Joji – 'Piss In The Wind' Review: A Multi-Genre Odyssey with Glimpses of Greatness

Joji’s 'Piss In The Wind' showcases his evolving artistry through a multi-genre journey, blending indie rock, club beats, and heartfelt ballads.

A Heartfelt Balladeer Turns Experimental

If you’ve ever found yourself completely wrapped up in a Joji ballad, you know the magic he wields. Since bursting onto the scene with his 2017 debut EP, this Japanese-Australian artist has been a master at crafting smooth, polished croons layered over modern alt-R&B beats. Remember the stripped-back piano beauty of 2022’s “Glimpse Of Us”? That track wasn’t just a hit; it’s his signature move—pouring raw emotion into every note without drowning in melodrama.

Joji blends vulnerability and polished sound effortlessly.

Diving Into New Waters: Indie Rock & Club Vibes

Now, with Piss In The Wind, Joji does something a bit different. He keeps his lovesick lyricism but sprinkles in indie rock riffs and lively club beats. The album is a sprawling 21-track ride, with some songs barely lasting two minutes. It’s a restless, impressionistic experience—like flipping through snapshots of different moods and styles too quickly to fully settle into any one vibe.

Joji’s restlessness here can be a double-edged sword. When he hits his stride, it’s pure gold. Take “Love You Less,” for example—the song’s bleary shoegaze feel perfectly matches Joji’s plaintive voice crooning, “If I love you less / Will you love me more?” It’s simple but devastatingly honest.

Then there’s “If It Only Gets Better,” a standout that mixes folky fingerpicked guitars and handclaps with a dark, menacing 808 beat. It’s such an intriguing mashup that leaves you wishing it lasted longer.

Club Tracks That Struggle to Find Their Groove

Joji’s experiments with dance beats pepper the album, but sometimes these tracks don’t quite hit the mark. “DYKILY” loops the same Jersey club beat repeatedly, which can feel a little aimless. Meanwhile, “Last Of A Dying Breed” introduces a shuffling techno rhythm, which resurfaces on “Love Me Better” later on.

But here’s the catch: “Last Of A Dying Breed” thrives thanks to its mournful choir vocals and atmospheric depth, while “Love Me Better” feels hollow and derivative by comparison. It’s like Joji struck gold once and then tried to copy the recipe without the same magic.

A Mixed Bag That Masks Its Highlights

The album kicks off strong with “Pixelated Kisses,” a hard-hitting trap banger that grabs your attention immediately. But then the journey gets a bit murky. There’s hardly any breathing room to let tracks like the melancholic “Past Won’t Leave My Bed” or the euphoric club anthem “Rose Coloured” shine. Instead, they’re lost amid a sea of fleeting ideas and half-formed sketches.

Joji seems to be stitching together a larger narrative made up of quick snapshots, but the effect is scattershot rather than cohesive. Piss In The Wind plants the seeds for a new direction in Joji’s musical journey. Now, the challenge is for him to nurture those ideas into fully grown works.

Album Details

The intriguing album art for Joji's latest release.

• Record Label: Palace Creek
• Release Date: February 6, 2026

Wrapping It Up: Will Joji's Seeds Grow?

Joji’s Piss In The Wind is an adventurous trek through multiple genres, showing off his restless creativity and undeniable talent. Sure, the album’s pace can feel overwhelming, and some tracks don’t quite hit their potential. But amid the noise, you catch glimpses of greatness—a voice capable of immense vulnerability, a knack for blending genres, and a fearless spirit willing to explore new soundscapes.

What do you think? Does Joji’s experimental leap resonate with you, or do you miss the tighter, moodier ballads of the past?

FAQ

• How does ‘Piss In The Wind’ compare to Joji’s earlier work?
  It’s more experimental and genre-bending, moving beyond his traditional alt-R&B ballads into indie rock and techno-influenced dance tracks.
• Which tracks stand out the most on the album?
  “Love You Less,” “If It Only Gets Better,” and “Last Of A Dying Breed” are particularly memorable for their emotional depth and inventive sound.
• Is the album cohesive or more of a collection of ideas?
  It leans toward a collection of fleeting vignettes, creating an impressionistic experience rather than a tightly woven narrative.
• Does Joji's vocal style change in this album?
  While his signature croon remains, he experiments with different vocal moods to suit the various genres he explores.
• Where can I find Joji’s latest album and merch?
  Piss In The Wind is available on most music platforms, and you can shop exclusive album cover posters to celebrate his evolving artistry.

If you’re a fan of Joji’s evocative style, why not bring that vibe into your space? Shop your favorite album cover poster in our store and keep the music close at hand: Architeg Prints.