In the final lead-up to Why Don’t We’s forthcoming project, The Good Times and The Bad Ones, the band — made up of Daniel Seavey, Corbyn Besson, Jonah Marais, Jack Avery, and Zach Herron — released yet another smash, “Slow Down.” The standout track from the forthcoming album is a cool, breezy ode to love featuring a throwback sample of The Smashing Pumpkins’ hit “1979.”
Seavey dubbed the iconic track a “universal” experience. “Anyone can listen and enjoy it,” he said in a press release. “When we were writing ‘Slow Down,’ we wanted to make it just as special. The song is personal and easy to listen to all at the same time. It’s nostalgic and new all at once.”
The accompanying video is exactly what you’d expect out of such a cool song that’s easy to listen to. The video sees all five members of the band cruising through Los Angeles and simply living their best California lives. It’s a chill video that evokes all those emotions of being carefree.
This song is just another example of Why Don’t We challenging the stereotypes of narratives defining what it means to be in a boy band. Gone are the days of bubblegum pop and happy-go-lucky lyrics doting on a loved one; Why Don’t We have taken any “boundaries” and absolutely obliterated them in favor of raw honesty, edgy beats, and a sound that matures with their growing fanbase.
To date, the quintet has impressively amassed over 3 billion global streams, 700 million YouTube views, and 2 RIAA Platinum-certified singles. Known for taking a rather unconventional approach to stardom, Why Don’t We discovered a career-launching formula that worked for them and ran with it. What’s left is a solid basis for new releases almost guaranteed to flourish on the charts.
If 2020 teased a period of nostalgic comebacks (Hello, Future Nostalgia!), then 2021 is sure to solidify a generation of vintage-loving, old-school music connoisseurs. If anything, the single ushers in a new stage establishing Why Don’t We – one that properly suits a group of young men navigating the highs and lows of being an early 20-something.
Give a listen to the all-new track “Slow Down” and pre-save the band’s upcoming album The Good Times and The Bad Ones out Jan. 15.