Review: Joji – Nectar

Hey all! Sorry for the inactivity these past few weeks. I will try to post more on my story as school is coming in full swing now. Here is the review:

Joji’s highly anticipated sophomore full-length project is finally out for his patient fans and the rest of the music community. The internet phenom turned Lo-fi/R&B producer and singer-songwriter releases 18 tracks that constitute a 54-minute album. I have been a big fan since his YouTube days, so I have also been waiting for this album after listening to the preview singles Gimme Love and Run. However, I have fairly low expectations for this album as I heard that it has been rushed for release and many producers collaborated on this record rather than using Joji’s own production. Also, the inclusion of three singles including the older Sanctuary may suggest that Joji is intending to run up his streaming numbers. The introduction song really supports the fact that Joji barely produced the instrumentals because the producer uses the falsely grandiose orchestral beat. This style of production was heavily utilized on Rich Brian’s The Sailor, lightly used on NIKI’s MOONCHILD, and overall, merely an 88rising effort of making their artist’s music sound grander. Track-by-track analysis:

MODUS – The orchestral production appears here again, but Joji includes more playful short rap verses.

Tick Tock – I like it when the chorus hits and the instrumental sounds more original on this track. Otherwise, the redundant lyrics and delivery make me feel like I will get annoyed with the song soon.

Daylight – Diplo’s production tears away any chance of profound artistry. Joji’s penmanship here is lazy and half-hearted as he uses words and the theme of heaven and hell to attempt to evoke emotion. The melody is also extremely formulaic as Joji seems to try to abide by the producer’s sound; the whole song comes off as Joji selling out to mainstream Pop.

Upgrade – This misplaced interlude by itself is pleasant to listen to as Joji talks to someone he wants to be with about how they should meet and if they are the right fit for each other. However, it seems like it was supposed to add to a story that is clearly not present.

Gimme Love – Gimme Love was my favorite single that Joji prereleased for this album. The individual musical progression is well thought out; the lyrics sound a little silly for the, again, grandiose production, but I actually enjoy that contrast.

Run – Another single that was released prior to this album, Run, stood out to me because of the strong guitar emphasis for the beat. The same-old Joji love lyrics are present, and there is a guitar solo that overpowers every other element on this track.

Sanctuary – I have a personal connection to this song that is partly contributed by MaxMoeFoe crying to it on a podcast, so I do not want to judge the song’s merit. Still, the inclusion of this single is completely unnecessary for this album because it released almost a year ago.

High Hopes – Literally, Joji discusses high hopes of relationships on this track and how “love is so blind when you feel it.” Omar Apollo contributes a rap verse that is more memorable than Joji’s, even with its mindless lyrics.

NITROUS – Why is this song so short? Joji was onto some good musical ideas here, but I guess he just ran out of writing strength? The production was much more unique than the tracks before.

Pretty Boy – I love the overzealous attitude of the song; Lil Yachty’s feature is perfect for it. This feels like a meme song, but some of Joji’s lyrics suggest otherwise, which is disappointing.

Normal People – A catchy, short track that does not really develop. rei brown’s minute verse is extremely forgettable as I thought it was just Joji singing in a different pitch.

Afterthought – A cute song where Joji describes a relationship that did not work out. BENEE acts as the partner singing back to him “’cause I’m sorry, but you don’t want me.” The melody creation seems lazy, but the short breaths of singing go well with the beat. The outro has a great emphasis on Joji’s vocals.

Mr. Hollywood – One of the slightly more meaningful cuts, Joji sings “she said, ‘Mr. Hollywood, won’t you come back soon?” The “she” is just some partner asking him not to forget his roots when he gains fame and musical prominence. I love the instrumental and the strangely characteristic outro.

777 – Surprisingly, I like the electronic/dance production, but the heavy autotune is horrendous. The pre-chorus and the overall vocal execution are so terrible that I do not even want to listen for lyrics.

Reanimator – It is nice to hear Yves Tumor’s experimental production here but come on, Joji; a Joji album without his own beats does not feel right. His verse here is also flat and ugly to listen to. Tumor’s verse adds nothing.

Like You Do – This is a very thoughtful and sweet love song to a specific person. “You’re the one I can’t lose / No one loves me like you do.” I must admit that this instrumental complements Joji’s singing well. He flexes his vocal range at the bridge before the last chorus.

Your Man – I am ready to finish this album. This is an atrocious album ending. Is he really suggesting that this album was about one person? Or is he trying to please the people who want to hear this?

This is undoubtedly the most unsatisfying listening experience I sat through this year. Joji’s one of my favorite artists (including content creator) ever, but I must admit that this was not a good album. I honestly wish he took more time with the album and honestly hope that there was a mandatory deadline he had to meet because otherwise, I am concerned about his musical regression and motivational regression if so. A majority of the tracks are produced by completely different producers, and many writers were invited to help with Joji’s songs. Without Joji’s signature experimental beats and noise effects he creates with household objects, you would expect him to put his effort into his songwriting, but most of the lyrics are half-hearted and the inclusion of other writers creates skepticism of the authenticity in what he is saying. Even though Ballads 1 was raw and had some filler, I prefer the personality that was showcased with his individual writing and production. I hope he is not selling out.

Honorable Mentions: Sanctuary and Mr. Hollywood

Least Favorites: Daylight, Normal People, 777, Reanimator, Your Man

Score: 5.0