A poignant snapshot of fleeting connection and the ache of unspoken goodbyes, this video perfectly encapsulates 'Til Tuesday's evolving sound.
The Song
"Coming Up Close" was released in 1986 as the second and final single from 'Til Tuesday's sophomore album, Welcome Home. Written by lead vocalist Aimee Mann, the track deviates from the synth-driven new wave sound of their debut, offering a more introspective and folk-influenced pop-rock sensibility. Produced by Rhett Davies, the song has been described as a "nostalgic rock song" and a "contemplative follow-up" that incorporates elements of country and western.
The lyrics tell a bittersweet tale of a relationship on the brink, marked by a memorable drive in a "borrowed car" and the eventual, quiet separation of lovers. Many fans and critics consider "Coming Up Close" to be 'Til Tuesday's finest work, showcasing Mann's developing prowess as a storyteller and her move towards the more reflective songwriting that would define her solo career.
The Artist
'Til Tuesday was an American new wave band formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1982. The original lineup featured Aimee Mann (lead vocals, bass), Robert Holmes (guitar), Joey Pesce (keyboards), and Michael Hausman (drums). The band first gained widespread recognition with their 1985 debut album Voices Carry and its Grammy-nominated title track.
Their second album, Welcome Home, released in 1986, represented a deliberate shift in their musical direction. While Voices Carry was characterized by its keyboard-driven sound, Welcome Home adopted a more organic, guitar-forward, and folk-inspired approach, largely credited to Aimee Mann's increasing creative control and songwriting. The band remained active until 1989, with Mann ultimately embarking on a successful solo career.
Chart Performance
Despite its critical acclaim and enduring appeal, "Coming Up Close" achieved modest commercial success upon its release. The single peaked at No. 59 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. While it did not replicate the top 10 success of their breakthrough hit "Voices Carry," the song still garnered attention on rock radio.
The accompanying album, Welcome Home, also performed moderately, reaching No. 49 on the Billboard 200. This was considered a commercial disappointment for Epic Records and the band, especially when compared to the expectations set by their chart-topping debut. Aimee Mann later expressed that she felt the song could have been a "groundbreaker" if the album had received the attention it deserved, noting its unique sound for the time.
Cultural Impact
The music video for "Coming Up Close" played a significant role in the song's reach, receiving heavy rotation on MTV. Directed by Bob McKinnon, the video visually complements the song's melancholic and reflective mood, enhancing the narrative of wistful remembrance and burgeoning emotional distance.
While not a massive chart hit, "Coming Up Close" has gained a strong following over the years and is frequently cited by fans as one of 'Til Tuesday's most beloved and underrated songs. It's often seen as a crucial transitional piece that foreshadowed the sophisticated, narrative-driven songwriting that would become a hallmark of Aimee Mann's critically acclaimed solo work in the decades to follow.
Fun Facts
- Aimee Mann originally wanted "Coming Up Close" to be the lead single from Welcome Home, but the record company pushed for "What About Love" instead, believing it was more "immediate."
- The song was one of the first Mann wrote using an acoustic guitar, marking a departure from her usual songwriting process which often started on the bass guitar.
- The music video director, Bob McKinnon, also served as a producer for the clip, alongside Siegel.
- The evocative lyrics, particularly the imagery of driving in a "borrowed car" and the ending where the man "just got back in his car and drove away," have led to discussions among fans about the nuanced themes of shared experience and individual paths.
- Welcome Home represented a significant stylistic shift for 'Til Tuesday, moving away from the prevalent new wave sound towards a more organic, folk-tinged pop, a brave move that critics admired.