R&B artist Joji (aka ‘Filthy Frank,’ real name ‘George Miller’) releases the deluxe version – a full-length album – of his 2017 debut EP, ‘In Tongues.’

Filthy Frank indeed is filthy on YouTube.  However, this review has nothing to do with Filthy Frank – this is about Joji (real name George Miller).  Joji has greater musical aspirations as opposed to the shock value and utter ridiculousness of Filthy Frank… we assume. On November 3, 2017, he released his debut EP, In Tongues.  On February 16, 2018, he expands the project to 16 tracks on the deluxe edition.

“Will He”

“Will He” opens enigmatically. It’s melancholy, indulgent, and heavy.  Despite the weight carried by the sound and vibe, the sound is very beautiful and well-produced.  Joji delivers respectable vocals, singing the moody lyrics with passion and authenticity.  He successfully conveys his feelings and the narrative.  That narrative is ex-girl is with a new boy and it’s not Joji.  While it’s a bit indulgent, all in all, it’s a great way to commence In Tongues.

The heartbreak continues on “Pills,” finding Joji singing lyrics including, “Please don’t run away” and “I need you back.” So, where do the actual pills come in? On the bridge, where he’s going to get high (“So, I’ll fly away / Zoloft, Xanax / Zoloft, Xanax”). Like the opener, “Pills” is moody, mysterious, introspective, and experimental. This is an alternative breed of R&B.

“Demons” 

“Demons” features clever lyricism to say the least.  The central theme seems to be a relationship.  On this particular record, Joji seems be discussing the inevitable breakup – the “death” of the relationship. In some instances, it seems he’s putting a bandage on things, even as there’s no ‘smooth sailing’: “We don’t gotta die so soon / So I just behave for you.” On the chorus, he emphasizes warning over threat.  On the outro, he’s ready to end it: “Please just let me go / Let me go / I’ve seen enough…”

“Window” features excellent drum programming anchoring things down.  Although it’s set in a major key, “Window” remains moody, lacking optimism.  Actually, it’s flat out pessimistic. “I see nothing out the window,” Joji sings, continuing, “Watching all the leaves grow… / Feels better in my dreams though.” The death referenced in “Demons” seems literal here, particularly by the outro: “Eyes closed / Eyes closed / Head down / Eyes closed / Ice cold / Melt down.”

“Bitter Fuck”

On “Bitter Fuck,” Joji describes himself as just that – a bitter fuck.  He references his issues and blames his ex- for making him a “bitter fuck,” particularly on the first verse and the chorus.

“Now I’m a bitter fuck / They call me a bitter fuck / Because of you / Because of you.”

The bluntness continues on the second verse.  Two key words serve as the foundation of the verse: bitch and fuck.  Charming.  In regards to bitch, Joji describes her as being lame, yet goes on to say she “just came all over me.” In regards to fuck, it’s double entendre, with the primary meaning being, ‘don’t mess with me,’ hence showcasing the bitterness. The ukulele fueled “worldstar money (interlude)” follows, abstractly (It serves as the closing cut of the EP version, released November 3, 2017).

The Deluxe Edition

“Plastic Taste”

The majority of the In Tongues (Deluxe) is made up of remixes.  Prior to the eight remixes, ther are two additional songs. “Plastic Taste” arrives after “worldstar money (interlude).”  A mere two minutes in length, the vibes remain alternative and incredibly moody. After dragging initially, “Plastic Taste” picks up a steady groove temporarily.  Following the stability, the left-of-center track goes, lethargic and somewhat out of sync, only to bring back the groove later.  This fits the vibes of In Tongues by all means, but beyond vibe itself is a bit difficult to embrace.

Another moody, vibe-laded cut follows in “I Don’t Wanna Waste My Time.” Unlike “Plastic Taste,” there’s more standard structure.  Because Joji does a better job of shaping this record, it’s more accessible.  Don’t get it twisted – this isn’t the next Billboard Hot 100 hit – but there’s a little more here.  The tone of his voice is unique, which is a selling point.  The inaccuracy of the pitch is a con.

The Remixes 

A quick rundown of the remixes. Fittingly, the best song of In Tongues, “Will He,” gets two mixes.  The first is courtesy of Medasin, while the second comes at the hands of Ryan Hemsworth.  Both are starkly different, with Medasin adding more modern electronic touches, while Hemsworth takes a throwback route. Hemsworth comes out with a darker, more dramatic edition. Lapalux handles the first of two remixes of “Demons,” a gem from the original EP.  The experimental, moody touches fit the left-of-center artist that Joji presents himself as.  The Lunice remix is more hip-hop-electro oriented, which makes for a unique listening experience.  Neither is game-changing, but both are distinct and worth checking out.

Actress is the most prolific remixer, stretching the two-and-a-half-minute “Window” to more than nine.  The rhythmic intensity is a pro, but at nine minutes, its more background music than forefront music. “Pills” falls in the hands of HWLS, with enjoyable, groovy results. Salute takes on the foul “Bitter Fuck,” one of the better, more intriguing remixes of the bunch. SwuM closes things out, handling “I Don’t Wanna Waste My Time” with solid results.  

Final Thoughts 

All in all, Joji offers something unique with In Tongues.  The vibe is definitely the best attribute.  Lyrically, this project requires the listener to read into what he sings, as opposed to always laying things out ‘cut and dry.’ There are no ‘hits’ on this EP, nor the expanded deluxe edition, but there’s potential.  Even in its expanded form, one glaring flaw remains – the lack of truly dynamic, memorable, and truly progressive moments. 

Gems: “Will He,” “Demons,” “Bitter Fuck,” “Will He (Ryan Hemsworth Remix)” & “Bitter Fuck (salute remix)” 

Joji • In Tongues (Deluxe) • 88rising / EMPIRE • Release: 2.16.18 

Photo Credit: 88rising / EMPIRE