Running away is easy, it’s the leaving that’s hard

A tapestry of emotive melodies and soulful rhythms, “Time Moves Slow” by BADBADNOTGOOD stands out as a defining piece in their discography. An intersection of jazz, soul, and alternative styles, this track, featuring vocals by Sam Herring from Future Islands, captures the human experience of grappling with the passage of time.

“Time Moves Slow” debuted on the band’s fourth studio album, “IV”, released in 2016. BADBADNOTGOOD, a jazz group formed in Toronto, Canada, had already established a reputation for their genre-bending compositions and collaborations with hip-hop artists. However, “IV” marked a shift for the band, with more emphasis on composition, and “Time Moves Slow” embodies this shift with its melancholic tone and slow-burning rhythm.

The lyrics of the song, sung with intense feeling by Herring, portray the lingering pain of a broken relationship. The chorus, “Running away is easy, It’s the leaving that’s hard,” encapsulates a struggle that resonates with many listeners. This narrative, coupled with BADBADNOTGOOD’s atmospheric instrumental backdrop, lends the song a universal appeal.

“Time Moves Slow” found an audience not just among jazz aficionados but also indie and alternative fans, contributing to BADBADNOTGOOD’s reputation as a band that transcends genre boundaries. It’s a testament to the band’s creative growth and an invitation to listeners to explore the more nuanced, emotive side of their musical spectrum. Through the collaboration with Sam Herring, the band’s exploration of deeper emotional themes and resonance with a wider audience was amplified, paving the way for their subsequent evolution as artists.