Nearly four decades after its release, Maxi Priest’s legendary hit “Close to You” is still making history. The beloved reggae crossover anthem has officially been certified Silver in the United Kingdom after surpassing 200,000 sales and streaming units, proving the song’s enduring global appeal in the modern streaming era. Originally released in 1990, the classic track became one of reggae’s biggest international successes, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and helping introduce reggae fusion to mainstream audiences worldwide.
The new certification was issued by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) on Friday, July 3, based on figures compiled by the Official Charts Company. Released through 10 Records as the lead single from Priest’s fifth studio album, Bonafide, the song was written by Maxi Priest alongside Gary Benson and Winston Sela, while production was handled by Handel Tucker, Geoffrey Chung and legendary drummer Lowell “Sly” Dunbar.
“Close to You” became a defining moment not only for Priest’s career, but for reggae music on the global stage. The single climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, reached No. 2 on Australia’s ARIA Singles Chart, and peaked at No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart. Its smooth blend of reggae, R&B and pop helped open mainstream doors for Caribbean crossover music during the early 1990s, influencing a generation of reggae fusion artistes that followed.
Meanwhile, the track’s success has stretched far beyond the UK. “Close to You” previously earned Gold certification in the United States from the Recording Industry Association of America after surpassing 500,000 units sold. The single also secured Gold physical sales certifications in both Australia and Sweden, cementing its place among reggae’s most commercially successful crossover records.
The latest Silver milestone adds to Maxi Priest’s long-standing certification legacy in Britain. Three of his albums — Maxi (1988), Bonafide (1990), and The Best of Me (1995) — have all previously been certified Gold in the UK. More than 35 years later, “Close to You” continues to resonate across generations, proving that timeless reggae classics still hold major power in today’s streaming-driven music industry.
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