13 Stellar Songs Driven By Speed

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13 Stellar Songs Driven By Speed features music courtesy of Dominic Fike, Jackson Wang, Luke Combs, The Pointer Sisters, and Tracy Chapman.

QUESTION! What is your SPEED? Is it slow ? Is it fast ? When it comes to music, how do you like your tempo? When it comes to sex, how do you like your tempo ? According to ZAYN during his “PILLOWTALK” days, he opted for both, singing, “We’ll glow slow and high tempo.” The proper terminology, of course is fast and slow regarding tempo (high and low is appropriate regarding speed), but we’ll forgive the handsome, talented musician (and his writers ). This playlist – 13 Stellar Songs Driven By Speed – is focused on speed (fast, slow, tempo, etc.). It features music courtesy of Dominic Fike, Jackson Wang, Luke Combs, The Pointer Sisters, and Tracy Chapman among others. So, choose your speed and join us for this stellar music ride, won’t you?!

1. 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!  

sexy Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus.  The chorus encompasses pushing up on me, and, unsurprisingly, taking control.  Still, all of 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” is the perfect addition to any sex playlist – PERIOD!  

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2. Luke Combs, “Fast Car”

Gettin’ Old • River House Artists LLC / Sony Music Entertainment • 2023

“You got a fast car / And I want a ticket to anywhere / Maybe we can make a deal / Maybe together we can get anywhere.” Luke Combs is among the most successful musicians in country music in the 2020s. His original songs have paid dividends for him, earning multiple Grammy nominations. However, on his 2023 album, Gettin’ Old, Combs revisits a 1988 classic by Grammy winner Tracy Chapman, “Fast Car”. Combs surpassed Chapman’s mark on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Furthermore, Luke racked up a no. 1 on the Country Airplay charts. Given the fact that Chapman penned “Fast Car,” she made some history too, 35 years after “Fast Car” arrived, becoming the first black woman with the sole writing credit on a no. 1 country song. That, ladies and gentlemen, is big.

ready The accolades that Luke Combs is receiving himself are remarkable. Most remarkable, however, in the case of this cover, is how well Combs executes it. The original wasn’t too far removed from country music, given its folky, singer/songwriter leanings. Countrifying it, with the perks of modern recording technology, works seamlessly (production by Chip Matthews and Jonathan Singleton). The guitars are idiomatic of modern country, while also retaining the sanctity of the original. The most dramatic difference, of course, is the shift from a female to a male vocalist. Combs sounds incredibly natural on the lead, as if this could’ve been his song. Via Apple Music, Combs asserts:

I really want to just do the original version of the song. It’s weird, because you’re doing a cover of it and you say, ‘I don’t want to make it my own, because I just really want to shine a light on the original version.’

Hearing him sing so expressively, it’s clear that this classic means something to him – it’s special.

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3. 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 produce.

tango rose “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 :

The Pointer Sisters, Slow Hand: Throwback Vibez 130 (2023)

4. Dominic Fike, “Think Fast” (Ft. Weezer)

Sunburn • Sandy’s Boys, LLC / Columbia • 2023

“I’m born, I cry, I sing, I leave / This place, this place was bad for me…” Ah, the handsome … and of course, talented, Dominic Fike collaborates with a big named guest, Weezer, on his single, “Think Fast.” The third track from his 2023 sophomore album, Sunburn, marks the LP’s longest song. It doesn’t feel far-fetched that Fike collaborates with Rivers Cuomo and company. It should be noted that “Think Fast” interpolates Weezer’s “Undone (The Sweater Song)”, hence the feature and songwriting credit for Cuomo. The first verse of “Think Fast” is more melodic, followed by the centerpiece, chorus.

“Think fast, you only get one try

Sleep tight, I wanna get sunshine

Wake up, you know we got things to see

She talks ‘til nothing makes sense to me.”

The second verse finds Fike dipping into his rap side before returning to his melodic sensibilities at the end and into the dynamic bridge. The energy in the bridge is electric and sets up “Think Fast” for a big finish. All told, it’s interesting. The interpolation works well within the cut, particularly melodically in the first verse.

5. Saweetie, “Fast (Motion)”

“Fast (Motion)” • ICY / Warner • 2021

“Fast, I’m coming in fast / First place, you coming in last.” Now that’s some confidence right there, Saweetie! The confident lyrics appear on the Grammy-nominated rapper’s infectious, 2021 single, “Fast (Motion)”. She shines on this slickly produced ( The Monarch), unapologetic cut, which runs just under three minutes. Saweetie is on autopilot from the start, where she unleashes the catchy AF chorus. There’s no let-up beyond “hitting that, hitting that gas” as she follows up with an equally aggressive post-chorus where the “Locomotion” occurs, and she, quote, “put it in motion.” Over the course of two verses, she’s definitely the ‘baddest,’ asserting in the first line of the first verse, “Iciest bitch in the whole damn land / I hit the road in an all-white Lam’.” Ah, the drip – never gets old! On the second verse, she gives a big middle finger to the haters, proclaiming, “Mad ‘cause I’m rich and I’m young and I’m cute / All eyes on me when I step in the room.” Nothing she says throughout the course of the song is brand-new or the least bit innovative, but hey, she sells it well. “Fast (Motion)” can be characterized as pretty damn catchy.

6. Niall Horan, “Slow Hands”

Flicker • Capitol • 2017

“We should take this back to my place / That’s what she said right to my face /… I’ve been thinkin’ ‘bout it all day.” Hmm, I wonder what exactly the thing that’s been thought ‘bout all day happens to be… Anyways, Niall Horan is handsome – few will deny such. Depending on how much of a ‘fangirl’, or ‘fanboy’ you are, you might even go a step farther and characterize him as S-E-X-Y. Okay, what am I getting at here? The Irish. former One Direction heartthrob infuses some sexiness on the standout, “Slow Hands”, which appears on his 2017 solo debut, Flicker. Simply put, in the context of Flicker, you could argue that “Slow Hands” is the closest we come to hearing ‘modern pop’ from Horan. If nothing else, “Slow Hands” is more risqué without ultimately crossing any lines. It’s edgier than the likes of “This Town”. Still, on this slow handed joint, Niall barely breaks a sweat despite hinting at some “Bedroom Boom”.

“Slow, slow hands

Like sweat drippin’ down our dirty laundry

No, no chance

That I’m leavin’ here without you on me

I, I know

Yeah, I already know that there ain’t no stoppin’

Your plans and those

Slow hands.”

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7. Charli XCX, “Speed Drive”

Barbie The Album • Atlantic / Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. • 2023

Who doesn’t love a good summer vibe? A summer bop to turn TF up while the windows are down? Adding to the bops from Barbie The Album is “Speed Drive” by Charli XCX. Despite its brevity, Charli entertains us on this confident, fun joint.  EASYFUN handles the production providing Charli with a respectable backdrop.  She squeezes in two verses thanks to a quicker tempo.  Her melodic lines are agile and packed with personality.  She describes Barbie as being perfection. “Devon Lee smile, teeth a white row / Got a classic, real deep, Van Gogh.” In the second verse, she seems to embody Barbie herself: “What you think about me, I don’t care / I’m a real classic, real deep, Voltaire / The girls who need to know, well, they already know / They’re over there.” Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus: “Ah, Barbie, you’re so fine, you’re so fine you blow my mind / Jump into the driver’s seat and put it into speed drive.”  “Speed Drive” = CUTE!  

8. Sam Vance-Law, “I Think We Should Take It Fast”

Homotopia • Sam Vance-Law / Caroline International • 2018

Often, when it comes to love and relationships, we hear musicians encourage ‘taking things slow.’ That’s not the case for Sam Vance-Law. Consistently during his 2018 song, “I Think We Should Take It Fast” ( Homotopia), he emphasizes the opposite – going fast. It’s clear that Vance-Law is horny from the titular line, but he doesn’t stop there. Casual sex is the goal, with a relationship being unimportant. “I know we just met five minutes ago,” he sings in the first verse, continuing, “And I can’t remember your name / But you’re the center of my world tonight, baby.” Well, it’s pretty clear what that means.

pride heart burst Give Vance-Law credit for being honest and transparent about his intentions. He wants to hook up with this particular guy, and potentially, others. “Maybe you think I’m hasty / But what else are we doing,” he sings in the second verse, adding, “I’m not here to fool myself / and I won’t fool you / Into what I wanna do / With you / And maybe the guy behind you too.” Woo! There’s some additional innuendo later with Vance-Law commenting on being tired, encouraging his sex partner, “How long do you think you’re gonna last / Do you think you can take it fast?” All told, “I Think We Should Take It Fast” is entertaining from start to finish. Honestly, we all love songs about sex. Even if you don’t identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, it shouldn’t matter in the case of this song. It’s about sex with no strings attached, something enjoyed by straight and gay folks alike (safely, hopefully).

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9. Lizzo, “Tempo” (Ft. Missy Elliott)

Cuz I Love You • Nice Life / Atlantic • 2019

“Slow songs, they for skinny hoes / Can’t move all of this here to one of those / I’m a thick bitch, I need tempo / Fuck it up to the tempo.” Unapologetic and unafraid are two ways you can characterize Lizzo. Sadly, and unfortunately, the career of the talented, Grammy-winning Minneapolis pop musician has taken a hit thanks to damning allegations. Should they be true, it changes the perception of the pop star – her body positive brand of music. For now, we focus on the short, but hella sweet and feisty “Tempo”, from her 2019 album, Cuz I Love You, which pairs her with the legendary Missy Elliott. “Tempo” shines from the tip.  The production is awesome, incorporating a hard-hitting hip-hop beat, slinky-sounding synths, as well as some cool, unexpected musical interjections.  As great as the production is, it is the performance by Lizzo herself that sells “Tempo.” She’s on autopilot as she flaunts and touts her big, beautiful body, throwing ample swagger and sex game at the boys. Beyond her own stellar, hyper-sexual performance, Missy Elliott ‘brings the heat’ on the third verse, sounding as if she’d never been on an extended hiatus.  As usual, we get some terrific sound effects from Elliott to go alongside being the hype woman for the plus-sized crowd – “I’m big-boned with nice curves.” All in all, Lizzo kills it on this ultra-fabulous, infectious banger that is equal parts shallow and equal parts deep.

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10-11. John Legend, “Slow Dance” / “Slow Cooker”

Once Again • Getting Out Our Dreams / Sony Music Entertainment • 2006 // Bigger Love • John Legend Music, Inc. / Columbia • 2020

Academy and Grammy award winning musician John Legend enjoys going at a slow speed – a slow tempo – when it comes to his music. Several times in the span of his illustrious career has Legend gave us legendary slow jams. Two such slow jams feature the word slow in their respective titles. Interestingly, both arrive 14 years apart. In 2006, Legend released his album, Once Again, arguably the top of his discography, unveiling his “Slow Dance”. In 2020, Legend would release Bigger Love unveiling the ultra-slow “Slow Cooker.”

“Can we reignite the flame / ‘Cause things just ain’t the same…” “Slow Dance”, a top tier highlight from Once Again, finds John Legend and co-producer will.i.am (Will Adams) sampling The Ice Men ( “My Girl (She’s a Fox)”). The 1966 record provides Legend with the type of soulful backdrop and inspiration that he thrives on, PERIOD. Legend has always sounded like a throwback, hence why he excelled in the aughts when neo-soul remained a popular movement in R&B. His voice is equal parts sophisticated and gritty on this ballad, which screams putting everything else aside – “I propose that we go to the floor / And we slow dance.” WOO! Old school romance is the modus operandi on this smooth joint penned by Legend, Adams, Estelle (best known for her Grammy-winning hit, “American Boy”), Mike Lewis, and Poindexter. Honestly, the chorus says it all:

“Tonight, I wanna dance

Can you do that with your man, yeah?

Tonight, I wanna groove

And let the music make you move

Move, yeah.”

Where Once Again was a critical and commercial success for Legend, debuting at no. 3 on the Billboard 200, and being certified platinum by the RIAA, Bigger Love received mixed reviews and was a commercial flop . Nonetheless, Legend would ultimately win another Grammy for the album (Best R&B Album), and the track “Slow Cooker” is a winner. It marks a fine throwback moment for throwback artist. “Don’t need any extra fire, no / ‘Cause we will, ‘cause we will / ‘Cause we will end up burning down this place,” Legend sings in the first verse of this sensual slow burner. “Slow Cooker” is refreshing, even though it’s clear the influences are black gospel and soul. Some of the selling points include his falsetto, assertive, full-bodied vocals, and the production ( LIAS and Raphael Saadiq) consisting of accompaniment from organ, guitar, and horns. The chorus is also sweet, where John “Can’t help that I’m a slow cooker.”

Appears in :

John Legend, Slow Dance: Midnight Heat 70 (2023)

12. Juvenile, “Slow Motion” (Ft. Soulja Slim)

Juve The Great • Cash Money • 2003

“Slow motion for me / Slow motion for me, move in slow motion for me.” WOO, Soulja Slim (James Tapp)! Unfortunately, the rapper wouldn’t live to see “Slow Motion” become a no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Juvenile wouldn’t release the parent album, Juve The Great, until December 23, 2003, nearly a month after Tapp was murdered. “Slow Motion” wouldn’t be released as a single until March 2004, reaching its peak on the pop charts in August, where it spent two weeks atop the charts. Juvenile is the lead artist, but its indisputable that the Soulja Slim chorus makes the song:

“Ugh! I like it like that

She working that back, I don’t know how to act

Slow motion for me, slow motion for me

Slow motion for me, move in slow motion for me.”

fire sunglasses It’s also worth noting that Soulja Slim performs two verses – the first and the third. These include memorable lines like, “I’m a dick thrower, her neck and her back hurting” (verse one), and “Slow motion, she open, I’m hoping she don’t leave my dick broken / With brush burns and swollen” (verse three). OMG ! Juvenile also delivers his fair share of memorable lyrics over the course of two verses. Exhibit A: “If you going through your cycle, I ain’t with it, I’m gone.” Also, he ‘compliments her’ by saying, “I like how that Victoria Secret sit in that ass /… Would I be violating if I grab me a handful.” While the lyrics are incredibly objectifying (putting it nicely), the production by Dani Kartel is surprisingly sophisticated on this aughts classic. It’s safe to say “Slow Motion” never gets old.

Appears in :

Juvenile, Slow Motion: Midnight Heat 69 (2023)

13. Tracy Chapman, “Fast Car”

Tracy Chapman • Elektra • 1988

“You got a fast car / I got a plan to get us outta here / I been working at the convenience store / Managed to save just a little bit of money.” Just those excerpted lyrics from “Fast Car”, the sensational Tracy Chapman masterpiece, which she composed herself, encompass ambition, escaping from an unideal place, and narrativize a couple seeking a better life that feels incredibly authentic and relatable. In the second verse of her top-10 hit (no. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100), Chapman adds, “You and I can both get jobs / Finally see what it means to be living.” That statement truly hits home, speaking to the plight of the working class. That’s just one excerpt from this Grammy-winning song (Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female). Chapman would also win Grammys at the 31^st Annual GRAMMY Awards for Best New Artist and Best Contemporary Folk Recording, while she was nominated for Record, Song, and Album of the Year for Tracy Chapman (1988). “See, my old man’s got a problem / He lives with a bottle, that’s the way it is,” Chapman continues singing, continuing to be authentic to the n^thdegree.

Vocally, Chapman exemplifies the singer/songwriter sound. She’s expressive and nuanced, but she never forces things or over-sings. Her tone is pure from the onset. There’s a sense of poise throughout the courses of the verses, yet, simultaneously, Tracy sounds commanding and firmly in control – it’s hypnotic to a degree. The chorus provides a welcome change of pace, finding her upping the intensity. The drums contribute to this temporary dynamic burst, prior to the return of the even-keel verses.

“So, I remember when we were driving, driving in your car

Speed so fast, I felt like I was drunk

City lights lay out before us

And your arm felt nice wrapped ’round my shoulder

And I-I, had a feeling that I belonged

I-I had a feeling I could be someone, be someone, be someone.”

classic It’s not just the lyrics, narrative, theme, or vocals that make “Fast Car” a surefire classic. The production ( David Kershenbaum) and instrumental, although relatively simple, is perfect for this folks, soft rock gem. Guitars, bass, drums, and percussion is more than enough to fuel the fire. “Fast Car” is a truly a once in a lifetime song, one that remains beloved more than three decades later.

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13 Stellar Songs Driven By Speed [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic, Elektra, Capitol, Cash Money, Columbia, Getting Out Our Dreams, John Legend Music, Inc., Sam Vance-Law / Caroline International, Sandy’s Boys, LLC, Sony Music Entertainment, TEAM WANG / 88rising, Warner; ]

13 Stellar Songs Driven By Speed | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on September 1, 2023September 1, 2023