Joji & Diplo, Daylight | Track Review 🎵

Joji, with an assist from Diplo, returns with “Daylight,” the fourth advance single from his sophomore album, Nectar.

“Right now, laying here alone is heaven.” Hmm, that’s not usually the sentiment when it comes to sleeps sans a lover but according to Joji (George Miller) that’s the case.  The lyric hails from the first verse of “Daylight,” the fourth single from his sophomore album, Nectar.  Prior to the release of “Daylight,” it had been a minute since the musician issued a new single from the delayed LP. Here, he’s assisted with production by Diplo.

Diplo doesn’t handle production duties all by himself.  Instead, he collaborates with Greg Kurstin and Maximillian Jaeger for the assist.  Those are some big names right there, all of which provide Joji with a solid backdrop to fuel his fire.  This record sounds quite different from the previous three singles released in advance of Nectar.  That’s actually a selling point. As for Miller, well, he’s on autopilot addressing the topic of love – breaking up/heartbreak. Sure, he claims not to care – “I’m not layin’ in bed with a fucked-up head” – but the breakup has affected him.  He even says so on the pre-chorus prior:

“And I’ve been a hero, helpless
I’m in hell
And I’ve cried up and down in these hallways
Blamed myself.”

Basically, with “Daylight,” it’s the idea that you’re fine that things have ended, yet, you still experience pain or at least a bad memory. He makes it clear how different he is from his ex, who’s “Hiding no the FM radio / I sing along just to sing my thoughts at someone.”

Final Thoughts

Once again, Joji has delivered.  Initially, I was slightly less wowed by “Daylight” compared to the previous three singles from Nectar.  However, with successive listens, this one grew on me, and is impressive in its own right.  As always, we get strong production, relatable emotions and overall songwriting, and nice vocals.  Nectar should be a treat.

Joji • Nectar • 88rising / 12Tone Music • Release: 9.25.20

Photo Credits: 88rising / 12Tone Music