From psychedelic pop to intimate guitar songs, these are the tracks that show the many sides of Joe Keery’s musical project.
I'm the kind of music listener who gets fixated on one artist at a time. I'll listen to a bit of everything, but every few months, someone inevitably takes over my listening habits. I'll work my way through their discography, playing each album front to back until I know it inside out.
In 2025, I revisited Djo's The Crux, having barely listened to him since 2022, and found myself completely absorbed. A year later, it's still in regular rotation. I've spent hours picking apart its lyrics, tracing its musical influences and discovering something new with each listen. I'd never been particularly drawn to synth-heavy or alternative electronic music, but Djo's approach to layering and experimentation has changed how I listen to it.
I saw him live for the first time in June, when he opened for Tame Impala, and that was that. Despite having only three studio albums to his name, he'd become my favourite artist. I caught several more shows during his European run that summer, and somehow, each one left me wanting to hear him again.
Djo's acting career can sometimes overshadow his work as a musician, but his music deserves to be considered on its own terms. Across three albums, Joe Keery has developed a sound that moves between psychedelic pop, synth-driven experimentation and more intimate, guitar-led songwriting. Beneath those shifting sounds, he keeps returning to questions of identity, connection and what it means to change.
Narrowing his catalogue down to just 25 songs was no easy task, especially with so many fellow fans ready to contest my choices. But after plenty of deliberation, here's my ranking.
25) Carry The Name
One of the slower ballads on The Crux Deluxe, ‘Carry The Name’ has a bit of Beatles influence and a lot of vulnerability. As the first single released from the deluxe album, it set the tone for a more personal and self-reflective side of The Crux. The song explores moving on after a breakup, carrying memories of someone with you while trying to learn how to leave them behind. It's a quieter track, but one that captures the difficulty of letting go without pretending the past didn't matter.
24) Figure You Out
Djo's psychedelic vocals era! ‘Figure You Out’ is one of the more experimental tracks on Decide, and, like many of his songs, there's an existential question sitting beneath all the synths and vocal effects. Keery explores identity and how much of who we are is shaped by the roles we play in society. I love this song because it captures the Decide era so perfectly. He was still ‘undercover’ in a blonde wig and figuring out how he wanted to present himself to the world, and we got to watch that process unfold as listeners. There's something particularly interesting about an artist questioning identity while simultaneously constructing his own.
23) Delete Ya
The second single from The Crux, ‘Delete Ya’ introduced us to Djo's new sound. It still has those familiar introspective qualities, but there's less of the electronic feel of Decide and more of a bedroom-pop sound. The song centres on trying to erase someone and the memories attached to them after a breakup, although there's a little melancholy and gratitude mixed in with that desire to move on. It's that combination that makes it feel more complicated than simply wanting to forget someone ever existed.
22) Fool
How many times can I say introspective and existential in one article? It's hard not to mention it with Djo, especially on Decide, where so many of the songs explore identity and perception. Keery revealed in a Reddit AMA that he wrote ‘Fool’ in a “sad Airbnb”, which I love knowing because you wouldn't necessarily guess it from the finished track. It's also one of my favourite songs to hear live, particularly for the higher notes and that whispered section. Sometimes a song just hits differently when you're in a crowd hearing it in person, and this is definitely one of those for me.
21) Half Life
Another Decide track in the top 25 - who's surprised? ‘Half Life’ explores Keery's changing relationship with fame, caught between missing his old way of life and enjoying the experience of sharing his music with the world. He also touches on technology and social media, themes that pop up throughout the album, while experimenting with different instrumental and vocal effects. I find it interesting listening back to Decide now, knowing just how much Djo's audience has grown since its release. There's something quite fitting about a song questioning the changes that come with being an artist becoming part of a catalogue that's reached so many more people.
20) Flash Mountain
Anyone who's seen this song live knows why it's in the top 20. This is one of the best parts of a Djo headline show, an absolute headbanging anthem. Psychedelic rock-pop is probably the closest way to describe it, but honestly, it's just fun. Compared with some of the more sentimental tracks on Twenty Twenty, ‘Flash Mountain’ is much less concerned with making you think and much more interested in making you move. It's the kind of song that makes you appreciate how different Djo's sound can be, and I hope it never comes off the setlist.
19) Want Your Video
Now we're getting into the Decide songs that are all about romance and attraction. I love the lyrics of ‘Want Your Video’, with Keery describing that feeling of being completely taken with someone and wanting to celebrate them, encourage them and support them. It's a lovely change of pace from the more existential tracks on the album, and there's a real sense of affection running through it. If you couldn't tell by now, I also love when he experiments with his pitch, and the higher vocal lines in this song are a perfect example. It's one of those little details that makes his music so fun to listen to.
18) On and On
I promise this list isn't just from the Decide album, but ‘On and On’ has to make the top 20. Keery explores his relationship with the internet and social media again, this time capturing the addictive cycle of scrolling alongside the anxiety of everything happening online. The repetitive lyrics and pacing reflect that feeling of endlessly consuming content without ever really switching off. It came out around the time he deactivated his personal Instagram at arguably a peak of his Stranger Things fame. The song feels just as relevant now, if not more so, because I think we've all experienced that feeling of opening an app for five minutes and somehow losing an entire hour.
17) Basic Being Basic
The first single from The Crux! ‘Basic Being Basic’ is one of Djo's more upbeat tracks and, arguably, a highlight of his live shows. Although the song can be interpreted as part of the album's breakup narrative, I personally think it also fits into his wider criticism of society and the way people present themselves. There's a frustration with superficiality running through it, alongside a desire for more genuine connections and simpler pleasures. Of course, you can spend ages unpacking what it all means, but it's also just a brilliant song to jump up and down to. Part of what makes ‘Basic Being Basic’ so much fun live is the little ritual that’s developed around it. When Djo gets to “sell me on it,” the crowd screams it back at him, almost like an inside joke shared between him and the fans. If you’ve been to a few shows, you know the drill, and if you haven’t, consider this another reason to go.
16) Chateau (Feel Alright)
‘Chateau (Feel Alright)’ was a game-changer for Djo even before ‘End of Beginning’ took off. This nostalgic track slows things down, capturing a summer of contentment and ease at the Chateau in LA. The lyrics aren't necessarily the main focus here; it's the dreamy, meditative alternative-pop sound that makes it so special. There's something about the atmosphere that makes the song feel like a memory you want to stay in for a little longer. It might just be my favourite track on Twenty Twenty, and it's an example of how Djo can also create a feeling without overcomplicating it.
15) Gap Tooth Smile
Another purely affectionate track, and my favourite romantic Djo song. In an interview with Zach Sang, Keery explained that ‘Gap Tooth Smile’ was written from the perspective of someone looking at their partner and thinking about how lucky they are. That love and adoration really shine through, making it one of the sweetest songs in his catalogue. Towards the end, there's also the lengthy count-up to 29, a number that recurs throughout The Crux. I've always found that detail interesting in the context of the album's themes of change and growing older, particularly as Keery was approaching his thirties.
14) Change
Back to Decide, we have another upbeat synth-funk track, and this one was the album's lead single in 2022. Djo later opened for Tame Impala, an artist he's cited as a major influence, and you can really hear that inspiration in ‘Change’. The song marked a shift from the indie-pop sound of Twenty Twenty towards something more psychedelic and synth-driven, while its lyrics reflect - you guessed it - change. It's a great example of how Keery's sound has developed across his albums without losing the qualities that make it recognisably his.
13) Mr Mountebank
There was no way I could write this list without my good friend Mr. Mountebank. I love this song. It's so different from the rest of Djo's discography, with some of his most experimental lyricism and a track that feels almost entirely built around metaphors. I find it particularly interesting to consider in the context of his sudden viral fame following ‘End of Beginning’, alongside the attention he's received for Stranger Things. This is definitely a polarising song within the fandom, especially for listeners who prefer his guitar-based sound, but I personally love how strange it is. The autotune and futuristic elements make it sound like something out of a sci-fi video game. I appreciate the risks, and I really wish he'd sing this one live!
12) Purgatory Silverstar
Another The Crux Deluxe track, ‘Purgatory Silverstar’ echoes ‘Mr. Mountebank’ in its experimentation and refusal to stick to a conventional pop structure. I've seen people describe this one as messy, particularly because it moves from an acoustic opening into a much heavier rock section, but I actually think that contrast is executed well. The metaphors and astrological references make it an interesting one to unpack, and I like the idea of purgatory as reflecting that in-between stage after a relationship ends, when you're not quite ready for what's next. I've ranked it above ‘Mr. Mountebank’ because I find its imagery a little more cohesive, although I love both tracks for how willing Djo is to experiment.
11) Golden Line
‘Golden Line’ is such a beautiful track on The Crux. Keery has said that he wrote it with his parents in mind, which adds another layer to an album that's often described as being about a breakup. So many of the songs on The Crux are really about figuring out what matters when your life, relationships and sense of self start to change, and ‘Golden Line’ is a reminder of the importance of family and friendship through all of that. It's warm, comforting and incredibly relatable. I think it's easy to get caught up in the things that change in life and forget about the people who've been there all along, and this song captures that feeling beautifully.
10) End of Beginning
We made it to the top ten! Obviously, ‘End of Beginning’ was going to make an appearance. Djo's most viral hit has introduced so many people to his music, but I think its appeal goes beyond its popularity. The song captures that strange feeling of growing up, moving forward and still missing a version of your life that you can't quite return to. It's nostalgic without being tied to one specific experience, which is probably part of why so many people have connected with it. On a personal note, I love that he often closes his live shows with this song. Watching everyone come together for it is such a special moment, especially when you've followed his music for a while and get to see just how far it's come.
9) Roddy
Finally, another Twenty Twenty track, ‘Roddy’ was the first single from Djo's debut album, and he came out with a bang. It's emotional but still incredibly groovy, balancing the introspective songwriting that would become a signature of his music with a beat that makes it impossible to sit still. The references to looking at oneself in the mirror introduce questions of identity and change that continue throughout his discography. ‘Roddy’ is my second favourite song on Twenty Twenty, and listening to it alongside The Crux Deluxe makes for such an interesting experience. Even as his sound has changed, many of the questions he was asking himself on his debut still seem to be there.
8) Crux
The title track, ‘Crux’ captures so much of what the album is about. It has the introspective qualities that have become a recurring theme in his songwriting, but there's also a warmth and hopefulness that make it stand out. The song builds slowly before moving into a more repetitive ending, giving it a sense of emotional fulfilment that feels earned rather than forced. I love that, even on an album dealing with heartbreak and change, there's still room for that kind of optimism. It feels like a song about working through everything that's happened and coming out the other side with a better understanding of yourself.
7) Gloom
We've made it to my favourite Decide track, and I might be biased because ‘Gloom’ is so good live, but I genuinely think it's one of the album's best. The alternative-indie sound and synth-heavy production make it incredibly catchy, while the lyrics explore personal freedom and the desire to get away from a city or friendships that no longer feel right. I also love the deadpan humour in Keery's songwriting, something I wish he’d tap into even more in the future. It's a great example of Djo balancing lyrics that make you think with a soundtrack that makes you want to dance.
6) Link
If I were ranking these songs purely on how often I listen to them, ‘Link’ would be number one. This fast-paced track mixes guitar with synth in a way that reminds me of his Twenty Twenty days, and, much like ‘Flash Mountain’, it's an instant adrenaline rush. Lyrically, it touches on new beginnings, anxieties and imposter syndrome, making it a fitting opener for The Crux. I love how it immediately pulls you into the album while introducing some of the uncertainty that runs through the record. It's one of those songs I can listen to over and over without getting tired of it, which is probably why it sits so high on my list.
5) Potion
Another love song from Djo, ‘Potion’ is a beautiful track full of hope and longing. The more acoustic-led backing gives it a softer, more intimate sound, allowing Keery's vocals to take centre stage without losing the melodic quality that makes his music so distinctive. There's a real sense of wanting something genuine and lasting here, which fits with the wider themes of The Crux. I love the vulnerability in this song, especially in contrast with some of the album's more experimental tracks. It's a quieter favourite, but one that makes me appreciate the softer side of Djo's songwriting just as much as the big, synth-heavy moments.
4) Personal Lies
One of my favourite songs of all time, ‘Personal Lies’ was always going to make the top five. The beat is so incredibly fun, and I love the way the song shifts from punchy rock into a smoother, dreamier psychedelic second half. That transition makes it one of those tracks where I notice something new every time I listen. Looking back, it's also interesting to hear how Keery explored the messiness of early adulthood on Twenty Twenty, compared with the different kind of uncertainty he reflects on in The Crux. His sound has developed so much since his debut, but the willingness to try new things and the self-reflection were there from the beginning.
3) Back On You
‘Back On You’ is one of the most comforting songs on The Crux. Like ‘Golden Line’, it touches on the importance of friendship and family, but there's a particular focus on the people who help you through difficult times. Although the breakup is still part of the story, the song feels more concerned with the support Keery received from the people closest to him. The choral backing vocals, which feature his sisters, make it even more beautiful, adding to that feeling of warmth and connection. As the longest song on The Crux, it has time to build into something really special. It's a song that reminds me how important it is to have people around you who help you find your feet again.
2) It’s Over
Perhaps one of the most underrated songs in Djo's discography, ‘It's Over’ is a standout track on The Crux Deluxe. The 70s-inspired sound gives it a dreamy, almost euphoric quality, which works beautifully alongside its themes of accepting a breakup and learning to move forward. I almost wonder why it wasn't the closing track on The Crux, because it feels like such a perfect way to bring that chapter to an end. I also love the voicemail in the middle of the song; it's such an unexpected detail, and I find myself thinking about it long after I've finished listening. It's a beautiful mix of melancholy and freedom, and I really think it deserves more love.
1) Egg
Good luck finding a Djo fan who doesn't agree that ‘Egg’ is easily in the top three of his discography. This song is fantastic, combining almost everything I love about Djo as a musician. It has the strange, unsettling elements that make his music so interesting, but also an incredible emotional build-up that leads into the electric climax of the bridge. Some of the details are wonderfully bizarre, including the screams of one of his bandmates, which Keery discusses in his Tape Notes interview. I love learning about the thought process behind moments like that because they make you appreciate just how much is going on beneath the surface. The song also explores the gap between how Keery sees himself and how the world sees him as a musician, connecting back to the imposter syndrome on ‘Link’. It's experimental, emotional and completely unpredictable, and for me, it's the perfect number one.