The Pointer Sisters, Slow Hand | Throwback Vibez

In the 130^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Slow Hand” by The Pointer Sisters.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 130^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Slow Hand”, performed by The Pointer Sisters.

“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.

“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.

The Pointer Sisters • Black & White • Sony Music Entertainment • 1981

The Pointer Sisters, Slow Hand: Throwback Vibez No. 130 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Sony Music Entertainment; John Alan Sperry, PIRO via  Pixabay]