I cover

I

Juju · 2018

59 min · 13 tracks · jazz

A rich blend of jazz-infused pop and soulful R&B, layered with intimate storytelling and lush instrumentation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Love Is Like — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its smooth jazz feel and poignant lyrics about love's complexities, establishing Juju's signature style.
  • →
    RISKY — With its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, this track exemplifies Juju's ability to blend pop sensibilities with deeper emotional themes about taking chances in love.
  • →
    Because of You — This ballad highlights Juju's vocal prowess and emotional delivery, making it a standout moment on the album that resonates with listeners through its heartfelt narrative.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production but remains within familiar genre boundaries.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of layered instrumentation, with strings and horns complementing the piano and rhythm sections throughout.
  • Tracks often shift dynamics, with several songs starting softly before building to a fuller sound in the choruses.
  • The first half of the album maintains an upbeat tempo, while the second half introduces slower, more reflective pieces.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo emotional flow
  • intimate late-night listening experience
  • thoughtful storytelling with vocals
  • reflective moments of connection

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced tracks
  • seek upbeat party anthems

Where this album fits

Career context
When Juju released 'I' in February 2018, she was already a prominent figure in the Japanese music scene, known for her unique fusion of genres. This album followed her successful releases, including her earlier work 'L', and showcased her evolution as an artist while solidifying her presence in mainstream Japanese pop music.
Stylistic neighbors
Hiatus Kaiyote· Erykah Badu· Tom Misch

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Love Is Like 5:21
  • 2 いいわけ 4:50
  • 3 かわいそうだよね 4:53
  • 4 東京 5:44
  • 5 あの夜のふたり 5:19
  • 6 RISKY 4:11
  • 7 Let It Flow 4:11
  • 8 Because of You 4:44
  • 9 Roll the Dice 3:54
  • 10 ウラハラ 3:32
  • 11 believe believe 3:53
  • 12 あなたがくれたもの 4:14
  • 13 I 4:55

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata