On Nov. 4, 2022, Japanese singer-songwriter George Kusunoki Miller, known professionally as Joji, released his third studio album “SMITHEREENS” after his previous well-charting albums “BALLADS 1” and “Nectar.”
While some believe his new album reflects his growing identity as a rising artist, others see it as a step down from what he has previously released.
“SMITHEREENS” is Joji’s shortest album released so far, offering nine tracks and clocking in at a mere twenty-four minutes. “SMITHEREENS” offers similar tones to his previous album “Nectar,” but it is known for its more vulnerable side and Joji’s strong vocal performance. While some saw the album as lacking in new material from Joji, others chalked it up to the album length being too short making it feel underdeveloped.
Though his songs are similar to some of his previous works such as “SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK,” his melodies have greatly improved along with his vocals. Though his album is short, contrary to popular belief, I don’t think it’s lacking in any qualities. Joji seems to cover a new take on his album, which focuses on a general ambience the music provides rather than having several songs do the explaining, making the album more personal and detail-oriented.
“His style has not developed into something … pivotal in his career”
It is evident that “Glimpse Of Us” is a fan favorite characterized by its melancholic melodies and dark tones. In this song, Joji compares a current relationship to one of the past expressing the love he had toward his previous partner. His song confesses the conflict in his emotions as he feels betrayed by the fact that his current partner is perfect and yet he cannot reciprocate her feelings. His lyrics have claimed many trends such as the one on the platform Tiktok: the lyric “Cause sometimes I look in her eyes and that’s where I find a glimpse of us and I try to fall for her touch, but I’m thinking of the way it was” shows his creative ingenuity and his accurate depiction of emotions.
Even so, Joji’s other releases “Die For You” and “Dissolve” seem to be more deserving of this attention. Similar to “Glimpse Of Us,” “Die For You” also covers post relationship emotions. What sets it apart from “Glimpse Of Us” is his succinct wording in being able to tell a story. “Die For You” is unique and really allows the listener to almost seamlessly follow a story.
“Dissolve” is also heavily underappreciated. The blend between rhythm and lyrics is perfectly balanced. While “Die For You” tells a story, “Dissolve” leads you through Joji’s internal thoughts which seems a lot more personal and unfiltered. Showing vulnerability and allowing his fans to connect through his selective wording is a great achievement as well as an underrated success. Perhaps the top two songs of his album should really be “Die For You” and “Dissolve.”
However, even though there have been a few major successes with his album, I think one drawback is his style. His style has not developed into something revolutionary or pivotal in his career, which makes his discography static.
Overall, Joji has managed to release an album that has stormed the hearts of his fans. Given that his songs are similar and unoriginal, but still pleasing to listen to, the album deserves 3.5 out of 5 stars.
