The Crux is the upcoming third studio album by the American actor and musician Joe Keery, under his alias Djo. It will be released independently under AWAL on April 4, 2025, and will serve as the follow-up to his previous album, Decide (2022). Keery co-produced The Crux with his frequent collaborator Adam Thein at Electric Lady Studios in New York City. Two singles—"Basic Being Basic" and "Delete Ya"—have preceded the album between January and February 2025. Keery promoted the album with the Back on You World Tour in 2025.
Background
Joe Keery saw breakthrough success in his musical career, under the alias Djo, with the song "End of Beginning" (2024). One of the singles from his second studio album, Decide (2022), it was the sixth song with the most streams in 2024 and charted in 41 countries, including in the United States with a peak at number 11. It also received certifications in nearly 20 nations.[1] Keery started teasing his third album on social media at the beginnings of 2025.[2]
Production and composition
Keery worked with his frequent collaborator Adam Thein for The Crux. They co-produced the album at Electric Lady Studios in New York City.[1] According to DIY, the lyrical themes center on "a hotel housing guests who are all [...] at crossroads in their life".[3]
Release
On January 24, 2025, Keery announced his third album, The Crux, and revealed its track listing and cover artwork.[4][5] He also released its lead single titled "Basic Being Basic", and performed it on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon four days later.[6] The Crux will be released on April 4, 2025, via the distribution company AWAL.[1] It was be supported by a concert tour titled Back on You World Tour between February and June 2025, which passed through North America, Europe, and Australia.[7][8][9] The American band Post Animal, which Keery was part before his solo career, served as the opening act.[4][7] "Delete Ya" will be released as the second single on February 27, 2025.[10]
Track listing
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Lonesome Is a State of Mind" | 4:19 | ||
| 2. | "Basic Being Basic" |
|
| 2:38 |
| 3. | "Link" | 3:15 | ||
| 4. | "Potion" | 2:47 | ||
| 5. | "Delete Ya" | 3:23 | ||
| 6. | "Egg" | 4:35 | ||
| 7. | "Fly" | 5:25 | ||
| 8. | "Charlie's Garden" | 3:25 | ||
| 9. | "Gap Tooth Smile" | 2:58 | ||
| 10. | "Golden Line" | 3:22 | ||
| 11. | "Back on You" | 5:23 | ||
| 12. | "Crux" | 3:43 | ||
| Total length: | 45:13 | |||
References
- ^ a b c Mitchell, Matt (January 24, 2025). "Djo Drops Early SOTY Contender, Announces New Album The Crux". Paste. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
- ^ "It looks like we're getting new music from Djo this month – Music news live". Dork. January 7, 2025. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
- ^ Carter, Daisy (January 24, 2025). "Djo announces new album 'The Crux'". DIY. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
- ^ a b Paul, Larisha (January 24, 2025). "Djo Isn't Impressed by Illusions on New Single 'Basic Being Basic' From Upcoming Album 'The Crux'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
- ^ Kurp, Josh (January 24, 2025). "Djo (Joe Keery From 'Stranger Things') Is Going On Tour To Support His New Album 'The Crux'". Uproxx. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
- ^ Newton, Felicity (January 24, 2025). "Djo has announced his new album 'The Crux' with early single 'Basic Being Basic' and a UK tour". Dork. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
- ^ a b Vito, Jo (January 24, 2025). "Djo Announces New Album The Crux, 2025 Tour Dates". Consequence. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
- ^ "Djo Begins Again With 'Basic' Single, New Album, Tour". Spin. January 24, 2025. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
- ^ Gregory, Allie (January 24, 2025). "Djo Announces New Album 'The Crux,' Plots World Tour". Exclaim!. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
- ^ Djo [@djotime] (February 24, 2025). "Delete Ya - Thursday. 1:30 pm ET" (Tweet) – via Twitter.