Slow Dancing in the Dark explained

Slow Dancing in the Dark
Cover:Slow Dancing in the Dark.jpg
Border:yes
Type:single
Artist:Joji
Album:Ballads 1
Genre:R&B[1]
Length:3:29
Prev Title:Yeah Right
Prev Year:2018
Next Title:Can't Get Over You
Next Year:2018

"Slow Dancing in the Dark" is a song by the Japanese singer Joji from his debut album, Ballads 1 (2018). The song was released on 12 September 2018, as the album's second single, and was written and produced by Joji and Patrick Wimberly.

Background and promotion

Joji first showcased the track for the first time during a live performance on May 2018, which caused the creation of bootleg versions, reworks, and covers to be released before the song's official release. It was then officially released as the second single from his debut studio album, Ballads 1, on 12 September 2018, alongside the album's release date.[2]

Music video

A music video for the song was released on the same day as its release, on 12 September 2018, and was directed by Jared Hogan.[3]

Synopsis

The video features Miller in a white tuxedo smoking a cigarette and stumbling through city streets at night in emotional anguish. Later in the video, he is revealed to be a satyr with an arrow in his back. He coughs up blood while splayed on an illuminated dance floor. He eventually collapses in a pool of blood. The final frame is used in the song's cover artwork. The video's visual style has been compared to that of director David Fincher.[4]

Remixes

An acoustic remix of "Slow Dancing in the Dark" was released as a single on 18 October 2018.[5] It features Miller singing over a solo piano backing played by co-producer Carol Kuswanto.[6]

Remixes of the song by Mr. Mitch and Loud Luxury were released on 9 November 2018.[7] [8]

Usage in media

A microwave-like 'ding' sound effect present in the song's pre-chorus spawned an internet challenge on short-form video service TikTok in 2019 known as the "Microwave Challenge". In the challenge, people were asked to spin themselves around while sitting on the floor, imitating food spinning in a microwave.[9]

Personnel

Original versionCredits adapted from Tidal.[10]
Acoustic RemixCredits adapted from Tidal.[5]

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2018–2019)!scope="col"
Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[11] 52
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[12] 4
US Billboard Hot 100[13] 69
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[14] 39
Chart (2022)!scope="col"
Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[15] 91
Global 200 (Billboard)[16] 149
Malaysia (RIM)[17] 10
Singapore (RIAS)[18] 27
Vietnam (Vietnam Hot 100)[19] 77

Year-end charts

Chart (2019)!scope="col"
Position
US Hot R&B Songs (Billboard)[20] 5

Notes and References

  1. Web site: AP names Nicky Jam and J Balvin's 'X' its top song of 2018. Fekadu, Mesfin. 11 December 2018. Associated Press.
  2. Web site: Joji Delivers His Take on the "Ultimate Power Ballad," "SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK". Hypebeast. 12 September 2018. 13 February 2024.
  3. Web site: Joji's "Slow Dancing In The Dark" Is A Lovesick Ode To A Dying Relationship. September 14, 2018. February 13, 2024.
  4. Web site: Joji Has a Rough Night in 'Slow Dancing in the Dark'. Moen. Matt. 12 September 2018. Paper Magazine. 2 October 2018.
  5. Web site: SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK (Acoustic Remix) / Joji. 18 October 2018. TIDAL. 26 October 2018.
  6. carolkuswanto. 1053144330808963072. 18 October 2018. YOURS TRULY ON THE PIANO please share #NewMusicFriday.
  7. Web site: SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK (Mr. Mitch Remix) - Single by Joji. 8 November 2018 . itunes.apple.com.
  8. Web site: SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK (Loud Luxury Remix) - Single by Joji. 9 November 2018 . itunes.apple.com.
  9. News: Seavers . Kris . 1 March 2019 . . The microwave challenge is taking over TikTok .
  10. Web site: SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK / Joji. 12 September 2018. TIDAL. 2 October 2018.
  11. Billboard Canadian Hot 100 – November 16, 2019. Billboard. 12 November 2019.
  12. Web site: NZ Hot Singles Chart. Recorded Music NZ. 24 September 2018. 2 October 2018.
  13. Billboard Hot 100: November 16, 2019. Billboard. 12 November 2019.
  14. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – March 30, 2019. Billboard. 26 March 2019.
  15. The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 27 June 2022. The ARIA Report. Australian Recording Industry Association. 1686. 4. 27 June 2022.
  16. Billboard Global 200: Week of July 2, 2022. Billboard. 28 June 2022.
  17. Web site: Top 20 Most Streamed International Singles In Malaysia Week 25 (17/06/2022-23/06/2022). RIM. July 2, 2022. July 2, 2022. Facebook.
  18. Web site: RIAS Top Charts Week 25 (17 - 23 Jun 2022). 28 June 2022. RIAS. https://web.archive.org/web/20220628110949/https://www.rias.org.sg/rias-top-charts/. 28 June 2022. 28 June 2022.
  19. Web site: Billboard Vietnam Hot 100, CHART DATE 2022-06-30. https://web.archive.org/web/20220701162404/https://billboardvn.vn/billboard-vietnam-hot-100/. 1 July 2022. 30 June 2022. Billboard Việt Nam. vi.
  20. Hot R&B Singles: Year-End 2019. Billboard. Billboard.com. 5 December 2019.

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