Sanctuary (Joji song)

Last updated
"Sanctuary"
Joji - Sanctuary.png
Single by Joji
from the album Nectar
Released14 June 2019 (2019-06-14)
Genre
Length3:00
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Justin Raisen
Joji singles chronology
"Test Drive"
(2018)		"Sanctuary"
(2019)		"Breathe"
(2019)
Music video
"Sanctuary" on YouTube

"Sanctuary" is a song by Japanese singer-songwriter Joji. It was released on 14 June 2019 through 88rising Records and 12 Tone Music. [1] The track was written by Joji, Daniel Wilson, Justin Raisen and Luke Niccoli, with Raisen handling production. Eoin Glaister directed the song's accompanying music video.

Contents

Composition

"Sanctuary" was composed by Joji, Daniel Wilson, Justin Raisen and Luke Niccoli, arranged by Joji and produced by Raisen. [2] It is a lo-fi and electropop ballad that incorporates elements of trap, electronica, R&B and soul music, [3] [4] [5] [6] and its production features ambient synthesizers and a minimalist beat. [5] Like most of Joji's tracks, "Sanctuary" is a love song, [5] though its lyrics feature "more poetically abstract verses", rather than the artist's usual "frank and uncomplicated confessions." Throughout the song, Joji sings to a potential lover that he can offer devotion and honesty, though asks them to express their love for him rather than waiting for reciprocation. [7] [8]

Reception

Salvatore Maiki of The Fader described the track as "catchy", [3] while Mike Wass of Idolator wrote that its blend of genres was a "heady mix". [4] Gabriel Aikins of Substream Magazine named it one of the best songs of the week, claiming that "when it comes to introspective, atmospheric tracks, there are few doing it better right now than Joji," and commended the artist's vocal performance and Raisen's production. [9]

Music video

A music video for "Sanctuary" was shared upon the track's release on 14 June 2019 and was directed by Eoin Glaister in Lancaster, California. Joji visualized the video's concept as he was writing the song, stating in an interview with Harper's Bazaar that "as soon as [he] heard the instrumental for [the song] [he] knew it had to be something like cheesy space shit." [10] It features Joji as the captain of a spaceship who struggles to find purpose after he has defeated his main enemy. A close friend, noticing this and resolving to bring his purpose back, gouges out one of his eyes with a spoon in order to resemble this villain, steals a MacGuffin that they had retrieved from the villain some time prior to his death, then kills a crewmate, leaves using an escape pod, and attacks the ship, forcing Joji to assume his position as captain and defend the spacecraft, thus bringing excitement back into his life. [11] [12] [5]

Charts

Chart performance for "Sanctuary"
Chart (2019–2022)Peak
position
Australia (ARIA) [13] 42
Canada (Canadian Hot 100) [14] 58
Ireland (IRMA) [15] 61
Lithuania (AGATA) [16] 14
Malaysia (RIM) [17] 7
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) [18] 32
Singapore Top Regional (RIAS) [19] 15
UK Singles (OCC) [20] 63
US Billboard Hot 100 [21] 80
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [22] 32

Certifications

Certifications for "Sanctuary"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [23] Gold35,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI) [24] Silver200,000‡
United States (RIAA) [25] Gold500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Survivor (Destiny's Child song)</span> 2001 single by Destinys Child

"Survivor" is a song recorded by American group Destiny's Child for their third studio album of the same title (2001). It was written and composed by group member Beyoncé, Anthony Dent, and Mathew Knowles. "Survivor" was inspired by a joke that a radio station had made about the fact that three members had already left the group, comparing the band to the reality game show Survivor. Beyoncé was inspired to take the negative comment and turn it into a positive by writing a song out of it. The song was released as the lead single from Survivor on March 6, 2001, by Columbia Records. It marked the first single released by the trio of Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pink discography</span>

American singer and songwriter Pink has released nine studio albums, one live album, five video albums, six compilation albums, 59 singles, six promotional singles, and 51 music videos. Throughout her career, Pink has sold 60 million albums, 75 million singles and 2.4 million DVDs worldwide. According to RIAA, she has sold 18 million albums and 13.5 million digital singles. She is also UK's second best-selling female artist of the 21st century. Billboard ranked her as the fifth top female artist of the 2000s, eighth top female artist of the 2010s and the 59th greatest artist of all time. Official Charts Company hailed her as UK's most played female artist of the 21st century.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bleeding Love</span> 2007 single by Leona Lewis

"Bleeding Love" is a song recorded by British singer Leona Lewis for her debut studio album, Spirit (2007). It was originally written and recorded by American singer Jesse McCartney, and was co-written and produced by American singer Ryan Tedder. "Bleeding Love" was released worldwide during the last quarter of 2007, and the first of 2008, as the album's lead single internationally, and as the second single in Ireland and the United Kingdom. McCartney later included his version of the song as a bonus track on the international edition of his third studio album, Departure (2008). It is Lewis' biggest hit, to date, and remains her signature song. As of 2021, "Bleeding Love" has been streamed over two billion times.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miranda Lambert discography</span>

American country music singer Miranda Lambert has released ten studio albums, one extended play, one video album, and has made 23 other album appearances. She has released 39 singles, nine promotional singles, and 37 music videos. Lambert has sold 7 million albums in the United States, with her first seven studio albums being certified platinum. In 2001, Lambert released a self-titled and self-financed independent album. After gaining exposure as the third-place winner of the television competition Nashville Star, Lambert signed with Epic Nashville in 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jason Derulo discography</span>

American singer and songwriter Jason Derulo has released five studio albums, one re-issued album, two compilation albums, four extended plays, 56 singles, six promotional singles, and 37 music videos. Before Derulo established himself as a solo artist, he wrote songs for many artists, including Lil Wayne, Pitbull, Pleasure P and Cassie. He also wrote "Bossy" for rapper Birdman, and made a guest appearance on the song.

American rapper J. Cole has released six studio albums, one live album, four compilation albums, three extended plays, three mixtapes, 58 singles, two promotional singles and twenty one music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blank Space</span> 2014 single by Taylor Swift

"Blank Space" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift and the second single from her fifth studio album, 1989. Swift wrote the song with its producers, Max Martin and Shellback. Inspired by the media scrutiny on Swift's love life that affected her girl-next-door reputation, "Blank Space" portrays a flirtatious woman with multiple romantic attachments. It is an electropop track with a minimal arrangement consisting of synthesizers, hip hop-influenced beats, and layered vocals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diplo discography</span>

American DJ and record producer Diplo has released four studio albums, one reissue album, ten EPs, six compilation albums, four mixtapes, one live album and a series of singles, music videos and other appearances. His alias, short for Diplodocus, derives from his childhood fascination with dinosaurs. During his rise to fame, Diplo worked with British musician M.I.A., an artist who is credited with giving him exposure in his early career. Since then, Diplo has worked on production and mixtape projects with many other pop artists, such as Die Antwoord, Britney Spears, Madonna, Shakira, Beyoncé, No Doubt, Justin Bieber, Usher, Snoop Dogg, Chris Brown, CL, and G-Dragon. As an artist, Diplo, combined with his other collaborations Major Lazer, Jack Ü and Silk City, three electronic groups.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Party Monster (song)</span> 2016 single by the Weeknd

"Party Monster" is a song by the Canadian singer the Weeknd, from his third studio album Starboy (2016). The song was released for digital download on November 18, 2016 as a promotional single. It was later sent to US urban contemporary radio on December 6, 2016, as the album's third single. The song was written and produced by the Weeknd, Ben Billions, and Doc McKinney, with additional writing credits going to Belly and Lana Del Rey, the latter of which providing background vocals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Perfect (Ed Sheeran song)</span> 2017 song by Ed Sheeran

"Perfect" is a song by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran from his third studio album, ÷ (2017). After the album's release, it charted at number four on the UK Singles Chart. On 21 August 2017, Billboard announced that "Perfect" would be the fourth single from the album. The song was serviced to pop radio on 26 September 2017 as the third single from the album in the United States. The second version of the single, titled "Perfect Duet", with American singer Beyoncé, was released on 1 December 2017. Another duet with Italian singer Andrea Bocelli, titled "Perfect Symphony", was released on 15 December 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joji (musician)</span> Japanese musician and entertainer (born 1992)

George Kusunoki Miller, known professionally as Joji and formerly for playing the characters Filthy Frank and Pink Guy, is a Japanese singer-songwriter, rapper, internet personality, and record producer. Miller's music has been described as a mix between R&B, lo-fi, and trip hop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Truth Hurts (song)</span> 2017 song by Lizzo

"Truth Hurts" is a song released by American singer and rapper Lizzo. It was originally released on September 19, 2017, by Nice Life Recording Company and Atlantic Records, but then re-released as a radio single on March 22, 2019. It was written by Lizzo alongside Jesse Saint John and producers Steven "Tele" Cheung and Ricky Reed.

Joji is a Japanese singer and songwriter who has released four studio albums, one mixtape, two extended plays and fourteen singles, with three of those projects released under the name "Pink Guy", a comedic alter-ego created on the entertainment platform YouTube.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Friends (Marshmello and Anne-Marie song)</span> 2018 single by Marshmello and Anne-Marie

"Friends" is a song by American DJ and producer Marshmello and English singer Anne-Marie. It was written by the artists, and Nat Dunn. The song was released via Joytime Collective and Asylum Records on February 9, 2018, as the fifth single from Anne-Marie's debut studio album, Speak Your Mind (2018). A lyric video was released on the same day. The song peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart and at number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100. "Friends" was the ninth best-selling single of 2018 with sales of 9.6 million track-equivalent units according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slow Dancing in the Dark</span> 2018 single by Joji

"Slow Dancing in the Dark" is a song by the Japanese singer Joji from his debut album, Ballads 1 (2018). The song was released on 12 September 2018, as the album's second single, and was written and produced by Joji and Patrick Wimberly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">It's You (Ali Gatie song)</span> Song by Canadian singer Ali Gatie

"It's You" is a song by Iraqi–Canadian singer and songwriter Ali Gatie, released as a single through Li$n and Warner Records on June 14, 2019. It debuted at number 97 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at number 70, becoming Gatie's first Hot 100 entry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What a Man Gotta Do</span> 2020 single by Jonas Brothers

"What a Man Gotta Do" is a song by American pop rock group Jonas Brothers. It was released on January 17, 2020, through Republic Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Run (Joji song)</span> 2020 single by Joji

"Run" is a song by Japanese singer-songwriter Joji. It was released on 6 February 2020 through 88rising. The track was written by Joji, Daniel Wilson and Justin Parker, with the production duties also completed by Parker. Joji made his American television debut when he performed the song on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on 2 March 2020.

<i>Nectar</i> (Joji album) 2020 studio album by Joji

Nectar is the second studio album by the Japanese singer Joji, released on 25 September 2020 via 88rising. It features the singles "Sanctuary", "Run", "Gimme Love", "Daylight" with Diplo, and "Your Man", as well as collaborations with Benee, Lil Yachty, Omar Apollo, Yves Tumor and Rei Brown.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glimpse of Us</span> 2022 single by Joji

"Glimpse of Us" is a song by Japanese singer Joji, released as the lead single from his third studio album Smithereens on 10 June 2022 through 88rising and Warner Records. It was written by Alexis Kesselman, Castle, Riley McDonough, and producer Connor McDonough. The song became Joji's most successful hit single to date, having peaked at number one in Australia, Indonesia, Lithuania, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Singapore, number two on the Global 200, and within the top 10 in Canada, Ireland, Norway, the United States, and Vietnam.

References

  1. ↑ "Sanctuary - Single by Joji on Apple Music". Apple Music. 14 June 2019. Archived from the original on 22 June 2019. Retrieved 23 June 2019.
  2. ↑ "Sanctuary / Joji - TIDAL". Tidal. 14 June 2019. Archived from the original on 22 June 2019. Retrieved 22 June 2019.
  3. 1 2 Maiki, Salvatore (14 June 2019). "Joji's new "Sanctuary" video is an intergalactic experience". The Fader. Archived from the original on 15 June 2019. Retrieved 22 June 2019.
  4. 1 2 Wass, Mike (14 June 2019). "The Drop: Your Guide To New Music Friday Featuring Joji & Shura". Idolator. Archived from the original on 15 June 2019. Retrieved 22 June 2019.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Herman, Tamar (14 June 2019). "Joji Is Bored With the Galaxy in '80s-inspired 'Sanctuary' Music Video: Watch". Billboard. Archived from the original on 18 June 2019. Retrieved 22 June 2019.
  6. ↑ Casteel, Beth (14 June 2019). "Joji shares space-themed music video for "Sanctuary"". Substream Magazine. Archived from the original on 23 June 2019. Retrieved 23 June 2019.
  7. ↑ Mesh, Nada (14 June 2019). "Joji Calls Out To His Lover, & "Sanctuary" In His New Single". HotNewHipHop. Archived from the original on 14 June 2019. Retrieved 23 June 2019.
  8. ↑ Caraan, Sophie (14 June 2019). "Joji Drops the Video for "Sanctuary" (Update)". Hypebeast. Archived from the original on 14 June 2019. Retrieved 23 June 2019.
  9. ↑ Aikins, Gabriel (17 June 2019). "Take 5: The songs you need to know this week (June 17, 2019)". Substream Magazine. Archived from the original on 23 June 2019. Retrieved 23 June 2019.
  10. ↑ Gonzales, Erica (17 June 2019). "Joji Talks "Sanctuary," Ballads 1, and Making Billboard History - Harper's Bazaar". Harper's Bazaar. Archived from the original on 23 June 2019. Retrieved 23 June 2019.
  11. ↑ "Joji - Sanctuary (Official Video)". 14 June 2019. Archived from the original on 14 June 2019. Retrieved 23 June 2019– via YouTube.
  12. ↑ Gore, Sydney (14 June 2019). "Love Is a Complex Galaxy in Joji's 'Sanctuary' Video". Highsnobiety. Archived from the original on 23 June 2019. Retrieved 23 June 2019.
  13. ↑ "ARIA Australian Top 50 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on 23 June 2019. Retrieved 23 June 2019.
  14. ↑ "Canadian Music: Top 100 Songs: June 29, 2019". Billboard . Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  15. ↑ "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association. Archived from the original on 23 June 2019. Retrieved 23 June 2019.
  16. ↑ "Savaitės klausomiausi (TOP 100)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. 21 June 2019. Retrieved 3 December 2019.
  17. ↑ "Top 20 Most Streamed International & Domestic Singles In Malaysia" (PDF). Recording Industry Association of Malaysia . Recording Industry Association of Malaysia. Retrieved 27 June 2019.
  18. ↑ "NZ Top 40 Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. Archived from the original on 23 June 2019. Retrieved 23 June 2019.
  19. ↑ "RIAS Top Charts Week 25 (17 - 23 Jun 2022)". RIAS. 28 June 2022. Archived from the original on 28 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  20. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 23 June 2019.
  21. ↑ "Top 100 Songs – June 29, 2019". Billboard. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  22. ↑ "Top 100 Songs – June 29, 2019". Billboard. Retrieved 26 June 2019.
  23. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2020 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved 10 December 2022.
  24. ↑ "British single certifications – Joji – Sanctuary". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 20 November 2023.
  25. ↑ "American single certifications – Joji – Sanctuary". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved 3 February 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.