So Close (Enchanted song): Difference between revisions

{{short description|2007 song by [[Alan Menken]] and [[Stephen Schwartz]]}}

|composer=[[Alan Menken]]|lyricist=[[Stephen Schwartz (composer)|Stephen Schwartz]]| producer = {{Flatlist|

"'''"So Close"'''" is a song written by composer [[Alan Menken]] and lyricist [[Stephen Schwartz (composer)|Stephen Schwartz]] for the [[Musical film|musical]] [[fantasy film]] ''[[Enchanted (film)|Enchanted]]'' (2007), recorded by American singer [[Jon McLaughlin (musician)|Jon McLaughlin]]. In the film, the song is performed by McLaughlin as himself, a band vocalist, musically accompanying main characters Giselle and Robert as they dance together at a [[costume ball]]. The song's lyrics describe both their relationship with each other, as well as Giselle's journey and growth as a character.

"So Close" was written by composer [[Alan Menken]] and lyricist [[Stephen Schwartz (composer)|Stephen Schwartz]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gans|first=Andrew|date=February 24, 2008|title="No Country for Old Men" Wins Best Picture Oscar; Day-Lewis, Cotillard, Coens and "Sweeney" Also Winners|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/no-country-for-old-men-wins-best-picture-oscar-day-lewis-cotillard-coens-and-sweeney-also-winners-com-147879|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418080236/http://www.playbill.com/article/no-country-for-old-men-wins-best-picture-oscar-day-lewis-cotillard-coens-and-sweeney-also-winners-com-147879|archive-date=April 18, 2021|access-date=March 10, 2019|website=[[Playbill]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.heraldbulletin.com/community/anderson-s-mclaughlin-to-perform-at-oscars/article_8d81103d-b75c-52bf-9e01-6145b6115737.html|title=Anderson's McLaughlin to perform at Oscars|date=February 23, 2008|website=[[The Herald Bulletin]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190310155105/https://www.heraldbulletin.com/community/anderson-s-mclaughlin-to-perform-at-oscars/article_8d81103d-b75c-52bf-9e01-6145b6115737.html|archive-date=March 10, 2019|access-date=March 10, 2019}}</ref> Menken and Schwartz based "So Close" on the [[Beauty and the Beast (Disney song)|title song]] from ''[[Beauty and the Beast (1991 film)|Beauty and the Beast]]'' (1991), a song Menken himself had written the music for.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book |last=Laird |first=Paul R. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1uBhAwAAQBAJ&q=so+close+Jon+McLaughlin&pg=PA255 |title=The Musical Theater of Stephen Schwartz: From Godspell to Wicked and Beyond|last=Laird|first=Paul R.|publisher=[[Scarecrow Press]] |year=2014 |isbn=9780810891920 |location=United States |pages=255 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131203814/https://books.google.com/books?id=1uBhAwAAQBAJ&q=so+close+Jon+McLaughlin&pg=PA255#v=snippet&q=so%20close%20Jon%20McLaughlin&f=false |archive-date=January 31, 2022 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> In addition to conceiving the song's title,<ref name=":4">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JNGGDwAAQBAJ&q=So+close+and+still+so+far+kevin+lima&pg=PT513|title=Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, from Godspell to Wicked|last=de Giere|first=Carol|publisher=[[Rowman & Littlefield]]|year=2008|isbn=9781617747137|location=United States|via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> director [[Kevin Lima]] specifically asked that the song's final lyrics be "So close and still so far" to mirror the idea that this appears to be ''[[Enchanted (film)|Enchanted]]''<nowiki/>'s main characters Giselle and Robert's final moment together.<ref name=":3" /> The songwriters enlisted Robbie Buchanan to produce the track; Buchanan had previously arranged and produced the single version of "Beauty and the Beast", as well as "[[A Whole New World]]" and "[[Colors of the Wind]]" from ''[[Aladdin (1992 Disney film)|Aladdin]]'' (1992) and ''[[Pocahontas (1995 film)|Pocahontas]]'' (1995), respectively.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Weintraub|first=Steven|date=November 21, 2007|title=Stephen Schwartz and Alan Menken Interview – Enchanted|url=http://collider.com/stephen-schwartz-and-alan-menken-interview-enchanted/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919101321/http://collider.com/stephen-schwartz-and-alan-menken-interview-enchanted/|archive-date=September 19, 2020|access-date=March 7, 2019|website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]}}</ref>

Stylistically, the songs in ''Enchanted'' progress and become more modern over the course of the film,<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=Noyer |first=Jérémie |date=March 21, 2008 |title=Get Enchanted! Chapter Six: Director Kevin Lima and exec producer Chris Chase |url=http://animatedviews.com/2008/enchanted-interviews-chapter-six-kevin-lima-and-chris-chase/ |titlearchive-url=Get Enchanted! Chapter Sixhttps: Director Kevin Lima //web.archive.org/web/20240226054024/http://animatedviews.com/2008/enchanted-interviews-chapter-six-kevin-lima-and-chris-chase/ exec producer Chris Chase|last=Noyer|first=Jérémie|archive-date=MarchFebruary 2126, 2008|website=Animated2024 Views|access-date=March 9, 2019 |website=Animated Views}}</ref> with [[Amy Adams]] describing "So Close" as "a lot more poppy" than previous songs "[[Happy Working Song]]" and "[[That's How You Know (Disney song)|That's How You Know]]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://collider.com/amy-adams-interview-enchanted/|title=Amy Adams Interview – Enchanted|last=Weintraub|first=Steven|date=November 20, 2007|website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]|access-date=March 7, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.filmmonthly.com/paul_fischer_profiles/amy_adams_leads_an_enchanted_new_life.html|title=Amy Adams Leads an Enchanted New Life|last=Fischer|first=Paul|date=2007|website=FilmMonthly|access-date=March 11, 2019}}</ref> Schwartz explained that the score grows increasingly modern as Giselle develops into "a contemporary young woman", likening "So Close" to the [[Disney Renaissance|1990s era of Disney musicals]], such as ''Beauty and the Beast'' and ''Pocahontas''.<ref name=":4" /> The decision to have the song performed by an "outer voice" as opposed to a main character was derived from the reality of this particular moment in the film, and the songwriters agreed that it would be more appropriate to "have somebody sing it right in that ball."<ref name=":9" /> Troob observed that, although the actors pretend that the song is being performed by a professional singer, the track is "a pop record with a pop orchestra playing behind it."<ref name=":9" /> [[Patrick Dempsey]] initially protested the idea of singing a small portion of the song, but Schwartz insisted.<ref name=":3" /> The sequence was deliberately choreographed to reference the camera movement and [[Camera angle|angles]] used in the famous ballroom sequence from ''Beauty and the Beast'',<ref name=":2" /> as Lima had envisioned replicating the scene in [[Live action|live-action]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R3gnDwAAQBAJ&q=so+close+Jon+McLaughlin&pg=PA76|title=The Disney Musical on Stage and Screen: Critical Approaches from 'Snow White' to 'Frozen'|last=Rodosthenous|first=George|publisher=[[Bloomsbury Publishing]]|year=2017|isbn=9781474234184|location=United Kingdom|pages=76|via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref>[[File:Amy Adams (8000637920).jpg|thumb|260x260px|Actress [[Amy Adams]], who portrays Giselle, initially found it difficult to trust co-star [[Patrick Dempsey]] (Robert) until taking several dance classes together to prepare for the ballroom sequence.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":7" />|alt=Young, fair-skinned woman with blue eyes and long red hair parted down the middle, smiling and dressed in green attire. |left]]Adams and Dempsey attended several dance classes together prior to filming the scene.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|url=http://cinema.com/articles/5361/enchanted-amy-adams-interview.phtml|title=Enchanted : Amy Adams Interview|website=Cinema.com|access-date=March 8, 2019}}</ref> Despite already having experience as a [[solo dance]]r, Adams found the process unusual as she was required to "break down some of my own barriers" in order to learn how to dance with a [[partner dance|partner]] for the first time.<ref name=":7" /> She was initially reluctant to allow Dempsey to [[Lead (dance)|lead]], describing herself as "stubborn" and suffering the loss of a few toenails in the process.<ref name=":7" /> Adams found it difficult to adjust until a professional ballroom dancer reviewed their progress and advised her to "surrender" to Dempsey, reminding her "that you are dancing your own dance even though you are being led".<ref name=":7" /> The actors rehearsed several times before they finally trusted each other.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web|url=http://www.indielondon.co.uk/Film-Review/enchanted-amy-adams-interview|title=Enchanted - Amy Adams interview|date=2007|website=IndieLondon|access-date=March 9, 2019}}</ref> Adams received this as an important "life lesson" that can be applied to real-life relationships and situations: "working with Patrick ... was really important ... I had to learn to trust him fully to lead me backwards through a crowd of people and I think really helped us form communication and trust on set, because we were forced to tell each other what we really needed.”<ref name=":7" />

Giselle's transition from a fairy tale character into a "real woman" is exemplified by her wardrobe choices.<ref name=":20">{{Cite web|url=http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-0/1195810501231580.xml&coll=2|title=Fairy tale to real woman plot challenged Enchanted's' costume designer Mona May|last=Washington|first=Julie E.|date=November 23, 2007|website=[[Cleveland.com]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071125125629/http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/plaindealer/index.ssf?%2Fbase%2Fentertainment-0%2F1195810501231580.xml&coll=2|archive-date=November 25, 2007|access-date=March 13, 2019}}</ref> The purple gown Adams wears during the ball sequence was designed by costume designer Mona May, who drew inspiration from costumes used in 1930s musical films, specifically gowns worn by actress [[Ginger Rogers]], as well as several [[Concept art|concept drawings]] of early [[Disney Princess]]es.<ref name=":19">{{Cite magazine |last=Lenker |first=Maureen Lee |date=February 10, 2019 |title=Makeover Magic: The secrets behind your favorite romantic comedy makeovers |url=https://ew.com/movies/2019/02/10/romantic-comedy-makeover-secrets/ |titlearchive-url=Makeover Magichttps: The secrets behind your favorite //web.archive.org/web/20240316042632/https://ew.com/movies/2019/02/10/romantic -comedy-makeover-secrets/ makeovers|lastarchive-date=Lenker|first=MaureenMarch 16, 2024 Lee|access-date=FebruaryMarch 1013, 2019 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|access-date=March 13, 2019}}</ref> However, the costume designer also wanted the dress to resemble an outfit purchased from [[Bergdorf Goodman]], explaining, "it’s so important to be slick and modern, to be not fairy tale anymore, because we’ve seen the fairy tale ... She’s now a modern girl. She’s deciding to stay here to really understand this world, to know her feelings and who she is", an idea she believes is supported by the gown's [[silhouette]] and color.<ref name=":19" /> May described Giselle's final look as "completely modern", devoid [[pouf]] and curls in her hair.<ref name=":20" /> Identifying Giselle as one of Disney's first princesses "to save the prince", May also wanted her gown to demonstrate the character's "[[Feminism|feminine strength]]".<ref name=":19" /> Although Giselle is shown undergoing a makeover during a shopping montage, the filmmakers avoided showing Giselle trying on different outfits to ensure that her final selection remains a surprise.<ref name=":19" /> Adams helped design the "[[Cinderella|glass slippers]]" her character wears during the scene, which were custom made to allow her to dance.<ref name=":14" /> Meanwhile, Roberts' outfit pays homage to the [[Beast (BeautyDisney and the Beastcharacter)|Beast]]'s tuxedo in ''Beauty and the Beast''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2007-11-22-enchanted-homage_N.htm|title=New Disney princess Giselle has an enchanting royal lineage|last=Wloszczyna|first=Susan|date=November 22, 2007|website=[[USA Today]]|access-date=March 14, 2019}}</ref>

The sequence is preceded by a shopping montage, in which Giselle (Adams) is treated to a shopping spree by Robert's daughter Morgan ([[Rachel Covey]]) to update her wardrobe in preparation for The King & Queen's Ball.<ref name=":19" /> The dress Giselle ultimately wears is meant to signify her "transformation into a contemporary New Yorker", as opposed to a more opulent outfit.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kam |first=Nadine |date=November 15, 2007 |title=Pouf! Costume magic |url=http://archives.starbulletin.com/2007/11/15/features/story01.html |titlearchive-url=Pouf!https://web.archive.org/web/20221201171728/http://archives.starbulletin.com/2007/11/15/features/story01.html Costume magic|lastarchive-date=Kam|first=NadineDecember 1, 2022 |access-date=NovemberMarch 1514, 20072019 |website=[[Honolulu Star-Bulletin]]|access-date=March 14, 2019}}</ref> Giselle and her betrothed, Prince Edward ([[James Marsden]]), arrive at The Kings & Queens Ball,<ref name=":13" /> a [[costume ball]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Sandra |date=January 3, 2008 |title=Enchanted |url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/enchanted-20080103-gdrvdm.html |titlearchive-url=Enchantedhttps://web.archive.org/web/20231010013802/https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/enchanted-20080103-gdrvdm.html |lastarchive-date=Hall|first=SandraOctober 10, 2023 |access-date=JanuaryMarch 38, 20082019 |website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|access-date=March 8, 2019}}</ref> where they meet Robert (Dempsey) and his fiance Nancy ([[Idina Menzel]]). Nancy appears to be the only character aware of the undeniable chemistry and romantic tension between Robert and Giselle.<ref name=":22">{{Cite news |last=Pérez Vitale |first=Micaela |date=November 12, 2022 |title=Enchanted: Every Musical Performance in the Disney Movie, Ranked |url=https://movieweb.com/enchanted-musical-performances/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920003819/https://movieweb.com/enchanted-musical-performances/ |archive-date=September 20, 2023 |access-date=July 10, 2024 |work=[[MovieWeb]]}}</ref> For "The King and Queen's Waltz", the conductor invites all gentlemen to ask a lady with whom they did not attend the ball dance,<ref name=":3" /> requiring the attendees to switch partners.<ref name=":21">{{Cite news |last=Iacobucci |first=Jordan |date=November 17, 2022 |title=Enchanted: Every Song In The Film, Ranked From Worst To Best |workurl=[[Screen Rant]]https://screenrant.com/enchanted-every-song-ranked/#so-close |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207161858/https://screenrant.com/enchanted-every-song-ranked/#so-close |archive-date=February 7, 2023 |access-date=February 7, 2023 |work=[[Screen Rant]]}}</ref> Edward immediately invites Nancy to dance and, after a moment of hesitation, Robert asks Giselle to do the same, allowing the two to "finalize [their] bond" with each other.<ref name=":3" /> In the film, McLaughlin plays himself and performs "So Close" [[Diegetic music|diegetically]] as a band vocalist,<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|last=Buckley|first=Michael|date=November 18, 2007|title=Stage to Screens: Menken & Schwartz Are "Enchanted"; Plus Bosco, Chenoweth, "Hairspray"|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/stage-to-screens-menken-schwartz-are-enchanted-plus-bosco-chenoweth-hairspray-com-145511|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301233320/http://www.playbill.com/article/stage-to-screens-menken-schwartz-are-enchanted-plus-bosco-chenoweth-hairspray-com-145511|archive-date=March 1, 2021|access-date=March 8, 2019|website=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> accompanied by an orchestra.<ref name=":5" /> The singer was not expecting to also appear in the film.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cox |first=Trevor |date=December 4, 2023 |title=Jon McLaughlin discusses upcoming Carmel holiday concert, Academy Awards performance, opening for Billy Joel |url=https://www.wthr.com/article/entertainment/music/jon-mclaughlin-hoosier-indiana-singer-songwriter-holiday-concert-carmel-palladium-december-8th-enchanted/531-db4fd766-8e18-41c3-8546-128ab0040a9b |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=[[WTHR]]}}</ref>

The song offers "an outer voice that mirrors Giselle's inner emotional journey."<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Disney's Enchanted and a new Menken/Schwartz score|url=http://www.musicalschwartz.com/disney-movies-enchanted.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417141426/http://www.musicalschwartz.com/disney-movies-enchanted.htm|archive-date=April 17, 2021|access-date=March 7, 2019|website=MusicalSchwartz.com}}</ref> While Giselle and Robert dance, the other couples vacate the center of the ballroom floor, allowing them more room.<ref name=":5" /> Robert quietly sings a few of the song's lines to Giselle,<ref name=":5" /> prior to which he had vehemently refused to sing for much of the film.<ref name=":21" /> The couples dance in [[quadruple meter]].<ref name=":3" /> Nancy eventually interrupts them, reuniting with Robert as Edward prepares to leave the ball (and New York) with Giselle.<ref name=":5" /> Earlier in the film, Giselle had promised to Edward that they will return to Andalasia after the ball.<ref name=":22" /> While Edward retrieves Giselle's wrap, she gazes at Robert completing their dance with Nancy as the song concludes.<ref name=":5" /> Menken described "So Close" as "a heartfelt, emotional moment" in the film.<ref name=":6" /> According to Jordan Iacobucci of ''[[Screen Rant]]'', the ballad "tells the entire story of ''Enchanted'' in the span of three minutes", with Giselle and Robert realizing how close they were to finding their happy ending with each other, before it was ultimately taken away.<ref name=":21" />

"So Close" is a [[love song]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Frederick|first=Brittany|date=June 21, 2014|title=Jon McLaughlin expands beyond his 'Enchanted' success|url=https://www.axs.com/jon-mclaughlin-expands-beyond-his-enchanted-success-12772|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914013728/https://www.axs.com/jon-mclaughlin-expands-beyond-his-enchanted-success-12772|archive-date=September 14, 2016|access-date=March 10, 2019|website=[[AXS (company)|AXS]]}}</ref> Lyrically, the track is about "the bittersweet emotion of finding love that may be slipping away at the fingertips", according to Megan Forrester of ''[[Chapman University|The Panther]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Forrester |first=Megan |date=December 6, 2022 |title=Review {{!}} Disney's 'Disenchanted' is the opposite of happily ever after |url=https://www.thepanthernewspaper.org/entertainment/ag92o5m3bohy1ni4ad2cjveho5gsdi |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627180110/https://www.thepanthernewspaper.org/entertainment/ag92o5m3bohy1ni4ad2cjveho5gsdi |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=[[Chapman University]]}}</ref> The song features lyrics that mirror the film and Giselle's relationship with Robert, beginning with "You're in my arms/And all the word is gone/The music playing on/for only two/so close together" and ending "...So close, and still/So far..." to indicate that there is still separation between the two, despite how close they've grown.<ref name=":1" /> This last line refers to the characters' close physical proximity to each other but different fates.<ref name=":5" /> According to McKinley Catherine Keener of ''[[The Odyssey Online]]'', "So Close" briefly suggests that ''Enchanted'' may lack a conventionally happy ending, specifically the lyrics "A life goes by, romantic dreams must die."<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Catherine Keener|first=McKinley|date=October 13, 2015|title=7 Completely Underrated Songs From Disney Movies|url=https://www.theodysseyonline.com/7-completely-underrated-songs-from-disney-movies|access-date=April 12, 2021|website=[[The Odyssey Online]]}}</ref> McLaughlin's raspy,<ref name=":21" /> sentimental vocals and melody contradict with the song's cynical lyrics.<ref name{{cn|date=":0"September />2024}} Laird observed that, in addition to conveying the song's dual message, Schwartz is less reliant on [[Rhyme|rhyming]] words, but nonetheless uses lyrics such as "happy end" instead of "happy ending" in order to rhyme with "pretend".<ref name=":3" /> The ballad's lyrics also consist of [[pun]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |urllast=http://www.bloggernews.net/111804Freeman |first=Zach |date=November 19, 2007 |title=CD Review: Enchanted Soundtrack by Alan Menken |lasturl=Freemanhttp://www.bloggernews.net/111804 |firstarchive-url=Zachhttps://web.archive.org/web/20170716150156/http://www.bloggernews.net/111804 |archive-date=NovemberJuly 1916, 2007|website=Blogger2017 News Network|access-date=March 11, 2019 |website=Blogger News Network}}</ref>

Critical reception towards "So Close" has been generally negative. [[Filmtracks.com]] described the song as "stale".<ref name=":00"/> The ''[[Houston Chronicle]]''<nowiki/>'s Amy Biancolli criticized its slow tempo, writing that "musical nitpickers ... might wish that [the] climactic ballroom 'waltz' had actually been in [[three-four time]]."<ref name=":16">{{Cite web|last=Biancolli|first=Amy|date=November 21, 2007|title=Enchanted|url=http://www.chron.com/entertainment/movies/article/Enchanted-1840618.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903150827/http://www.chron.com/entertainment/movies/article/Enchanted-1840618.php|archive-date=September 3, 2018|access-date=January 29, 2014|website=[[Houston Chronicle]]}}</ref> Golderby writer Andrew Carden dismissed "So Close" as "a real snooze.".<ref name=":18">{{Cite web|url=https://www.goldderby.com/article/2018/oscars-best-song-history-late-2000s-academy-awards-news/|title=Oscar Flashback: Best Original Songs of the late 2000s, including 'Falling Slowly,' 'Jai Ho'|last=Carden|first=Andrew|date=December 31, 2018|website=[[Gold Derby|Golderby]]|access-date=March 12, 2019}}</ref> Jared Johnson, writing for ''[[The Sojourn]]'', conversely described the track as "a beautiful love ballad".,<ref name=":11">{{Cite web|url=http://www.thesojourniwu.com/jon-mclaughlin-review/|title=Jon McLaughlin Review|last=Johnson|first=Jared|date=October 7, 2013|website=[[Indiana Wesleyan University|The Sojurn]]|access-date=March 6, 2019}}</ref> and Anvita Singh of ''[[The Indian Express]]'' called it a blast.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Anvita |date=May 5, 2020 |title=Hollywood Rewind {{!}} Enchanted: Amy Adams is the perfect princess |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/hollywood/hollywood-rewind-enchanted-amy-adams-disney-movie-6375536/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309044525/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/hollywood/hollywood-rewind-enchanted-amy-adams-disney-movie-6375536/ |archive-date=March 9, 2022 |access-date=February 23, 2024 |work=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref>

"So Close" was nominated for an [[Academy Awards|Academy Award]] for [[Academy Award for Best Original Song|Best Original Song]] at the [[80th Academy Awards]] in 2008, in addition to "Happy Working Song" and "That's How You Know" from ''Enchanted''.<ref name=":4" /> "So Close" was the only nominated song from ''Enchanted'' not performed by Adams.<ref name=":18" /> The three songs had collectively sold 177,000 digital downloads prior to the awards ceremony.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-oscars-music/enchanted-tunes-dominate-oscar-contenders-idUSN2252004020080222|title="Enchanted" tunes dominate Oscar contenders|date=February 22, 2008|website=[[Reuters]]|access-date=March 12, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Graff |first=Gary |date=February 21, 2008 |title=And The Best Original Song Oscar Nominees Are... |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1046476/and-the-best-original-song-oscar-nominees-are |titlearchive-url=And The Best Original Song Oscar Nominees Arehttps://web.archive.org/web/20220519164108/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/and-the-best-original-song-oscar-nominees-are-1046476/ |lastarchive-date=Graff|first=GaryMay 19, 2022 |access-date=FebruaryMarch 2112, 20082019 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=March 12, 2019}}</ref> Although Peter Knegt of [[IndieWire]] enjoyed ''Enchanted''<nowiki/>'s songs, he felt that "So Close" was undeserving of a nomination.<ref name=":17" /> ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' polled its readers, asking them which of the five nominees they hoped would win Best Original Song,<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=March 1, 2008|title=Who gets your vote for best original song in a motion picture at the Academy Awards?|page=4|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=[[Nielsen Business Media, Inc.]]|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RxMEAAAAMBAJ&q=so+close+enchanted+alan+menken&pg=PA4|access-date=April 15, 2021}}</ref> 10% of whom voted for "So Close".<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=February 27, 2008|title=Who gets your vote for best original song in a motion picture at the Academy Awards?|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1046424/who-gets-your-vote-for-best-original-song-in-a-motion-picture-at-the-academy|url-status=live|access-date=March 10, 2019|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> "So Close" is ranked as McLaughlin's most streamed song on [[Spotify]],<ref name=":11" /> having accumulated more than 16 million streams as of January 2019.<ref name=":12" />

In 2020, Ross Tanenbaum of [[Screen Rant]] ranked "So Close" Disney's fourth most underrated song, describing it as a charming ballad with "good lyrics, an enchanting melody, and a soothing vocal performance."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tanenbaum |first=Ross |date=August 1, 2020 |title=10 Most Underrated Disney Songs |url=https://screenrant.com/disney-most-underrated-songs/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621162602/https://screenrant.com/disney-most-underrated-songs/ |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |access-date=April 12, 2021 |website=[[Screen Rant]]}}</ref> The same publication ranked "So Close" the best song from ''Enchanted.''<ref name=":21" />''[[The Odyssey Online]]''<nowiki/>'s McKinley Catherine Keener described "So Close" as "simultaneously one of the sweetest and most heartbreaking songs Disney has ever produced."<ref name=":0" />

McLaughlin performed "So Close" live at the 80th Academy Awards in 2008,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brokaw |first=Joanne |date=September 5, 2008 |title=5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Jon McLaughlin |url=https://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/gospelsoundcheck/2008/09/5-things-you-probably-didnt-kn.html |titlearchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010013803/https://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/gospelsoundcheck/2008/09/5-things-you-probably-didnt-kn.html Things|archive-date=October You10, Probably2023 Didn't|access-date=March Know8, About2019 Jon|website=[[Beliefnet]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news McLaughlin|last=BrokawNoel Edwards |first=JoanneDavid |websitedate=[[Beliefnet]]November 10, 2023 |title=Interview: Mat Kearney on his November 17 show with Jon McLaughlin at the Mahaiwe |url=https://theberkshireedge.com/interview-mat-kearney-on-his-november-17-show-with-jon-mclaughlin-at-the-mahaiwe/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111015731/https://theberkshireedge.com/interview-mat-kearney-on-his-november-17-show-with-jon-mclaughlin-at-the-mahaiwe/ |archive-date=5November September11, 20082023 |access-date=MarchJune 827, 20192024 |work=The Berkshire Edge}}</ref> where the song had been nominated for Best Original Song.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Finke |first=Nikki |date=February 22, 2008 |title=Best To Expect The Worst Oscars Ever… |url=https://deadline.com/2008/02/best-to-expect-the-worst-oscars-ever-4925/ |titlearchive-url=Besthttps://web.archive.org/web/20231010013802/https://deadline.com/2008/02/best-to-expect-the-worst-oscars-ever-4925/ To|archive-date=October Expect10, The2023 Worst Oscars Ever…|last=Finke|first=Nikki|access-date=FebruaryMarch 228, 20082019 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=March 8, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://people.com/movies/miley-cyrus-nicole-kidman-among-oscar-presenters/|title=Miley Cyrus, Nicole Kidman Among Oscar Presenters|last=Silverman|first=Stephen M.|date=February 14, 2008|website=[[People (magazine)|People]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190310155352/https://people.com/movies/miley-cyrus-nicole-kidman-among-oscar-presenters/|archive-date=March 10, 2019|access-date=March 10, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Thenews performance|last=Cox was|first=Trevor introduced|date=December by4, Dempsey2023 |title=Jon McLaughlin discusses upcoming Carmel holiday concert,<ref>{{Cite webAcademy Awards performance, opening for Billy Joel |url=https://www.comingsoonwthr.netcom/moviesarticle/newsentertainment/524915music/jon-complete_recap_of_the_2008_oscarsmclaughlin-hoosier-indiana-singer-songwriter-holiday-concert-carmel-palladium-december-8th-enchanted/531-db4fd766-8e18-41c3-8546-128ab0040a9b |titleaccess-date=CompleteJune Recap27, of2024 the|work=[[WTHR]]}}</ref> 2008The performance was introduced by Dempsey,<ref>{{Cite web Oscars|last=Rivas |first=Andre |date=February 25, 2008 |websitetitle=ComingSoonComplete Recap of the 2008 Oscars |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/524915-complete_recap_of_the_2008_oscars |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010013802/https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/524915-complete_recap_of_the_2008_oscars |archive-date=October 10, 2023 |access-date=March 10, 2019 |website=[[ComingSoon.net]]}}</ref> whileand dancers dressed as the film's main characters recreated the ballroom scene on stage.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blake |date=March 2, 2008 |title=Disney Talk – Oscar Recap 2008 |url=http://www.blakeonline.com/2008/03/disney-talk-oscar-recap-2008.html |titlearchive-url=Disney Talk – Oscar Recap https://web.archive.org/web/20240225113045/http://www.blakeonline.com/2008/03/disney-talk-oscar-recap-2008.html |last=Blake|archive-date=MarchFebruary 225, 2008|website=BlakeOnline.com2024 |access-date=March 10, 2019 |website=BlakeOnline.com}}</ref> McLaughlin's performance earnedreceived critical acclaim,.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/OKNow.asp|title=Jon McLaughlin – OK Now|last=Leasure|first=Logan|date=August 27, 2008|website=Jesusfreakhideout.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626093513/https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/OKNow.asp|archive-date=June 26, 2017|access-date=March 8, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Christian |first=Lititz |date=October 23, 2008 |title=MUSIC REVIEW: Get lost in a silky smooth voice |url=https://lancasteronline.com/features/music-review-get-lost-in-a-silky-smooth-voice/article_f2f45f84-51e1-5136-a68a-62527f557eef.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010013803/https://lancasteronline.com/features/music-review-get-lost-in-a-silky-smooth-voice/article_f2f45f84-51e1-5136-a68a-62527f557eef.html |archive-date=October 10, 2023 |access-date=April 12, 2021 |website=[[LNP Media Group]]}}</ref> andConsidered to be his breakthrough as a recording artist,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Martin |first=Deb |date=October 23, 2008 |title=Music Review: Get lost in a silky smooth voice |url=https://lancasteronline.com/features/music-review-get-lost-in-a-silky-smooth-voice/article_f2f45f84-51e1-5136-a68a-62527f557eef.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010013803/https://lancasteronline.com/features/music-review-get-lost-in-a-silky-smooth-voice/article_f2f45f84-51e1-5136-a68a-62527f557eef.html |archive-date=October 10, 2023 |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=[[LNP (newspaper)|LNP]]}}</ref> the performance is credited with establishing himMcLaughlin as "an overnight sensation" whileand introducing his music to a wider audience.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sgn.org/sgnnews36_30/mobile/page38.cfm|title=SGN Exclusive Interview - Jon McLaughlin rockets from the farm to the Oscar stage|last=Rodriguez|first=Albert|website=[[Seattle Gay News]]|access-date=March 8, 2019|archive-date=July 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713094613/http://www.sgn.org/sgnnews36_30/mobile/page38.cfm|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500/news-multimedia/news/2018/05/23/indiana-native-mclaughline-returning-to-ims-for-god-bless-america-2018?startrow=958|title=Indiana native Jon McLaughlin Returning to IMS to sing 'God Bless America' at 500|date=May 23, 2018|website=[[Indianapolis Motor Speedway]]|access-date=March 10, 2019}}</ref> Following McLaughlin's performance, Amanda Valentovic of [[Bandsintown]] deemed the song a "classic".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Valentovic |first=Amanda |date=November 7, 2016 |title=Photo Gallery: Jon McLaughlin in St. Louis |url=https://news.bandsintown.com/article/2016-11-07-photo-gallery-jon-mclaughlin-in-st-louis/ |titlearchive-url=Photo Galleryhttps: Jon McLaughlin //web.archive.org/web/20201028050823/https://news.bandsintown.com/article/2016-11-07-photo-gallery-jon-mclaughlin-in-st-louis/ St. Louis|last=Valentovic|first=Amanda|archive-date=NovemberOctober 728, 2016|website=[[Bandsintown]]2020 |access-date=April 11, 2019 |website=[[Bandsintown]]}}</ref> McLaughlin's debut studio album ''[[Indiana (Jon McLaughlin album)|Indiana]]'' experienced a 1,514% sales increase in sales on [[Amazon Music|Amazon]] overnight, resulting in the album peaking at number-one on its Movers & Shakers chart.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jon McLaughlin Tour Dates and Concert Tickets |url=http://concerts.eventful.com/Jon-McLaughlin |titlearchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009163207/http://concerts.eventful.com/Jon -McLaughlin Tour|archive-date=October Dates9, and2015 Concert Tickets|website=[[Eventful]]|access-date=March 9, 2019 |website=[[Eventful]]}}</ref> [[AllMusic]] biographer Marisa Brown wrote thatsaid the singer's public "profile received an extra boost" following the ceremony, claiming that McLaughlin "used the resulting momentum to drum up support for his third studio album, ''[[OK Now]]''.".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Marisa |title=Jon McLaughlin – Biography by Marisa |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/jon-mclaughlin-mn0000256536/biography |titlearchive-url=Jonhttps://web.archive.org/web/20190426033400/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/jon-mclaughlin-mn0000256536/biography McLaughlin|archive-date=April –26, Biography2019 by Marisa|last=Brown|first=Marisa|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=March 8, 2019 |website=[[AllMusic]]}}</ref> Charlee Vaughan and Jared Johnson, both critics for ''[[Indiana Wesleyan University|The Sojourn]]'', lamented the fact that the singer excluded the song from his 2012 and 2013 performances at the Phillippe Performing Arts Center, which Vaughan found unusual considering its popularity.<ref name=":11" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Vaughan |first=Charlee |date=October 11, 2012 |title=Concert Review: Jon McLaughlin |url=http://www.thesojourniwu.com/concert-review-jon-mclaughlin/ |titlearchive-url=Concert Reviewhttps://web.archive.org/web/20231010122450/http://www.thesojourniwu.com/concert-review-jon-mclaughlin/ Jon McLaughlin|last=Vaughan|first=Charlee|archive-date=October 1110, 2012|website=The2023 Sojurn|access-date=March 10, 2019 |website=The Sojurn}}</ref>

In 2009, Schwartz included the song in his set list for his concert Defying Gravity: The Music of Stephen Schwartz and Friends, in which it was covered by singer Scott Coulter.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Handelman |first=Jay |date=March 1, 2009 |title=Review: Stephen Schwartz defies 'Gravity' in uplifting style |url=https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/2009/03/02/review-stephen-schwartz-defies-gravity-in-uplifting-style/28696402007/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=[[Sarasota Herald-Tribune]]}}</ref> Singer [[John Barrowman]] and actress [[Jodie Prenger]] covered the song as a duet for the former's 2010 [[John Barrowman (album)|eponymous studio album]]. Barrowman had met Prenger when she auditioned for the British talent competition ''[[I'd Do Anything (2008 TV series)|I'd Do Anything]]'' in 2008, and asked her to record "So Close" with him in September 2009, to which she immediately agreed.<ref name=":10" /> Prenger was the first artist Barrowman considered for the duet.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/how-we-met-john-barrowman-jodie-prenger-1909509.html|title=How We Met: John Barrowman & Jodie Prenger|last=Jacques|first=Adam|date=February 28, 2010|website=[[The Independent]]|access-date=March 8, 2019}}</ref> Adrian Edwards of [[Bbc.co.uk|BBC]] wrote that their rendition failed to leave "any lasting impression."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/mb6m/|title=John Barrowman John Barrowman Review|last=Edwards|first=Adrian|date=2010|website=[[BBC]]|access-date=March 8, 2019}}</ref>