Kaylah Walton
Liam Payne, the former member of One Direction, has shared a heartfelt farewell in the form of a song dedicated to his brief yet meaningful romance with supermodel Naomi Campbell.
The song, named Closer to You, was recorded earlier this year and reflects the genuine emotions and longing Payne experienced following their amicable breakup in 2019.
Payne and Campbell had a romantic relationship for several months in 2019, a fast-paced affair marked by memorable experiences and the difficulty of managing celebrity lives. Their split was amicable, yet it profoundly affected the musician. Shortly after their breakup, Payne started writing Closer to You, a song that beautifully encapsulates his emotions for Campbell.
The song begins with a poignant line: “Still smell your perfume in my room…” Payne humorously noted that Campbell‘s unique fragrance lingered long after she left, a feeling that is beautifully expressed in the song. The touching lyrics express a desire for reunion, with Payne singing: “I want to love you.”
Although the song remained incomplete for some time, Payne revisited it in 2024, infusing it with his emotions and artistic direction, believing it would mark his return to music.
Working with Music Legends
In July, Payne collaborated on the track in Los Angeles with his close friend Roger Nores and his girlfriend, who helped shape the lyrics and melody.
By August, Payne was in Sweden, teaming up with renowned producer Rami Yacoub, known for his work on One Direction’s hit What Makes You Beautiful. Grammy-winning producer Max Martin contributed his skills to Payne‘s project from afar, enhancing the final product.
Yacoub reflected on his long-time connection with Payne on Instagram, writing, “I’ve known this wonderful human for almost 13 years… Time goes by, but some things never change.”
The dedication Payne showed during the eight-hour recording session to finalize Closer to You was evident. Despite facing challenges with addiction, he appeared focused, sober, and filled with positivity as he worked on his music.
Those involved described the session as joyous and hopeful, with Payne envisioning the song as his triumphant comeback in the music scene.
