The “Stranger Things” star Joe Keery released his third studio album, “The Crux,” under his stage name DJO. Keery calls this his “musical project,” fully embracing the opportunity to release music as a creative outlet.
“The Crux” depicts an overall theme of self-healing and self-fulfillment in an ever changing world. There are twelve songs, each distinct in their own musically sound depictions. It is how they come together to tell a story of vulnerability that makes this album immensely satisfying.
This album draws on musical inspiration from many decades, giving the album a feeling of Queen, The Beatles and The Police, all wrapped into a new form of unique tracks.
“Lonesome is a State of Mind”
This track has a very unique sound in that Joe Keery utilizes a raw vocal format. It gives the effect of him singing directly to the listeners, reminding me almost of a lullaby. In all honesty, it sounds like he’s singing in the wrong key. The chorus amps up the song a bit and it’s where we get the overall meaning of the song: feeling lost in a period of significant life changes. This one didn’t blow me out of the water by any means, but I would give it a listen solely for the chorus.
Favorite lyric: “My future’s up in the air, guess I’ll play along”
“Basic Being Basic”
Why is Joe Keery speaking like Yung Gravy in this song? That’s the vibe I get from the verses, and I don’t think it sounds good on any level. The chorus, however, shows depth and dimension in Keery’s vocals. It’s super catchy and groovy. Then we arrive at the bridge and it’s pure perfection. I love a good tongue twister within a song, that moment where you have to say all the words in one breath. He did it so perfectly, and it made me want to replay that part again and again.
Keery admits to being drawn to looks and superficial items in this track, but he also acknowledges his desire for deep conversation in relationships. Not solely in romantic relationships, but with friends as well. It’s refreshing to see an artist admit to this, but how do we know this is the real truth? Words are nothing if we don’t see action and determination to prove them.
Favorite lyric: “Change your body, change your face, curl your hair then make it straight”
“Link”
This track feels more old school, and I can’t help but think it belongs in a 70s or 80s coming of age film like “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” It’s like the teenage angst we have all felt is brought to life on this song, probably due to the heavy use of electric guitars. This is the first time in the album where we get to really hear Keery’s vocals. No more of that strange talk-singing off key, just pure performing and expression. I would definitely encourage fans of the 60s-80s music era to check out this song for its groovy feel.
“Link” depicts Keery’s surface-level satisfaction with achieving success, but he still struggles with feelings of unfulfillment. The message is deeper than the sound implies, so Keery is able to keep the light-hearted tone intended with this album.
Fav lyric: “(You must do what’s right) I always do what’s right/ (Black and white) I think I see a different side)”
“Potion”
This song is so heartfelt and shows Keery’s desire for a love that celebrates the little things. Love is about so much more than putting on a front. It involves things like “leaving the light on” for each other, along with other gestures that prove genuine solidarity. He suggests that the person you fall in love with should provide more comfort and closeness than just a best friend, while still holding the same level of trust as one.
Favorite lyric: “Glitz and glamour doesn’t age like wine does”
“Delete Ya”
I love this track because it feels very wholesome, but even more relatable. It’s got that chill vibe to it which makes it easy to listen to no matter what mood you’re in. Nothing about the song is too over the top, no overpowering instrumentals or overly powerful vocals.
Keery sings about the conflicting feeling after a relationship has just ended, that moment when you’re battling this question of “Would I have been better off if this relationship never happened?” We’ve all been there in this mental state out of pure pain. My perspective on this debatable philosophy is that you should cherish the memories made with this person, but also respect the lesson that came out of it.
Favorite lyric: “You kept it tight to the chest at someone else’s expense, that doesn’t sound like real love”
“Egg”
This song has the most unique sound on the album which is so mesmerizing on the first listen. The synth pianos pull you in and Keery’s low vocals hold you, transfixed.
He sings about his own insecurities, even stating that he wishes he could switch lives with a stranger he once passed in the street. He goes on to say he wants to hide back in his shell and spend his “life in the cave.”
It’s an inner battle when you feel pulled in different directions, wanting to live life to the fullest but also feeling held back by insecurities and fear. I love how Keery expressed this in such a way that conveys passion, making it super empowering to sing along to.
Favorite lyric: “Can one be great? Can one be kind? / When history shows, they’re not intertwined”
“Fly”
“Fly” explores themes of separation and moving forward from a relationship. The slow tempo pays homage to how excruciatingly slow time feels in the aftermath of a newly-ended relationship. It’s also the longest song on the album.
Keery battles the desire to go back to this person because of how easy it would be to fall back in the groove of things, but he also knows he has to separate himself to preserve his self-journey.
The song is definitely more of a “listen to while raining” kind of vibe. I love the dimension of this album so far in that there is more than one sound and more than one mood.
Favorite lyric: “When will spring come again? I need the bloom”
“Charlie’s Garden”
This track features Keery’s co-star from “Stranger Things” and best friend, Charlie Heaton. We hear Keery’s desire to escape the demands of his life, wanting rather to stay for “one more day, in Charlie’s garden.” He sings about procrastination, soaking up the sun and hanging out his with best friend. The song is cute and catchy, with Heaton’s spoken words breaking up the verses.
Favorite lyric: “That work just won’t do itself, that can wait another day”
“Gap Tooth Smile”
This song is one of the more upbeat bops on the album. Keery addresses this woman he has fallen in love with as Gap Tooth Smile, and I’m not sure if this is a woman in his life currently or if he is just making a statement about a uniqueness he admires in a partner. Regardless, the song is super fun.
Favorite lyric: “Anything’s cool if it’s done with heart”
“Golden Line”
This track is more on the ballad spectrum. Keery’s vocals are showcased the most within this song, and he is clearly singing this song to a significant other. This person lights up Keery’s world, providing him a “golden” other half.
Favorite lyric: “How can I repay the due? The way you know me, love me, pull me through”
“Back On You”
I’m so in love with this song. I have never heard a song celebrating having sisters, and although I don’t have any, I am a sister to my wonderful older brother. It’s a little selfish to say, but I hope he can relate to this song.
Keery honors his three sisters for always being his “lifeline,” offering a perspective that he trusts above all else. They are even featured in the chorus, and to have that memorialized in a song is monumental.
Favorite lyric: “I’ve known my sisters for a lifetime, I count my lucky stars that I have them”
“Crux”
Keery concludes the album with a song about vulnerability and sensitivity. The golden rule, or so it seems, when it comes to love revolves around putting in as much love and emotional availability as you want to receive. It takes two willing individuals to make a relationship work. He explores this theme through a beautiful piano melody and raw vocals. I saw this song as the perfect conclusion to Djo’s third studio album.
Favorite lyric: “The connection is real, and I live for the rush”
