If you’re someone like me, you miss Boygenius. I miss Boygenius. So, when the news broke that Julien Baker and Phoebe Bridgers were going to feature for backing vocals on Forever is a Feeling the fourth studio album from Lucy Dacus, you hit the roof with excitement.
The album cover is that of a painted portrait that you would find in a 19th century manor house and that sets the tone of the album perfectly as ‘Calliope Prelude’ opens the album with creaky, squeaky violins that slowly merge from something unlistenable to something almost regal which fades into the official first track titled ‘Big Deal’.
‘Ankles’ one of the main singles is definitely a favourite and in the future will join ‘Night Shift’ in the category of classic Lucy Dacus songs. I have nothing much to say other than I love this song. I cannot tell if its because its very Boygenius like or if its one of those songs where it’s just an all-around good song.
When I pressed play on this album I was sat on my bed. Composed. Then, suddenly without warning ‘Limerence’ began and I was suddenly struck with a sinking feeling in my chest as the most devastating lyrics I’ve heard in a while are sang. Cinematically, this song is like one of those scenes in a movie where you’re stood by yourself in the middle of a dancefloor watching everyone dance and have a fun time around you while you’re waiting for that to happen to you. I think I’m going to have to lay on the floor to ground myself and process this song.
Cut to 15 minutes later, I have recomposed myself and I am ready to move on with the album. After such a devastating time with ‘Limerence’ and ‘Modigliani’ the latter of which I swear I hear Phoebe Bridgers as a backing vocalist, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I were hallucinating. We are introduced to a song that is more rock orientated. Which I believe is what Dacus does best. ‘Talk’ presents on the forefront as very dull and almost dragging vocals. Lyrically, it explores the lack of communication in a relationship.
If we are following on the same path of features, Irish singer-songwriter, Hozier appears on ‘Bullseye’ and ties the whole song together it’s a collaboration I didn’t know I needed in my life until now.
Back onto absolutely devastating, ‘For Keeps’ threw me to the floor again. They say an angel gains their wings when something good happens, however, I fear an angel loses their wings when someone get into a relationship where you are constantly thinking “What are we?” Its also more commonly called a ‘situationship’ if you’re horrifically chronically online like I am. Paired with this are lyrics that are weirdly sweet to hear like ‘I don’t believe in anything anymore except you and me.’
‘Lost time’ closes the album in a sunny, breezy field in the middle of May when the days you were yearning for someone who wasn’t worth your time are behind you and you’re glancing into the future with the love of your life. I am calling it now. I feel like Forever is a Feeling is Lucy Dacus’ best album yet and if Forever is a Feeling, then I want it to be how it felt listening to this album for the first time no matter how devastating it was at times.
Lucy Dacus: Forever is a Feeling – Out 28 March 2025 (Geffen Records)
