Joji, BALLADS 1 | Album Review 💿

Rising alternative R&B artist Joji showcases ample potential on his moody, full-length, debut studio album, ‘BALLADS 1.’ The vibes are real.

88rising truly is rising.  Joji is on the roster of the mass media company, which is getting incredible buzz as a record label highlighting Asian artists.  The alternative R&B artist is back with new music, post-In Tongues and post-Head in the Clouds. His latest musical endeavor? His full-length debut album, BALLADS 1.  Once more, he proves that he has ample potential.

“Attention” 

“Girl, would it kill you just to show a little bit of attention? / If I hurt you, I’m afraid God’s gonna teach me a lesson.” “Attention” naturally grabs listeners’ ‘attention’ as Joji in his zone.  The tone of the record is one that is depressed, tortured to an extent, while also being reflective.  On the verse, he makes it clear he has “troubles, but nobody will listen,” going on to say, “I know I’m cryptic and I’m weird, that shit comes off as indifferent.” Ultimately, “Attention” is personal, but also quite relatable.

“Slow Dancing in the Dark” is a heartbreak-tinged slow jam. Joji sings in an undertone initially, exhibiting chill, laid-back, and somewhat somnambulant vocals, perfectly capturing a nighttime vibe. Eventually, the listener is treated to clearer, more assertive vocals. “Slow Dancing in the Dark” finds him breaking up with his girlfriend as the relationship has run its course. On the second pre-chorus, not only does he reference the emotional aspects of the relationship, but also his desire for sex, even though it clearly won’t atone for their incompatibility. On the chorus, he sings:

“Give me reasons we should be complete
You should be with him, I can’t compete
You looked at me like I was someone else, oh well
Can’t you see?
I don’t wanna slow dance
In the dark.”

“Test Drive”

“What do you want, babe? / I don’t like when you taunt me / You’ve been calling the wrong name / I say who do you want babe?” Naturally, “Test Drive” gives Joji another ballad, which is where his ‘bread is buttered.’ Even though the tempo is moderately slow, “Test Drive” is rhythmic, featuring alluring production work by RL Grime.  Vocally, he sounds expressive, never daring to push his voice – he isn’t about those gospel histrionics or never-ending vocal runs after all.  What he does offer is a distinct sound, and some colorful falsetto.  Furthermore, he offers relatable subject matter – love, sex, and flames that have extinguished.

“Wanted U” continues to find Joji all-out emo.  “Here I am / Torn into a thousand shapes and folds,” he sings on the first verse.  The sound of the vocals and overall vocal production are quite unique here, once more solidifying the ‘vibe’ that characterizes BALLADS 1. Clearly, love has him down in the dumps, but there’s also hope and the willingness to wait on one special person, exemplified by the chorus:

“Are you feeling me slowly?
You can take your fucking time
And I promise I won’t lie
We’ll make it out alive.”

“Can’t Get Over You” 

“Don’t know why would I fall in love with you / I don’t have no social cues / I’m all for you…” Joji keeps it incredibly brief on “Can’t Get Over You” featuring Clams Casino, which only lasts 1:47! The sound remains idiomatic of alternative R&B. Hella groovy, the record makes incredible use of guitar, sick bass line, and of course, the beat. Joji sings uniquely, dipping into his upper register vocals with unique vocal production to match.  It should be noted that he does slip into his middle register, singing in an undertone.  The record begins with the chorus:

“I can’t get over you
Can’t get over you
And before I die I pray that
I could be the one
That I could be the one
But I won’t be no fun
If I can’t have you no one can.”

Beyond the chorus, there’s only one verse, where Joji focuses on his desire for her.

“Yeah Right” 

“Yeah, you bet I go to see you when / I’m feeling like a drum without a beat / Yeah, you dance so good / And I think that’s kinda neat.” Joji kicks “Yeah Right” off with a bang, asserting on the intro, “I’ma fuck up my life.”  As he sings, the supporting backdrop is moody – clearly embodying the alternative vein and modern R&B sound of the times. He continues to utter the profane, carefree phrase into the first verse, eventually expounding how this “fuck-up” is going down.

“We gon’ party all night
She don’t care if I die
Yeah, right, yeah, right.”

Clearly, he is reacting to trauma in his life, likely a breakup, hence he reacts by partying.  The first person that doesn’t care is his ex.  However, if the music video as well as a mental picture of the partying is considered, the strippers/exotic dancers don’t care either, right? The titular lyric recurs on the pre-chorus, before more pain is unleashed on the chorus.

“Yeah, you bet I know that she ain’t
Never give a single fuck about me
Yeah, you bet she know that we ain’t
Never gonna be together…”

“Why Am I Still in LA” 

Vocally, Joji shines on “Why Am I Still in LA,” featuring Shlohmo and D33J.  The falsetto is ripe and emotional.  The record itself is also intriguing, featuring quieter, moodier moments, and more aggressive, driving, rock-infused moments. Even if it sounds like a broken record, ‘vibe’ continues to be Joji’s best friend. Follow-up “No Fun” is among the groovier, more memorable records from BALLADS 1.  The record arrives in the nick of time – the spark that the album needed. While Joji is the ultimate pessimist here, his pain is the listener’s pleasure (“Fuck my friends, they’re gone / They all left one by one”).  The production is bright, the tempo is moderately quick, and the vocals are among the most assertive of the LP.

“Come Thru”

The ‘vibes’ of BALLADS 1 continue on strong on “Come Thru.”  The production is ear-catchy with the rhythmic drums and piano, coupled with Joji’s distinct falsetto. Trippie Redd provides the most high-profile feature of the album on “R.I.P.” His appearance provides contrast, which isn’t a bad thing.  Sure, Trippie Redd is an acquired taste, but his energy and passion are indisputable here as he utters, “I would die for you, I would die for you!” Joji doesn’t get nearly as ‘hyped up,’ but it would be utterly uncharacteristic had he… 

Penultimate record “XNXX” barely crosses the two-minute mark.  Like so much of BALLADS 1, the listener gets the impression that Joji is opting for more vibe than a certified classic per se. “XNXX” is enjoyable, if a bit nebulous, common in alternative R&B. The lengthiest song of BALLADS 1, “I’ll See You in 40,” concludes the project.  Following a lush, mysterious intro, “I’ll See You in 40” settles into a relaxed, rhythmic ballad that plays to Joji’s strengths.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, Joji has some terrific moments on BALLADS 1.  Personally, I find his style and his unique voice intriguing.  There are no downright misses in regards to the track list, though at times, the LP could use more tempo, more contrast, and just a little extra oomph.  That said, the potential and the promise shown on this effort is terrific.

Gems: “Slow Dancing in the Dark,” “Test Drive,” “Yeah Right,” “Why Am I Still in LA” & “No Fun”

Joji • BALLADS 1 • 88rising / 12Tone Music • Release: 10.26.18

Photo Credits: 88rising / 12Tone Music