Josiah Johnson - “World’s Not Gonna End”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 2

Pairs Well With…The Lumineers, Vance Joy, The Head and the Heart

Folk-pop artist Josiah Johnson returned in 2020 with his first single since breaking from his role co-fronting The Head and the Heart, striking a tone on “World’s Not Gonna End” that’s not far off from what he established with his former band. Upbeat and unapologetically hopeful, Johnson adds some horns and atmospherics to the track that leans in more on the pop-rock spectrum than the song’s natural Americana roots. There’s an anthemic quality here, but Johnson pares back his music just enough to not overpower with sweet togetherness. “World’s Not Gonna End” feels very autobiographical as well, a song expressing what it’s like to hit bottoms before rising back up higher than originally begun. A celebration of recovery and grace, it’s a great reintroduction for an artist already proven in songwriting prowess and performance ready to break out on his own new path. “World’s Not Gonna End” is the first of what is promised to be more this year following Johnson’s signing with Anti Records, so SXSW should be an apt opportunity to preview this reemerging sound. (Kevin McStravick)