2025 has been a great year for music, with releases from big names such as Lana Del Ray, Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, etc. In celebration of the sheer number of albums this year, I had a few fellow students listen to three new albums from various artists. The Crux is the third studio album released by Joe Keery, an acclaimed actor and musician, known under the musical alias “Djo.” It was released on April 4, a continuation of his previous album, Decide. The Crux debuted at No. 50 on the US Billboard 100, as well as No. 10 on the Top Alternative & Rock Albums charts, selling 8,000 albums., It was ranked eleventh among independent albums.
“I liked it a lot! The songs had different vibes but felt very cohesive. ‘Potions’ was my favorite,” said senior Charlie Kuhn.
Other students agreed the album is worth a listen.
“I think that all the songs are unique but still manage to give off a feeling of almost happy, calm/comforting tone to it. I recommend listening to it, especially if you like this artist,” said senior Hailey Knight.
The Human Fear is the sixth studio album released by the alternative Scottish indie rock band Franz Ferdinand. It was released on Jan. 10.
The album name references “searching for the thrill of being human via fears,” as described by frontman Alex Kopranos.
The album went on to get No. 3 on UK album charts and No. 1 on the Scottish album charts.
“My favorite song is ‘The Doctor.’ I just love the chorus with the nice chord that makes it so easy to enjoy,” said junior Tobias Schaefer.
Other tracks inspired different reactions.
“‘The Birds’ is good, hella funky, but the beat drop feels like a sneeze that won’t come out. It takes really long, and it’s a little underwhelming. Good song overall,” said senior Avery Sewell.
Forever is a Feeling is the fourth studio album by artist Lucy Dacus, released on March 28. There are many contributors on the debut album: Hozier, Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, Blake Mills, Bartees Strange, Madison Cunningham and Melina Duterte. It debuted No. 1 on several charts, including Billboard’s Top Rock Albums chart, as well as No. 2 on UK album charts and No. 49 on Australian album charts.
“It’s, like, really good study music. I listened to it while studying …. My favorite song was probably ‘Ankles,’” said senior Bai-Lee Rose.
“I think that all the songs [on The Crux by Djo] are unique but still manage to give off a feeling of almost happy, calm, comforting tone to it. I recommend listening to it, especially if you like this artist.” – Hailey Knight, senior
