Joe Keery Finds Sense of Identity in “The Crux.”

While “The Crux” is certainly not Joe Keery’s first rodeo in the music industry, his third 

album is most certainly his magnum opus. John Lonsdale of Rolling Stone claims that “The Crux marks the arrival of a fully formed artist that is just getting started.” From Keery’s scene-stealing recurring role as Steve in the highly acclaimed Netflix drama “Stranger Things,” to the TikTok viral hit “End of Beginning,” off of his sophomore album “DECIDE,” Keery, aka “Djo,” has always left every creative project of his with an organic sense of vulnerability in his art. “The Crux,” is no exception to Keery's artistic track record. 

Rollout for this album was announced by Keery Jan. 24, 2025, dually announcing the 

“Back on You” world tour from February to June 2025 to promote the album. Singles “Basic Being Basic,” “Delete Ya,” and “Potion” were released earlier this year, and were met with a favorable reception from music critics and fans alike. A music video for “Basic Being Basic” was released “The Crux” was released April 4, to mass acclaim. The album was produced by Keery and Adam Thein, who Keery has a track record with working with.

 While Keery pulls inspiration from his electro/bedroom-pop roots found in his 

past albums, on tracks like “Egg,” and “Lonesome is a State of Mind,” the Stranger Things actor also experiments with a whole new plethora of sounds new for the singer. Baroque pop-rock reminiscent of the 60s and 70’s is found in tracks like “Charlie’s Garden,” and “Gap Tooth Smile,” but honestly is a very prevalent undercurrent throughout the tracklist. Keery seems to be trying on the McCartney-Lennon sound, and I for one am hopeful that Keery adopts this genre for more records. At first I was shocked to hear such a brit-pop sound from Keery, but when I found out that album was recorded in its entirety at Manhattan’s Electric Lady Studios, where music greats such as David Bowie, Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix have recorded their albums, my shock subsided, and makes total sense for the sound that Keery is going for. 

The thesis statement that “The Crux” swings on is Keery’s worldview of the society he 

exists in, as he makes commentary on the intersection between the effervescent anxiety that comes with the changes of adulthood, and the catharsis that comes from becoming one’s truest self, all while falling in and out of love in the process. The album has an introspective feel to it, like Keery is giving us access to secrets and desires he’s seldom discussed. This allows for Keery to have a personal connection with the listener, at least for the next twelve tracks. The album’s varied tracklist alludes to Keery struggling to find his sense of self, in both his own life and in his art. Keery’s introspection allows us to come along on a journey with him, to find this sense of self. The album’s experimental elements in production, combined with the personal connection found in the lyricism, results in a beautifully conducted beast of an album, jam packed with all the emotions that come in the process of growing up.

The album begins with “Lonesome Is A State Of Mind,” a bare-bones ballad where 

Keerey is seldom accompanied other than acoustic guitar and some very light synth sounds. Keery looks introspectively at a relationship he once had, all the while pondering on how this failed relationship has changed him; as he is about to cross over to pursue a new relationship . “I swear I’ve had this dinner before / I know I’ve heard that song / My future’s not what I thought / I think I thought it wrong.” While the track starts slow, the pace picks up near the end, representing a clean slate, allowing listeners to enter the journey of “The Crux” with an open mind.

The instrumentation immediately crosses over to “Basic Being Basic,” the second track 

off of “The Crux” and the first single that gave fans a taste of Keery’s latest. This track is upbeat, and reminiscent of the techno-pop associated with Keery’s discography. Robotic style vocals are backed up by electric drums and synthesized keyboards, giving a futuristic and almost digital feel to the song. This seems to be a play on the ever-changing technology and advancement prevalent in an age dominated by social media. In his lyrics, Keery seems to be talking to us directly, urging us to not to try so hard to be different, as it doesn’t come across as edgy and individual as we might think. This very mindset he describes as “basic” to him. “I think you’re scared of being basic / That’s ironic ‘cause it’s reading like you’re even more basic / It’s not funny, it’s so funny.” 

One of the album’s highlights is found in the fourth track, “Potion,” and is an adorably 

optimistic love song. Accompanied by delicate strums of acoustic guitar and the romantic sweeping string section, Keery continues onward to his quest for musical identity. In “Potion,” he seems to be going for a singer-songwriter vibe, the meat of the song found in the lyrics, while the instrumentation is simple yet incredibly effective for the track. In the lyrics, Keery yearns for a romantic connection, and this track is a physical representation of this yearning feeling. “I’ll try for all of my life / Just to find someone who leaves on the light for me.” The simplicity of the song is a palette cleanser from the electronically-produced and eclectic tracks, giving the listener an easy-going reprieve from the rest of the album. Although the track was released as the third single off “The Crux,” the track is too often overlooked, quite literally a diamond in the rough.

The eighth track, “Charlie’s Garden,” might be a peek into Keery’s more playful side. In 

the track, Keery showcases escapism and childlike joy, taking a departure from the intense self-reflection prevalent throughout the album. In the lyrics, Keery uses “Charlie’s Garden” as a metaphor for escaping the harsh realities of life, allowing unbridled optimism and positivity to bleed through the track. “How can I convince myself / Convince myself to stay? / That work just won’t do itself / That can wait another day.” The instrumentation screams Sgt. Pepper, clad with 

expressive synthesizers, a horn section and percussion very similar to that of Ringo Starr’s 

iconic drumming. What makes this track particularly special is  Keery’s “Stranger Things” 

co-star Charlie Heaton is featured on the vocals of the track, adding a sweet and personal touch.

Another hidden gem on this album is the eleventh track, “Back On You,” which is a 

sweet and sentimental to Keery’s sisters and family. The track begins with an intro by the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, beckoning Keery to return to the joy and tranquility of his roots. Quickly, the song switches gears, returning to the indie-pop rock that is persistent throughout the tracklist. This track sticks out particularly to me, because it has a clear audience – Keery’s sisters, Caroline, Emma, and Kate Keery. In the lyrics, Keery attests to how having his sisters in his life brought him a sense of stability in tough times, and made him a better man as a result of their influence. “You help me see it through / So, you can count on me / I’m leanin’ back on you.” As a cherry on top of a spectacular track, Keery’s sisters join him on the final verses, singing along with him in support.

“Crux,” the twelfth and final track of the album, provides a resolution to Keery’s unease 

and anxiety about the ever-changing world he’s surrounded by, as well as the uncertainty of his own identity. The lyrics emphasize a sense of peace in knowing vulnerability is the only way to receive emotional fulfillment and personal growth, in all aspects of life. “The connection is real / And I live for the rush / Let it out from inside me / Get it back to your heart.” The instrumentation is simple, allowing Keery’s voice to take center stage in a moment that brings the album full circle. From a place of disorder and pain, to the tranquility that comes from growing up, Keery winds up the story of this album in this cumulative final track.

All in all, I think it’s safe to say that “The Crux” is Keery’s best by far. Showcasing a 

variety of emotions that the human experience entails, while also commentating on an ever changing future is not an easy task, but one that Keery does with ease and incredible insight. Although you might know him now as a Netflix heartthrob, that won’t be the last you’ll hear from him. If “The Crux” is any indication, Keery is a rising star in the music industry, and doesn’t plan on dulling his shine anytime soon.