| Ballads 1 | |
| Type: | studio |
| Artist: | Joji |
| Cover: | Joji – Ballads 1.png |
| Length: | 35:06 |
| Label: |
|
| Prev Title: | In Tongues |
| Prev Year: | 2017 |
| Next Title: | Nectar |
| Next Year: | 2020 |
Ballads 1 is the debut studio album by the Japanese singer-songwriter Joji. It serves as a follow-up to In Tongues (2017) his first project as Joji, and Pink Season (2017), his only album released under his former alter-ego, Pink Guy. Ballads 1 was released on 26 October 2018 through 88rising and 12Tone Music.[1] 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.[2]
Ballads 1 is primarily produced by Joji himself[3] and contains only one vocal feature, with Trippie Redd appearing on "R.I.P."[4] 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."[5] 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".[6]
The focus of the project is ballads, according to Joji;[5] 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"[7] 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".[8]
The lead single, "Yeah Right", was released on 8 May 2018.[9] It was released with a music video and was produced by Joji.[10]
Alongside the announcement for Ballads 1, "Slow Dancing in the Dark" was released on 12 September 2018 as the album's second single.[11] An accompanying music video directed by Jared Hogan was released the same day.[12]
"Can't Get Over You" was released on 2 October 2018 with an accompanying video directed by Miller and SAINT.[13] 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.[14]
A music video for "Wanted U" was released on 29 October 2018, directed by Michael La Burt.[15]
Ballads 1 debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200, with 57,000 album-equivalent units.[16] The album has since been certified gold as of 16 January 2020.[17]
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.[18] 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."[19]
Rap and R&B blogs, the two genres which are the primary demographic of Miller,[20] 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.[21] HotNewHipHop gave the project a "Very Hot" rating, calling the project "smooth."[22] RIFF magazine complimented Miller's attempt to expand on his potential and spoke on its "array of soundscapes."[23]
Credits adapted from Tidal.[24]
Technical
Musicians
| Peak position | ||
| Hungarian Physical Albums (MAHASZ)[25] | 18 | |
|---|---|---|
| Lithuanian Albums (AGATA)[26] | 1 | |
| US Billboard 200[27] | 3 | |
| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[28] | 1 |
| Position | ||
| Icelandic Albums (Plötutíóindi)[29] | 84 | |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard 200[30] | 126 |
| Position | ||
| Lithuanian Albums (AGATA)[31] | 56 |
|---|