Ballads 1
{{Short description|2018 album by Joji}}
{{Infobox album
| name = Ballads 1
| type = studio
| artist = Joji
| cover = Joji – Ballads 1.png
| alt =
| released = {{start date|2018|10|26|df=y}}
| recorded =
| studio =
| genre = {{Hlist|R&B|lo-fi|downtempo|trap|pop}}
| length = 35:06
| label = * 88rising
| producer = {{hlist|Rogét Chahayed|Clams Casino|D33J|John Durham|Ryan Hemsworth|Jam City|Joji|RL Grime|Shlohmo|Thundercat|Patrick Wimberly}}
| prev_title = In Tongues
| prev_year = 2017
| next_title = Nectar
| next_year = 2020
| misc = {{Singles
| name = Ballads 1
| type = studio
| single1 = Yeah Right
| single1date = 8 May 2018
| single2 = Slow Dancing in the Dark
| single2date = 12 September 2018
| single3 = Can't Get Over You
| single3date = 2 October 2018
| single4 = Test Drive
| single4date = 16 October 2018
}}
}}
Ballads 1 is the debut studio album by Japanese-Australian singer-songwriter Joji. It serves as a follow-up to the previous year's In Tongues (his first project as Joji) and Pink Season (his only album released under his former alter-ego Pink Guy). Ballads 1 was released on 26 October 2018 through 88rising and 12Tone Music.{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ballads-1/1437308307 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004145026/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ballads-1/1437308307 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 4, 2018 |title=BALLADS 1 by Joji on Apple Music |website=iTunes |accessdate=2 October 2018}} The album debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 as well as number one on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The album was certified platinum by the RIAA in October 2021.{{Cite web|title=Gold & Platinum|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/|access-date=2022-01-07|website=RIAA|language=en-US}}
Composition and writing
Ballads 1 is primarily produced by Joji himself{{Cite news |url=https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/joji-ballads-1-album-stream/ |title=Joji's 'BALLADS 1' Album: Stream It Here |date=28 October 2018 |work=Highsnobiety|access-date=28 October 2018}} and contains only one guest vocal feature, with Trippie Redd appearing on "R.I.P."{{Cite news |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/trippie-redd-and-joji-will-do-anything-for-you-on-rip-new-song.1980815.html |title=Trippie Redd & Joji Will Do Anything For You On "R.I.P." |work=HotNewHipHop|access-date=28 October 2018}} though features production features from names such as Clams Casino, D33J and Shlohmo. The project is introspective, writing about the "reality of love, life and everything in between."{{Cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/tamarherman/2018/10/26/joji-talks-ballads-1-how-his-music-is-just-the-start/#629a5a3c3902 |title=Joji Talks 'Ballads 1' And How His Music Is Just The Start |last=Herman |first=Tamar |work=Forbes|access-date=27 October 2018}} The project ranges from songs that are "heart-wrenching" and sometimes more cheerful to capture the feeling that "no one's sad all the time".{{Cite web |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2018/10/joji-interview-ballads1 |title=The Deed Has Been Done: An Interview With Joji |website=Complex|access-date=27 October 2018}}
The focus of the project is ballads, according to Joji; and in an interview with Annie Mac said that he was trying to make the project full of ballads that are different in their "own special way"{{cite web |last=Jambino |title=Joji Interview – BBC Radio 1 (Annie Mac) |website=YouTube |date=18 September 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE34LTLrqoA|access-date=27 October 2018}} and that are powerful, set a new direction but keep "Joji roots" he established on In Tongues.
Joji stated in an interview with Triple J how he wanted to take a more pop-oriented approach to his style on the album, which began with the single "Yeah Right".{{cite web |title=Joji 'Yeah Right is a song for ugly people' |date=26 July 2018 |url=https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/good-nights/joji-on-yeah-right/10040802 |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=27 October 2018}}
Promotion
= Singles =
The lead single, "Yeah Right", was released on 8 May 2018.{{Cite news |url=https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/joji-yeah-right-video/ |title=Joji Is an Emotional Wreck in His Video for "Yeah Right" |date=27 October 2018 |work=Highsnobiety|access-date=27 October 2018}} It was released with a music video and was produced by Joji.{{Cite news |url=https://pigeonsandplanes.com/music/2018/05/joji-yeah-right |title=Joji Drops New Song 'Yeah Right' |work=PigeonsandPlanes|access-date=27 October 2018}}
Alongside the announcement for Ballads 1, "Slow Dancing in the Dark" was released on 12 September 2018 as the album's second single.{{cite web |last=Skelton |first=Eric |date=12 September 2018 |title=Joji Drops "Slow Dancing in the Dark" Video and Announces 'BALLADS 1' Album |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2018/09/joji-drops-video-for-slow-dancing-in-the-dark-announces-ballads-1-album |accessdate=2 October 2018 |website=Complex}} An accompanying music video directed by Jared Hogan was released the same day.{{cite web |last=Moen |first=Matt |date=12 September 2018 |title=Joji Has a Rough Night in 'Slow Dancing in the Dark' |url=http://www.papermag.com/joji-slow-dancing-video-2604398923.html |accessdate=2 October 2018 |website=Paper Magazine}}
"Can't Get Over You" was released on 2 October 2018 with an accompanying video directed by Miller and SAINT.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/joji-cant-get-over-you-video-731881/ |title=Joji Rollerblades Away From Heartbreak in 'Can't Get Over You' Video |last=Leight |first=Elias |date=2 October 2018 |magazine=Rolling Stone |accessdate=2 October 2018}} The album's release date, cover artwork and track listing were revealed the same day.
"Test Drive" was released on 16 October 2018 with an accompanying video directed by James Defina.{{cite web |url=https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/joji-test-drive-video/ |title=Joji Shares Video for RL Grime-Produced "TEST DRIVE" From His Debut Album |last=Sawyer |first=Jonathan |date=16 October 2018 |website=Highsnobiety |accessdate=16 October 2018}}
= Other songs =
A music video for "Wanted U" was released on 29 October 2018, directed by Michael La Burt.{{cite web |url=https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/joji-wanted-u-video/ |title=Joji Is an '80s Rocker in His 'WANTED U' Video |last=Sawyer |first=Jonathan |date=29 October 2018 |website=Highsnobiety |accessdate=29 October 2018}}
Commercial performance
Ballads 1 debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200, with 57,000 album-equivalent units.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8483269/joji-ballads-debut-no-1-top-rb-hip-hop-albums-chart|title=Joji's 'Ballads 1' Debuts at No. 1 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart|magazine=Billboard|access-date=14 April 2019}} The album has since been certified gold as of 16 January 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=joji&ti=&lab=&genre=&format=Album&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=G&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section|title=Gold & Platinum - RIAA|website=Recording Industry Association of America|access-date=3 April 2020}}
Critical reception
{{Album reviews
| rev1 = Highsnobiety
| rev2 = Pitchfork
| rev3 = Rolling Stone
}}
Braudie Blais-Billie from Pitchfork stated "Joji's first full-length project features a host of guests in a quality effort to help push past the confines of his bedroom walls and tedious heartache", going on to write "The ballad is a great mode for Joji. It retains the tormented intimacy of his music while elevating his approach to a more radio-friendly consistency than the runny compositions of In Tongues", giving the album a 6.7/10.{{Cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/joji-ballads-1/ |title=Joji: BALLADS 1 Album Review {{!}} Pitchfork |website= pitchfork.com |access-date= 1 November 2018}} Elias Leight from Rolling Stone gave the project 3 out of 5 stars, complimenting the progression from the In Tongues EP, the change of musical style throughout the project and the ability to produce "a particular kind of self-deprecating pop."{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/joji-ballads-1-review-746844/ |title=Review: Joji Masters Self-Deprecating Pop on 'Ballads 1' |last=Leight |first=Elias |date=29 October 2018 |magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=1 November 2018}}
Rap and R&B blogs, the two genres which are the primary demographic of Miller,{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8061822/joji-interview-will-he-filthy-frank |title=Singer/Producer Joji on His Career Flip From Crude Viral Comedy to Understated R&B: 'Now I Get to Do Stuff That I Want to Hear' |magazine=Billboard|access-date=1 November 2018}} gave the project positive reviews. Highsnobiety gave the project 3/5 stars, calling it a "near-classic" with "on-point production" and complimenting Miller's progression.{{Cite news |url=https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/joji-ballads-1-album-review |title=Joji's 'BALLADS 1' Album Review: A Soul-Baring Near-Classic |date=1 November 2018 |work=Highsnobiety.com |access-date= 1 November 2018}} HotNewHipHop gave the project a "Very Hot" rating, calling the project "smooth."{{Cite news |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/joji-releases-his-ultra-smooth-debut-album-ballads-1-new-mixtape.118540.html |title=Joji Releases His Ultra Smooth Debut Album "BALLADS 1" |work=HotNewHipHop|access-date=1 November 2018}} RIFF magazine complimented Miller's attempt to expand on his potential and spoke on its "array of soundscapes."{{Cite web |url=http://www.riffmagazine.com/album-reviews/joji-ballads-1/ |title=ALBUM REVIEW: Joji pursues his potential with 'Ballads 1' {{!}} RIFF Magazine|website=riffmagazine.com|date=25 October 2018 |access-date=1 November 2018}}
Track listing
{{Track listing
| all_writing = George Miller, except where noted
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| total_length = 35:06
| title1 = Attention
| extra1 = Joji
| length1 = 2:08
| title2 = Slow Dancing in the Dark
| extra2 = {{hlist|Joji|Patrick Wimberly}}
| length2 = 3:29
| title3 = Test Drive
| extra3 = RL Grime
| length3 = 2:59
| title4 = Wanted U
| extra4 = Joji
| length4 = 4:11
| title5 = Can't Get Over You
| note5 = featuring Clams Casino
| extra5 = {{hlist|Thundercat|Clams Casino|Rogét Chahayed}}
| length5 = 1:47
| title6 = Yeah Right
| length6 = 2:54
| title7 = Why Am I Still in LA
| note7 = featuring Shlohmo and D33J
| extra7 = {{hlist|Shlohmo|D33J}}
| length7 = 3:19
| title8 = No Fun
| extra8 = {{hlist||Jam City}}
| length8 = 2:48
| title9 = Come Thru
| extra9 = Shlohmo
| length9 = 2:33
| title10 = R.I.P.
| note10 = featuring Trippie Redd
| writer10 = {{hlist|Miller|Michael White II}}
| extra10 = {{hlist|Joji|Ryan Hemsworth}}
| length10 = 2:38
| title11 = XNXX
| writer11 = {{hlist|Miller|John Durham}}
| extra11 = {{hlist|Joji|Durham}}
| length11 = 2:07
| title12 = I'll See You in 40
| extra12 = Joji
| length12 = 4:13
}}
Personnel
Credits adapted from Tidal.{{cite web |url=https://tidal.com/browse/album/96312541 |publisher=Tidal |title=BALLADS 1 {{!}} Joji|accessdate=6 December 2019}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
Technical
- Henry Laufer – mixing {{small|(7)}}, recording {{small|(7, 9)}}
- Francisco "Frankie" Ramirez – mixing {{small|(1, 3–5, 8–12)}}, recording {{small|(1, 3, 4, 8–10)}}, mastering {{small|(11)}}
- Alison McGuire – mixing {{small|(12)}}, recording {{small|(12)}}
- George Miller – recording {{small|(4, 5)}}
- John Durham – recording {{small|(10, 11)}}
- Igor Mamet – recording {{small|(10)}}
- Chris Athens – mastering {{small|(1–5, 7–10, 12)}}
- Jenna Felsenthal – assistant {{small|(1, 3–5, 8–12)}}
- Emmanuel "Yizzo" Lemmon – assistant {{small|(8, 10, 11)}}
{{col-2}}
Musicians
- Patrick Wimberly – additional vocals {{small|(2)}}
{{col-end}}
Charts
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
=Weekly charts=
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ Weekly chart performance for Ballads 1 ! scope="col"| Chart (2018–2023) ! scope="col"| Peak |
| {{album chart|Australia|17|artist=Joji|album=Ballads 1|rowheader=true|accessdate=3 November 2018}} |
| {{album chart|Flanders|81|artist=Joji|album=Ballads 1|rowheader=true|accessdate=3 November 2018}} |
| {{album chart|BillboardCanada|7|M|url=https://www.fyimusicnews.ca/articles/2018/11/04/tory-lanez-releases-2nd-hit-album-seven-month-stretch|title=Tory Lanez Releases 2nd Hit Album In Seven Month Stretch|work=FYIMusicNews|rowheader=true|accessdate=6 November 2018}} |
| {{album chart|Netherlands|44|artist=Joji|album=Ballads 1|rowheader=true|accessdate=3 November 2018}} |
| scope="row"| Hungarian Physical Albums (MAHASZ){{cite web |title=Album Top 40 slágerlista (fizikai hanghordozók) – 2023. 44. hét |url=https://slagerlistak.hu/album-top-40-slagerlista-fizikai-hanghordozok/2023/44 |publisher=MAHASZ |access-date=November 9, 2023}}
| 18 |
|---|
| {{album chart|Ireland2|37|artist=Joji|rowheader=true|accessdate=3 November 2018}} |
| scope="row"| Lithuanian Albums (AGATA){{cite web|url=https://www.agata.lt/lt/naujienos/savaites-klausomiausi-4-2-2/|title=2018 44-os SAVAITĖS (spalio 26-lapkričio 1 d.) ALBUMŲ TOP100|language=lt|publisher=AGATA|date=November 2, 2018|access-date=March 10, 2021}}
| 1 |
| {{album chart|New Zealand|10|artist=Joji|album=Ballads 1|rowheader=true|accessdate=2 November 2018}} |
| {{album chart|Norway|4|artist=Joji|album=Ballads 1|rowheader=true|accessdate=8 December 2018}} |
| {{album chart|Sweden|47|artist=Joji|album=Ballads 1|rowheader=true|accessdate=3 November 2018}} |
| {{album chart|UK2|26|date=20181102|rowheader=true|accessdate=3 November 2018}} |
| {{album chart|UKR&B|8|date=20181102|rowheader=true|accessdate=9 November 2018}} |
| scope="row"| US Billboard 200{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8483107/andrea-bocelli-earns-first-no-1-album-billboard-200-chart|title=Andrea Bocelli Earns First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart With 'Si'|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=4 November 2018|magazine=Billboard|accessdate=5 November 2018}}
| 3 |
| scope="row"| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard){{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8483269/joji-ballads-debut-no-1-top-rb-hip-hop-albums-chart|title=Joji's 'Ballads 1' Debuts at No. 1 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart|magazine=Billboard}}
| 1 |
{{col-2}}
= Year-end charts =
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ 2019 year-end chart performance for Ballads 1 ! scope="col"| Chart (2019) ! scope="col"| Position |
| scope="row"|Icelandic Albums (Plötutíóindi){{cite web|url=https://plotutidindi.is/arslistar/tonlistinn-plotur-2019/|title=Tónlistinn – Plötur – 2019|publisher=Plötutíóindi|language=is|access-date=1 April 2022}}
| 84 |
|---|
| scope="row"| US Billboard 200{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2019/top-billboard-200-albums|title=Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2019|magazine=Billboard|accessdate=5 December 2019}}
| 126 |
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ 2022 year-end chart performance for Ballads 1 ! scope="col"| Chart (2022) ! scope="col"| Position |
| scope="row"| Lithuanian Albums (AGATA){{cite web|url=https://www.agata.lt/lt/naujienos/2022m/|title=2022 metų klausomiausi (Top 100)|publisher=AGATA|language=lt|access-date=28 February 2023}}
| 56 |
|---|
{{col-end}}
Certifications
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for Ballads 1}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|award=Platinum|artist=Joji|title=Ballads 1|type=album|relyear=2020|certyear=2022|access-date=18 October 2022}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|artist=Joji|title=Ballads 1|award=Gold|id=11317|type=album|relyear=2018|certyear=2022|access-date=23 May 2022}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=Joji|title=Ballads 1|award=Platinum|type=album|relyear=2018|certyear=2021|source=radioscope|access-date=31 December 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Singapore|artist=Joji|title=Ballad 1|award=Gold|type=album|relyear=2018|certyear=2021|access-date=25 January 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Joji|title=Ballads 1|award=Gold|type=album|relyear=2018|certyear=2023|access-date=7 May 2023|id=16630-5203-2}}
{{Certification Table Entry|artist=Joji|award=Platinum|certyear=2021|region=United States|relyear=2018|title=Ballads 1|type=album|access-date=10 October 2021}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true|noshipments=true}}
References
{{reflist}}
{{Joji (musician)}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Joji (musician) albums
Category:Albums produced by D33J
Category:Albums produced by Ryan Hemsworth
Category:Albums produced by Jam City
Category:Albums produced by Clams Casino (musician)
Category:Albums produced by Thundercat (musician)
Category:Albums produced by Patrick Wimberly
Category:Pop albums by Japanese artists
Category:Pop albums by Australian artists