After two superb singles with “Cake by the Ocean” and “Body Moves,” DNCE is lukewarm at best on new single “Blown.”

As of yet, pop band DNCE have been on a roll.  2015 brought mega-hit “Cake By the Ocean,” a single that still feels fresh.  Originally featured on the band’s SWAAY EP, it is reprised on their full-length, self-titled debut.  Following “Cake,” “Body Moves” further upped the ante, building up more anticipation for DNCE.  Once more, Joe Jonas and the posse return, assisted by up-and-comer Kent Jones on “Blown.” The results…less thrilling…

Positively, “Blown” features old-school, retro production.  This gives the song some character, particularly considering the popularity of retro cues in the 10s.  Beyond its production, however, things go south. “Blown” is tongue-n-cheek – schmaltzy to the nth degree.  It begins inspired with the lyrics, “I stare at you for so long.” Cleary this is eye-roll worthy, but it gets worse.

Innuendo continues to dominate, which is no surprise.  So far, suggestiveness has only benefitted DNCE. Here, Jonas continues in his innocent horniness:

“The less you show, the more you get / it doesn’t matter if you’re feelin’ it / put down your phone, don’t send that pic / they won’t come back unless they’re missin’ it.”

The sound of this particular section favors Bruno Mars – think “Runaway” from Unorthodox Jukebox (2011).  Jonas continues to think with his pants, more literally singing:

“But now that I got ya / It keeps gettin’ hard to / I don’t wanna watch, uh…”

Expectedly, he arrives on the chorus:

“My mind’s blown…/ down to my toes / my mind’s blown”

In reiteration, “Blown” is chocked full of innuendo.

Kent Jones handles the third verse, giving the single its parental advisory label.  The first instance of his profane rhymes arrives by way of the n-word: 

“I like the girls that n*ggas lookin’ on to comment.”

Next, Jones references a sex act and drops the bomb:

“Leavin’ Memphis, on my way to Nash / head while I’m drivin’, almost made me crash / I hate smart mouth girls that f*ck the vibe up / she jumped out the window and hit the Stacey Dash.” 

Final Thoughts 

Ultimately, “Blown” is less effective than “Cake by The Ocean” or “Body Moves.”  While it employs the corniness and innuendo that fueled the success of those records, it’s too corny. Kent Jones may add profanity, but it’s not enough to eliminate the utter ridiculousness.

DNCE • DNCE • Republic • Release: 11.18.16

 Photo Credit: Republic