What does Smithereens sound like?

A contemplative blend of lo-fi beats and emotional vocal delivery that explores themes of love and longing. Rooted in alternative rock and contemporary R&B. Start with "Glimpse of Us".

Is Smithereens a good place to start with Joji?

Yes, Smithereens is recommended as a starting point for new Joji listeners. A contemplative blend of lo-fi beats and emotional vocal delivery that explores themes of love and longing. Released on November 4, 2022, 'Smithereens' is Joji's follow-up to his successful second album 'Nectar' from 2020. At this point, Joji had transitioned from his early online persona into a serious artist, gaining recognition for his unique sound blending R&B and alternative influences. This album represents an evolution in his songwriting, showcasing deeper emotional narratives.

Who is Smithereens for?

Smithereens works well if you're into tender heartache for quiet moments, short bursts of emotional reflection and introspective melodies for late nights.

How many songs are on Smithereens?

Smithereens has 9 tracks, running approximately 24 minutes.

Smithereens

Joji · 2022

24 min · 9 tracks · alternative rock

A contemplative blend of lo-fi beats and emotional vocal delivery that explores themes of love and longing.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Glimpse of Us Start here — This track serves as the emotional centerpiece of the album, featuring poignant reflections on heartbreak that resonate across Joji's fanbase. Its vulnerability and melodic beauty have made it a standout hit.
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Die For You — Here, Joji combines lush instrumentation with introspective lyrics about sacrifice and yearning, showcasing his ability to blend pop sensibilities with deeper themes.
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NIGHT RIDER — With its darker undertones and pulsing beat, this track highlights Joji's versatility, offering a more upbeat yet introspective take on his usual style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album blends emotional vocals with varied tempos, creating a dynamic yet cohesive sound throughout.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that build emotional intensity, particularly in the choruses.
The album includes interludes that serve as transitions between songs, altering the flow and pacing of the overall experience.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

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

tender heartache for quiet moments
short bursts of emotional reflection
introspective melodies for late nights
front-loaded energy for quick listens

Maybe skip if you

seeking long, immersive experiences
prefer upbeat, high-energy tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows Joji's continued evolution as an artist after earlier successes.
Career context: Released on November 4, 2022, 'Smithereens' is Joji's follow-up to his successful second album 'Nectar' from 2020. At this point, Joji had transitioned from his early online persona into a serious artist, gaining recognition for his unique sound blending R&B and alternative influences. This album represents an evolution in his songwriting, showcasing deeper emotional narratives.
Stylistic neighbors: Smino· Kali Uchis· Frank Ocean