In 2016, I — like most of the world — watched Stranger Things (2016-2025) and immediately fell in love with Joe Keery through his portrayal of Steve Harrington. Years later I stumbled upon this artist Djo, through his song “Personal Lies.” Imagine my surprise when I discovered that Djo and the Stranger Things actor are one in the same. I watched the rest of the world make the same discovery when “End of Beginning” started trending on TikTok in 2022 — yes the guy that made that “Chicago” song is literally Steve Herrington.
In The Crux Keery combines his usual synthpop sound with classic rock to create this unique alt-pop style that gives perfect slow summer vibes — which after the hectic semester and world destructive politics, it’s more than needed. Each song in the album flows into the next, creating an easy listening experience while still bringing something distinct to the album. Some have a bouncier beat that remind me of the funk/soul band Vulfpeck, while others slow things down, creating moments for the songs to breathe within the album.
Probably the most popular song out of the entire album — “Charlie’s Garden” — feels the closest to that classic rock sound. Immediately in the first few seconds of the song The Beatles flooded my mind. The trumpets toward the end definitely didn’t help. Think “A Day in the Life” mixed with “Penny Lane” — add a little synth and that’s “Charlie’s Garden.”
The song has gained a lot of traction because it features Joe Keery’s Stranger Things co-star and good friend Charlie Heaton playing the role of a producer or casting director over the phone. An obvious theme throughout The Crux is Keery spotlighting the people he loves, showing us just what the album is about for him.
“Back On You,” partly dedicated to his sisters, is another clear example. With lyrics like “I’ve known my sisters for a?lifetime / I count my lucky stars that I have them,” and “sisters made a better brother,” Keery shows his love for his siblings. As a sister, I will be sending this to my brothers.
“Charlie’s Garden” is only one of many nods to classic rock legends as “Back On You” opens with an ethereal chorus before a hard drum comes in with a whirling electric guitar — reminiscent of many Queen songs. Later in the song there’s mention of “Hello Mr. Blue Sky Blue,” alluding to the song “Mr. Blue Sky” by the Electric Light Orchestra. Also, in “Gap Tooth Smile,” Keery sings “Freddie said it right, ‘cause she’s my killer queen,” a clear reference to the Queen song “Killer Queen.” It’s easy to see where he drew inspiration from.
The entire album feels like a journey of self-discovery. While not sticking to one narrative, each song reveals more about the people Keery loves while simultaneously revealing more about himself. Especially in the song “Basic Being Basic” there’s clear commentary on this idea: “I don’t want your money, I don’t care for fame / I don’t wanna live a life where that’s my big exchange / I want simple pleasures, friends who have my back.” The song goes against the alt sound the rest of the album carries through its poppy chorus, creating dialogue between the lyrics and the melodies of the song itself. It’s a discordant message of trying to figure out who you are and learning what you’re not.
As a person in their 20s, I feel like that’s what life is for me right now: finding who I’m not and through that, who I am. Friends become sounding panels, sword sharpeners, and truth sayers. Keery brings us an authentic album at a time where the world cares about the unabashed truth. I don’t know about you, but for me this summer will be more contemplative, and this album provides the perfect soundtrack.
