Recorded in 1957, AllMusic writer Stewart Mason describes it as "raucous enough to be punk rock nearly a full two decades before the concept was even in existence.

[3] Music journalist Gene Sculatti describes the instrumentation provided by the back-up musicians as "unstoppable, nongimmicky, almost careening out of control with its pounding piano and booting sax, 'Slow Down' is arguably Williams's hippest track".

In his book Revolution in the Head, Ian MacDonald criticizes the performance as "one of the Beatles' least successful rock-and-roll covers", lacking "bottom, drive and basic cohesion" and states that "The guitar solo is embarrassing and the sound balance a shambles".

According to MacDonald, the personnel includes: However, author John C. Winn states that Harrison played the lead guitar on the track.

[4] Musicologist Walter Everett also lists Harrison as the lead guitarist, and says he played his parts on a Gretsch Country Gentleman.