Recommended tracks: “Fly,” “Golden Line,” “Gap Tooth Smile”
Artists you may like: Dominic Fike, Suki Waterhouse, Gigi Perez
Three years after the release of his record Decide, Djo is back and better than ever with his highly anticipated third studio album, The Crux. As the saying goes: the third time really is the charm.
Known to many as Joe Keery from Stranger Things, Djo has carved out a distinct identity in the music world that extends far beyond his acting fame. Co-produced with longtime collaborator Adam Thein, The Crux dives even deeper into his psychedelic, synth-heavy sound. Though this is technically his third record, it’s clear just how much he’s grown as an artist in the three short years since releasing Decide.
I’ll admit that with how much I loved Decide, I was hesitant about how I’d feel going into this record, but I’m so glad Djo proved me wrong. He blends so many different genres throughout The Crux, making it feel fresh without losing his unique sound. He features a full choir on one track, goes into full falsetto in the chorus of another, and even has family members playing instruments on nearly every song.
Kicking things off with the futuristic-sounding “Lonesome State of Mind,” the album opens strong with that signature Djo vibe. When the song dives into its synth-heavy bridge, it almost feels like you’re floating. Right after that comes the first single he released from The Crux, “Basic Being Basic,” which, now that I’ve heard the full album, feels like the perfect introduction to what this record has to offer.
A standout track on the record for me, and probably my favorite, would be “Fly.” The production here is brilliant, and it immediately reminded me of “Dark Side of the Moon” by Pink Floyd. The song explores the end of a relationship, with Djo choosing personal growth over staying in the relationship for the sake of comfort. Ending a relationship that feels comfortable is always tough, and he captures that internal struggle perfectly. In the chorus, he sings: “This chapter is through / I followed every winding road / And the path it took me to / No, I don’t look back in anger / Do you? / Falling back to her sounds so easy to me / But I must fly / Fly away from her.” The lyrics show both the yearning for familiarity and the brave decision to move on, making it one of the most poignant moments on the album.
Another highlight from The Crux is “Golden Line.” This song marks a total 360 from the rest of the record. The piano-heavy ballad explores the theme of devoting your life to someone, despite the challenges that come your way. The repeated line “I do it all for you” reinforces Djo’s dedication, showing just how committed he is to expressing his love. The track gives off vibes reminiscent of Queen’s early work, but with a mix of Beatles-esque lyrics.
The record concludes with “Crux,” the perfect closer. Djo underlines the importance of self-love and reconnecting with our true selves, urging us to nurture our well-being as he repeats the phrase, “Get it back to your heart.”
The Crux showcases Djo at the height of his creative evolution. The album is a bold journey that highlights his growth not only as an artist, but also as an individual. It marks a pivotal moment in his career, blending vulnerability and innovation into a record that resonates long after the last note fades.
If you want to hear these songs live, he’s currently on tour throughout North America and will be headed to Europe in June. Tickets are available here.
Beautiful album. I loved every moment of it. I’m a big fan of ‘Fly’ in particular!