Forever Is A Feeling

“Forever Is A Feeling” Lucy Dacus
Fourth solo studio album from the singer-songwriter who’s part of the Grammy-winning trio, Boygenius. An intensely personal exploration of love amid rumors of Dacus’ relationship with her Boygenius partner, Julien Baker.
The arrangements feature primarily acoustic guitars, keyboards, violins and synth strings, and even harp. Vocals are dreamy and often wistful, with a few notable exceptions. And the lyrics are both raw and revealing, as well as savvy and smart. In addition to Hozier, guests include Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, Madison Cunningham and Melina Duterte. RIYL: Phoebe Bridgers, Boygenius, Julia Jacklin, Julien Baker, Indigo De Souza.
— Francis

Recommended: 3, 10, 11, 6, 5, 13, 2. No FCCs noted.

1. (1:17) Calliope Prelude — Halting, baroque instrumental opener.
2. (4:19) Big Deal — Soft and sad shuffle, with wistful vocals. Brushes on drums. Reverbed harmonies. Swirling orchestration. **
3. (3:12) Ankles — Exuberant love song with bold, passionate lyrics. Chamber pop that opens with chugging strings and expands into catchy toe-tapper. ****
4. (3:13) Limerence — Theatrical tune featuring tinkling piano and full orchestration. Trilling, stage-like vocals intermixed. Segues directly into next track.
5. (3:06) Modigliani — Off-kilter rhythm consisting of slapping drums, ‘plucked’ synth bass and pulsing synth orchestration. Chime-y keys. Dreamy, harmonized vocals. ***
6. (3:18) Talk — Builds into boisterous, mid-tempo rock. Fuzzy, shoegaze-y guitars. Big washes of discordant sound. ***
7. (2:12) For Keeps — Quiet, low-key, thoughtful and strummy. Dacus sings, “If the Devil’s in the details and God is everything/Who’s to say that they are not one in the same?”
8. (3:12) Forever Is A Feeling — Soaring and sweet pop rock with piano arpeggios, a skittering drum track and layered vocals.
9. (3:48) Come Out — Swirling and swelling tune with piano, harp and lilting vocals. Again, great lyrics with an eye roll, “I missed your call because I was in a boardroom full of old men guessing what the kids are getting into.”
10. (4:00) Best Guess — Slow-burn anthem. Measured tempo over a blend of guitar and keys. Dacus has described this as her pick for a wedding song. “I love your body. I love your mind./They will change. So will mine./ You are my best guess at the future.” ****
11. (3:24) Bullseye (with Hozier) — Simple and spare acoustic folk rock. Dacus leads before Hozier takes his turn on the vocals. A hint of pedal steel in places. ****
12. (3:55) Most Wanted Man — Unexpected, electric guitar-driven power pop. Jangly at times with doubled vocals from Dacus. Ends suddenly and unfinished.
13. (4:43) Lost Time — Leisurely and sentimental with strummed guitar, piano and light synth orchestration. Surges to a big climax before a soft ending. ***