The collaboration with Coldplay (Chris Martin) became a global phenomenon. Originally intended for Coldplay’s Kaleidoscope EP, The Chainsmokers produced the instrumental. The song’s message—rejecting the need to be a superhero or Achilles—resonated worldwide. It hit #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
Released in January 2017 as the lead single, "Paris" set the tone. It is the sister song to "Closer," but darker. Lyrically, it describes a toxic relationship where the couple lies to their parents about being in "Paris" when they are actually hiding out in a dingy apartment. The breakdown synth line is instantly recognizable. the chainsmokers memoriesdo not open 2017 full
Before diving into the full tracklist, it is vital to understand the pressure The Chainsmokers were under in early 2017. Following the massive success of Collage (their 2016 EP), the duo was accused of formulaic songwriting. With Memories...Do Not Open, they aimed to prove critics wrong. The collaboration with Coldplay (Chris Martin) became a
The title itself is cryptic. In interviews, Drew Taggart explained that the phrase refers to the emotional baggage we carry. "Memories do not open" is a warning label for the heart—songs about nostalgia, toxic relationships, and moving on. Unlike the party-anthem vibe of "#Selfie," this album was deeply melancholic. The Standouts:
Produced primarily with DJ Swivel (known for work with Taylor Swift) and frequent collaborator Shaun Frank, the album debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard 200, selling over 221,000 album-equivalent units in its first week.
The Standouts: