Selena Gomez - Slow Down

Selena Gomez is back (without her 'scene') with a new song 'Slow Down' from her debut studio album Stars Dance (2013). The new song and accompanying music video sees Selena continue her maturing image and developing musical style but still maintaining the previous themes of her music, such as relationships. 'Slow Down' was produced by The Cataracs and Dave Kuncio and possesses a mix between electronic dance music/dance-pop with undertones of dance rhythm and dubstep influences. As previously stated, the track revolves around relationships and 'taking things slow' as opposed to rushing straight into it. There's a certain element of sass to her voice and lyrics - 'Now that I have captured your attention' and 'If you want me I'm accepting applications' - which I kind of like. The tone of the track sounds more mature but still retains its club vibe and funky rhythm. 

The drop in the bass after 'go' prompts the dubstep influences and offers a catchy hook to the song. The song features classic dance-pop elements such as repetition in the chorus of the words 'slow' and 'song' (this will inevitably be the point in which everyone can/will get up off their seats and have a crazy dance off/rhythmic expression through bodily movement). Overall the song is rather catchy and it's interesting to see how Gomez's music progresses and how she evolves as a solo artist; her new track although typical of dance-pop, shows a more mature sounding Gomez who is still able to recreate the fun, carefree sounds that she's known for. And this is what this track is all about. It's fun, it's meant to be easy to dance to. It doesn't over-complicate things or try to be something it's not. Sometimes we all just need something to dance to, and this certainly fits the bill. Now onto the music video: 

Ok, as I'm sure you will have already guessed, the music video was filmed in Paris, France (the Eiffel Tower didn't make it obvious at all did it?) and features Selena driving around in a Mercedes-Benz, in a club and on a street. Riveting stuff. The scenery that accompanies the video is quite nice from a visual perspective and certainly sets the scene. Selena enters the scene inside the car as she sings, dressed in an embellished black dress and giant emerald earrings. The video switches between Selena in the vehicle and in a club where neon lights flash repeatedly. It certainly possesses a sultry tone and club vibe which matches the music nicely. Likewise, the video changes pace with the track and Selena has a little dance with herself; cue wild arm flailing. 

Suddenly we're on the streets and Gomez is walking down an empty street with more arm movement and singing. And now we're back in the club again. Aside from the fact that I'm getting dizzy with all these cuts to different places, the video is fairly tame so far and pretty typical of a young female pop artist like Gomez, it's sultry, fun, but it's certainly not too 'out there' or crazy, which could be a good/bad thing depending on what you're looking for, but my guess is you're not looking for Gaga or Ke$ha type stuff. I like the composition and framing of the shots and along with the lighting it helps the video to achieve its cool and funky tone. I particularly like the montage of scenery shots and the shot though the tunnel as it reflects a form of escapism. 

This really echoes the tone of the video, it is a dance-pop song which is just meant to be fun and offer a reprieve from the day to day. It's a get up and dance type of song and the video emphasises this, it's not too complex or pretentious and it's not unnecessarily vulgar or boring. There's also some interpretive dance 'breathing' movements which are interesting to watch. Overall, it's not too 'in your face' and suits the track perfectly and it'll be intriguing to see the development of the music as Gomez progresses as an music artist. 

Music video and track reviewed by Mel.