Echoes of Regret: A Lament for What Could Have Been | Wanted U | Joji


Joji, also known as George Miller, began his career as a YouTube sensation, popular for his bizarre and eccentric humor. He later transitioned and rebranded himself into a serious musician, which led to a whole new chapter in his life. His song 'WANTED U' from the 2018 album "BALLADS 1" is a perfect illustration of his musical transformation.
'WANTED U' is an emotional amalgamation of love, longing, and regret that resonates with the listener. Joji is famous for his broody, melancholic soundscapes, and this song is no exception. His beguiling eccentricities from his YouTube past are nowhere to be found, replaced instead by sincere, heartfelt vulnerability.
The song begins with Joji pleading for his love interest to "tell him more." Through his lyrics, he conveys his desperateness and longing for this individual. As the song progresses, the tone shifts from pleading to a kind of regret and self-admonishment. He seems to suggest that his poor decisions may have driven his beloved away, and this realization is both haunting and heartbreaking.
In 'WANTED U,' Joji extensively uses metaphoric language to pass his messages, one of it being the representation of his love interest as a "demon." Taking the line "The demon's here to see me" gives us a hint that he views his love interest more as a tormentor or a source of pain. This imagery not only intensifies the song's emotional depth but also exhibits Joji's songwriting prowess.
If we dive a little deeper into the chorus "I was trying to find a way to you..." there's the expression of nostalgia and a sense of lost direction. He confesses of his struggles trying to find his way back to his love interest. However, this navigation seems challenging, perhaps because of a rift that has grown between them due to his past actions.
Despite the dark undertones, the striking aspect about 'WANTED U' is its sound, which is a testament to Joji's production brilliance. Even though the song's theme is melancholic, the mixes of rock elements with modern beats keep the listener engaged.
The profound emotion in Joji's voice further intensifies the song's emotional impact. Using his voice as an additional instrument, he paints a picture of raw vulnerability and longing that make the song uniquely appealing. His performance in 'WANTED U' demonstrates his ability to convey strong emotions convincingly.
In conclusion, 'WANTED U' is a beautiful piece of art that successfully marries brilliant songwriting, emotional rawness, and impressive production. Through this song, Joji takes us on a journey of love and longing, filled with regret but also a glimmer of hope. It's a reminder of the brilliance of his musical talent and his ability to transpose his thoughts and feelings into a melodic, haunting piece of music.
