Joe ‘Djo’ Keery‘s latest single ‘Potion’ is a sentimental, guitar-heavy track and acts as the third single from his new album The Crux. ‘Potion’ is a plea for genuine love, drawing upon the retro soundscape that Keery is renowned for. But this time, he abandons the synths for a stripped-back approach.
Opening the track with swift acoustic strings, the track is gently melodic, accentuated by Keery’s dulcet vocals which harmonise with ease. With its earthy percussion and crisp guitar picks, the track calls to mind Fleetwood Mac, known for their vibrant harmonies and smooth compositions.
Keery’s opening lyrics complement the romantic production: “When I wake up at three in the morning / Witching hour too strong / Like a witch, I know, I need my potion / I, I, I might find love”.
In an earnest opening where Keery puts his feelings on full display, he compares his burning desire for love to a witch’s need for her potion. Crafting a magical metaphor, Keery’s energetic production isn’t weighed down by the confessional verse. Instead, he manages to conceal his feelings through an element of whimsy, something that has been prevalent throughout his discography.
Keery slows his delivery between words as he shifts to the chorus, letting each lyric linger: “I’ll try for all of my life / Just to find someone / Who leaves on the light for me / Leaves on the light for me”.
The chorus manages to resonate, even with its sentimental tone. Searching in the dark, Keery is looking for a love that could take a lifetime to find. His vocals gently build throughout the chorus, reaching a warm pitch that amplifies his longing.
The simple act of leaving the light on for a lover is a resonant gesture, similarly explored on other stripped-back tracks, most recently, Lana Del Rey‘s ‘Let The Light In’.
Transitioning to the second verse, Keery pulls apart the magical metaphor woven throughout the track: “Mr. Magic and the trapdoor lady / Big walk, no talk / Glitz and glamour doesn’t age like wine does / I, I, I, I’m counting on love”.
Here, Keery rejects the whimsical image of love present through the track, criticising the hollowness that lies beneath surface-level allure, “big walk, no talk”. It’s a nice criticism of not only false love but also of the superficiality of the entertainment industry. Instead, he sets his sights on a real connection that will fare better than the “glitz and glamour” surrounding him.
The track closes with a repetition of the chorus, cementing Keery’s decision to choose substance over spectacle: “I’ll try for all of my life / Just to find someone who leaves on the light for me / Leaves on the light for me”.
‘Potion’ is an impressive narrative from Keery and acts as evidence of his ability to navigate genres and eras with ease. Despite its retro-focus, Keery manages to make the track feel fresh and original, instead of merely imitating his influences. With his UK Tour kicking off in June, fans can expect even more bold experimentation, pushing musical boundaries while remaining true to his unique vision.
Words by Thomas Stanier
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