This year marks the 5th anniversary of his iconic debut album BALLADS 1, his platinum-certified seminal full-length project which contains some of the biggest hits in his career – including multi-platinum hits “SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK” and “YEAH RIGHT”.

Joji – Ballads 1 (2018, Clear, Vinyl) - Discogs Joji – Ballads 1 (2018, Clear, Vinyl) - Discogs

As for common Urban Outfitters flaws there aren't many on this release expect on Track 3: "Test Drive" . My record came with shards of something on it, I can't tell if it's from the edges of the paper sleeve or the edge of the record itself (which came noticeably jagged, and I was able to clean it up more by giving it a light rub against a cloth). Beverly Hills, New York City and London, Loma Vista Recordings are an ever-evolving family of creatives, home to many iconic artists we know and love at Rough Trade.

In 2022, following on the heels of the 2X Platinum single “Glimpse of Us”, Joji released his latest album SMITHEREENS, which expands on the powerful emotions of the breakout hit. Through the recording process, Joji has unlocked an ambitious new sound and style that’s uniquely his own. His first full-length studio album, BALLADS 1, is, simply put, a collection of ballads dedicated to the theme of change. After months and months of waiting, I finally got my copy and I'm glad I didn't read the comments beforehand as my copy sounds amazing!

Ballads 1 Vinyl - Etsy UK Ballads 1 Vinyl - Etsy UK

Otherwise every song sounds great and mastered well for vinyl, aside from some odd and jarring distortion in the end of WHY AM I STILL IN LA, and beginning of NO FUN on the left audio channel. Was looking through the Joji Subreddit and found out this pressing was supposed to be gold instead of white. The centre labels were again quite minimalistic, a theme Joji was obviously going for, and looked good.

The album is predominantly self-produced, yet features notable collaborations with producers Shlohmo, Clams Casino, Thundercat, RL Grime, Patrick Wimberly, Jam City, and a vocal feature from rapper Trippie Redd. Joji defies convention--his songs characterized by down tempo, melancholic themes and soulful vocals, layered over lush grimy textures, blending elements of trap, folk, electronic, and R/B. BALLADS 1 also represents Joji’s evolution as an artist since the release of his debut EP In Tongues in November 2017.