"Slow Dancing in the Dark" (stylized in all caps) is a song by Japanese-Australian singer-songwriter 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 in 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.
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.
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.
Remixes An acoustic remix of "Slow Dancing in the Dark" was released as a single on 18 October 2018. It features Miller singing over a solo piano backing played by co-producer Carol Kuswanto.
Remixes of the song by Mr. Mitch and Loud Luxury were released on 9 November 2018.
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.
Personnel
Original version Credits adapted from Tidal. George Miller – songwriting, vocals, arrangement Patrick Wimberly – production, recording, mixing, arrangement Francisco "Frankie" Ramirez – recording Chris Athens – mastering
Acoustic Remix Credits adapted from Tidal. George Miller – production, songwriting, arrangement Patrick Wimberly – production, arrangement Carol Kuswanto – production Francisco "Frankie" Ramirez – mastering, mixing, recording
Charts
Weekly charts + 2018–2019 weekly chart performance for "Slow Dancing in the Dark"Chart (2018–2019)Peakposition Canada (Canadian Hot 100) 52 New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ) 4 US Billboard Hot 100 69 US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) 39 + 2022 weekly chart performance for "Slow Dancing in the Dark"Chart (2022)Peakposition Australia (ARIA) 91 Global 200 (Billboard) 149 Malaysia (RIM) 10 Singapore (RIAS) 27 Vietnam (Vietnam Hot 100) 77
Year-end charts + Year-end chart performance for "Slow Dancing in the Dark" Chart (2019) Position US Hot R&B Songs (Billboard) 5
Certifications
References