In Ireland, "Closer" initially peaked at number-twelve for four weeks before jumping to number-three. Upon the release of the physical CD single, "Closer" climbed to number-one, becoming his second UK number one, following "So Sick", "Closer" spent 11 weeks in the UK Top 10. It debuted at number twenty-two on the UK Singles Chart, and managed a peak of number one based on downloads alone after seven weeks on the chart. "Closer" is Ne-Yo's most successful single in Europe, and in general. And 'Closer' was the end result." Chart performance I basically tried to capture that energy and put the Ne-Yo spin on it. With just that constant, four-on-the-floor house beat that just really gets bashed into your skull the whole time you're there, by the way the music makes you feel. You know, kinda smoky, kinda dark and mysterious. Speaking in May 2008 to noted UK R&B writer Pete Lewis of the award-winning Blues & Soul, Ne-Yo explained the inspiration behind the song: "It was very much inspired by just the vibe of some of these house and techno clubs we went to while we were in London. His attraction to her becomes stronger, and almost hypnotic, as he sings "And I just can't pull myself away, under a spell I can't break/I just can't stop." The song was featured in episodes of The CW shows Gossip Girl and 90210. In the song, Ne-Yo sings of having an urging attraction to a woman he sees, having the desire to "come closer" to her. "Closer" marked a musical departure for Ne-Yo, taking on a dance-pop style over the more rhythmic and urban sound his songs usually possess. The commercial was also used as promotional tool for Year of the Gentleman. The song and its music video were used in a commercial for in early 2008. "Closer" became the fifteenth biggest selling single in the UK in 2008 according to BBC Radio 1's chart of the year. "Closer" reached number one in the UK, scoring Ne-Yo his second UK number one, following 2006's " So Sick". It was released as the lead single from Ne-Yo's third studio album Year of the Gentleman (2008). The song was written and produced by Ne-Yo and Stargate. " Closer" is a song by American recording artist Ne-Yo.