You may know Joji, or George Miller, as FilthyFrank, an internet comedian with over 6 million subscribers on YouTube. He’s the man behind the viral “Harlem Shake” videos that took over the internet back in 2013. His unique comedy gained a lot of attention on the site over the years, while his music side project remained lesser known on SoundCloud. Miller underwent quite the transformation: from the shock-comedian FilthyFrank to the emotional, lo-fi artist we all now know and love as Joji.
Miller first began to release his music in 2014 under the name Pink Guy, making oddly comedic, yet very well-produced rap music. It was evident that he wanted to take his creative passions more seriously when fans began to become increasingly more aware of his presence on SoundCloud. Joji’s music caught the interest of 88Rising, the record label and media company home of Rich Brian and Keith Ape. After being signed, going on a tour, and releasing an EP, Miller officially retired his YouTube channel and reinvented himself as a musician.
Miller has matured even more since then, with his first full-length LP BALLADS1. After gaining a bit of mainstream appeal with his euphonious ballad “Slow Dancing in the Dark”, the album only provided fans with more of the atmospheric production and contemplative lyrics that many love from Joji.
BALLADS1 flawlessly fixed many of the problems listeners had with In Tongues. The short track list of the EP quickly felt overplayed after the first few listens; most songs, since they used similar instrumentation, began to sound the same. Joji was more creative on this new album, with features from Trippie Redd, Clams Casino, and Shlohmo. Instrumentally, the most stand out track after several listens is continually “Test Drive”. The crisp production of the track paired with the soothing instrumentals blend to create this hit. This was one of the most radio-friendly tracks Joji has released, with production that I would describe as a more lo-fi version of XXXTENTACION’s ?. It is impossible not to sing along to it, as Joji reaches the sophisticated high notes in the pre-chorus.
Joji and Clams Casino’s music video for “Can’t Get Over You”
Lyrically, the best track is “Slow Dancing in the Dark”. Slow Dancing is the ballad nobody knew they needed from Joji. This is one of his more vulnerable songs, with the first lyric claiming he “doesn’t want a friend” and “wants his life in two,” clearly yearning for the woman that is the subject quite often on this album. He then tells this person to leave him be: “When I’m around slow dancing in the dark / Don’t follow me you’ll end up in my arms”. Joji discusses this lyric: “It’s like when you see me out there lost, don’t come following me ‘cause you’ll be just as lost as me. And if you don’t know what you want and that person doesn’t know what they want either, then they’ll end up with each and it’ll just be [messed] up.” He wants to be with this person; but, he also knows it isn’t what they genuinely want and wishes for them to leave him be when he’s alone, as to avoid an unhealthy relationship. It’s a complicated emotion that many have failed to put into words.
Tracks “No Fun” and “Can’t Get Over You” are ones that could easily be played in a nightclub. They make you feel good, with a similar vibe to that of “Midsummer Madness,” 88Risings summer hit that made its way to #23 on the Billboard Hot R&B Charts. The hard-hitting bass-line of “Come Thru”, “Attention”’s strong vocals, and the sheer creative genius of “Yeah Right” are some of the strongest elements of the album. There is quite a bit of self-deprecating commentary within the lyrics of this album, as well as his previous work. Romance, longing, and hopelessness is all one can expect from George Miller, and I can’t get enough of it.
Check out Joji’s mind-blowing, aesthetically pleasing music video for “Slow Dancing in the Dark.”
Overview
Best Tracks: Slow Dancing in the Dark, Test Drive, Yeah Right
Perfect For: Driving around at night; Getting into your feelings
Rating: 7/10
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