Slowheart Explained

Slowheart
Type:studio
Artist:Kip Moore
Cover:Kipmooreslowheart.jpg
Length:46:47
Label:MCA Nashville
Prev Title:Wild Ones
Prev Year:2015
Next Title:Wild World
Next Year:2020

Slowheart is the third studio album by American country music artist Kip Moore, released on September 8, 2017, through MCA Nashville.[1] The album's lead single, "More Girls Like You", was released on February 10, 2017.

Background and recording

Following the release and touring behind 2015's Wild Ones, Moore took time off to travel, surf and write music.[2] He tells Rolling Stone that Slowheart falls "somewhere between Americana, rock and the evocative storytelling of country."

The album, which Moore produced about 75% of, has less of a "band in the room sound" and more of a vintage, "vocals out front" sound. Moore claims he drew inspiration for the album from Motown music and also '70s classic rock music.[3] The songs "Plead the Fifth" and "The Bull" were not written in any part by Moore, which makes Slowheart Moore's first release to feature songs not written or co-written by him.[4]

Moore said of the album's theme that:

The term Slowheart has always been dear to me, but then it finally made sense with this record of coming to grips with my own vulnerabilities, my own hopes, my own stubbornness -- the long journey that it took to get to where I’m at, and the clarity I’m at now. I think for sure this is the most vulnerable I’ve been on a record... the first one is still stuck in that same stubborn place of dealing with the same issues that I’ve faced before, still staying stuck in that spot and not doing anything about it, still feeling that sorrow. Whereas the second half is more hopeful in terms of who I hope to be the next time I’m faced with certain things.[5]

Release

Singles

The lead single from Slowheart, "More Girls Like You", was released on February 10, 2017. The album's release was then preceded by the release of four additional songs to digital outlets and streaming services: "The Bull" (August 11, 2017),[6] "Blonde" (August 18, 2017),[7] "Bittersweet Company" (August 25, 2017)[8] and "Plead the Fifth" (September 1, 2017).[9]

Promotional singles

Four promotional singles were released from the album: "The Bull" on August 11, 2017,[10] "Blonde" on August 18, 2017,[11] "Bittersweet Company" on August 25, 2017,[12] and "Plead the Fifth" on September 1, 2017.[13]

Album

On August 31, 2017, Slowheart was made available to stream in its entirety through NPRs "First Listen" program.[14]

Commercial performance

Slowheart debuted at number three on the Billboard Country Albums chart and number ten on the all-genre US Billboard 200, moving 29,000 equivalent album units; it sold 25,000 copies in its first week, with the remainder of its unit total reflecting the album's streaming activity and track sales. It marks Moore's third straight top ten full-length album, following 2012's Up All Night and 2015's Wild Ones.[15] As of January 2019, the album has sold 56,200 copies in the United States.[16]

Title and artwork

Slowhearts title comes from a nickname given to Moore by a bandmate, referring to the slow pace at which he shows his emotions. Moore's band is also named "The Slowhearts". The album's cover artwork features a photo taken of Moore in Costa Rica, where he found inspiration for the album.

Track listing

Source: Rolling Stone

Personnel

Credits adapted from AllMusic.[17]

Vocals

Musicians

Technical personnel

Charts

Year-end charts

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Casey. Jim. Kip Moore Announces New Album, "Slowheart," for Sept. 8 + Track Listing. June 23, 2017. Nash Country Daily. June 21, 2017.
  2. Moss. Marissa S.. Kip Moore Announces New Album, Talks 'Double Edged Sword' of Success. June 23, 2017. Rolling Stone. June 21, 2017.
  3. Web site: Thompson. Gayle. Kip Moore Promises 'More Colors' on Upcoming 'Slowheart' Album. July 3, 2017. The Boot. July 2, 2017.
  4. Web site: Stecker. Liv. Everything We Know About Kip Moore's New Album, 'Slowheart'. July 25, 2017. The Boot. July 25, 2017.
  5. Kip Moore Discusses the 'Organic Process' of New Album 'Slowheart' & How It's His Most Vulnerable Yet. Billboard.
  6. Web site: Kip Moore: The Bull. Amazon. August 17, 2017.
  7. Web site: Kip Moore: Blonde. Amazon. August 18, 2017.
  8. Web site: Kip Moore: Bittersweet Company. Amazon. August 25, 2017.
  9. Web site: Kip Moore: Plead the Fifth. Amazon. September 1, 2017.
  10. Web site: Kip Moore: The Bull. Amazon. January 30, 2018.
  11. Web site: Kip Moore: Blonde. Amazon. January 30, 2018.
  12. Web site: Kip Moore: Bittersweet Company. Amazon. January 30, 2018.
  13. Web site: Kip Moore: Plead the Fifth. Amazon. January 30, 2018.
  14. Web site: First Listen: Kip Moore, 'Slowheart'. NPR. Hight. Jewly. August 31, 2017. September 1, 2017.
  15. Thomas Rhett Earns First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart & Country's First of 2017. Keith. Caulfield. Billboard. September 17, 2017. September 17, 2017.
  16. News: Top 10 Country Albums: January 7, 2019. Matt. Bjorke. January 7, 2019. Roughstock. January 10, 2019.
  17. Web site: Slowheart - Kip Moore - Credits - AllMusic. AllMusic. September 8, 2017.
  18. Web site: NZ Heatseekers Albums Chart. Recorded Music NZ. September 18, 2017. September 15, 2017.
  19. Top Country Albums – Year-End 2017. Billboard. 2 January 2013. December 5, 2021.
  20. Web site: Kip Moore - Slowheart - Amazon.com Music. B073XPDPR7. August 16, 2017.