Slow Hands

"Slow Hands" is a song recorded by Irish singer Niall Horan, released as the second single from his debut album Flicker on May 4, 2017 by Capitol Records.

Background and release
Prior to its release, Horan discussed the song in an interview with Mikey Piff on Sirius XM. The singer said that after listening to some of the material he had recorded for his debut album, he wanted to add "a bit more grit, funk and heavier bass." At the time he was listening to late 1970s and early 1980s music. "When Don Henley went solo in the early eighties, he just kinda had this funky kind of feel to it – heavy bass, heavy guitar – so I just thought, 'Let's give this a crack,'" Horan said of making the track. "I wanted it to be a little bit cheeky with the lyric." About the concept, he explained it is set in a bar and the song's theme changes up stereotypical roles. "The first line is...'we should take this back to my place' – and usually that's what the guy would say, but we flipped it that the girl would say that, and that's what she said right to my face."

The song was released on May 4, 2017.

Critical reception
Rolling Stone writer Althea Legaspi stated: "On "Slow Hands," Horan takes a turn from the more reflective, slowed down "This Town" and goes for a more muted sound. Above a stomp-and-clap beat and muted guitar, Horan allows his lower register to showcase his more seductive side on the track which is reminiscent of early Aughts hits from Jack Johnson and John Mayer."

Commercial performance
The song peaked at #7, #11, #2 and #3 on the UK Singles chart, the Billboard Hot 100, the Australian singles chart and the Irish singles chart. It also peaked at #1 on the US Adult Top 40.

Music Video
A lyric video for Slow Hands was released on May 15, 2017.