Nectar＜White Vinyl＞

Breaking into the mainstream with 2018s 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 hes 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 Weeknds 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, Im in Hell/And Ive cried up and down in these hallways. Soulful, hypnotizing, and packed with emotion, its not just the best song on the album, but it might be the best song in Jojis 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 hes done in the past and shines a light on where hes headed in the future. ~ Neil Z. Yeung

待望の2作目が到着。前作でのブレイクから2年の間に歌唱面をブラッシュアップしたのか、"Ew"での切々としたファルセットからディプロ作"Daylight"での落ち着いた低音まで、安定感を増した印象。聴き心地の暗さや湿り気も後退している。ただし彼らしい陰や孤独を背負いつつもロマンティックな曲たちは、今回も刺さる人には深々と刺さるはず。荒涼とした中に光が当たるような"Mr. Hollywood"以降の終盤の展開が素晴らしい。
bounce (C)池谷瑛子