Lucy Dacus - 'Forever Is A Feeling': A Deep Dive Into Love's Depths

Explore the enchanting world of Lucy Dacus’ latest album, 'Forever Is A Feeling', as she navigates the complexities of love through captivating melodies and poignant lyrics.

A Shift in Sound: Lucy Dacus’ Musical Journey

A lot has changed for Lucy Dacus since her last solo album, the deeply autobiographical and hook-laden indie-pop gem, ‘Home Video’ released in 2021. Although Dacus and her fellow Boygenius members, Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker, had made their mark with their self-titled EP back in 2018, few anticipated the impact of their debut album, ‘The Record’. This boy band trio ended up sweeping the Grammys with a stunning three wins, including the coveted Album of the Year award. In a move to exit on a high note, Boygenius decided to take a hiatus just a year following the release of ‘The Record’.

Introducing: 'Forever Is A Feeling'

So, here we are, with Lucy Dacus’ fourth album, ‘Forever Is A Feeling’. While there are definitely echoes of the rich melodies from ‘The Record’, this new offering trades some of that album’s edgier moments for a grand, chamber-pop vibe that feels ornate and lush. You get a taste of this from the very beginning with the sweeping strings of the instrumental opener, ‘Calliope Prelude’, aptly named after the Greek muse of eloquence and epic poetry.

Unpacking the Themes of Love

The heart of this album revolves primarily around the theme of falling headlong into love, with many songs directed toward her Boygenius bandmate and partner, Julien Baker. Dacus’ voice is both steady and expansive, imbued with warmth that resonates with a nostalgic, almost old-timey feel. She delves into the many facets of love—obsessive, gentle, precarious, and unrealized—illuminating them through observational storytelling and tentative steps into uncharted territory.

“We both know that it would never work,” Dacus yearns in the gently strummed track ‘Big Deal’, as she reflects, “You’ve got your girl, you’re gonna marry her.”

Her dry wit shines through as well: “I missed your call because I was in a boardroom full of old men guessing what the kids are getting into,” she quips in ‘Come Out’.

Dramatic Expressions of Infatuation

Dacus has a knack for illustrating those dramatic statements people make when they're head-over-heels in love. In a playful twist on infatuation, she teases us on ‘Come Out’ where she vows to scream obscenities and declarations of love so loudly that she risks never being able to sing again. Now that’s a deliciously dramatic prospect, isn’t it?

The album’s closing track, ‘Lost Time’, features lines filled with imagery: “The sidewalk’s paved with petals like a wedding aisle,” she wonders, I wonder how long it would take to walk 800 miles, to say: I do, I did, I will, I would.

The Mood of the Album

While a couple of heavier tracks like ‘Talk’ and ‘Most Wanted Man’ pop up, ‘Forever Is A Feeling’ largely maintains a wistful and dreamlike aura that mainly compliments the lyrics. With love being a universally explored subject, some of Dacus’ phrases may seem like familiar clichés.

For instance: “I’m thinking about breaking your heart someday soon,” she sings on the theatrical piece ‘Limerence’. Yet other lyrics feel refreshingly straightforward and click into place with ease, such as, “You were my best friend before you were my best guess,” from the standout track ‘Best Guess’.

Love's Complexities and Realities

Though this album brings forth plenty of joy, ‘Forever Is A Feeling’ does not shy away from the more daunting aspects of being utterly obsessed with someone. The title track finds Dacus reflecting, “This is bliss, this is hell,” revealing, “Forever is a feeling, and I know it well.” The stakes feel higher, painting a gripping picture of longing and mortality, especially when so much is at risk.

Album Details

• Release date: March 28, 2025
• Record label: Geffen Records

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