13 Songs Where Things Go SLOW

Reading Time: 14 min read

13 Songs Where Things Go SLOW features music courtesy of Benson Boone, ERNEST, Jason Derulo, Laufey, Matt Champion, and Skip Marley.

Sometimes, you’ve got to SLOW things down – run some half-court sets, muck things up! Okay, okay – this isn’t about basketball, it’s about music! So, with that said, the focus of 13 Songs Where Things Go SLOW are songs that feature the word slow in their respective titles. Heck, some of them might even go S-L-O-W in tempo. This musical compendium is a follow-up to 12 ‘Slow’ Songs That Aren’t Necessarily ‘Slow’ from 2018. 13 Songs Where Things Go SLOW features music courtesy of Benson Boone, ERNEST, Jason Derulo, Laufey, Matt Champion, and Skip Marley among others. So, without further ado, let’s slacken the pace and get into these SLOW songs!

1. Matt Champion & JENNIE, “Slow Motion”

Mika’s Laundry // RCA // 2024

“Like moving in slow motion, yeah.” Noted, Matt Champion. Post-BROCKHAMPTON, Champion unveils his solo album, Mika’s Laundry. “Slow Motion”, a collaboration with JENNIE of Blackpink, serves as the 12th track and third single from the LP. The alternative track is a refreshing, welcome change of pace for both Champion and JENNIE, who penned it with Henry Kwapis, Romil Hemnani, Reske, Dijon, and Ging. Champion, Kwapis, and Dijon produced this intriguing-sounding cut. While new to listeners, “Slow Motion” has been in the works for years. Following that Champion intro, JENNIE beautifully sings much of the first verse. “You’re my escape from reality,” she sings, adding, “You know what you mean to me.” Aww! There is more collaboration in the chorus, where the song transforms from balladry to incorporating a drum-n-bass groove. Specifically, they sing together in the lines, “Would make it any easier for me to love you? / ‘Cause you know I’m shy for you still / So bad that it kills / And I can’t help but feel.” Champion takes over the second verse, keeping the love lit with his masculine, dedicated pipes (“Even when we in the rough / I remember when we met / Was it a blessing or a curse? / Another memory I kept to keep you always on my mind”). Clocking in sub-three minutes, Matt and JENNIE give listeners lots to sink their teeth into with “Slow Motion”.

Appears in 🔻:

Bops That Pop: March 2024

2. ERNEST, “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room”

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE // Big Loud // 2024

“We’re going down, and you can see it too / Yeah, we’re going down and you know that we’re doomed / my dear, we’re slow dancin’ in a burnin’ room.” Country singer/songwriter ERNEST (Ernest Keith Smith) dropped a gargantuan, near-90-minute album in 2024: NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE. Comprised of 26 songs, Smith had a lot to say, rather, a lot to sing! In the 19th track from his hometown-named LP, he opts to cover John Mayer. He takes it back to 2006 when Mayer released one of the best albums, Continuum. Among the sensational songs from the LP are “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room”, which ERNEST superbly countrifies on NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE.

The signature ‘pedal steel’ sounds even brighter on the ERNEST rendition, embracing a Nashville vie to the core. The bluesy vibes of the original are retained – alive and well! ERNEST sings beautifully, capturing the honest, poetic, and thoughtful songwriting of the original. “I’ll make the most of all the sadness / You’ll be a bitch because you can,” he sings in the colorful second verse, “You try to hit me just to hurt me / So you leave me feelin’ dirty / ‘Cause you can’t understand.” Ooh-wee John – I mean, ERNEST! You buy what he is authentically and expressively selling. Furthermore, he doesn’t overdo or try too hard. This feels like a natural rendition simply tailored more to his preferred musical style. Besides strong lead vocals, the vocal harmonies shine during the chorus, the centerpiece. A sweet guitar solo adds to the goodness of this country cover that has the potential for wide-reaching appeal. Ultimately, when it comes to his cover of “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room”, ERNEST DID THAT 👏 😮‍💨!

Appears in 🔻:

3. Jackson Wang & Ciara, “Slow”   

“Slow” // TEAM WANG / 88rising / Warner // 2023     

“Take it slowly / You gotta pace yourself,” Ciara sings sensually in the first verse of “Slow”. On this “Slow,” the gorgeous, talented R&B standout collaborates with the handsome 😍 and talented Jackson Wang, Being the gentleman that he is, Wang lets Ciara bring that steamy, midnight heat first. Steamy she is indeed, showing off those gorgeous, sexy pipes. In the pre-chorus, she continues to emphasize the importance of pace when they, um, do it.  “When you please me, pump the breaks,” she sings, continuing, “You can take your sweet time / Ease your mind…” The sentiment is similar for Wang in the second verse, where the sex is lit 🔥.  Jackson urges Ciara, with his breathy vocals, “Now let’s pretend baby (Let’s start slower) / That we’re doing this for the first time / When we were friends, baby.” Ooh-la-la.  Of course, things heat up: “Remember then, baby / Said, ‘Take your time but make it nasty.’” Oh, sheee-it! 

Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus.  The chorus encompasses pushing up on me, and, unsurprisingly, taking control.  Still, all this needs to be slowed down.  Why? So that it lasts longer because the feeling and the vibe are so hot. Safe to say, Ciara and Jackson Wang are the pairing I never thought we needed in our life.  They make sweet, sweet music on “Slow.” Amplifying the excellence besides the fact that they are both sexy and incredibly talented is the production. LUYO, DVLP, and Tristan Hoogland bring the heat behind the boards. “Slow” = sex on the track!

Appears in 🔻:   

4. Jason Derulo, “Slow Low”

Nu King // Derulo, Inc. / Atlantic // 2024

The handsome and talented Jason Derulo released Nu King in February 2024. Among the 27 songs on the 80-minute LP was the sexy “Slow Low”. “Slow Low,” the 15th track, was written by eight writers (including Derulo) and produced by Pink Slip. The instrumental is colorful with its Latin vibes, which further amplify the sexiness – the midnight heat generated! “Let me hit in slow motion / If you keep it up, girl, I’ma run out of Trojans.” Da-yum, Jason! Those are the opening lines of the first verse of the song, which tells you exactly where he’s going with “Slow Low.” He adds, in the same verse, “I know you couldn’t wait to bust it wide open.” Holy shite! Matters of tempo continue to compel in the pre-chorus, where the tempo goes slow, then, “She ride me faster and faster…” and he wants her to slow it down – enjoy the experience of the sex as long as possible. After all, he can only hold it so long 😈. Fittingly, in the second verse, he’s impressed with her skills, citing her Pilates, the fact she “ride like Ferrari,” and the fact “Better hit the brake, brake, tryna make it to the mornin’.” The point is, the sexual innuendo, and sex itself is ripe AF. The gimmicky “Slow Low” is by no means transcendent, but it’s fun and with the super sexy, versatile pipes and personality of Jason Derulo, it’s irresistibly delicious, baby!

Appears in 🔻:

Jason Derulo, Slow Low: Midnight Heat 🕛 🔥 No. 23 (2024)

5. Benson Boone, “Slow It Down”

Fireworks & Rollerblades // Night Street / Warner // 2024

“Oh, now you’re crying, you’re in pieces / ‘Cause the only love you’ve ever known is Jesus / I can feel it / Oh, I hate that I’m the reason that you’re…” Benson Boone has had a fabulous year in 2024. Following the success of “Beautiful Things”, Boone released a second compelling single, “Slow It Down”, which appears on his debut album, Fireworks & Rollerblades. “Slow It Down” was penned by Boone alongside Jack LaFrantz and producers Jason Evigan, Connor McDonough, and Riley McDonough. Benson begins singing abruptly on the track, supported by piano accompaniment. As always, his voice is stunning – he possesses a dynamic instrument. As he sings, you buy what he sells; he’s incredibly authentic. In the first verse, he speaks about this budding relationship and her fears of commitment. In the chorus, he switches from the ‘powered-up’ vocals to falsetto which is ripe – delightful to the nth degree. Thematically, he speaks about taking things slowly within the relationship sans pressure. The second verse adds additional instrumentation, sounding more developed than the first. He continues to sing his face off as he speaks on his anxiety regarding love (“I could lose you like the others / Only girl that’s never left me is my mother”). Despite the fever pitch reached, in the end, he indeed ‘slows it down’ and turns the volume down too. It’s a fitting ending to another fabulous pop song by the handsome, talented musician. “Slow It Down” is a winner.

Appears in 🔻:

Bops That Pop: April 2024

6. Laufey, “Slow Down”

Everything I Know About Love // Laufey / AWAL Recordings America, Inc. // 2022

“Slow down / Give me just a moment / I’m so grown in my own apartment,” Laufey sings in the first verse of “Slow Down.” That’s not the sole section of the 14th track from Everything I Know About Love where the talented, alternative musician wants the tempo, rather, life to slow down. In the second verse, she sings, “I wish it would slow down even for a second / I’m so old now left my adolescence.” Woo! It gets even faster on this brief but marvelous gem penned by Laufey, Peter Fenn, and Stephen Stewart. “I’ll have my own children / They’re tired of being young,” she sings in the third verse, continuing, “They’ll ask me about their futures / I’ll tell my little ones / Baby, slow down.” When you’re young, you want to grow up too fast. When you’re older and reach adulthood, you want things to slow down. “Slow Down” masterfully captures this sentiment. The warm guitar accompaniment is perfect on this Laufey/Feen-produced record. Laufey delivers gorgeous, nuanced, and pure vocals; she sounds refined and sophisticated to the nth degree on this hypnotic soulful alternative/jazz/R&B ballad.

7. Odetari, “YOU’RE TOO SLOW”

DOOR TO DUSK // Odetari / Artist Partner Group, Inc. // 2023

“(You’re too slow!) / Try and keep up with me now.” Word, Odetari. The Gen-Z, Palestinian-American rapper, producer, and songwriter delivers gimmicky vocals and a playful performance in the sub-two-minute “YOU’RE TOO SLOW.” “YOU’RE TOO SLOW” falls under the umbrella of dance/electronic music, particularly given its sleek instrumental backdrop and sound effects. The production is busy and rhythmic. The opening ascending sound effect sets the tone of this ear-catching joint. Odetari is a one-man show in the 11th track from DOOR TO DUSK (2023). The chorus is catchy, while the verses are entertaining too. “Tryna tell them boys, they way too slow, they need to tap in,” he asserts in the first verse, adding, “I got a notebook with some names I wanna curse.” Woo! Furthermore, in the second, he states, “I, I, showed you wrong, I’ma shit on you.” Holy – wait for it – shit! Fittingly, there is a slackening of the pace which unleashes a chopped-and-screwed style. “YOU’RE TOO SLOW” is a surefire vibe –NO CAP!

8. The Pointer Sisters, “Slow Hand”

Black & White // Sony Music Entertainment // 1981

“I want a man with a slow hand / I want a man with an easy touch / I want somebody who will spend some time with,” The Pointer Sisters on their 1981 hit, “Slow Hand”. Love (and sex), of course, always fuels the fire for a pop hit! The Grammy-winning sister collective continues singing in the memorable chorus of the no. 2 Billboard Hot 100 hit, “Not come and go in a heated rush / I want somebody who will understand / When it comes to love, I want a slow hand.” Woo! “Slow Hand” appears on the album, Black & White.  It was penned by John Bettis and Michael Clark, while Richard Perry and Trevor Lawrence produced it.   

“Slow Hand” shows the versatility of the Anita Pointer and company.  It’s a chill R&B joint, idiomatic of changing sound of the genre in the 1980s.  Added wrinkles include both pop and country vibes. Hearing this as a child (long after it was released), I was always impressed by how different it sounded compared to other ‘R&B’ records.  The contrasting sound is part of the charm, not to mention those utterly sublime lead vocals by Anita.  Thematically, “Slow Hand” is about taking love slowly 😈, no rush when it comes to getting it done in the bedroom.  A prime example preceding the chorus: 

“Darlin’, don’t say a word, ‘cause I already heard 

What your body’s sayin’ to mine 

I’m tired of fast moves, I’ve got a slow groove 

On my mind.” 

The Pointer Sisters excel at pleasure, unafraid to embrace sensuality on this surefire classic.  

Appears in 🔻:  

9. The Chainsmokers, “Kills You Slowly”  

World War Joy // Disruptor / Columbia // 2019  

Grammy-winning dance duo The Chainsmokers – Drew Taggart and Alex Pall – released World War Joy in 2019.  Among the advanced singles from the album was “Kills You Slowly”. Drew is back on lead vocal duties. Notably, he sounds stronger (compared to the past) as the lead man.  He sounds much more expressive and smoother.  Even so, given the fact that “Kills You Slowly” is a dance-oriented pop cut, the production and sound of the record take precedence.  The sound is appealing and idiomatic of urban pop.  The melodic lines during the verses are rhythmic, influenced by hip-hop. Add in some profanity, and it’s even more idiomatic.  The chorus is catchy:      

“Hold it, even though it kills you slowly  

Explosion, hidden when we’re in the open  

Keep on smilin’, until it’s over  

Hold it, even though it kills you slowly.” 

“Kill You Slowly” isn’t a life changer, but it’s enjoyable and pleasant, PERIOD.  

Appears in 🔻:

15 Electrifying Songs That Utterly KILL It (2024)

10. Infinity Song, “Slow Burn”

Metamorphosis // Roc Nation // 2023

“It’s a slow burn for me.” “Slow Burn” is a highlight from the sibling, soft-rock band, Infinity Song. It appears on the collective’s seven-track, 2023 album, Metamorphosis. Penned by Angel Boyd, Israel Boyd, and Momo Boyd, Angel and Israel also produced it. “Slow Burn” features chill, nuanced vocals that perfectly capture the soft-rock, singer/songwriter vibes. Furthermore, the accompaniment is fabulous, leaning on rhythm guitar and piano initially. Nearly a minute in, “Slow Burn” is anchored by a ‘pop/rock’ groove. Lyrically, Infinity Song keeps things simple, particularly in the chorus. Even so, the lyrics are both reflective and thoughtful. In the first verse, “It’s the distance between New York and LA / It’s sitting alone in the back of a café.” In the second, Infinity Song asserts in this moody song about life and the journey of love, “It’s living on your own after kids and a wife / It’s the question you ask in the middle of the night.” “Slow Burn” is nothing short of a vibe – a must-hear.

11. Skip Marley & H.E.R., “Slow Down”

Higher Place // Island // 2020

“Girl, slow down / Girl, let me love you.” Skip Marley tapped Academy- and Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter H.E.R. for the assist on “Slow Down.” The contemporary reggae song appears as the third track on his 2020 LP, Higher Place. “Slow Down” features a robust bass line and a soulful, tropical groove. It commences with the expressive, nuanced vocals of Skip, who expresses big love for her: “Darling, I care / I care for you / More than my own self.” He adds in the pre-chorus, “We can have that one thing / Or we can have everything / If our hearts are true.” H.E.R. enters the mix in the second verse, with her strong, soulful pipes. Like Skip, H.E.R. is feeling the love vibes: “Baby, I’ve been fantasizing / Just looking in your eyes / You know I’m looking for more / And you’re what I’ve been praying for.” Ah, love is lit! When both artists sing together, the chemistry is legit. Ultimately, “Slow Down” benefits from its tuneful melodies and top-notch production. The chorus is EVERYTHING.

12. Twista, Kanye West & Jamie Foxx, “Slow Jamz”

The College Dropout // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 2004

“She was talkin’ about the music all fast in the club, you know / She gotta drink water ‘cause she thirsty,” Jamie Foxx states in the intro of the Billboard Hot 100 no. 1 hit, “Slow Jamz”. “Slow Jamz” was released as a single in late 2003 and reached its peak in 2004. Credited to Twista, Kanye West, and Foxx, it appeared on both Twista’s 2004 album, Kamikaze, and West’s landmark, 2004 album, The College Dropout. “Slow Jamz” cleverly and famously samples the Luther Vandross classic, “A House is Not a Home”. Anyways, after establishing the need to ‘emphasize the ladies,’ Foxx drops a soulful chorus: “She said she want some Marvin Gaye, some Luther Vandross / A little Anita [Baker] will definitely set this party off right /… She said she want some Ready for the World, some New Edition / Some Minnie Riperton will definitely set this party off right.” Ooh-wee – that old school!

Kanye West not only produces “Slow Jamz,” but he takes the honor of performing the first verse. This is the signature, old-school Kanye with his distinct, entertaining bars. Two stellar examples: “She be grabbin’, callin’ me Biggie like Shyne home,” and “She got a light-skinned friend look like Michael Jackson / Got a dark-skinned friend look like Michael Jackson.” *Cues up the MJ yelp! Before Twista brings his fast-paced flow, Jamie Foxx name-drops more noted old-school artists who excel at slow jams. Aisha Tyler, however, wants to speed things up, hence, gassing up Twista! Twista’s bars name-drop the likes of Evelyn Champagne, Whispers, Spinners, and Earth Wind & Fire among others. Of course, the modus operandi is “Fulfilling our every temptation / Slow jammin’, havin’ deep sex.” Ooh-wee! Two decades later, “Slow Jamz” is a timeless bop. Twista, Kanye, and Jamie Foxx did that she-it!

Appears in 🔻:

Twista, Kanye West & Jamie Foxx, Slow Jamz: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 No. 38 (2024)

13. Midnight Star, “Slow Jam”

No Parking on the Dance Floor // Unidisc Music Inc. // 1983

Picture it – Frankfort, Kentucky, at Kentucky State University in 1976! That’s where R&B collective, Midnight Star was formed! The band would impact both the pop and R&B charts, further enriching R&B’s illustrious history. One of the collective’s best songs wasn’t a charting single but still a tremendous song: “Slow Jam”. “Slow Jam” appears as the seventh track from their 1983 album, No Parking on the Dance Floor. Notably, “Slow Jam” was written by Belinda Lipscomb (vocalist), Bo Watson (keyboards / vocals), Sid Johnson, and the one-and-only Babyface (Kenny Edmunds).

“Slow Jam” is a decadent, exuberant, major-key ballad that screams L-O-V-E. Watson delivers lovely, ultra-smooth lead vocals in the first verse. He brings chill, easy-going vibes, never sounding as if he perspires (“So I dropped in on a dance / Just to take a glance / And there this sweet, lovely thing was / She was more than enough”). Belinda Lipscomb brings the heat in the second verse, which is equally as accomplished as the first. The sheer beauty of love is a big deal: “See, I waited all night long just to dance with you / And when you touched my hand / I knew you were the man / To turn my world around and make my dreams come true.” Aww! Additionally, the ad-libs and riffs by Lipscomb post-second verse are awesome – she commands! The harmonies are awesome on the most memorable, tuneful section of “Slow Jam,” the chorus, performed by Midnight Star collectively: “Play another slow jam, this time make it sweet / A slow jam.” All in all, Midnight Star delivered a tour de force with “Slow Jam” – a perfect love song!

Appears in 🔻:

Midnight Star, Slow Jam: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 49 (2024)

13 Songs Where Things Go SLOW (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 88rising, Artist Partner Group, Inc., Atlantic, AWAL Recordings America, Big Loud, Columbia, Derulo, Inc., Disruptor, Island, Laufey, Inc., Night Street, Odetari, RCA, Roc Nation, Sony Music Entertainment, TEAM WANG, UMG Recordings, Inc., Unidisc Music Inc., Warner; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, OpenClipart-Vectors, Werner Moser from Pixabay]

13 Songs Where Things Go SLOW | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on May 24, 2024May 24, 2024