Those who don’t know who George Miller is are likely to know his aliases. Whether it is internet personality Filthy Frank or Joji, Miller has the ability to greatly impact the world through the content he creates. (Remember the Harlem Shake dance challenge? Yeah that’s him.) As he switched from his comedy days as YouTuber Filthy Frank to Joji, a more serious musician under the 88 Rising label, he didn’t lose the velocity that makes his voice one that cannot be ignored. But with this reinvention comes the expectations of an evergrowing fanbase, and the struggle to surpass an already high bar that has been set.
Originally set to debut in the early summer, Nectar was pushed back to September. This left Joji fans with just the singles to tie them over until the release, with my favorites being “Gimme Love” and “Sanctuary;” two love songs with totally opposite tempos. “Gimme Love” was hectic, and heart racing, while “Sanctuary” was a sweet ballad. With the success of these singles, I was patiently waiting for the release with high hopes and even higher expectations.
That being said, Joji’s third solo studio album Nectar did not disappoint. Nectar is something familiar, yet new. Keeping the themes of heartache and loss of his previous album BALLADS 1, Joji delivers a highly produced lo-fi trip that makes you feel as if you’ve been transported into space (a theme highlighted in the music video for the single “Gimme Love”). Somber and soothing at times, with an emphasis on classical influences mixed with chill beats, Nectar showcases the best of Joji’s producing and lyrical skills. Nectar is true to its name, sweet and unexpected with a flavor all its own.
The album features some prominent names as well such as Diplo, Lil Yachty, Yves Tumor, and Omar Apollo. Their additions don’t detract from the overall aesthetic of the album and actually help elevate Joji’s often sleep-songy vocals. My favorite feature comes from BENEE on the song “Afterthought.” It’s a really beautiful analysis of how sometimes love just doesn’t work out from the perspective of both people within the relationship.
Nectar’s true power comes from the emotion of the songs. They all are drenched in melancholy and longing, creating a beautifully sad album. The main focus of the album is love and all its complications, with Joji’s heart integral in every song. Highlights of the album include the three singles (“Sanctuary,” “Gimme Love,” and “Run”), as well as the opening and closing songs of the album (“Ew” and “Your Man”). Nectar is something truly special, delivering a 53-minute emotion-filled trip through 18 songs that will leave you wanting more.
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