Wed Apr 09 12:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Stranger Things Star Joe Keery’s New Album, “The Crux,” Divides Critics

**NEW YORK, NY** – Joe Keery, best known for his role as Steve Harrington in Netflix’s *Stranger Things*, has released his third album under the moniker Djo, titled *The Crux*. While his previous work saw unexpected viral success with songs like “End of the Beginning,” *The Crux* presents a more complex and arguably less cohesive offering.

The album, described by Keery as a concept record about individuals at crossroads in their lives, blends various influences ranging from Steely Dan to Julian Casablancas, creating a sound reminiscent of a curated Urban Outfitters playlist. However, critics are divided on its success. While praising the production and Keery’s musicianship, many find the lyrics lack depth and insightful commentary, often falling into the trap of mere observation instead of meaningful exploration. The album’s attempts at self-aware irony and winking self-reference are also noted as potentially undermining its artistic ambitions.

Some tracks, such as “Basic Being Basic,” are criticized for their superficiality and reliance on trendy themes and phrases, while others, like “Delete Ya,” offer a more compelling glimpse into Keery’s personal struggles with fame and identity. The album’s reliance on allusions and stylistic borrowing from other artists also draws criticism, with some calling it derivative.

Despite these mixed reviews, *The Crux* is undeniably a carefully crafted project showcasing Keery’s musical talent. The question remains whether it surpasses the status of a “vanity project” to achieve the artistic merit Keery and his collaborators presumably aspired to. Ultimately, *The Crux* leaves the listener pondering whether its success lies in the intriguing paradox of a mainstream actor experimenting with music, rather than in the inherent quality of the music itself.

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