Breaking into the mainstream with 2018's
Ballads 1, Japanese singer/songwriter
Joji levels up with his sophomore set,
Nectar, a collection of alternative pop and R&B gems that marks a huge artistic step forward for the musician. As an underground favorite for years,
Joji finally sounds like he's ready for the big leagues with
Nectar, leaving behind the insular and woozy experiments of his early days and setting his sights on improved production and stronger songwriting. Piano twinkles add depth and sophistication to tracks such as the lush "MODUS" and the yearning "Mr. Hollywood," while pop-savvy production choices elevate highlights like "777" -- which sounds like
Post Malone joining
the Postal Service -- and the sweeping synths of "Your Man." Meanwhile,
Joji toys with genre on the skittering electro of "Gimme Love," the trap-kissed "Pretty Boy" with
Lil Yachty, and the haunting sweep of "Run," which recalls
the Weeknd's dramatic gravitas. Additional guests include
Omar Apollo ("High Hopes"),
Rei Brown ("Normal People"),
BENEE ("Afterthought"),
Yves Tumor ("Reanimator"), and
Diplo ("Daylight"). The latter collaboration is the absolute standout on
Nectar, swelling to a gorgeous, heartbreaking chorus as
Joji reveals, "I'm in Hell/And I've cried up and down in these hallways." Soulful, hypnotizing, and packed with emotion, it's not just the best song on the album, but it might be the best song in
Joji's catalog to date. By expanding his sonic scope, the one-time viral Internet comedian unlocks a fresh set of possibilities for where he can take his sound. Bold, brave, and bigger-budget,
Nectar is a major turning point for
Joji, a declaration and creative jump that eclipses what he's done in the past and shines a light on where he's headed in the future. ~ Neil Z. Yeung
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