / I won’t give it up just to save myself.”

While Taggart proves the vocals, NGHTMRE assists on the production work.  The production is the best thing about “Save Yourself.”  Malicious and hard-hitting, it’s much more dance-oriented than most of the singles that The Chainsmokers have released as of late.  Notably, there’s plenty of instrumental sections.  While Andrew Taggart matches the energy and intensity of the instrumental that accompanies him, the greatness of the instrumental still wins out over Taggart’s pipes.

Final Thoughts

Give The Chainsmokers credit for incorporating more dance than pop into “Save Yourself.” That said, dock them some points for the songwriting, which is utterly forgettable and off-putting. Personally, I’m still waiting for another truly great single from the duo.  “Save Yourself” isn’t quite it.

The Chainsmokers & NGHTMRE • Save Yourself – Single • Disruptor / Columbia • Release: 8.24.18

Photo Credits: Disruptor / Columbia