Eyes Closed (Halsey song)

Last updated
"Eyes Closed"
HalseyEyesClosed.jpg
Promotional single by Halsey
from the album Hopeless Fountain Kingdom
ReleasedMay 4, 2017 (2017-05-04)
Genre Electro-R&B
Length3:22
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Halsey promotional singles chronology
"Tokyo Narita (Freestyle)"
(2016)
"Eyes Closed"
(2017)
"Strangers"
(2017)

"Eyes Closed" is a song by American singer Halsey. It was released on May 4, 2017, through Astralwerks as the first promotional single from her second studio album, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom (2017). [1]

Contents

Background

Halsey announced on March 7, 2017, the release month and title of her second studio album Hopeless Fountain Kingdom, set for release in June. [2] About the album's sound, she opted for a more mainstream-oriented sound, saying: "I am more than capable of writing radio music and hopefully I'll put my money where my mouth is on this album." [3] The song was premiered on May 4, 2017, on Apple Music's Beats 1 along an interview with host Zane Lowe and director Baz Luhrmann, being later released on digital retailers and streaming platforms. [4]

Composition

The track was written by Halsey and the Weeknd and the song's producers Benny Blanco, Cashmere Cat and Happy Perez. It has been described as dark and sinister-sounding synth-y electro. [5] The song is written in C-sharp minor with a tempo of 65 beats per minute. [6]

Critical reception

Da'Shan Smith of Billboard described the song as a "pop flavoring with an upbeat instrumental that falls in line with electro-soft rock" and "a more cinematic, ballad". [7] PopCrush staff writers calls "Eyes Closed", "moody, chill-inducing". [8]

Charts

Chart (2017)Peak
position
Australia (ARIA) [9] 62
Canada (Canadian Hot 100) [10] 73
France (SNEP) [11] 171
New Zealand Heatseekers (RMNZ) [12] 5
Scotland (OCC) [13] 48
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles ( Billboard ) [14] 1

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [15] Gold500,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Rosé version

"Eyes Closed"
Eyes Closed - Rose.jpg
Song by Rosé
Released10 February 2019 (2019-02-10)
Genre Electro
Length2:27
Label Songs Music Publishing LLC
Songwriter(s)
Audio video
"Eyes Closed" on YouTube

Korean-New Zealand singer Rosé of South Korean girl group Blackpink released a cover of "Eyes Closed" on February 10, 2019.

Background and release

For her solo stage in the Blackpink Arena Tour 2018, Rosé performed a cover of "Eyes Closed" alongside a cover of Taeyang's "Eyes, Nose, Lips". On February 10, 2019, she released the studio version of the cover on YouTube and SoundCloud, as a surprise gift to her fans on her birthday. In an Instagram post, she stated, "Thank you for all the lovely birthday messages! I'm always so spoiled by all of you and I'm so grateful to every single one of you. So here's me giving a tiny little something back in return. This is the studio version of my cover for [Halsey]'s 'Eyes closed'. I sang this at our Japan concert last year but this song has been one of my favourites for a very long time. So I'm super excited that I am able to give this to you on my birthday." [16]

Composition

"Eyes Closed" was written by Happy Perez, Halsey, Cashmere Cat, Benny Blanco, and the Weeknd, with vocals by Rosé. [17] Rosé stated that the song is one of her long-time favorites and "at the time when I recorded it, I was needing some of the healing that this song brings to me." [16]

Reception

Halsey complimented Rosé's take on the track and since then has returned the favor by interacting with her group several times on social media, including sharing a video on Twitter of her rocking out to the Blackpink song "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" during a glam session. [18] Since its release, Rosé's cover of "Eyes Closed" has surpassed 35 million views on YouTube and 2.5 million plays on SoundCloud.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Weeknd</span> Canadian singer and songwriter (born 1990)

Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, known professionally as the Weeknd, is a Canadian singer-songwriter. He is known for his unconventional musical production, artistic reinventions and use of the falsetto register.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cashmere Cat</span> Norwegian DJ and producer (born 1987)

Magnus August Høiberg, known professionally as Cashmere Cat, is a Norwegian DJ and record producer. Often in tandem with benny blanco, he has been credited with production work for artists including Kanye West, the Kid Laroi, Selena Gomez, Camila Cabello, Ariana Grande, Tory Lanez, Major Lazer, the Weeknd, and Kali Uchis. His debut studio album, 9 (2017) was released by blanco's Mad Love Records, an imprint of Interscope Records and peaked at number 14 on the VG-lista charts. It also entered the Billboard 200 and included the single "Adore", which marked his only entry on the US Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Halsey (singer)</span> American singer (born 1994)

Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, known professionally as Halsey, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Noted for her distinctive singing voice, she has received several awards including three Billboard Music Awards, a Billboard Women in Music Award, an American Music Award and nominations for three Grammy Awards. She was included on Time's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cashmere Cat discography</span>

Norwegian turntablist and producer Cashmere Cat has released two studio albums, three extended plays and several singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blackpink</span> South Korean girl group

Blackpink is a South Korean girl group formed by YG Entertainment. The group is composed of four members: Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa. They are stylistically associated with the "girl crush" concept in K-pop, which explores themes of self-confidence and female empowerment. They are a leading force in the Korean Wave and have attracted a large global fanbase, resulting in various publications citing them as the "biggest girl group in the world".

<i>Hopeless Fountain Kingdom</i> 2017 studio album by Halsey

Hopeless Fountain Kingdom is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Halsey. It was released on June 2, 2017, through Astralwerks. The album features guest appearances from Quavo, Lauren Jauregui and Cashmere Cat. Halsey co-wrote every song on the album, while production was handled by Lido and Benny Blanco, among others. Following its release, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart in the United States and the Canadian Albums Chart. The album was also certified 2× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in the US. In support of the album, Halsey embarked on the Hopeless Fountain Kingdom Tour (2017–2018). The album was described by Halsey as having more "radio friendly music" when compared to her previous releases. As a result, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom is primarily a pop and R&B record and features synth-pop and electropop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Now or Never (Halsey song)</span> 2017 single by Halsey

"Now or Never" is a song by American singer Halsey from her second studio album Hopeless Fountain Kingdom (2017). It was released on April 4, 2017, through Astralwerks as the lead single with its music video being released simultaneously, as an instant grat with the album's pre-order. Halsey co-wrote the song with Starrah and its producers Cashmere Cat, Happy Perez, and Benny Blanco. It is a pop and dark pop song that also incorporates R&B.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alone (Halsey song)</span> 2018 song by Halsey

"Alone" is a song by American singer Halsey from her second studio album Hopeless Fountain Kingdom (2017). A remixed version of the song featuring American rapper Big Sean and British rapper Stefflon Don was released on March 15, 2018 through Astralwerks as the third and final single from the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bad at Love</span> 2017 single by Halsey

"Bad at Love" is a song by American singer Halsey from her second studio album, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom (2017). It was released on June 2, 2017, through Astralwerks as the second single from the album. Halsey co-wrote the song with Justin Tranter, Ricky Reed, and Rogét Chahayed, with the song being produced by the latter two. Lyrically, the song encompasses the protagonist's past relationships and the reasons they were unsuccessful.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Strangers (Halsey song)</span> 2017 song by Halsey featuring Lauren Jauregui

"Strangers" is a song by American singer Halsey featuring Lauren Jauregui. It was released on May 26, 2017, through Astralwerks as the second promotional single from her second studio album, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom (2017). The song received critical acclaim. Halsey later released a music video on June 20, 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lauren Jauregui discography</span>

American singer Lauren Jauregui has released two extended play, sixteen singles, two promotional singles. In 2012, Jauregui auditioned as a solo artist in the second season of The X Factor. After being eliminated as a solo performer, Jauregui was brought back into the competition along with four other girls to form the girl group Fifth Harmony. During her time in the group, Jauregui and her bandmates released the albums Reflection (2015), 7/27 (2016), and Fifth Harmony (2017).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hopeless Fountain Kingdom Tour</span> 2017–18 concert tour by Halsey

The Hopeless Fountain Kingdom World Tour was the second headlining concert tour by American singer-songwriter Halsey, in support of her second studio album Hopeless Fountain Kingdom (2017). The tour began on September 29, 2017, in Uncasville, Connecticut, at the Mohegan Sun Arena and concluded on September 26, 2018, in Berlin, Germany, at Columbiahalle. In 2017, the tour grossed $9.2 million from 28 shows with 340,983 tickets sold across North America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blackpink discography</span>

South Korean girl group Blackpink have released two studio albums, three extended plays, one reissue, one compilation album, four live albums, five single albums, twelve singles, and four promotional singles.

<i>Square Up</i> 2018 EP by Blackpink

Square Up is the first Korean extended play by South Korean girl group Blackpink. It was released on June 15, 2018 by YG Entertainment. The EP is available in two physical versions and contains four tracks, with "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" released as the lead single. The song peaked at number one in South Korea for three weeks and became the highest-charting song by a female K-pop act in the United States and United Kingdom at the time. The track "Forever Young" was later promoted on Korean music programs and peaked at number two in South Korea.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ddu-Du Ddu-Du</span> 2018 single by Blackpink

"Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" is a song by South Korean girl group Blackpink, recorded for their first Korean extended play, Square Up (2018). The song was written by YG collaborator Teddy Park, whilst production and composition were handled by Teddy, 24, Bekuh Boom, and R. Tee. It was released as the extended play's lead single to digital outlets on June 15, 2018. The Japanese version of the single was released through YGEX on August 22, 2018, and was distributed in three physical formats. A trap and pop rap song infused with bubblegum pop and EDM sounds, it utilizes oriental percussion rhythms and whistling while the title imitates the sound of a gunshot. Its lyrics contain messages of strength and self-assurance.

"Forever Young" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group Blackpink. It serves as the second track from the group's first Korean extended play Square Up, released on June 15, 2018. It was written and produced by Teddy and Future Bounce, and originally recorded in 2015. A Japanese version of the song was included in the group's first Japanese compilation album, Blackpink in Your Area (2018).

<i>Manic</i> (Halsey album) 2020 studio album by Halsey

Manic is the third studio album by American singer Halsey. It was released on January 17, 2020, through Capitol Records. It was preceded by the release of three singles: "Without Me", "Graveyard" and "You Should Be Sad", with featured guest appearances by Dominic Fike, Alanis Morissette, and Suga. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 albums chart in the US, becoming Halsey's third top-two album on the chart and her biggest album debut in the country to date, selling 239,000 units in its first week.

The In Your Area World Tour was the first worldwide concert tour and the second overall by South Korean girl group Blackpink. The tour began on November 10, 2018, in Seoul, South Korea, and ended on February 22, 2020, in Fukuoka, Japan, in support of their albums Square Up (2018) and Kill This Love (2019). The group held 36 shows in 26 cities in 17 countries around the world. The tour became the highest-grossing tour by a Korean girl group, before it was surpassed by Blackpink's Born Pink World Tour (2022–2023).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Show (concert)</span> 2021 Blackpinks online concert

The Show, officially titled YG Palm Stage ― 2021 Blackpink: The Show, was the first online concert by South Korean girl group Blackpink in support of their debut Korean studio album, The Album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blackpink Arena Tour 2018</span> 2018 concert tour by Blackpink

Blackpink Arena Tour 2018 was the first Japanese concert tour by South Korean girl group Blackpink. The tour was held in Japan, from July 24 to December 24, 2018, to promote their first Japanese extended play Blackpink.

References

  1. "hopeless fountain kingdom (Deluxe) by Halsey on Apple Music". iTunes, Apple Music . June 2, 2017. Retrieved May 4, 2017.
  2. "Halsey Announces New Album Title, Release Month". Billboard . March 7, 2017.
  3. "Halsey Talks Sci-Fi Breakup Album, Following Up Megahit 'Closer'". Rolling Stone . March 27, 2017. Retrieved April 1, 2017.
  4. Smith, Da'Shan (May 4, 2017). "Halsey Laments Old Love and Keeps Her 'Eyes Closed' in Latest Single". Billboard . Retrieved May 4, 2017.
  5. Spanos, Brittany (May 3, 2017). "Hear Halsey's Menacing New Song 'Eyes Closed' Co-Penned By The Weeknd". Rolling Stone .
  6. Halsey "Eyes Closed" Sheet Music
  7. Smith, Da'Shan. "Halsey Laments Old Love and Keeps Her 'Eyes Closed' in Latest Single". Billboard. Retrieved 6 May 2017.
  8. "Halsey Debuts 'Eyes Closed,' Co-Penned by The Weeknd". PopCrush. 4 May 2017. Retrieved 6 May 2017.
  9. "ARIA Chart Watch #420". auspOp. May 13, 2017. Archived from the original on August 19, 2017. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
  10. "Halsey Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 16, 2017.
  11. "Le Top de la semaine : Top Singles Téléchargés – SNEP (Week 19, 2017)" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique . Retrieved May 13, 2017.
  12. "NZ Heatseekers Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. May 15, 2017. Retrieved May 12, 2017.
  13. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
  14. "Halsey Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 16, 2017.
  15. "American single certifications – Halsey – Eyes Closed". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved March 6, 2019.
  16. 1 2 Rosé (February 10, 2019). "제 생일인데 팬분들한테 저도 선물 하나해주고싶어서준비했어요~ 늘 너무 감사해요 여러분. 앞으로 더 열심히해서 멋진 로제 될께요! 사랑해요! 🌹". Instagram. Retrieved February 10, 2019.
  17. @ygent_official (February 10, 2019). "Title: 'Eyes Closed' Cover by #ROSÉ" (Tweet). Retrieved February 10, 2019 via Twitter.
  18. Benjamin, Jeff (August 4, 2023). "Ariana Grande, Drake, Halsey & More: 25 of BLACKPINK's Most Famous Fans". Billboard . Retrieved August 4, 2023.