Singer and songwriter Joe Keery, known for playing Steve Harrington on the hit show “Stranger Things,” steps further into his musical persona Djo with his third studio album, “The Crux,” released on April 4. Composed of 12 tracks, the album is an exploration of introspection and personal growth. Let us delve into four standout tracks that encapsulate the album’s essence.
“Lonesome is A State of Mind”
This track opens the album with a contemplative tone. Keery’s vocals, layered over ambient synths, evoke a sense of solitude that is more reflective than melancholic. Lyrics like “I’ve seen this movie before / I think I’ve heard this song” show a cycle of emotions and experiences that he repeatedly circles back to. In particular, the line “My future’s not what I thought / I think I thought it wrong,” demonstrates Djo’s realization of life’s unpredictability. This last line indicates that Djo has grown to accept his loneliness, ending the song with a personal resolution after cycling through doubt, nostalgia and regret.
“Basic Being Basic”
This synth-pop track critiques the superficiality of modern culture. Keery’s falsetto vocals glide over retro-inspired synths, creating a juxtaposition between the upbeat melody and the critical lyrics. With the line “I think you’re scared of being basic,” he calls out many people’s fear of authenticity in a society obsessed with standing out online. The song’s production includes Oberheim OB-8 synthesizers that add a nostalgic touch reminiscent of 80s pop, a genre “Stranger Things” fans will enjoy.
“Delete Ya”
This track blends soft rock elements with heartfelt lyrics about post-breakup emotions. Djo expresses the struggle of moving on with lines like “I wish I could delete ya,” capturing the lingering presence of a past relationship. While the melodic line of the song is strong, Djo lacks enthusiasm in his vocals, and his lyrics tend to be overly repetitive and bland at times. The track struggles to be remembered because the lyrics do not particularly stand out, nor do they touch on the audience’s heart.
“Charlie’s Garden”
Compared to the melancholic nature of the previous tracks, this song offers a more uplifting atmosphere, celebrating Djo’s journey of personal growth. With lyrics like “One more day in Charlie’s garden,” he paints a picture of a serene escape that symbolizes a comforting space for him to reflect on his past. This song is more comforting in comparison to the others as the piano in the background creates a warm atmosphere. Overall, it is a whimsical song about safe spaces one can rely upon when the chaos of the world becomes too overwhelming.
Despite some drawbacks, the album does a fantastic job of creating a cohesive narrative of the human experience with optimistic highs and melancholic lows. It is a compelling listen for avid indie music fans who are navigating their own emotional journeys.
