Japanese singer-songwriter, George Miller, known by his stage name of Joji and formerly Filthy Frank and Pink Guy, released his third album Smithereens November 4. The album is loyal to Joji’s melancholic tone, though it seems he’s graduated from outright sadness and moved onto intense and mournful longing. The music is still sorrowful, but it’s a different kind of sorrow; a kind that reminisces on what once was, or could’ve been.

The album starts with Joji’s hit song “Glimpse of Us,” a track he released as a single June 10. Looking back on a failed romance, Joji expresses his inability to move past his former lover, constantly seeing her in his new partner. The opening song sets the mood for the rest of the album, and listeners should be prepared to experience feelings of regret, guilt and yearning. 

Joji’s Smithereens tour took place prior to the album’s release, September 1 to October 20. Having the opportunity to attend his first show in Palo Alto at the Frost Amphitheater, I eagerly await his performances of the new tracks on Smithereens. He recently announced a continuation of the tour, Smithereens Oblivion, that would feature an additional three dates next summer; May 6 in New York City at the Madison Square Garden, May 13 in Los Angeles at the Kia Forum and August 17 in London at Gunnersbury Park. 

These major venues are indicative of Joji’s increasingly large fanbase. Nevertheless, this growing popularity is well deserved. Joji’s evolution from a Youtube comedian to a talented songster is ever-commendable, with each new project of his showing continued stylistic versatility and lyrical maturity.
My only grievance is the brevity of the album — a mere nine songs totaling to 24 minutes and 23 seconds. I can’t help but want more, but I suppose that’s the price of quality music.