Joji has released "If It Only Gets Better," a track from his upcoming album Piss In The Wind, blending sadness with striking minimalism. The song begins with the energy of a strip club scene but quickly introduces delicate acoustic guitar, creating a unique contrast.
The producer, Wonton, chose to maintain a somber tone, resulting in what might be the most melancholic strip club anthem ever made. The lyrics summarize a contemplative thought: "If things get better, why bother changing anything?" This reflects a resigned logic often used to avoid effort, yet Joji presents it poetically.
"If things get better, why bother changing anything?"
Beyond the lyrics, the track features soft vocalizations like "ooh, ooh, ooh," capturing moments when words fall short. Mixed by Jeff Ellis and lasting about two minutes, the song has sparked debates on Reddit about whether it represents profound artistic expression or a clever album teaser.
The accompanying video, directed by Mamesjao, embraces the track’s ambiguous and moody atmosphere. Despite its puzzling nature, the concept works, fitting Joji’s career-long talent for transforming sadness into captivating art, evolving from his Filthy Frank persona to a sincere musician.
If the album continues with this strange, vulnerable energy, it promises to resonate with fans. Whether the song is minimalist genius or masterful marketing for the 2026 release is still uncertain, but it remains unmistakably Joji’s style.
"Whether this is genius minimalism or just really good marketing for 2026’s album remains unclear. Either way, it’s distinctly, unapologetically Joji."
Author’s summary: Joji masterfully blends melancholy and minimalism in "If It Only Gets Better," crafting an emotionally raw yet captivating track that teases his next album with haunting beauty.