Joey P. – Missing In Action EP Review: Two Sides of the Same Emotion, Told with Precision and Heart

Joey P. – Missing In Action
Joey P. – Missing In Action

Joey P., born Joseph Pacius, is a 24-year-old singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Chicago, Illinois, whose artistic journey reflects steady growth, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to emotional authenticity. Emerging from the rich and competitive musical landscape of Chicago, Joey P. has spent years refining a sound that blends heartfelt songwriting with modern, genre-fluid production. His work is shaped by a desire to communicate feeling with clarity, whether through intimate vocals, melodic guitar lines, or carefully constructed arrangements. By 2025, that dedication translated into tangible momentum: viral visibility, tens of thousands of streams across platforms, and a rapidly expanding listener base that continues to reward his consistency and evolution.

Throughout 2025, Joey P. demonstrated notable artistic expansion, experimenting with sounds and textures previously unexplored in his catalog. This period marked a creative turning point, positioning him not just as a developing artist, but as one actively defining his own lane. Collaborations with producers Sandro Carr and Mr. Igotbars further sharpened his sonic direction, while dream aspirations of collaborating with artists like Kodak Black revealed a hunger for broader artistic reach. Above all, Joey’s journey remains grounded in gratitude, a quality he openly expresses toward the supporters who have amplified his music throughout the year.

Released on November 7th, 2025, “Missing In Action” arrives as the culmination of this milestone year. The two-song EP serves as Joey P.’s eighth official project and functions both as a closing chapter and a prelude. Designed as a final gift to fans before year’s end, the project highlights versatility, emotional contrast, and artistic confidence. Featuring the chart-topping “Only One” and its darker sister track “Wrong With You,” “Missing In Action” captures duality in sound and sentiment, bright pop accessibility on one side, late-night R&B vulnerability on the other. Concise yet deeply expressive, the EP stands as a statement of growth, gratitude, and momentum, priming listeners for the larger vision Joey P. is preparing to unveil in 2026.

Missing In Action EP Track List:

Only One:
Joey P.’s “Only One”, from the EP “Missing In Action”, opens with a punchy, textured synth line that immediately asserts presence, paired with a sweet and fluid vocal melody that draws the listener in. The synth is bright but carefully layered, giving the track a modern edge while maintaining emotional warmth. This introduction sets a dual tone, energetic yet introspective, that frames the song’s narrative from the very first seconds. As the track progresses, a subtle percussion pattern emerges, with crisp snares and soft kick drums that drive the rhythm forward without ever overwhelming the melodic and harmonic elements. Beneath this rhythmic layer, a warm, mellow bassline anchors the track, adding depth and a tactile sense of movement that complements the airy synth and vocals. Joey P.’s vocal performance is the centerpiece: intimate, nuanced, and expressive.
His delivery in the verses is calm and conversational, drawing the listener into a space of reflection, while the chorus carries a slightly heightened intensity, emphasizing the emotional stakes of the lyrics. The theme of being the “only one” is explored with a delicate balance of longing and self-awareness, communicated through phrasing, tone, and subtle dynamic shifts in his voice. The instrumentation throughout the track is carefully constructed to enhance, rather than compete with, the vocals. Layered ambient textures and soft synth pads add an atmospheric depth, while minimal, crisp guitar accents punctuate key moments, lending texture and dynamism. Background harmonies, especially during the chorus, create a subtle but effective sense of expansiveness, adding richness to the track’s relatively minimalist arrangement.
Production choices, like slight echo effects on certain vocal lines and the restrained layering of synth arpeggios, give the song a polished, cinematic quality without compromising its intimacy. Structurally, “Only One” is concise yet meticulously arranged, avoiding unnecessary detours and keeping focus on its emotional core. The track evolves naturally, with each sonic element introduced purposefully to guide the listener through the lyrical and emotional landscape. The result is a song that is at once catchy, thoughtful, and resonant, a testament to Joey P.’s ability to blend modern production techniques with deeply personal storytelling. In under three minutes, “Only One” delivers an immersive listening experience that lingers, highlighting Joey P.’s strength in marrying introspective lyricism with sophisticated, textured soundscapes.

Joey P. – Missing In Action

Wrong With You:
Joey P.’s “Wrong With You”, from the Missing In Action release, opens with a smooth, layered synth that immediately establishes a rich, atmospheric soundscape. The synth carries a slightly moody, reflective tone, signaling the introspective themes of the track. Over this, Joey P. introduces a sweet, almost conversational vocal melody that balances vulnerability with precision, creating an intimate connection with the listener. The song quickly adds a soft yet punchy percussion layer, with tight snares and a controlled kick drum, providing a solid rhythmic backbone without overshadowing the vocals or ambient textures. The track’s bassline is particularly notable, warm, bouncy, and slightly rounded, it moves dynamically with the percussion to give a grounded depth to the track.
Joey P.’s vocal performance is compelling throughout; in the verses, he delivers lines with a restrained, conversational tone, while in the chorus, the intensity subtly rises, conveying frustration and emotional complexity. Lyrically, “Wrong With You” explores the tension and contradictions in a troubled relationship, highlighting self-reflection and the push-pull of interpersonal dynamics. Joey P. captures these nuances through phrasing and emotional emphasis, making each line resonate with authenticity. Instrumentation is carefully layered to complement the vocals without overcrowding the sonic space. Light synth arpeggios and ambient pads fill the background, creating a sense of airiness, while subtle guitar accents punctuate key moments, adding texture and depth. The track also features background harmonies that enrich the chorus sections, providing a sense of expansiveness and emotional weight.
These harmonies blend seamlessly with the lead vocal, emphasizing the lyrical content while enhancing the track’s overall aesthetic. Production-wise, the song demonstrates clarity and balance, with each element occupying its own space in the mix. Effects such as slight reverb and delay on the vocals, combined with the soft, layered synths, give the track a cinematic, polished feel. Structurally, the song flows naturally, building gradually without abrupt transitions, allowing the emotional arc to unfold organically. Ultimately, “Wrong With You” is a sophisticated, emotionally resonant track that highlights Joey P.’s strength as a songwriter and producer. Its careful balance of melody, layered instrumentation, and lyrical introspection makes it a standout piece on “Missing In Action”, offering listeners a deeply immersive and reflective experience.

‘Missing In Action’ captures Joey P.’s growth through heartfelt duality, blending pop brightness with late-night R&B vulnerability.

“Missing In Action” is a concise yet powerful showcase of Joey P.’s artistic growth, emotional depth, and versatility. Through honest songwriting and refined production, the EP resonates deeply with modern listeners. Highly recommended for fans of introspective pop and R&B, and essential listening ahead of Joey P.’s anticipated 2026 chapter.

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