Slow Clap (song)
{{short description|Song by Gwen Stefani}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Slow Clap
| artist = Gwen Stefani
| type = single
| cover = Gwen Stefani "Slow Clap".jpg
| border = yes
| alt = The artwork for Gwen Stefani's single "Slow Clap" features Stefani wearing a white, bejeweled cowgirl outfit and hat. She is shown lifting the hat above her head and is surrounded by various inanimate objects, including an alarm clock, basketball, bicycle, boombox, cassette tape, and school lockers. Stretched diagonally from the upper left corner to the bottom right corner read "Slow Clap" in a non-capitalized orange font.
| caption =
| released = {{Start date|2021|03|11}}
| recorded =
| studio =
| genre = Reggae pop
| length = {{duration|m=2|s=30}}
| label = Interscope
| writer =
- Gwen Stefani
- Luke Niccoli
- Ross Golan
| producer = Luke Niccoli
| tracks =
| prev_title = Let Me Reintroduce Myself
| prev_year = 2020
| next_title = Light My Fire
| next_year = 2022
| misc =
{{External music video|{{YouTube|tYFw9I0MFhM|"Slow Clap"}}}}
}}
"Slow Clap" is a song by American singer Gwen Stefani. She wrote the song with Ross Golan and the song's sole producer, Luke Niccoli. It was released on March 11, 2021, by Interscope Records, originally as the intended second single from her fifth studio album. It also debuted alongside a line of Amazon-exclusive merchandise. The song is a reggae and pop track that was compared to Stefani's "Hollaback Girl" and work with No Doubt. "Slow Clap" originated as an emotional love song, but transitioned into a positive one following recommendations from Niccoli and Golan. The song's lyrics speak of resilience and its title was inspired by films that portray an underdog.
A version of "Slow Clap" featuring American rapper Saweetie was released on April 9, 2021. Stefani expressed interest in working with Saweetie after viewing her Instagram profile, which resulted in the scheduling of their collaboration the next day. Its accompanying music video was directed by Sophie Muller, and filmed inside of a high school gymnasium and locker rooms.
Background and release
In late 2020, Gwen Stefani revealed that she had been writing songs and wanted to release something "really soon".{{cite news |title=Gwen Stefani teases new music is coming 'really soon' |url=http://kokomoperspective.com/lifestyles/entertainment/gwen-stefani-teases-new-music-is-coming-really-soon/article_678ce403-75ad-5a0f-bc40-6644f3f0c081.html |accessdate=March 11, 2021 |work=Kokomo Perspective |date=October 20, 2020 |archive-date=October 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022184459/http://kokomoperspective.com/lifestyles/entertainment/gwen-stefani-teases-new-music-is-coming-really-soon/article_678ce403-75ad-5a0f-bc40-6644f3f0c081.html |url-status=live }} In December, she released the song "Let Me Reintroduce Myself" as the lead single for her unreleased fifth studio album.{{cite news |last1=Rettig |first1=James |title=Gwen Stefani – 'Let Me Reintroduce Myself' |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2109848/gwen-stefani-let-me-reintroduce-myself/music/ |access-date=March 11, 2021 |work=Stereogum |date=December 7, 2020 |archive-date=December 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207180054/https://www.stereogum.com/2109848/gwen-stefani-let-me-reintroduce-myself/music/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Martin |first1=Annie |title=Gwen Stefani returns with 'Let Me Reintroduce Myself' single |url=https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/Music/2020/12/07/Gwen-Stefani-returns-with-Let-Me-Reintroduce-Myself-single/4811607364245/ |access-date=March 11, 2021 |publisher=UPI |date=December 7, 2020 |archive-date=December 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211210252/https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/Music/2020/12/07/Gwen-Stefani-returns-with-Let-Me-Reintroduce-Myself-single/4811607364245/ |url-status=live }} She confirmed the album in January 2021, in an interview with Today, and said its release would occur "probably soon".{{cite magazine |last1=Kaufman |first1=Gil |title=Gwen Stefani Says Fifth Solo Album Is Coming 'Probably Soon' |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9511941/gwen-stefani-says-fifth-solo-album-coming-soon |access-date=March 11, 2021 |magazine=Billboard |date=January 15, 2021 |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209192400/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9511941/gwen-stefani-says-fifth-solo-album-coming-soon |url-status=live }} Stefani also expressed excitement at just putting out new singles: "What's so great about now is you can put music out and write at the same time [...] you can share it faster and not worry about it as much. It's fun." On March 8, she published a series of images onto her social media accounts, featuring objects such as an alarm clock reading "5:44" and a cassette tape with the title "Slow Clap". She confirmed "Slow Clap" as the name of her next single, the following day.{{cite magazine |last1=Mamo |first1=Heran |title=Gwen Stefani Needs You to 'Slow Clap' for Her Upcoming Single |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9537445/gwen-stefani-announces-slow-clap-single/ |access-date=March 11, 2021 |magazine=Billboard |date=March 9, 2021 |archive-date=March 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310233340/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9537445/gwen-stefani-announces-slow-clap-single/ |url-status=live }} The single cover art was simultaneously unveiled, displaying Stefani in a "bedazzled and diamond-fringed" cowgirl-inspired outfit. She is surrounded by various Easter eggs, such as a basketball, bicycle, and an ice cream cone.{{cite news |last1=Long |first1=Danielle |title=Gwen Stefani announces new single, 'Slow Clap' |url=http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2021/3/10/gwen-stefani-announces-new-single-slow-clap-1.html |access-date=March 10, 2021 |publisher=ABC News Radio |date=March 10, 2021 |archive-date=March 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311175721/https://platform.tumblr.com/v1/share.js |url-status=live }}
Using the same creative team behind "Let Me Reintroduce Myself", "Slow Clap" was written by Stefani, Ross Golan, and the song's sole producer, Luke Niccoli.{{cite magazine |last1=Kaufman |first1=Gil |title=Gwen Stefani Comes in Like a Boss on Reggae-Spiked 'Slow Clap' |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9538673/gwen-stefani-slow-clap-single-listen |access-date=March 11, 2021 |magazine=Billboard |date=March 11, 2021 |archive-date=March 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311185057/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9538673/gwen-stefani-slow-clap-single-listen |url-status=live }} During an interview with Apple Music 1's Zane Lowe, Stefani stated that she initially imagined writing a "sad love song", but was met with hesitation from both Niccoli and Golan.{{cite web |last1=Mahjouri |first1=Shakiel |title=Gwen Stefani Mulls on No Doubt Reunion: 'I Have No Idea What the Future Holds' |url=https://etcanada.com/news/756578/gwen-stefani-mulls-on-no-doubt-reunion-i-have-no-idea-what-the-future-holds/ |website=Entertainment Tonight Canada |access-date=March 11, 2021 |date=March 11, 2021 |archive-date=March 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312022421/https://etcanada.com/news/756578/gwen-stefani-mulls-on-no-doubt-reunion-i-have-no-idea-what-the-future-holds/ |url-status=dead }} They convinced her to write a song about resilience and reflection, which became "Slow Clap". She continued:
It's kind of this place of, you always go through different phases where you question yourself [...] I feel like it's that thing that happens to us throughout life. It starts in high school where you feel like you don't fit in, and then sometimes your weirdness actually is what makes you so special, and so the song is kind of about that. It's also about wanting to just, even though I know I've had my 15 minutes of my time, wanting to kind of double dip and just get a little bit more.{{cite news |last1=Alston |first1=Trey |title=Gwen Stefani Is Back with 'Slow Clap' |url=https://www.papermag.com/gwen-stefani-slow-clap-2651022107.html?rebelltitem=9#rebelltitem9 |access-date=March 11, 2021 |work=Paper |date=March 11, 2021 |archive-date=March 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312022432/https://www.papermag.com/gwen-stefani-slow-clap-2651022107.html?rebelltitem=9#rebelltitem9 |url-status=live }}
"Slow Clap" was released to digital retailers for download and streaming on March 11, 2021, through Interscope Records. It debuted alongside Stefani's exclusive merchandise line through Amazon, and a promotional audio clip of the song on her YouTube channel.{{cite news |last1=Dresdale |first1=Andrea |title=Selena Gomez, Gwen Stefani release exclusive new merch collections via Amazon Music |url=http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2021/3/10/selena-gomez-gwen-stefani-release-exclusive-new-merch-collec.html |access-date=March 11, 2021 |publisher=ABC News Radio |date=March 10, 2021 |archive-date=March 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311175731/https://platform.tumblr.com/v1/share.js |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Gwen Stefani – Slow Clap (Official Audio) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p__QQG6lrwQ |publisher=YouTube (US) |access-date=March 17, 2021 |date=March 11, 2021 |archive-date=March 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210316101420/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p__QQG6lrwQ |url-status=live }} Stefani promoted the song through live performances on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on March 15, 2021{{cite magazine |title=Gwen Stefani Has 'No Idea' If No Doubt Will Ever Get Back Together |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9541673/gwen-stefani-no-doubt-reunion-kimmel/|magazine=Billboard|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|access-date=March 22, 2021 |date=March 16, 2021 |archive-date=March 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210320182805/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9541673/gwen-stefani-no-doubt-reunion-kimmel/|url-status=live }} as well as Good Morning America on March 31, 2021.{{Cite web |title=Gwen Stefani - Slow Clap (Live From Good Morning America/2021) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0FbSKXAyBc|url-status=live |website=YouTube | date=2 April 2021 |access-date=April 13, 2021 |archive-date=April 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419164212/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0FbSKXAyBc}} The music video for "Slow Clap" was released through Gwen Stefani's YouTube channel on April 27, 2021.{{cite web|title=Slow Clap (Official Video)| date=26 April 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYFw9I0MFhM|archive-date=27 April 2021|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=27 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427074417/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYFw9I0MFhM|url-status=live}}
Composition and lyrics
Because of Stefani's cowgirl outfit in the cover art, some fans believed "Slow Clap" would be a country music release.{{cite news |last1=Fadroski |first1=Kelli Skye |title=Gwen Stefani drops new single 'Slow Clap' after teasing fans with cowgirl setup |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2021/03/11/gwen-stefani-drops-new-single-slow-clap-after-teasing-fans-with-cowgirl-getup/ |access-date=March 11, 2021 |work=Orange County Register |date=March 11, 2021 |archive-date=March 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311175723/https://www.ocregister.com/2021/03/11/gwen-stefani-drops-new-single-slow-clap-after-teasing-fans-with-cowgirl-getup/ |url-status=live }} However, the song was described as a high energy, ska-tinged reggae and pop track by music critics.{{cite magazine |last1=Kreps |first1=Daniel |title=Hear Gwen Stefani's Resilient New Song 'Slow Clap' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/gwen-stefani-slow-clap-new-song-1139920/ |access-date=March 11, 2021 |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=March 11, 2021 |archive-date=March 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311175732/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/gwen-stefani-slow-clap-new-song-1139920/ |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |last1=Kaufman |first1=Gil |title=Gwen Stefani Has 'No Idea' If No Doubt Will Ever Get Back Together |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9541673/gwen-stefani-no-doubt-reunion-kimmel/ |access-date=April 9, 2021 |magazine=Billboard |date=March 16, 2021 |archive-date=April 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410063408/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9541673/gwen-stefani-no-doubt-reunion-kimmel/ |url-status=live }} Its instrumentation consists of strings and a "snappy hip hop bass".{{cite magazine |last1=Nolfi |first1=Joey |title=Gwen Stefani's new 'Slow Clap' song snaps back to sassy Rock Steady vibes |url=https://ew.com/music/gwen-stefani-slow-clap-new-song/ |access-date=March 11, 2021 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=March 11, 2021 |archive-date=March 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311185107/https://ew.com/music/gwen-stefani-slow-clap-new-song/ |url-status=live }} Niccoli is credited as the song's bassist, guitarist and keyboardist, while Golan provides handclaps and is a background vocalist. Ryan Leas from Stereogum claimed that upon the song's first listen, Stefani sounds more like English singer Charli XCX.{{cite web |last1=Leas |first1=Ryan |title=Gwen Stefani – 'Slow Clap' |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2119756/gwen-stefani-slow-clap/music/ |website=Stereogum |access-date=March 11, 2021 |date=March 11, 2021 |archive-date=March 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311175739/https://www.stereogum.com/2119756/gwen-stefani-slow-clap/music/ |url-status=live }} Some critics compared the sound to Stefani's work with No Doubt. Feeling the song was reminiscent to her older titles, Kelli Skye Fadroski of Orange County Register described "Slow Clap" as "Rock Steady meets 'Hollaback Girl'". Entertainment Weekly{{'}}s Joey Nolfi furthered the Rock Steady comparison, saying "Slow Clap" uses the same "echoey melody" of its title track (2001).
In "Slow Clap", Stefani sings about her personal achievements, professionally, and not being an underdog, referencing the tale of David and Goliath.{{cite news |last1=Dresdale |first1=Andrea |title=Gwen Stefani releases new single 'Slow Clap' and talks upcoming 30th anniversary of No Doubt's debut |url=https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/gwen-stefani-releases-single-slow-clap-talks-upcoming-76413778 |access-date=March 17, 2021 |work=Good Morning America |date=March 12, 2021 |archive-date=March 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210315195816/https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/gwen-stefani-releases-single-slow-clap-talks-upcoming-76413778 |url-status=live }} The song's initial inspiration stemmed from a "hustle meeting" she had with Interscope, that left her feeling vulnerable. The title was inspired by films of the 1980s, specifically ones where the protagonist gets "clapped back to life".{{cite news |last1=Daly |first1=Rhian |title=Gwen Stefani returns with sun-kissed 'Slow Clap' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/gwen-stefani-returns-sun-kissed-new-single-slow-clap-2899499 |access-date=March 13, 2021 |work=NME |date=March 12, 2021 |archive-date=March 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312193259/https://www.nme.com/news/music/gwen-stefani-returns-sun-kissed-new-single-slow-clap-2899499 |url-status=live }} In a later interview, Stefani acknowledged the 1986 film Lucas, specifically. Fadroski summarized the song's lyrics as "a pep talk delivered with confidence", while Rachael Dowd from Alternative Press described them as "about snapping back into reality after going through a lull point in life".{{cite news |last1=Dowd |first1=Rachael |title=Gwen Stefani Weighs In on If a No Doubt Reunion Could Happen |url=https://www.altpress.com/news/gwen-stefani-on-no-doubt-reunion/ |access-date=March 18, 2021 |work=Alternative Press |date=March 12, 2021 |archive-date=March 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210316213812/https://www.altpress.com/news/gwen-stefani-on-no-doubt-reunion/ |url-status=live }} The refrain is playful and fun, with Stefani chanting: "Clap, clap / Walk into the room like a boss / Slow clap / Putting on a little extra sauce."
Critical reception
Sam Damshenas from Gay Times lauded the single, writing that Stefani is "at her absolute best".{{cite news |last1=Damshenas |first1=Sam |title=Gwen Stefani's new single Slow Clap is the pop icon at her absolute best |url=https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/culture/gwen-stefanis-new-single-slow-clap-is-the-pop-icon-at-her-absolute-best/ |access-date=March 11, 2021 |work=Gay Times |date=March 11, 2021 |archive-date=March 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311185120/https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/culture/gwen-stefanis-new-single-slow-clap-is-the-pop-icon-at-her-absolute-best/ |url-status=live }} Nolfi enjoyed "Slow Clap", calling it an earworm that Stefani deserves "a round of applause for". Leas felt the song was "infectious enough [to] get stuck in your head" after a few listens, and that it recalled Stefani's career in the 1990s when she "laid [the] groundwork" for other artists. Fabio Magnocavallo from Euphoria felt the song's lyrics were deeper than they initially come across, and appreciated Stefani for "taking her sound wherever the hell she wants it to go" in an industry dominated by younger artists.{{cite web |last1=Magnocavallo |first1=Fabio |title=Gwen Stefani – Slow Clap |url=https://www.euphoriazine.com/blog/2021/03/music/tracks-gwen-stefani-slow-clap/ |website=Euphoria |access-date=March 17, 2021 |date=March 12, 2021 |archive-date=March 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312170446/https://www.euphoriazine.com/blog/2021/03/music/tracks-gwen-stefani-slow-clap/ |url-status=live }} In his list of "Songs We'll Leave Behind in 2021", Amit Vaidya from Rolling Stone India featured "Slow Clap" and argued that it "has to be one of the most ridiculous attempts at the artist trying to reclaim her place on the Top 40 again".{{cite news |last1=Vaidya |first1=Amit |title=The Songs We'll Leave Behind In 2021 |url=https://rollingstoneindia.com/worst-songs-2021-leave-behind-david-guetta-tom-macdonald-maroon-5/ |access-date=June 22, 2023 |work=Rolling Stone India |date=January 1, 2022}}
Version with Saweetie
{{Infobox song
| name = Slow Clap
| artist = Gwen Stefani and Saweetie
| type = single
| cover = Gwen Stefani and Saweetie "Slow Clap".jpg
| border = yes
| alt =
| caption =
| released = {{Start date|2021|04|09}}
| recorded =
| studio =
| genre =
| length = {{duration|m=3|s=11}}
| label = Interscope
| writer =
- Gwen Stefani
- Luke Niccoli
- Ross Golan
- Diamonté Harper
- Kameron Glasper
- Tayla Parx
| producer =
- Luke Niccoli
| tracks =
| chronology = Saweetie
| prev_title = Best Friend
| prev_year = 2021
| next_title = Confetti
| next_year = 2021
| misc =
{{External music video|{{YouTube|iKyna2mbL8k|"Slow Clap" (feat. Saweetie)}}}}
}}
= Development =
A version of "Slow Clap" featuring American rapper Saweetie was released on April 9, 2021, through Interscope Records as the album's second single.{{pages needed|date=January 2022}} The collaboration was first announced five days prior, via Stefani's social media accounts.{{cite tweet |user=GwenStefani |number=1378570160387203072 |title=#slowclap...with a little extra sauce ❄️ @Saweetie. coming 4/9 gx. }} Saweetie, along with Kameron Glasper and Tayla Parx receive additional credits as songwriters to "Slow Clap".{{cite web |title=Credits: Slow Clap by Gwen Stefani, Saweetie |date=11 March 2021 |url=https://listen.tidal.com/album/179673592/credits |publisher=Tidal |access-date=April 9, 2021 |archive-date=April 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410175158/https://listen.tidal.com/album/179673592/credits |url-status=live }} Stefani enlisted Saweetie for a guest feature after watching the rapper dance to her 2005 single "Luxurious" in an Instagram post. The collaboration was scheduled within one day, resulting in Saweetie taking to her Instagram account again, writing: "I'm going in to work with someone, here's a clue: she's iconic."{{cite news |last1=Shafer |first1=Ellise |title=Saweetie Joins Gwen Stefani on Revamped Version of 'Slow Clap' |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/saweetie-gwen-stefani-slow-clap-new-version-1234945925/ |access-date=April 9, 2021 |work=Variety |date=April 8, 2021 |archive-date=April 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409040137/https://variety.com/2021/music/news/saweetie-gwen-stefani-slow-clap-new-version-1234945925/ |url-status=live }} Saweetie's verse was written within just one day, and then added to the song. Following the guest addition, Stefani chose to create a second music video for "Slow Clap", as the filming for the original one was already underway.{{cite news |last1=Harumi |first1=Luana |title=Get Moving with Gwen Stefani and Saweetie's 'Slow Clap' Video |url=https://vmagazine.com/article/get-moving-with-gwen-stefani-and-saweeties-slow-clap-video/ |access-date=May 10, 2021 |work=V |date=April 12, 2021 |archive-date=May 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511162226/https://vmagazine.com/article/get-moving-with-gwen-stefani-and-saweeties-slow-clap-video/ |url-status=live }}
In Saweetie's verse, she recalls her adolescence by namedropping candies Laffy Taffy and Bubblicious, and also provides a shoutout to Stefani's singles "Hollaback Girl" and "Rich Girl" (2004): "I ain't no Hollaback bitch / Now I got it, I ain't gotta act rich."{{cite magazine |last1=Legaspi |first1=Althea |title=Gwen Stefani Recruits Saweetie for New Version of 'Slow Clap' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/gwen-stefani-saweetie-slow-clap-remix-video-1153587/ |access-date=April 9, 2021 |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=April 9, 2021 |archive-date=April 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419163939/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/gwen-stefani-saweetie-slow-clap-remix-video-1153587/ |url-status=live }} Variety{{'}}s Ellise Shafer felt Saweetie rapped with "unapologetic confidence" in her verse.
= Critical reception =
Complex{{'}}s Jordan Rose enjoyed the collaboration: "Gwen Stefani proves how elite of a collaborator she is by calling in Saweetie to add a whole new flavor to the song [...] The meshing of her patented pop vocals with Saweetie's rap rhythms makes for a unique song."{{cite news |last1=Rose |first1=Jordan |title=Saweetie Links With Gwen Stefani for New 'Slow Clap' Song and Video |url=https://www.complex.com/music/gwen-stefani-saweetie-slow-clap-video |access-date=April 9, 2021 |work=Complex |date=April 9, 2021 |archive-date=April 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409041646/https://www.complex.com/music/gwen-stefani-saweetie-slow-clap-video |url-status=live }} Kaido Strange from mxdwn.com wrote that Saweetie's appearance "brings the song alive".{{cite web |last1=Strange |first1=Kaido |title=Gwen Stefani Releases Video for New Version of 'Slow Clap' Featuring Saweetie |url=https://music.mxdwn.com/2021/04/10/news/gwen-stefani-releases-video-for-new-version-of-slow-clap-featuring-saweetie/ |publisher=mxdwn |access-date=April 10, 2021 |date=April 10, 2021 |archive-date=April 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410193022/https://music.mxdwn.com/2021/04/10/news/gwen-stefani-releases-video-for-new-version-of-slow-clap-featuring-saweetie/ |url-status=live }}
= Music video =
Alongside the announcement of a new version of "Slow Clap", Stefani confirmed that a music video release would occur as well; she tweeted "[You] didn't think we'd leave [you] without a music video, did [you]?!"{{cite tweet |user=GwenStefani |number=1379480927261224961 |title=u didn't think we'd leave u without a music video, did u?! 😇 }} It was directed by Sophie Muller, a longtime collaborator of Stefani and No Doubt, and released on April 9, 2021.{{cite web |last1=Hussey |first1=Allison |title=Saweetie Joins Gwen Stefani on New Version of 'Slow Clap': Watch the Video |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/saweetie-joins-gwen-stefani-on-new-version-of-slow-clap-watch-the-video/ |website=Pitchfork |access-date=April 9, 2021 |date=April 9, 2021 |archive-date=April 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409040918/https://pitchfork.com/news/saweetie-joins-gwen-stefani-on-new-version-of-slow-clap-watch-the-video/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Moore |first1=Sam |title=Listen to Gwen Stefani and Saweetie Team Up on 'Slow Clap' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/listen-gwen-stefani-saweetie-team-up-slow-clap-2917533 |access-date=April 9, 2021 |work=NME |date=April 9, 2021 |archive-date=April 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409160908/https://www.nme.com/news/music/listen-gwen-stefani-saweetie-team-up-slow-clap-2917533 |url-status=live }} Its release was preceded by a ten-second trailer, which was posted to YouTube the day prior.{{cite web |title=Gwen Stefani – Slow Clap feat. Saweetie (Official Trailer) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jpmd1o58rRc |publisher=YouTube (US) |access-date=April 9, 2021 |date=April 8, 2021 |archive-date=April 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408163041/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jpmd1o58rRc&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live }}
The music video begins with Stefani and Saweetie inside of a high school gymnasium and locker room. They are shown wearing jerseys and athletic uniforms, with the latter artist also sporting hot pink hair and a pair of star-spangled booty shorts.{{cite magazine |last1=Kaufman |first1=Gil |title=Gwen Stefani & Saweetie Go Back to School in High-Energy 'Slow Clap' Remix Video |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9554073/gwen-stefani-saweetie-slow-clap-remix-video |access-date=April 9, 2021 |magazine=Billboard |date=April 9, 2021 |archive-date=April 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409115725/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9554073/gwen-stefani-saweetie-slow-clap-remix-video/ |url-status=live }} Both artists, occasionally seated in the audience, interact with groups of students skipping rope and dribbling basketballs. It ends with both artists dressed in prom attire, with Stefani and Saweetie wearing frilly pink and blue dresses, respectively, and jumping on a trampoline. Some background dancers are shown wearing jeans and Juicy Couture.
Justin Curto from Vulture wrote that the video gave off "high school vibes" which were reminiscent of the "Hollaback Girl" music video.{{cite web |last1=Curto |first1=Justin |title=Put Your Hands Together for Saweetie on Gwen Stefani's 'Slow Clap' Remix |url=https://www.vulture.com/2021/04/saweetie-gwen-stefani-slow-clap-remix-video.html |website=Vulture |access-date=April 9, 2021 |date=April 9, 2021 |archive-date=April 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409170647/https://www.vulture.com/2021/04/saweetie-gwen-stefani-slow-clap-remix-video.html |url-status=live }} According to Newsweek
Track listings
{{Track listing
| headline = Digital download/streaming
| title1 = Slow Clap
| length1 = 2:30
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = Digital download/streaming{{spaced ndash}}with Saweetie
| title1 = Slow Clap
| note1 = with Saweetie
| length1 = 3:11
}}
Credits and personnel
Credits adapted from Tidal.{{cite web |title=Credits: Slow Clap by Gwen Stefani |date=11 March 2021 |url=https://listen.tidal.com/album/176435144/credits |publisher=Tidal |accessdate=March 11, 2021 |archive-date=March 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311175725/https://listen.tidal.com/album/176435144/credits |url-status=live }}
- Gwen Stefani{{spaced ndash}}composer, lyricist, vocalist
- Luke Niccoli{{spaced ndash}}composer, lyricist, bass, guitar, keyboards
- Ross Golan{{spaced ndash}}composer, lyricist, background vocalist, clapping
- Karl Wingate{{spaced ndash}}recording engineer, studio personnel
- Chris Gehringer{{spaced ndash}}mastering engineer, studio personnel
- Tony Maserati{{spaced ndash}}mixer, studio personnel
Release history
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ Release dates and formats for "Slow Clap" ! scope="col"| Region ! scope="col"| Date ! scope="col"| Format(s) ! scope="col"| Version ! scope="col"| Label ! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|References}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Various
| March 11, 2021 | rowspan="2" | {{hlist|Digital download|streaming}} | Original | rowspan="2" | Interscope | style="text-align:center;"| References regarding the release of "Slow Clap" by Gwen Stefani on Apple Music:
|
|---|
| April 9, 2021
| rowspan="2" | with Saweetie | style="text-align:center;"| References regarding the release of "Slow Clap" by Gwen Stefani and Saweetie on Apple Music:
|
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Italy
| rowspan="2" | June 4, 2021 | rowspan="2" | Contemporary hit radio | rowspan="2" | Universal |
| Original |
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
- {{YouTube|E0FbSKXAyBc|"Slow Clap" (Live video from Good Morning America)}}
- {{YouTube|Vf6cZRRzOFs|"Slow Clap" (Live video from Jimmy Kimmel Live!)}}
{{Gwen Stefani}}
{{Saweetie}}
Category:American reggae songs
Category:Interscope Records singles
Category:Music videos directed by Sophie Muller
Category:Songs written by Gwen Stefani
Category:Songs written by Kam Parker
Category:Songs written by Luke Niccoli
Category:Songs written by Ross Golan