Slow Down (Selena Gomez song)

"Slow Down"
Single by Selena Gomez
from the album Stars Dance
B-side
  • "Lover in Me"
  • "I Like It That Way"
ReleasedAugust 13, 2013 (2013-08-13)
Recorded2013
Genre
Length3:30
LabelHollywood
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)The Cataracs, David Kuncio
Selena Gomez singles chronology
"Come & Get It"
(2013) 		"Slow Down"
(2013) 		"The Heart Wants What It Wants"
(2014)
Music video
"Slow Down" on YouTube

"Slow Down" is a song recorded by American singer Selena Gomez from her debut solo studio album, Stars Dance (2013). It was made available for instant digital download along with the pre-order of the album on June 3, 2013. Hollywood Records later sent the song to mainstream radio as the second and final single from the album on August 13, 2013. The song was produced by The Cataracs and David Kuncio, and infuses EDM elements in its instrumentation. Gomez has been quoted by saying the song speaks of slowing down time by stopping the sun’s orbit around Earth and living in one magical moment on the dance floor.

Music critics gave a favorable reception to the song, with some praising its catchiness and fun production. Slow Down has achieved moderate success, peaking inside the top 20 in The Czech Republic, Russia, and South Korea. In the United States, the song peaked at number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100, reached number-one on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Songs chart, and it has been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling over 1,000,000 units of the single in the country. On the Mainstream Top 40 airplay chart, it reached the position of number 7.

The accompanying music video for "Slow Down" was directed by Philip Andelman and filmed in Paris, France. It features Gomez singing along to the track inside of a car, partying in a nightclub, and strutting down the streets of the city. Gomez has performed "Slow Down" in a number of live appearances, including on Good Morning America, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Show with David Letterman, and UK TV show Surprise, Surprise. It was also performed as the encore of her Stars Dance Tour.

Background and composition

[edit]
"Slow Down"
An 18-second sample of the song's pre-chorus features Gomez singing over a "pseudo-dubstep" instrumentation with influences of EDM.[1][2] Lyrically, the song speaks of taking a relationship slowly rather than rushing into things.[2]
Problems playing this file? See media help.

On June 3, 2013, during a live chat on her YouTube channel, Gomez revealed that her debut solo studio album would be titled Stars Dance, and also revealed the album's track listing and cover art.[3] During the same chat, the singer announced she would release "Slow Down" as the second single from the album, after "Come & Get It", and that fans would be able to download the song right after pre-ordering the album on iTunes.[3] On August 13, the song was sent to mainstream radio in the United States, while a digital remixes EP was released the following week on Amazon.com.[4][5] On September 6, a digital EP with "Lover in Me", "I Like It That Way" and the Cosmic Dawn remix of "Come & Get It" as b-sides, was released through iTunes in some countries including Brazil, Norway, and Vietnam.[6][7][8] The EP was released in the United Kingdom on December 8.[9]

The song was written by Lindy Robbins, Julia Michaels, Niles Hollowell-Dhar, David Kuncio and Freddy Wexler and was produced by both Hollowell-Dhar, under the production team pseudonym The Cataracs, and Dave Kuncio.[10] "Slow Down" is a high-octane, uptempo dance-pop and EDM song,[2][11] that has been described as "wobbly club thumper" by Robert Copsey of Digital Spy.[12] It features a dubstep pre-chorus, funk guitars, a four on the floor beat, and a spoken word outro.[2] Lyrically, the song speaks of not wanting a night to end, with Gomez singing, "Can we take it nice and slow, slow / Break it down and drop it low, low / Cause I just wanna party all night in the neon lights 'til you can't let me go."[2][13] It is written in the key of C♯ minor.[14] Gomez's vocals span from the low note of B3 to the high note of C♯5.[15]

Critical reception

[edit]

Andrew Hampp of Billboard called the song "harmless, frothy fun", while complimenting its "pseudo-dubstep pre-chorus breakdown, stretched-out staccato vocal loops and not-too-naughty-for Disney lyrics ("You know I'm good with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation")".[1] Caryn Ganz of Rolling Stone noted that Gomez's producers "finally [gave] her tighter tunes" like "Slow Down", adding that it is "ripe for remixing."[16] Writing for the Los Angeles Times, August Brown thought the production "Slow Down" is "rooted in today's pop-EDM default mode, but as that stuff goes, [the song] is pretty capable."[17] PopDust contributor Christina Drill was critical towards the song, considering it "adequate-but-forgettable", and further stating: "the only thing that separates it from the faceless EDM masses? Selena cooing, 'You know I'm good with mouth to mouth resuscitation' in a way that's almost believable. A total whatever."[11] Matthew Horton of Virgin Media deemed it "charmless".[18] Joseph Atilano of the Philippine Daily Inquirer stated that "some of the lyrics are a bit suggestive but there is nothing in them that would turn off any of her loyal fans."[19]

Chart performance

[edit]

After being released for instant digital download with the pre-order of Stars Dance, "Slow Down" charted in several countries, including Australia, where it peaked at number 91, and in Austria, staying on the country's chart for two weeks before peaking at number 71.[20][21] The song has charted for 32 weeks in France, and has so far peaked at number 31.[22] In the Ultratip charts from Belgium, it peaked at number 2 in Flanders and number 13 in Wallonia.[21] On the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, "Slow Down" peaked at number 27, and has been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[23] On the Pop Songs component chart, the song entered the top 10 and reached the position of number 7.[24] As of July 2015, "Slow Down" has sold 1 million copies in the United States.[25]

Music video

[edit]

The accompanying music video for "Slow Down" was directed by Philip Andelman and filmed in Paris, France in May 2013.[26] It leaked online on July 19, and was later uploaded to her official Vevo account.[27][28] The video features Gomez sitting in the back seat of a Mercedes-Benz 600 (W100) short-wheelbase. The car scenes are combined with her walking the streets of Paris dancing in a club dressed in a two piece outfit with backup dancers in front of pulsating neon lights.[29] Sam Lansky of Idolator commented that the video has "no narrative, but it's Selena being grown-and-sexy, which is more than adequate narrative for me. It's a cherry on top of how fine the Stars Dance era has already been, and it augurs well for what's to come."[29] A blogger for MuchMusic noted similarities on "Slow Down" to early music videos by recording artists Britney Spears, Janet Jackson and Jennifer Lopez.[30]

When the music video for the song was leaked online, Keith Girard of celebrity gossip site The Improper wrote that the music video for "Slow Down" had elements of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. Keith says that "Selena Gomez's new video for song 'Slow Down' contains some eerie parallels to the death of Princess Diana. Selena races through the Paris streets in a vintage Mercedes similar to Diana's on the night she was killed in a car crash."[31] Caroline Bologna of Hollywood.com picked up on the matter on the same day and mentioned how the footage of the vintage car speeding through tunnels is similar to the princess' death.[32]

Live performances

[edit]

Gomez performed "Slow Down" on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on July 24, 2013,[33][34] and on Good Morning America and Live with Kelly and Michael on July 26.[35][36] On October 17, she performed the song on The View and Late Show with David Letterman.[37][38] Gomez then travelled to the United Kingdom and performed the song on Surprise, Surprise on September 20.[39] Gomez also taped a performance on The X Factor USA to be aired originally on November 7; however, due to voting glitches for the day's episode, it aired the following week, on November 14.[40] On November 28, the singer performed "Slow Down" in a medley with "Like a Champion" and "Come & Get It" during Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Halftime Show.[41] After the performance was announced, Gomez stated, "I'm from Texas, so I'm a little nervous, I'm not going to lie. But I'm very honored and I hope that we come—me, my dancers and my band—and we give Texas a really good show and I make them proud."[41] "Slow Down" was also performed as the encore of her Stars Dance Tour with the music video playing in the background on the screen.[42] The song was also part of the setlist on Gomez's Revival Tour in 2016.

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Awards Category Result
2013 PopCrush Awards Best Summer Song Nominated[43]
World Music Awards Best Song Nominated[44]
Best Video Nominated[45]
J-14 Teen Icon Awards Icon Music Video Nominated[46]

Formats and track listings

[edit]
  1. "Slow Down" – 3:30
  2. "Lover In Me" – 3:28
  3. "I Like It That Way" – 4:11
  4. "Come & Get It" (Cosmic Dawn Club Remix) – 6:29
  • Digital remixes – EP[5]
  1. "Slow Down" (Chew Fu Refix) – 5:48
  2. "Slow Down" (Danny Verde Remix) – 6:49
  3. "Slow Down" (DJLW Remix) – 6:56
  4. "Slow Down" (Jason Nevins Remix) – 5:54
  5. "Slow Down" (Smash Mode Remix) – 5:21
  1. "Slow Down" (Sure Shot Rockers Reggae Remix) – 7:15
  2. "Slow Down" (Sure Shot Rockers Reggae Radio Edit) – 3:38
  3. "Slow Down" (Sure Shot Rockers Reggae Dub Remix) – 3:16
  1. "Slow Down" (Chew Fu ReFix) – 5:47
  2. "Slow Down" (Danny Verde Remix) – 6:48
  3. "Slow Down" (DJLW Remix) – 7:10
  4. "Slow Down" (Jason Nevins Remix) – 6:00
  5. "Slow Down" (Smash Mode Remix) – 5:22
  6. "Slow Down" (Paolo Ortelli & Luke Degree Remix) – 6:11
  7. "Slow Down" (Enrry Senna Remix) – 6:37
  8. "Slow Down" (Razor 'N' Guido Remix) – 7:20
  9. "Slow Down" (Mike Cruz Remix) – 6:30
  10. "Slow Down" (Silver A.'s Remix) – 4:35
  11. "Slow Down" (Ryan Kenney Remix) – 6:04
  12. "Slow Down" (Sure Shot Rockers Reggae Remix) – 7:16

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[71] Gold 35,000‡
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[72] Gold 30,000‡
Mexico (AMPROFON)[73] Gold 30,000*
United States (RIAA)[74] 2× Platinum 2,000,000‡

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Hampp, Andrew (July 23, 2013). "Selena Gomez, 'Stars Dance': Track-By-Track Review". Billboard. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  2. ^ a b c d e Lansky, Sam (June 4, 2013). "Selena Gomez Unveils 'Stars Dance' Album Cover & Tracklist, Debuts New Song "Slow Down": Listen". Idolator. Retrieved July 18, 2013.
  3. ^ a b Rutherford, Kevin (June 3, 2013). "Selena Gomez Reveals 'Stars Dance' Album Cover and Track List, Premieres 'Slow Down'". Billboard. Retrieved November 7, 2013.
  4. ^ a b "Top 40/Mainstream > Future Releases". All Access. Archived from the original on July 27, 2013. Retrieved August 1, 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  5. ^ a b c "Slow Down Remixes: Selena Gomez: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.com. August 20, 2013. Retrieved November 7, 2013.
  6. ^ a b "Slow Down – EP by Selena Gomez". iTunes Store. Brazil. September 6, 2013. Retrieved November 7, 2013.
  7. ^ a b "Slow Down – EP by Selena Gomez". iTunes Store. Norway. September 6, 2013. Retrieved November 7, 2013.
  8. ^ a b "Slow Down – EP by Selena Gomez". iTunes Store. Vietnam. September 6, 2013. Retrieved November 7, 2013.
  9. ^ a b c "Slow Down – EP by Selena Gomez". iTunes Store. United Kingdom. January 2013. Retrieved November 7, 2013.
  10. ^ "Selena Gomez Releases 'Slow Down,' Announces Album Tracklisting". RyanSeacrest.com. June 4, 2013. Retrieved June 6, 2013.
  11. ^ a b Drill, Christina (July 16, 2013). "Selena Gomez' "Stars Dance" Reviewed: "Slow Down"". Popdust. Retrieved July 18, 2013.
  12. ^ Copsey, Robert; Corner, Lewis (June 10, 2013). "Playlist: 10 tracks you need to hear". Digital Spy. Retrieved July 18, 2013.
  13. ^ Boardman, Madeline (June 4, 2013). "'Slow Down': Selena Gomez Premieres New Track Off Of 'Stars Dance' Album". HuffPost. Retrieved November 7, 2013.
  14. ^ Julia, Michaels; Lindy, Robbins; Niles, Hollowell-Dhar; Freddy, Wexler; Dave, Kuncio; Selena, Gomez (August 6, 2013). "Slow Down". Musicnotes.com. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  15. ^ "Selena Gomez "Slow Down" Sheet Music". MusicNotes. August 6, 2013. Retrieved November 7, 2013.
  16. ^ "Selena Gomez Enters Adulthood With Her Unfussy Pop Showcase 'Stars Dance'". Rolling Stone. July 23, 2013. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  17. ^ Brown, August (July 22, 2013). "Review: Selena Gomez's 'Stars Dance' a sassy pop-EDM mix". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  18. ^ Horton, Matthew (July 22, 2013). "Selena Gomez: Stars Dance Album Review". Virgin Media. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  19. ^ Atilano, Joseph (August 2, 2013). "Single Review: "Slow Down" by Selena Gomez". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  20. ^ a b "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 29 July 2013" (PDF) (1222). Australian Web Archive. July 29, 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 18, 2013. Retrieved September 3, 2013. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
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  22. ^ a b "Selena Gomez – Slow Down" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved November 27, 2013.
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  25. ^ Trust, Gary (July 19, 2015). "Ask Billboard: Are There an Unusually High Number of New Acts in the Hot 100's Top 10?". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
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  27. ^ Macatee, Rebecca (July 19, 2013). "Selena Gomez Shows Off Sexy, Vampy Look in Leaked "Slow Down" Music Video". E!. Retrieved July 19, 2013.
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  29. ^ a b "Selena Gomez's "Slow Down" Video Springs A Leak: Watch The Sexy Clip". Idolator. July 19, 2013. Retrieved November 7, 2013.
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  33. ^ Miller, Adam (July 24, 2013). "Selena Gomez Performs Sexy New Single 'Slow Down' On Jay Leno Last Night". Entertainment Wise. Archived from the original on December 8, 2013. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  34. ^ Lansky, Sam (July 24, 2013). "Selena Gomez Talks House Hunting & Turning 21 On 'The Tonight Show With Jay Leno'". Idolator. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  35. ^ Willot, Carl (July 26, 2013). "Selena Gomez Performs "Slow Down" & More On 'Good Morning America'". Idolator. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
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  38. ^ Inocencio, Mark (October 18, 2013). "Selena Gomez Performs 'Slow Down' on 'David Letterman'". RyanSeacrest.com. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  39. ^ "Surprise Surprise – Episode 5, Week 43". ITV. October 20, 2013. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  40. ^ "Selena Gomez Performs "Slow Down" on X Factor". Gossip Cop. November 14, 2013. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  41. ^ a b Fowler, Brandi (November 28, 2013). "Selena Gomez Performs During Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Halftime Show". E!. Retrieved November 30, 2013.
  42. ^ Robertson, James (September 9, 2013). "Live review: Selena Gomez Stars Dance tour in London – pictures and set list". The Mirror. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  43. ^ Maher, Cristin (August 1, 2013). "Best of Summer 2013 – Vote Now!". PopCrush. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
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  46. ^ Van De Wall, Virginia (October 15, 2013). "Meet Your 2013 Nominees & Vote Now!". J-14. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  47. ^ "Slow Down (Reggae Remixes) – Single by Selena Gomez". iTunes Store. United States. August 20, 2013. Retrieved October 8, 2013.
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  58. ^ "South Korea Gaon International Chart". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on August 1, 2013. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
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  60. ^ "Ukraine Airplay Chart for 2013-11-11." TopHit. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
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  64. ^ "Selena Gomez Chart History (Latin Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 18, 2014.
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  66. ^ "Pop Rock General". Record Report (in Spanish). R.R. Digital C.A. September 26, 2013. Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved September 26, 2013.
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  68. ^ "Top Radio Hits Russia Annual Chart 2013" (in Russian). TopHit. Archived from the original on March 28, 2023. Retrieved March 29, 2023.
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  70. ^ "Dance Club Songs – Year-End 2013". Billboard. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  71. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2024 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
  72. ^ "Brazilian single certifications – Selena Gomez – Slow Down" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
  73. ^ "Certificaciones" (in Spanish). Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas. Retrieved December 16, 2020. Type Selena Gomez in the box under the ARTISTA column heading and Slow Down in the box under the TÍTULO column heading.
  74. ^ "American single certifications – Selena Gomez – Slow Down". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
  75. ^ "Radio Date: Selena Gomez – Slow Down". Radio Airplay (in Italian). September 13, 2013. Archived from the original on September 15, 2013. Retrieved November 7, 2013.
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