This week, we’re changing the pace with our first reader-requested album, Djo’s Twenty Twenty. My interest was immediately piqued after discovering the artist is none other than Joe Keery from the popular show Stranger Things. The album proved to be a pleasant and enjoyable surprise.
Following his time in the band Post Animal, Joe Keery embarked on a solo career under the moniker Djo, creating an identity entirely his own. With his debut album, Twenty Twenty, he offered listeners, both new and old, a chance to find him without any preconceived notions. The album draws heavily from ’70s and ’80s rock, with a sound that evokes the spirit of artists like Pink Floyd and Spacemen 3. Djo’s music is characterized by warm, vintage synths, dreamy psychedelic tones, and irresistible melodic pop hooks. Despite its polished production, the album maintains a charming, bedroom-pop feel, which, along with its classic filter, gives every song a playful and intimate mood. The essence of Twenty Twenty is its brilliant fusion of indie pop and psychedelia, making each track both catchy and thematically complex.
Lyrically, the album explores themes of self-deprecation, vulnerability, and introspection. Songs like “Personal Lies” delve into the anxiety and insecurities that Keery often faced in his life and personal relationships. This emotional depth, along with the numerous other songs that cover themes of heartbreak and complex relationships, brings the album together, perfectly complementing its sonic landscape.
In the end, Twenty Twenty is a delightful surprise, proving to both old and new fans that Joe Keery is a formidable musical talent in his own right. The album is a testament to his independence, demonstrating his ability to not only act but also to create a cohesive and immersive sonic world. With this project, Keery successfully carved out his own space alongside revered artists like Mac DeMarco, The Beach Boys, and Tame Impala. Personally, this album was a welcomed change of pace from my usual music, and it’s one I’ll be revisiting for years to come on warm, sunny days.
Standout Tracks
- Personal Lies
- Roddy
- BNBG
ON KEY WITH RYAN 
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