Nearly a month ago to date, Joji, otherwise known as George Miller and formerly the Internet personality “Filthy Frank,” released his sophomore album titled “Nectar.” Two years since the release of his first album, “Ballads 1,” “Nectar” has come as a relief after releasing his first single “Sanctuary” from the new album back in June of 2019. Taking a different route from his debut. “Nectar” presents a livelier heart within the subdued music. Featuring a number of artists such as Diplo (“Lonely”), Lil Yachty (“iSpy”) and BANEE (“Supalonely”), the 18-track album consists of six featured artists and a majority of solo works.
Starting off the album with a beautiful intro, “Ew,” is a lovely ballad exhibiting strings and piano in what would almost seem fitting for his previous album. The most contrasting feature from “Ballads 1” is simply how well apparent the air of maturity within just the rhythm of this song alone. “Ballads 1,” which focused primarily on the trials of love lost, self-deprecation and distain for those that are not likeminded, “Nectar” puts its best foot forward in being observant and even introspective at times. With hints of R&B and Soul, Joji experiments throughout the album with his limitations and possibilities.
Falling into mainstream media, “Daylight” featuring Diplo launched the artist into the public. With his previous songs like “SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK” trending on TikTok, and his previous YouTube career, Joji is no stranger to fame. Many can comment though that his fan base has expanded drastically since his debut album with his infiltration of featuring artists that tie in several of his musical interest and vocal strengths. The bright and colorful imagery that plays along with the video for this release is one that highlights a main component typically seen in Joji’s work: helplessness. Contrasting the likes of depressing lyrics about a personal down spiral, the beats laid out by Diplo make it a song that one can bop to and enjoy.
“Gimme Love,” “Run” and “Sanctuary” were also singles released in anticipation of “Nectar.” Contrasting greatly in styles and overall impact, each song managed to reign in a variety of fans and display different aspects of the artist’s voice than what had been seen in the distorted and fuzzy sounds of “Ballads 1.” With entertaining music videos that are lighthearted turned tragic and ones that simply capture the likes of melancholy self-denial, these three songs in particular cast a range of emotions when presented right in a row leaving the listener in a tug-of-war leading one to either get a rush of joy or heartbreak.
“Pretty Boy” with Lil Yachty was surprisingly an interesting song for the pair. Focusing around the topic of public personas, the duo put forth their best faces and hard exteriors despite failing to cope with a lot of their internal conflicts as individuals. Considered friends, the two get along quite well outside of the studio and their chemistry alone seems to be what makes this song click so well, despite their drastic approaches to music being that Yachty is a rap artist but his subdued voices fits perfectly with Joji’s R&B.
Joji’s “Nectar” is an impressive feat and one that many will end up revisiting. Between the likes of “Afterthought,” “Mr. Hollywood,” “Your Man” and “Tick Tock,” there is bound to be a favorite for everyone on this album. In the spirit of celebrating his sophomore album, Joji will have an online ticked event “The Extravaganza” on Oct. 23, featuring a series of live performances and high intensity entertainment with the likes of dunk booths, cages and fire because if there is anything this artist knows, he knows how to have a chaotic-time.
Image from Netflix via YouTube
