"Glimpse of Us" is a haunting piano ballad by Joji, released on , as the lead single from his third studio album, Smithereens . The song marked a major career breakthrough, becoming his first top-10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 . 🎵 Core Themes & Narrative
Fans have noted it is a "woman's worst nightmare" song, sparking widespread discussion about the ethics of being with someone new while still being "stuck in the past". ✍️ Background & Composition
Despite his partner's kindness, the narrator still yearns for his ex. He looks into his current girlfriend's eyes only to see "a glimpse" of his past relationship.
It is a sparse ballad featuring only a piano and Joji's layered vocals. It was produced by Connor McDonough . If you'd like, I can: Break down the lyrics verse by verse Provide more details on Dan Streit's direction style List similar melancholy ballads for your playlist Joji's 'Glimpse of Us' Video Director: Dan Streit Interview
Shot on a Sony DCR-HC32 miniDV across several states, the video features lo-fi, shaky footage of anonymous people engaging in "self-destructive" acts like reckless driving, public urination, and property destruction.
The song explores the "messy reality" of post-breakup emotions and the difficulty of a clean break.
