BALLADS 1

## ***BALLADS 1***Studio album by Joji

### Producer(s)

Rogét Chahayed • Clams Casino • D33J • John Durham • Ryan Hemsworth • Jam City • Joji • RL Grime • Shlohmo • Thundercat • Patrick Wimberly

## Singles

1. "Yeah Right"
Released: May 8, 2018
2. "Slow Dancing in the Dark"
Released: September 12, 2018
3. "Can't Get Over You"
Released: October 2, 2018
4. "Test Drive"
Released: October 26, 2018

*Ballads 1* (stylized in all caps) is the debut studio album by Japanese singer-songwriter Joji. It serves as a follow-up to In Tongues EP, his first project as Joji, and Pink Season, his only album released under the now-retired alter-ego Pink Guy. It was released on 26 October 2018 through 88rising and 12Tone Music.

## Background

*Ballads 1* is primarily produced by Joji himself and features only one vocal feature, with Trippie Redd appearing on "R.I.P." 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." The project ranges from songs that are "heart-wretching" and sometimes more cheerful to capture the feeling that "no one's sad all the time".

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", 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".

*Ballads 1* debuted at number 3 on the *Billboard* 200 as well as number one on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, with 57,000 album-equivalent units. The album has since been certified gold as of January 16th, 2020.

## Singles

The first and lead single, "Yeah Right", was released on May 8, 2018.

The second single, "Slow Dancing in the Dark", was released on September 12, 2018.

The third single, "Can't Get Over You", was released on October 2, 2018.

The fourth and final single, "Test Drive", was released on October 26, 2018, same day as the album.

## Promotion

*Ballads 1* was announced on September 12, 2018, alongside the album's second single "Slow Dancing in the Dark". The album's release date, cover artwork and track listing were revealed the same day as the release of "Can't Get Over You".

A music video for "Wanted U" was released on 29 October 2018, directed by Nick Gur

#### Countdown

At midnight1 day left2 days left3 days left
### Photoshoot

* Shoot 1
* Shoot 2

Low quality

Close-up
### Physical

#### Vinyl

FrontBackSleeve frontSleeve backLimited edition white vinyl
Disc side ALimited edition white vinyl
Disc side BTurntable Lab exclusive clear red vinyl
Disc side A

### Cut Tracks

* DON'T U KNOW I LOVE U
* CAN U HEAR ME

## References

1. ↑ *Apple Music* - BALLADS 1
2. ↑ *HotNowHipHop* - Trippie Red & Joji
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 *Forbes* - Joji Talks 'Ballads 1' And How His Music Is Just The Start
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 *Complex* - An Interview With Joji
5. ↑ *BBC Radio 1* - Joji Interview (Annie Mac)
6. ↑ *Triple J* - Joji "Yeah Right is a song for ugly people"
7. ↑ *Billboard* - Joji's 'Ballads 1' Debuts At No. 1 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart
8. ↑ *RIAA* - 'Ballads 1' Gold
9. ↑ *Highsnobiety* - Joji Yeah 'Right' Video
10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 *Complex* - Joji Drops 'Slow Dancing In The Dark' Video And Announces 'BALLADS 1' Album
11. ↑ *RollingStone* - Joji Rollerblades Away From Heartbreak In 'Can't Get Over You' Video
12. ↑ *Highsnobiety* - Joji Test Drive Video