Actor and musician Joe Keery, known for his role in Stranger Things, has released his third studio album under the moniker Djo, titled The Crux. Dropped on April 4, 2025, the album marks a significant evolution in Keery’s artistic journey, blending elements of psychedelic pop, soft rock, and introspective lyrics. With this release, Keery continues to define his unique voice in the music industry, independent of his acting fame.
A New Chapter in Keery’s Musical Evolution
The Crux follows Keery’s earlier works, Twenty Twenty (2019) and Decide (2022). Both albums introduced listeners to Djo’s signature blend of synth-pop and thoughtful songwriting. However, The Crux takes a bolder step into more lush, analog-inspired soundscapes. The album was recorded at the renowned Electric Lady Studios in New York City, known for its history of hosting iconic musicians.
Unlike his previous albums, which leaned on bedroom pop aesthetics, The Crux is more expansive in production and ambitious in concept. The project was co-produced with longtime collaborator Adam Thein, and the recording process emphasized vintage instrumentation and sonic experimentation. The result is an album that feels both timeless and contemporary.
Conceptual Depth and Emotional Themes
Keery described The Crux as a concept album structured around a fictional hotel. Each track represents a “guest” residing in the hotel, each grappling with their own existential dilemmas and emotional transitions. This narrative device gives the album thematic cohesion while allowing for a broad emotional and musical palette.
Themes explored in The Crux include identity, transformation, heartbreak, and the search for authenticity. The lyrics are introspective, sometimes abstract, yet always emotionally resonant. Keery’s ability to inhabit different perspectives in each track demonstrates his growth not only as a songwriter but also as a storyteller.
Highlight Tracks and Musical Style
Among the 12 songs on the album, several stand out for their innovation and impact:
- “Basic Being Basic”: Serving as the lead single, this track critiques conformity and the pursuit of mediocrity. With its pulsing synths and catchy chorus, it is both a danceable and thought-provoking anthem.
- “Delete Ya”: A melancholic soft rock ballad, this song explores the lingering emotions after a breakup. The instrumentation evokes a retro ’80s vibe while the lyrics are deeply personal.
- “Potion”: A song about emotional alchemy and healing, “Potion” continues the album’s exploration of self-discovery and vulnerability.
- “The Crux”: The title track serves as the thematic centerpiece, encapsulating the album’s narrative arc and sonic motifs.
The musical style across the album ranges from upbeat psychedelic rock to downtempo synth ballads. Influences from Tame Impala, David Bowie, and The Beatles are evident, yet Keery’s voice remains distinct throughout.
Reception and Chart Success
The album has received favorable reviews from both fans and critics. While reviews vary, many praised Keery for his artistic boldness and the maturity of his songwriting. The rich production and conceptual storytelling were highlighted as standout qualities.
Commercially, The Crux debuted in the Top 10 on several streaming platforms and performed well on international charts. In the United States, it reached the top 10 of the Rock & Alternative Albums chart. The album also charted in Australia and New Zealand, marking Keery’s most successful release to date under the Djo moniker.
A Tour That Matches the Music
To support The Crux, Keery embarked on the ‘Back on You’ World Tour, which began on February 6, 2025, in Auckland, New Zealand. The tour spans multiple continents, with shows scheduled across North America, Europe, and Oceania.
Known for his energetic stage presence and immersive visuals, Keery has crafted a concert experience that complements the album’s themes. The stage design reflects the fictional hotel from the album, complete with atmospheric lighting and surreal backdrops. His former band, Post Animal, is serving as the opening act, bringing added nostalgic appeal for longtime fans.
Balancing Two Artistic Worlds
Keery’s success as an actor often invites scrutiny when he steps into music. However, he has made concerted efforts to distinguish his musical persona from his acting career. In the early days of Djo, Keery performed in disguise, attempting to allow the music to speak for itself without the weight of his acting fame.
Over time, he has embraced both facets of his creative life. In recent interviews, Keery has expressed the cathartic nature of making music and how it offers a different kind of emotional outlet than acting. His dual success in film and music positions him as one of the rare modern artists who can authentically navigate both industries.
What’s Next for Djo?
With the success of The Crux, fans are already speculating about Keery’s next moves. While he has not announced any new projects beyond the tour, the album’s ambitious scope suggests that Keery will continue pushing boundaries.
Industry insiders speculate that Keery may explore more multimedia storytelling formats, potentially blending his film and music talents into future projects. Given the cinematic quality of The Crux, such a venture would feel like a natural progression.
Conclusion
The Crux stands as a significant milestone in Joe Keery’s artistic journey. More than just an album, it is a fully realized artistic statement—combining narrative depth, musical sophistication, and emotional honesty. With a world tour underway and critical acclaim growing, Keery’s evolution as Djo confirms his place not just as a TV star dabbling in music, but as a serious artist forging his own creative path.