I may not be a huge boy band fan, but a good song is a good song. And 1979 by The Smashing Pumpkins is a good song. Stating Why Don’t We sampled 1979 in their new single Slow Down doesn’t really do The Pumpkins justice. In fact, Jonah Marais, Corbyn Besson, Daniel Seavey, Jack Avery and Zach Herron used the whole instrumental version of the classic Mellon Collie track. They added some fatter drums and handclaps, and stripped off Billy Corgan’s vocals, but that’s basically it. Oh, and before I forget: the last vocal part of Slow Down also echoes Here’s Where The Story Ends by The Sundays. Not to mention the lyrical reference to Red Hot Chili Peppers‘ Californication.

But hey, it’s 2020, and those are great songs to be inspired by. Hopefully, this Why Don’t We song will spark some more interest in these ‘90s icons, and then it’s all good.

In its own right, Slow Down is a smart pop song. It’s a lighthearted, smooth and catchy track about knowing when things are moving too fast in a relationship that continues to change its course. Slow Down is the follow-up to Fallin’ (Adrenaline) – which was released in seven versions – and Lotus Inn. All three songs will be on the band’s upcoming sophomore album The Good Times And The Bad Ones. The record is due out on 15 January 2021.

Since debuting in 2016, Why Don’t We has amassed over 3 billion global career streams. Slow Down is very likely to add tens of millions more.

For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist.

Werner Schlosser

I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.