Lucy Dacus is a generational talent. It’s not a hot take to say that. She is a gifted songwriter with 3 critically acclaimed solo albums in her pocket, as well as being a member of one of the most significant musical groups of the last decade boygenius alongside Phoebe Bridgers & Julien Baker. Anticipation understandably has been at a fever pitch on the run up to the release of her latest album Forever is a Feeling.
This is her first solo album since Home Video in 2021, as well as her first musical output since the release of boygenius’ The Record in 2022. Things have clearly changed quite drastically in Dacus’ life since the release of both those albums. Forever is a Feeling then finds her in a reflective mood, charting & chronicling the thoughts & feelings of finding a new love while learning to let go of other things in life in order to accommodate that love.
This is an album that paints its pictures in the broadest strokes that pull from the deepest wells of human emotion. On first listen this feel like a much lighter, more playful album than some of her previous works. There are moments here that crackle with a vibrancy and an energy that only falling in love can create and bring out in a person.
The longing soulfulness of Big Deal, or the free spirited fantasy of Ankles, with its wishes of a life that could be, to the more artful Kate Bushisms of Limerence with its tender strings and dreamlike piano. It’s moments like these that show not only the range of emotions throughout the album, but the maturity & growth Lucy herself is going through as a person & artist.
Talk brings in a fuzzy guitar and almost trip hop beat that harks back to some of her earlier works, while displaying a clear alt rock influence. It was an obvious choice for a single. For Keeps is a tender hearted burst of acoustic balladry that anchors the album,while providing one of its most emotional moments. Come Out really showcases Dacus storytelling ability as she takes you on this journey through this song with relatable and well observed witticisms.
Best Guess is gorgeous, a wide eyed look at love and your hopes for the person you are falling for. It recalls Fleetwood Mac at their most dreamy and spacious. Hozier turns up on Bullseye, a duet we didn’t know we needed until now. His voice partnered with Lucy’s enriches the listening experience, their voices work perfectly in tandem really bringing the whole song to life. Most Wanted Man brings in some country elements very late in the game. Lost Time sends the album off on a quiet subdued moment, leaving the listener with a chance to reflect on the lyrics, while not doubt reaching for the play button to start the album again.
Forever is a Feeling is an album that sees Lucy Dacus at a pivotal moment in her life both as a person and artist. This is an intimate look in her life, and might be her most exposed and raw release because of that. With that said it’s also her most joyous and exploratory work. Lyrically there are moments here that will catch you off guard, that will make you smile the biggest of smiles and maybe shed a tear or two. Not only does this album capture the feeling of falling in love perfectly it also manages to make the unique experience of its author relatable to everyone listening. It may be too early for album of the year, but with this album Lucy Dacus has cemented her place as one of the best songwriters and storytellers in music today.
9/10
Forever is a Feeling is out now via Geffen. For more information on Lucy Dacus head here
