Joji Review

Review by Ricky Bantog

Kia Forum | Los Angeles, CA

May 13, 2023

Fresh off a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden in New York, Joji made his way over to the Kia Forum in Los Angeles this past Saturday for another sold-out show on his Smithereens Oblivion Tour.

Joji, whose latest studio album, SMITHEREENS, has garnered well over 350,000,000 streams on Spotify alone, started his career on YouTube in 2011 before eventually leaving behind his highly successful channels to focus on releasing music under New York-based label, 88rising. Since the release of his 2017 EP, In Tongues, Joji’s melancholic vocals and lo-fi production have pulled on the heartstrings of an ever-growing fan base that stretches across the entire globe.

Before the main event hit the stage, the night kicked off with three supporting acts–SavageRealm Lil Toe (Ammo) and rei brown. Each artist brought their own unique flavor to the stage, sufficiently warming up the crowd for Joji’s arrival. My personal favorite was rei brown’s performance of his Joji featured track, “Thinking Bout You.” The song perfectly encapsulates the feelings and emotions of being in a long-distance relationship, and to this day, still gives me goosebumps whenever I hear it.

As the stage lights dimmed and the crowd erupted into cheers, Joji burst onto the stage in a blaze of energy, screaming “WHAT’S UP LOS ANGELES?!” The atmosphere was electric as he greeted the audience with enthusiasm, setting a positive and optimistic tone for the rest of the evening. Without wasting a moment, Joji launched into one of his fan-favorite songs, "Sanctuary," and the crowd instantly joined in, their voices harmonizing with his soulful vocals.

The power of Joji's performance reverberated throughout Kia Forum, enveloping the audience in a mesmerizing soundscape of weighted R&B and lo-fi beats. The seamless fusion of his hauntingly beautiful voice and the vibrant visuals displayed on the colossal cube-shaped screens transported everyone into a transcendent experience. Whether you were in the front row or the back, the stage came to life, immersing you in the world of Joji.

In between songs, Joji engaged the crowd with comical interludes and witty banter. Joined by SavageRealm, who had transitioned into Joji's DJ and right-hand man, the humorous exchanges added a lighthearted touch to what many assumed would be an emotional journey of a performance from start to finish. At one point, Joji stopped the show for what he called his 75th Annual Jack Off, an event where he invited a number of Jack Sparrow cosplayers onto the stage to give their best Jack Sparrow performance. Some audience members were confused by the event, but overall, the short interlude was well-received and sparked laughter from the entire venue.

The setlist for the night featured a captivating blend of Joji's entire discography, including the infectious "Pretty Boy," the soul-stirring "Will He," and the melancholic anthem "SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK." The crowd embraced every song, immersing themselves in the emotional journey that Joji effortlessly crafted. He also graced the audience with a short DJ set under his moniker, Yebi Labs, further showcasing his evolving artistry.

As the night drew to a close, the crowd erupted into chants, eagerly anticipating the encore and one particular mega-hit. The room swelled with anticipation as Joji returned to the stage, and when the opening chords of "Glimpse of Us"blasted through the speakers, an overwhelming wave of emotion washed over the audience. The heartfelt ballad, which continues to top charts and has gained nearly a billion streams on Spotify, became a poignant and unforgettable moment shared between Joji and his adoring fans.

Contrary to expectations, the concert didn't leave the audience in a state of melancholy. Instead, the weight of Joji's melodies and lyrics lifted the burdens of the crowd, replacing sorrow with a sense of relief and fulfillment as many were finally able to witness the greatness of their favorite artist in person.