From 2011 to 2017, people could watch George Miller’s YouTube channel and be entertained by his dark humor. Fans loved one of Miller’s character’s, known as Pink Guy, which led to Miller releasing two comedy hip-hop EP’s under the mantle of Pink Guy, showing his comical behavior and wild lyrics.

However, Miller has moved on from this phase, and started to release music under the name of Joji. Last year, he released the short mixtape, In Tongues.

BALLADS 1 is the debut album for Miller as Joji, and it is a beautiful collection of songs that show raw emotion with depressing and thought-provoking lyrics, clearly stepping away from comedy and moving to a darker territory in his work.

This album is borderline perfect, although short and somewhat repetitive. BALLADS 1 shows how talented Joji is and how well he can sing. Production of the album features Clams Casino, Shlohmo, D33J, and a guest verse from American rapper Trippie Redd on “R.I.P.”

Supported by the singles “Yeah Right,” “Slow Dancing in The Dark,” “Can’t Get Over You,” and “Test Drive,” the album is able to stay consistent the entire time, with beats ranging from bells and pianos to distorted 808’s.

Other standouts on the album  are “Wanted U,” “Why Am I Still in LA,” and “No Fun.”

Joji makes the enjoyable music even better with his singing, providing memorable choruses and lyrics that show the sadness in the ballads themselves.

BALLADS 1 proves that it can be a contender for album of the year, and is definitely a worthwhile listen for any R&B fan.