Joji, Run | Track Review 🎵

[usr 4.5]

Joji surprises with his first brand-new single of 2020, “Run,” which embraces an alternative sound, contrasting his previous music.

2019 was a relatively quiet year for Joji (George Miller).  In 2018, he’d released his debut album, BALLADS 1, featuring gems like “Slow Dancing in the Dark”, “Test Drive”, and my personal favorite, “No Fun.”  He did manage to release one new single post-BALLADS 1 in 2019, “Sanctuary.”  Now, fresh into a new decade, he returns with a brand-new single, “Run.”

“Run” features production by Justin Parker, who also co-writes along with Joji and Daniel Wilson.  I mention the production first because the sound is quite different from previous songs by Miller.  Rather than embracing the R&B vein we’re accustomed to, “Run” has more of an alternative pop vibe.  It’s a stark contrast, but it’s quite the compelling one.  Rather than rely on keyboards and synths, it’s quite interesting to hear Miller backed by electric guitar.  Furthermore, it’s also alluring to hear him sing in falsetto, flaunting his upper register on the chorus:

“I know you’re not in love, like you used to be
Guess I’m not the one, like you used to think
So, you just run
I know that I’m stuck in this misery
Guess I’m not enough, like you used to think
So, I’ll just run.”

Of course, Joji, doesn’t merely sing in falsetto.  He sings quite robustly (chest voice) on the both the verses.  The lyrics are emotionally charged, with matters of the heart fueling the fire. “I fell for your magic, I tasted your skin,” Miller sings on the first verse, continuing, “And though this is tragic, at least I found the end.”  On the second verse, he asks, “Will I pay my dues? / Your love was a mystery / Yeah, my love is a fool / And I travel the country just to get to you.”

Final Thoughts

Perhaps Joji’s lover (or ex-lover) is running away, and he is too, but you won’t want to ‘run’ away from “Run” itself (That’s a mouthful of runs!).  This is quite the intriguing track from George Miller, if I do say so myself.  It’s gorgeously performed, features a memorable chorus and emotionally charged, relatable lyrics, and it is superbly produced. I’m a fan!

[usr 4.5]

Joji • “Run” – Single • 88rising / 12Tone Music • Release: 2.6.20

Photo Credits: 88rising / 12Tone Music