It’s access to these resources and musical freedom that allowed Djo to find his footing on this album.

Below is my immediate ranking of each track on the album after my first listen.

However, something had to come last.

Custom image of Joe Keery as Steve Harrington in Stranger Things and performing as Djo

“Link” is an enigma on this album with its rhythmic electric guitar and striking ’80s energy.

He takes the simple, modern idea of deleting something from our devices and spins it as a metaphor.

Again, still a great song, but I already had it on repeat for weeks.

album cover for Who Believes in Angels by Brandi Carlile and Elton John

It starts with a haunting introduction where Djo states that he wishes for the bloom of spring.

Elton John and Brandi Carlile join forces for what will be, respectively, their 33rd and eighth albums.

Which songs rank among the best, and worst?

All four members stand in a field with tall plants. The one on the far left wears a black hat, a blue shirt and pants, and a red tie. Next to him one wears a blue coat with a white under shirt. The next one wears a black long sleeve with a black hat with a red ribbon. On the far right the one wears a blue coat, a muti colored handkerchief.

A crux is the most important issue at hand, or one’s most important decision.

Get back to your heart

Only if you give it back again

Will you give it back?

A CD edition of Djo’s album, The Crux, edited over a cloudy background with music notes

Custom Image by Simone Ashmoore

Joe Keery