At the Heart of the Crux: Djo’s Most Personal Album Yet

Djo , The Crux photo via Instagram

Djo is back with a vibrant new sound on third studio album The Crux! This album comes three years after the release of Decide and is a seamless evolution to a new musical journey while remaining true to their pop-rock roots.  Joe Keery, also known as Djo, has called this his most personal record to date. The album features 12 songs, each with accompanying visualizers available on YouTube. The album reflects on a time where Keery found himself at the crux of many major life decisions and focuses on themes of nostalgia, self-reflection, and reinvention.

The album opens with “Lonesome is a State of Mind”, a mellow and fun track that introduces a reflective theme that is present throughout the record. The instrumentals build throughout the chorus along with layered vocals. The ending transitions seamlessly into track 2, “Basic Being Basic”, the first single which was released in January 2025 and comments on the societal pressures that come from social media and trying to fit in. 

“Change your body, change your face/Curl your hair then make it straight/ Take a picture of your plate, Tarantino movie taste”

The upbeat nature of the song contrasts its deep message. The song ends by repeating “What an empty epitaph that is (that's basic)”, leaving listeners pondering where they put their energy and what that means in the grand scheme of life.

“Link” explores feelings of self-doubt even when you know you have done everything right. Questioning achievements and yearning to feel fulfilled are major themes throughout the song, comparing branching out from societal norms as breaking a link in a chain. The lively guitars, synths, and drums gives the song an 80s rock and roll vibe, something new for Djo.

Track 4 is titled “Deleta Ya” is one of my personal favorites! A beautifully nostalgic story reflecting on the end of a relationship and how small details can bring you right back to a memory. 

“Then there's a lyric that, in context, stings/ The immediate pain it brings/ That song that you used to sing”

The chorus is an emotional wish to be free from this nostalgia and pain. Keery sings, “Oh god I wish I could delete ya”, realizing that no other relationship could compare to the one he has lost and cannot seem to break free of. The nostalgic charm in the vocals and instrumentals along with the vulnerability of the lyrics make this song a true standout.

“Charlie’s Garden” is a fun and upbeat tune reminiscent of an Elton John classic. The lyrics paint a picture of a joy filled place called ‘Charlie’s Garden’ and  features a voice note from Joe Keery’s Stranger Things co-star Charlie Heaton.

Keery expresses his love and admiration throughout “Gap Tooth Smile”. This is a true love song describing his gratitude and appreciation for the girl with the gap tooth smile. It is followed by “Golden Line”, an optimistic story of love and aspiring to be the best version of yourself for your partner with minimalist instrumentation. 

The album closes with the title track “Crux”, a culmination of the entire sonic journey. He begins by stating “There’s a crux to everything”, emphasizing the tendency to overthink decisions and worry about the outcome. The layered production and progression take listeners on one final journey, leaving us with the words “get back to your heart”. 

Throughout the record, Joe Keery is able to explore a vulnerability unlike anything he has ever done before. The overarching themes and storylines are extremely authentic, showcasing the beauty of raw human emotion through experiencing loss and self doubt at key moments in life. This new sonic identity brings a fresh and interesting perspective, allowing listeners to gain a deeper and more personal understanding of Djo while remaining true to his pop-rock roots. I am extremely impressed with this album and find it well worth the three year wait! I am so excited to see where Djo takes his sound next as he continues to grow and evolve. He is currently touring this album and making stops across Europe and North America as well as festivals worldwide.