GENRE; Pop/ R&B
LABEL; Virgin/ Palace Creek
RATING; 3/5
Joji’s fourth studio album, “Piss in the Wind,” released on February 6, 2026, marks a bold and exploratory new chapter for the Japanese‑Australian singer‑songwriter. Clocking in at 21 tracks and about 46 minutes, the project blends alt‑R&B, indie pop, trip‑hop, shoegaze, and experimental production into a fragmented yet intriguing soundscape.
Right from the glitch‑textured opener “PIXELATED KISSES,” Joji signals that this album isn’t about conventional hooks or emotional wallops — it’s about mood and atmosphere. Many songs here are under three minutes, feeling almost like fleeting vignettes rather than fully fleshed‑out statements. This gives the album a restless, sketch‑like quality that some listeners find refreshingly intimate while others see it as unfinished or scattershot.
Lyrically, Joji remains in his trademark melancholic space, but this time with a quieter, sometimes distant voice. Ballads like “Past Won’t Leave My Bed” and “Love You Less” showcase his softer vocal textures and are among the most affecting moments, proving he still excels at conveying longing and introspection. Collaborations with artists such as Giveon, Yeat, Don Toliver, and 4Batz punctuate the record, adding varied textures even if not always lifting the material to new heights.
Critical reception has been mixed. Some reviewers praise its experimental spirit and emotional honesty, seeing it as a deeply personal work that allows listeners to “sit with their emotions.” Others argue that its sparse songwriting and brief song structures result in an album that prioritizes vibe over substance and lacks the emotional punch of Joji’s earlier hits.
In the end, “Piss in the Wind” is not a conventional pop album — it’s an intimate, mood‑driven project that will resonate deeply with some fans while leaving others wanting more.
