Altered Images, formed in Glasgow in 1979 and fronted by singer Clare Grogan, rose to prominence as one of the defining acts of the early 1980s post-punk and new wave scene. Blending jangly guitars, playful pop hooks, and Grogan’s distinctive, youthful vocals, the band created a sound that was both edgy and irresistibly catchy.
Their breakthrough came with the 1981 single ‘Happy Birthday’, which became a UK Top 5 hit and established them as pop innovators. Follow-up albums such as Pinky Blue (1982) and Bite (1983) showcased their evolution toward a more polished, pop-oriented style while maintaining their quirky charm. Though their initial run was brief, Altered Images left a lasting mark on British pop culture, influencing future generations of indie and alternative artists while continuing to enjoy recognition as one of the era’s most beloved bands.
Altered Images’ 1983 single ‘Bring Me Closer’ showed the band taking a bold step toward a sleeker, more dance-oriented pop sound. Moving away from the quirky, post-punk edge of their early hits, the track embraced glossy production, disco influences, and Clare Grogan’s unmistakable vocals, creating a vibrant, radio-friendly groove.
Although it didn’t climb as high on the charts as some of their earlier singles, ‘Bring Me Closer’ highlighted the group’s versatility and willingness to experiment with new styles. Today, it stands as an underrated gem in Altered Images’ catalogue, reflecting the band’s transition and creative ambition during the peak of their career.
The song peaked at No. 29 in the UK Singles Chart on 4th June 1983.
| A-Side | Bring Me Closer (3:13) (Altered Images) Produced By Tony Visconti, Altered Images |
| B-Side | Surprise Me (3:00) (Altered Images) Produced By Tony Visconti, Altered Images |
| Genre | Electronic, Pop, Disco |
| Release Date | June 1983 |
| Label | EPIC RECORDS |
| Catalogue Number | A 3398 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 4th June 1983 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 29 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 03 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [3 Weeks] – 4th June 1983 – 18th June 1983 |
| [29]-31-33 |
Officially Released Versions
Bring Me Closer [Single Version] [3:13]
Bring Me Closer [Extended Version / Dance Mix] [6:13]
Versions On Spotify
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Lyrics
If I could achieve what I do with these
I wouldn’t ask you for anything else
Bring me closer
Bring me closer
Please
Bring me closer
I though we were friends
It never start
It only ends and I’m losing everything I own
You took me nowhere
You took me nowhere
You took me nowhere
You took me nowhere
Something that you do to me fills me with unease
Something that you do to me
Do to me
Again and again
I lose myself again inside you and your lie
Bring me closer
Bring me closer
Please
Bring me closer
If I could achieve
If I could achieve
If I could achieve
Bring me closer
Bring me closer
Please
Bring me closer
Please
Bring me closer
Something that you do to me fills me with unease
Something that you do to me fills me with unease
Something that you do to me
Do to me
Do to me
Do to me
Written by Steve Lironi, Anthony McDaid, John McElhone, Clare Grogan, Gerard McElhone
