Joji's Sanctuary mixes multiple genres and intergalactic glowy pop sounds

Posted Jan. 4, 2023

By Kaylin Saechao

Cub Reporter

Sanctuary, a R& B/Soul song produced, written, as well as performed by the Japanese singer-songwriter Joji, mixes multiple genres and intergalactic glowy pop sounds.

Sanctuary was released on the album Nectar; the song made its debut on the Hot 100 in its first week of being released. Sanctuary debuted on the Hot 100 with 9.9 million U.S streams and over 4,000 downloads the following week. The song’s official music video now has over 85 million views on YouTube since its premier. 

The song brings a mix of multiple genres and intergalactic glowy pop sounds. Sanctuary sets you in a state that is presented as lighter, and happy. The song includes a easygoing, and dreamy tone, while in other of Joji’s songs there is a depressive overtone. The song concocts the idea of hopefulness in one’s life. While the song is sweet sounding, it also is paired with an airy production. The development of each chorus is really interesting to listen to, each getting more dramatic until the fantastic ending. 

The lyrics talks about personal growth and finding someone you’re able to share it with; ultimately the sincerity within love. The finding of love is a gentle and fragile thing. The popularity of the song doesn’t just provide the meaningful lyrics and how they deeply resonate with some listeners but it also has persistent tapping synths in the background of the song;  it swells and rises and falls. Joji’s vocals shine brightly throughout the song, though he might not be named the most technical vocalist, but the quiet confidence propels the listener further.

 The song inputs the endless cliches of love, and finding yourself so invested in something that feels unreal. The gleaming feeling brings a warmth and sentiment.