Forever Is A Feeling

Forever Is A Feeling is kind of a big deal. Lucy Dacus’ first solo record in 4 years. People loved the singles released off this album, but fewer liked the whole record itself.

Lucy Dacus’ literal, story-telling writing style really came through in this album. Still, I remain unconvinced of her ability to master this style in the way Pheobe Bridgers has, for example (not that Dacus is trying to replicate Bridgers, but because of their history, I can't help but compare them). Nonetheless, Dacus’ vocals will forever evoke something provocative. She can capture angst, rage, love, lust, bashfulness, and peace in those vocal arobatics in a way that makes you physically ache.

Still, Home Video feels like a better record than Forever Is A Feeling. Perhaps it is the nostalgia attached to it, but Forever Is A Feeling didn’t stand out as anything special to me. It didn’t break any new boundaries for Lucy, and it didn’t sound like she was pushing herself tremendously. Of course, that is okay and there are some really lovely tracks on the record. There are some catchy melodies and some of the best lyrcism we’ve seen all year. Lucy’s writing always feels like she is casting a spell on you - except you can’t tell if its a love spell or a curse.

Best Guess is a sickeningly sweet song. Absolutely one of my favorite love songs of the year.

“Tracing your tan lines, making you mine; If this doesn't work out I'd lose my mind; And after a while
I will be fine; But I don't wanna be fine, I want you.” Like oh my god. Jesus.

Other highlights are the following:

“You make me homesick for places I've never been before.”

“Even on opposite sides of the room, I am orbiting you.”

"I'll miss borrowin' your books to read your notes in the margin: the closest I came to readin' your mind."

Despite the lyrical beauty, I haven’t returned to listen to the album in it’s entirety. Perhaps this is because I have been happy. Lucy is a force. She is beautiful but she is heavy. Even her sweet songs carry some sadness with them. I have to be careful with that kind of power. She will weigh me down if I let her. Maybe I will return to Forever Is A Feeling when I need it, later (I hope I don’t).