Bravo, Djo

American actor and musician Joe Keery released his album “The Crux” last spring under his musical pseudonym Djo. In regards to the success of his hit “End of Beginning” in 2024, Djo said “It was a boost of confidence and a good shot in the arm.” in an interview with Apple music. The album explores topics of personal growth, transformation, all at a metaphorical hotel that is housing people in different important stages of life.

The diverse blend of genres in “The Crux” are made up of psychedelic pop, new wave, and even elements of folk. The first track of the album, “Lonesome is a State of Mind” is a catchy and hypnotic introduction to the rest of the album. This track relinquishes the negative connotations associated with being lonely, changing it to positive. Djo’s lyrics follow a theme of transforming definitions throughout the rest of “The Crux”. The depth of Djo’s messages in his music are made easily digestible to listeners with his signature style of eclectic and groovy tunes.

The word crux is defined as being the most important choice at issue, the decision in using it for the album’s title is no accident. The album cover displays an old-fashioned looking hotel with a glowing vertical sign, it reads The Crux. A broad spectrum of individuals are all over the place, talking, looking away or escaping through a window. This is representative of how folks from all different walks of life struggle through change. More specifically the change that occurs between confusion and fear in one’s identity, to self acceptance. 

Djo also criticizes the lack of authenticity from people in this album. In Basic Being Basic Djo says “I think you’re scared of being basic”.  The message is that the obsessive desire to be a novelty is completely inauthentic. That the desire to be unique is the same as the desire for attention and praise to many.  According to Djo, real authenticity is about not caring about how you’re perceived, even if everyone thinks you are basic.

“Egg” is the best track. The song’s title is representative of being stuck in a shell, but learning to hatch. Egg dives deeper into the topic of self acceptance. “Every single step that you take is just another one back.” Living life as the person you’ve been told to be is a setback to your true purpose. “Can one be great, can one be kind, when history shows they’re not intertwined.” Role models can be dangerous, they’re put on a pedestal and their wrongdoings can seem perfectly moral to their protege. Djo’s asking his listeners if it’s worth it to try so hard to be like your icon, when they can be completely corrupt upon further inspection.

“The Crux” is a well thought out album with relatable themes, I had high expectations for Djo that were surely met. Djo’s continued delivery of great music since his 2019 debut album “Twenty Twenty” makes him a frequent choice for me when creating playlists. “The Crux” and the rest of Djo’s work is definitely worth a listen.