Earlier today the Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — travelled to the bustling city of Amsterdam and stopped by the Fool Bar to relax. While we were there, we discussed The Netherlands, Douwe Bob and his song “Slow Down”. Were we feeling his chilled-out vibe? Or did he leave us wanting something more exciting? Read on to find out!
Douwe Bob – “Slow Down”
“Slow Down” reviews
Angus: Planting the Netherlands firmly in Nashville, Douwe Bob’s song is as adorable as he is. “Slow Down” bounces along and offers an oasis amidst the sand-storm of big ballads, big bangers and pure Europop flooding this year’s contest. That kind of minimalist contrast did wonders for the Common Linnets in 2014 and Douwe Bob has placed himself in the same space.
Score: 7.5/10
Bernardo: Four points should mean I don’t have strong positive feelings towards this entry. Is it true? Not even close. “Slow Down” and Douwe Bob present us a solid composition with a compelling voice — channeling some Common Linnets vibes that can very well work for Douwe on the Eurovision stage. The sweet performance is going to conquer young ladies’ votes, but watch out, Douwe. You have Frans as your direct competitor and we already know the effect he had in Sweden. In my honest opinion I don’t think The Netherlands can again pull off something like the Common Linnets did a few years ago. Nevertheless, a solid entry and with the right performance it can surprise.
Score: 4/10
Bogdan: Despite going for the broad music genre that propelled the Common Linnets almost to the top of the scoreboard two years ago, “Slow Down” is as flat as the Netherlands itself and I would be very surprised if it replicates the same success. Yes, the singer is undeniably charming and a bloody good singer, but the song is just inoffensively cute. I’m not sure it’s enough to warrant a left-side finish on the scoreboard.
Score: 7.5/10
Deban: “Slow Down” has found its niche amongst busier entries – offering a contemporary take on country music. Douwe Bob is brimming with charisma and confidence in equal measure. He embraces you with his infectious sing-along tune, whilst nabbing the poster-boy title for his laid-back approach to Eurovision.
Score: 7/10
Edd: Call me crazy, but this sounds like the winner to me. It’s very evident that Douwe Bob is a true artist, and “Slow Down” is timeless. Not at all the kind of song you’d expect to see at Eurovision – in fact, it’s not even the kind of song you’d expect to be released as a single. Instead of trying to be explosive an super emotional, he’s giving a relaxed, melancholic vibe. And what a luxury it is.
Score: 9.5/10
Josh: “Slow Down” is exactly what this song makes me do. Unfortunately, I’m not a fan of country music and Douwe Bob could not convince me otherwise. I fear for the Netherlands’ ability to qualify for the final, but I may still vote for them because I think Douwe is cute and he has nice biceps.
Score: 6/10
Kristin: Now this is something I can get behind. Douwe Bob’s voice is so soothing and beautiful, and although many hear country when they listen to “Slow Down”, I hear more of a Beatles sound. Or maybe more like George Harrison when he went solo with a hint of Tom Petty. Will it advance to the finals? Probably. Will it reach a respectable placing? God, I hope so! This song is vastly different from all the other entries, and in the sea of the slow R&B/dancetrack numbers, it will stand out, and do so proudly. A thumbs up from Iceland to Netherlands.
Score: 9/10
Mike: As Dutchie I am really proud that we finally take Eurovision serious and we really try. But as much as we keep trying, I have no idea if Douwe Bob will qualify in Stockholm. He could finish first in his semi like the Common Linnets two years ago but with wrong staging the song could also be easily forgotten and we end up again with Les Pays-Bas nil points. But at least we’re sending a really charismatic and funny guy to Sweden who is gonna make a lot of fun and show that the Netherlands is doing its best to catch up with Europe.
Score: 6.5/10
Padraig: No one does country quite like the Dutch – at least when it comes to Eurovision. Just like the Common Linnets in 2014, Douwe gives us a wonderfully accessible yet completely credible taste of the genre. “Slow Down” has slight hints of melancholy, but for the most part it’s an upbeat affair with an almost singalong quality. You could almost call it a sophisticated toe-tapper. Coupled with Douwe’s farmboy-next-door good looks, this could be a dark horse in Stockholm.
Score: 7.5/10
Robyn: Normally a European version of American 1970s FM radio soft rock would seem like a recipe for disaster, but this is Douwe Bob therefore it works. He has ridiculous charisma to the point where I’d literally be happy to watch him tuning his guitar for three minutes. This song is an utter delight, and it just seems like it’ll be a ray of sunshine amongst all the very serious entries.
Score: 8/10
Tobias: Somehow I think of the movie Toy Story when I hear this song — maybe it’s his voice or the genre. I think this is an OK song but not something I would have on my Spotify list. It will be interesting to see what Europe will think about it since we don’t see much of this kind of music in Eurovision. Douwe Bob has good voice and I hope he will bring a good stage performance otherwise there might be a risk the crowd will get sleepy.
Score: 4/10
William: Europeans may find this novel, but as someone who grew up not far from Nashville I find it both derivative and dated. The chorus sounds like it could be the theme tune for a sitcom watched by elderly people. Douwe is a great vocalist and the song definitely improves live. But not even a master vocalist can give this flat-as-a-pancake track enough dynamism to pique — let alone keep — my interest.
Score: 4/10
In the Wiwi Jury we have 40 jurors but only have room for 12 reviews. The remaining 28 scores are below.
Anthony: 7/10
Antranig: 5/10
Chris: 5.5/10
Cristian: 8/10
David: 6/10
Dayana: 8.5/10
Denise: 7.5/10
Diego: 7/10
Forrest: 6/10
George: 7/10
Gökhan: 6.5/10
Jason: 9/10
Judit: 7/10
Liam: 6.5/10
Luis: 9/10
Marek: 9/10
Maria: 6.5/10
Mario: 5.5/10
Max: 7.5/10
Mikhail: 7/10
Patrick: 3/10
Renske: 8.5/10
Rezo: 4/10
Sami: 2/10
Sinan: 6/10
Steinunn: 7/10
William C: 3/10
Zakaria: 6/10
The highest and lowest scores are dropped prior to calculating the average score. This is to remove outliers and reduce potential bias. We have removed a low of 2 and a high of 9.5.
In the beginning I didn’t like it that much, but now he is one of my favourites. I think he will stand out in May. Good luck The Netherlands !! 8.5/10
@dutchie
well okay, i’m not embarrassed anymore, but i’m just gonna cheer for my country as well, only he could’ve sent something better, he won best singer songwriter 🙂
meanwhile Russia’s song is growing on me, i think Russia and Malta could really have some good staging involved with their songs, big powerhouse songs 🙂
You don’t get to much country music in the ESC- heck, the last one I can remember was Texas Lightning. Even better, this is simplified retro-style, nothing like the poppy starlets and fratboy bros that are dominating (one might say infesting) the American country scene today. This is more akin to Bob Dylan than Garth Brooks, and I think the less is more strategy absolutely pays off here. It could use a bit more substance- it gets a little to reliant on the chorus- but if they can nail it live, there’s no ceiling to where this song can finish,… Read more »
@nicky91
You can support whoever you want, I was arguing about you being ’embarrassed’ about this song which I thought was a bit much.
Douwe Bob, well alright because it’s my country, he’s a worldclass superstar
Slow Down other countries, because Douwe is gonna win this year, no chance for everyone else, he doesn’t need any votes it’s a fix that the Netherlands will win this year
11/10 hahaha 🙂
@dutchie
haha, and i also know good country or rock music, like Bryan Adams, Fleetwood Mac and Rolling Stones
so yeah i know some music 🙂
well your dutch as well right, then please stop arguing with each other, i’ll support him if you want me to like him, i’ll like him 🙂
Dutchie, you’ve convinced me, i’ll support Douwe as well, along with my favourites 🙂
6.57 – are you insane?
This is by far one of the best compositions that have graced the Eurovision stage in recent times. Douwe is a fantastic singer ans composer, and I’m confident he and the band will give a great show in May.
Top 5 for me – and a huge 10/10 <3
@nicky91
Well, aren’t you a genius, Euphoria or Only Teardrops, who could have predicted those… I wouldn’t call watching Eurovision for 10 years ‘music expertise’. At least it doesn’t teach you how to appreciate a good 70s country/pop tune 😉
Look, I like Kensington and Within Temptation, they’re good at what they do. But so is Douwe Bob…
@dutchie
first of all, i voted for Maan, and i like her 2 songs now Perfect World and Ride It
and second, i would’ve been rooting for my country, if they had sent Kensington or Within Temptation or OG3NE
and i do have music expertise, i’ve been watching song contest for about 10 years now, and i’ve predicted the winner maybe 3 times
with Azerbaijan’s Running Scared, Denmark’s Only Teardrops and Sweden’s Euphoria
so i know something about music 🙂
@nicky91
To be honest, whereas you’re embarrassed by this song, your taste in music proves to me once again that we shouldn’t have national finals for Eurovision in Holland. Maan is just terrible, it’s a mystery why she won The Voice against way more talented contestants like Ivan Peroti or Jennie Lena. The only thing she has going for her is her girl next door appearance, which is what the Dutch public likes, but she’ll do nothing internationally.
its good for the finals but there et would end up bottom half of the list..
@Marc, thank you for your compliment, i appreciate that
@Max H, of course i mentioned it, i fancy Ira, and if you look on YouTube some 11.000 or more people think the same way with me about her, that they like her song Walk On Water
I’m gonna respect every singer participating for their country, but i do have my favourites, everyone has their favourites i think
Samra i fancy her as well for being a good singer, the same with Gabriela really talented singer from Czech Republic 🙂
I think we can make a surprise again… like with the common linnets… if the relax vibe of the amsterdam cafe bar is used and sensed by the audience and jury during the first 2 rehearsals it might be a fantastic outsider… his voice and looks are great and the song is helping people to slow down and rethink their way of living… in the hectic world with lots of plastic and crap songs like most of the songs at eurovision… so time for quality with love and sensitivity! 12 POINTS FOR NETHERLANDS!
He’s on my top 10. Great tune and catchy. However, I can’t see this going to the finals.
8/10
Very catchy, different to the eurovision norm and remeber how close the Netherlands came to the top spot a couple of years back, this could go one better in 2016.
Has to make the final
He’s my #13. Watch my Top 43-Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMFh5b7Plx0
I see what The Netherlands is trying to do! 🙂
This will stand out for its originality and give a result to be proud of.
I don’t know if this at the height of The Common Linnets, that was “avec classe”, but it is still a very strong entry.
Oh and William, I don’t find this novel at all, and I doubt a lot of people will. That’s not the purpose of this song. Douwe Bob grew up on a steady diet of country and 60s/70s music (his father designed the cover for Sgt. Pepper by The Beatles – true story) and his music hearkens back to that time. He’s not trying to reinvent the wheel.
This song is okay, should be in the final. Netherlands always tries with original songs.
But don’t think this appeals the vast majority of the audience. It is really alternative.
Good try, anyways.
It’s an interesting song, very bland and boring for some, very uplifting for others. I can see where both opinions are coming from. I think it’s an ‘either you hear it or you don’t’ type of song. It helps if you like The Eagles. It also helps if you give it a couple of spins.
One thing is for sure: it’s not ‘too simple’ as some have suggested. Maybe lyrically it isn’t a masterpiece, but in terms of chord changes it’s actually way more interesting than Calm After the Storm, which had just 3 chords all the way through.
Nicky, you made your point.
And of course you’re rooting for Malta. Again. Just like last year. It was pretty clear after posting it a million times.
I guess you just want to give your opinion. But face it: there are people with another taste. They think Douwe is very good and his song is winner’s material. I am one of them.
@Nicky91
I agree that Netherlands could send something even better. Your music industry is one the strongest in Europe (I’d like too see something else but country folk in next years). I think Douwe will do quite well in May. I think Netherlands is on the way to win the whole thing very soon (you deserved it by far in 2014).
The song is solid and his voice is great. I don’t like country music, but this ain’t bad at all.
8.5/10
@KV
completely agree with you, and i’m from the Netherlands haha 🙂
I cannot be dealing with this song at any time of any day. It’s dull beyond belief and I find myself struggling to be able to sit down and listen to it. I’m all for slower songs, Boggie was (controversially) one of my favourites last year, and I like songs with a good ol’ country twang, but “Slow Down” misses the mark – like horrifically. I can see this doing well in a quaint bar – but not Eurovision.
Score: 2/10
While I strongly believe that after last years hot mess, the Netherlands have attempted to recreat the glory of 2014 and the common linnets, I just do not know if they will repeat their success. I think the song is nice, simple and upbeat and it definitely deserves to qualify, but it’s a very tough semi final so I’m not sure. I like it though and I wish it well. 7/10
I never was a fan of this song to be honest and I don’t think (notice the word think) it will get a Common Linnets like score because I don’t think the song leads itself to impressive staging the same way as 2014. Douwe may be a good performer but the song just fall flat.
4/10
love this calm relax song i hope he makes esc final in may.
@Marc well of course you can have your opinion, and i certainly want the Netherlands to have a good song, and i respect your vote for us dutch people 🙂 my vote is going to Ira, because i just like her stage presence, and she’s really good live, the performances in Riga and Moscow are just the first 2 live performances of Walk On Water, and this song was her personal favourite all along 🙂 but thank you for your vote, but i’m only saying we can have a better act for the Netherlands. i am really rooting for Malta,… Read more »
@Thales because i don’t like those lame lyrics, all the time with that silly Slow Down Brother 100 times, very annoying stand out, well if he gets a bad draw, it’s possible because he’s in the first half, with better songs in the second half to my opinion i’m saying we have better in the Netherlands, with Kensington ( i think you’ll like them as well) also our recent voice winner her name is Maan, quite unique voice as well ashamed of our country that we sent something like this when we have better and good looking, well we also… Read more »
1.5/10
Okay, I feel like this is going to be the reverse of The Common Linnets, where instead of getting a very high result when it was dismissed, this will score low when it’s been overhyped. Honestly, can someone tell me what is the appeal with this song?? This does nearly nothing for me. You can have songs where it’s just relaxing and easy-going, but the song needs to have some hook. Where is the hook??
I love this song – it’s soothing (and the article is right here) in the same way that the Common Linnets were.
However, I didn’t rate it that highly just watching & listening to the main clip. It was only when I went to listen to a clip of him singing it live that I was smitten.
The guy is a tremendous singer (and I mean tremendous), and I think that the televoting public out there think more of a top quality singer than any flashy staging.
The Netherlands will be getting votes from me!
Thanx Robyn. I have now added it there. Including Freddie here is my current ranking: (I actually like all these songs)
Play: 9/10
Say Yay: 9/10
Ghost: 8/10
Pioneer: 8/10
Slow down: 8/10
What’s the pressure: 7,5/10
Icebreaker: 6,5/10
2/10 – It’s just lame. Definetly my bottom 10, if not bottom 5. The competition in my bottom is fiercly tight!
I just love this entry! So simple and so good. It’s very different from the rest. Netherlands could surprise again like in 2014, they just need something simple but effective. I will defenetely vote for Douwe.
Josh’s opinion is the perfect example of why people mock Eurovision: “i dont like the song but i will vote for him because he is cute and has great biceps” Exactly, who cares about music right? Lets vote only on faces and not what really matters. My dear god, gay people are turning this contest into a miserably pathetic joke. Yes, i said it!
One of the most underrated entries this year. He is one of the best singers this year. He has a strong precence on stage. He can sing live and write his own songs (not buy one from Sweden). Song is different than others, it’s relaxing and calming. It has a message. People are on foot all the time, they should slow down for a second. I hope Netherlands will do well. Their best entry among with Birds.
Hmmm I think it is a good thing to be the underdog again….its kinda relexing! Every year songs are hyped but fail or score very low in the final. Well this one can only become better from now on, will It be an staging like 2013 or an staging like 2014…I think that the change is bigger to expect an staging that suites this song at his best this year, and maybe the staging will be Unique and never seen before….I am waiting for the rehearsals to start. I think its very funny that some people say that the netherlands… Read more »
I think that this entry is very overrated ! Netherlands struck gold with a similar song in 2014 but this one fails to capture the glory of Calm Before The Storm ! I don’t think it will qualify because it will get lost in a semi with at least 9 stronger songs
It’s to hard to predict who in the SF1 will qualify. But I really hope that Netherlands will, since is one of my favorites. I’m sure Douwe will come with a great staging. He’s got a lot of charisma and his voice live is the same when you hear the studio version. The song itself is simple but great. I think the simplicity makes some entries of this year greater (like Estonia and Sweden). Unfortunately, most of the people still prefer the same pop songs and dramatic ballads. I think he might stand out in SF1, for the same reasons… Read more »
This song has that feel good sound that the radio ppl will certainly love. But what its lacking is a concept that will go well with the staging of the performance. Something about a clock ticking perhaps?….
@Bhrister
i can totally agree with you, it’s bland and hearing 100 times Slow Down Brother, is really annoying for me
but then again Jedward was annoying for me, and they qualified, and Milan from serbia was annoying for me and it qualified
this music is embarrassing for me, to be dutch 🙁
I really hope they qualify and I think he will.
He’s hot, but more AF than the song is…
I’m not a fan of country, especially pop country but more power to him and good luck.
P.s have to say William is definitely becoming by favourite Wiwiblogger
Really good, like 9/10 good. Definitely deserves to be in finals.
Love him. Love the song. Love the neck tattoo.
I agree with Mike. I have no idea wheter we will qualify or not. Very hard to say.
This song is almost simple to the point it sounds lazy. Completely uninspiring, I would not even want to hear it at a bar. Douwe Bob still does the best he can with the song and it ranks 27th, perhaps just enough for a spot in the final.
4.5/10
27/43
I’d like him more of he didn’t have a naked woman tattoo though (not to mention the Donny Montell thing on his neck)
Terrible underrated :/