“Closing Time” and nine other great Semisonic songs you should be listening to

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Title rephrased: As the clock strikes 1:45 am, “Closing Time” portrays a common occurrence when bars or clubs are fifteen minutes past their “Last Drink Order”. The harsh reality dawns as lights are turned on, leaving us with no other option than to hastily arrange our subsequent actions.

Few one-hit wonders have endured in popular culture like “Closing Time” has. This is because it’s often played at bars and clubs around 1:45 am, as well as being referenced in an episode of The Office – I’ll tell you more about that shortly.

In essence, the song resonates deeply with us because its tune, chords, and words beautifully convey profound emotions.

OR

The song strikes a chord with us due to its melody, guitar licks, and lyrics that express deep feelings in a musical way.

OR

We find ourselves drawn to the song as it musically interprets our emotions through its tune, riffs, and lyrics.

Semisonic had a number of great songs besides “Closing Time”

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but notice that the band hasn’t been making huge impacts on the music charts with their other tracks. This might lead some to categorize them as one-hit wonders, similar to Tommy Tutone with “867-5309/Jenny” or A-Ha with “Take On Me” (which boasts a whopping two billion views on YouTube), or even Dexy’s Midnight Runners with their popular hit “C’mon Eileen.” However, I believe the band’s unique sound and talent deserve more recognition beyond just one song.

However, delve deeper into the tale of a band often referred to as a one-hit wonder; you’ll find that repeated exploration will uncover unsung rock treasures within their repertoire.

By the time their song “Closing Time” hit the radio waves, Semisonic was already well-established as a talented and experienced group of musicians with a distinct sound. Their music was characterized by its upbeat, thoughtful style.

The album titled “Feeling Strangely Fine” stands as an extraordinary, cohesive masterpiece. “Closing Time” serves as its opening track, showcasing a captivating mix of pop and rock tunes that are nothing short of remarkable. Each song is top-notch, and the album’s smooth progression makes it effortless to listen to.

Semisonic, a band consisting of three members, was established in Minneapolis in 1995. From 1996 to 2001, they put out three studio albums. Following the release of their third album, they took a break from music. Exactly twenty years later, they reassembled and dropped their fourth album in 2023.

10 – “This Will Be My Year”

The song from Semisonic’s 1998 album “Feeling Strangely Fine,” titled “Thursday’s Crush,” provides a concise snapshot of the band. It showcases their harmonious guitar work and distinctive vocal style, led by Dan Wilson, their lead singer and main songwriter. The song begins with intricate wordplay that is characteristic of all Semisonic songs… “Thursday’s crush feels like a Friday night rush and a Monday morning cry…It’s the elusive goal you always chase, yet it slips away every time…New Year’s Eve, it’s hard to believe another year has passed.

9 – “Chemistry”

Semisonic might be labeled as a garage band that consistently produces catchy, formulaic tunes. However, from their third studio album, “All About Chemistry,” released in 2001, their only song to chart tells a different story. The group demonstrates their exceptional harmony skills and ability to create appealing melodies and narratives.

8 – “Gone To The Movies”

On four tracks from the album “Feeling Strangely Fine“, namely “Secret Smile”, “Closing Time”, “DND”, and this particular one, strings were employed. This melodious, enchanting composition is a testament to Semisonic’s ability to create leisurely-paced songs. The strings add a touch of versatility and calmness to the album.

7 – “If I Run”

The debut album of the band, titled “The Great Divide“, released in 1996, hinted at the band’s potential and raw musical talent. This early work served as a foundation for the harmonies that would later be heard on “Feeling Strangely Fine“. It’s an enjoyable track that showcases their fledgling yet controlled abilities in crafting pop/rock music.

6 – “Singing In My Sleep”

The tune in question served as the second track unveiled from the album titled “Feeling Strangely Fine”. It’s a tribute to old Sony cassette mix-tapes, filled with hints of Blondie’s “Heart Of Glass”, Shakespearean phrases, and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”. Interestingly, drummer Jacob Slichter performs the keyboard section using only his right hand while continuing to drum with his left on this particular track.

5 – “DND”

Additionally, “Feeling Strangely Fine” subtly packs a punch. Dan Wilson’s baritone vocals guide us through a trippy landscape of keyboards and guitars. The melody progresses smoothly, only to later leave us in an expansive soundscape that feels like we’ve hung a “Do Not Disturb” sign.

4 – “Secret Smile”

This song, titled “Feeling Strangely Fine,” was Semisonic’s third success here. Much like their other tunes, the catchy melody gradually worms its way into your consciousness, and before you know it, you find yourself appreciating its quality. The tune has a knack for sticking with you long after you’ve heard it.

3 – “Never You Mind”

This tune has a jazzy feel to it. The piano, played by John Munson, takes the lead subtly, guiding the song in a unique direction. Later on, it veers towards a style reminiscent of “Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles. It’s clear that during their recording of Feeling Strangely Fine, they were innovating and refining their band’s sound.

2 – “California”

This song, “Feeling Strangely Fine,” easily makes it onto my top 10 list of songs with California in the title. The chorus is catchy and wonderfully performed by Wilson. This song was a brilliant piece of work, showcasing Semisonic’s exceptional talent. It was a magical, genuine experience that demonstrated their versatility as musicians, skillfully blending keyboard melodies with guitar riffs and powerful vocals.

1 – “Closing Time”

1998 saw the track reaching the third spot on the year-end U.S. Modern Rock Tracks chart. This tune topped the U.S. Alternative Rock charts, and its popularity extended globally. It was a distinctively unique rock song that will forever be remembered for its unparalleled impact. No other song quite like it will ever emerge again.

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2025-02-15 17:00