Lucy Dacus – ‘Forever Is A Feeling’ album review: a novel worthy of re-reading

Posted On March 27, 2025March 27, 2025

THE SKINNY: In our personal and creative lives, we will waste time. That’s just a statement of fact. And it’s sad to think about, but without wasting time, we don’t find the things that are worth spending time on. We will spend elongated periods focusing on the wrong thing or focusing on the right thing without realising it. All we can hope for is that when the good thing eventually comes along, and we recognise it as such, we can appreciate it as much as Lucy Dacus manages to convey on one of the most affecting singer-songwriter albums released in recent years, Forever Is A Feeling.

The pages of a novel would struggle to capture love in the same way that Dacus does on this record. Every aspect of this famously indescribable feeling is described, not on a surface level, but in the details left in pockets of memory that we are given access to. We are flies on the wall for years of Dacus’ life, drinking, getting high, doing crosswords, and gaining glimpses into something so great that it highlights how time without it is time wasted. 

It won’t surprise people to hear that Dacus’ storytelling and lyrical ability on this album are two of its greatest components. When so much of this record’s beauty lies in its words, it feels a shame to detract from them with my own. So, let’s wrap this up quickly.

Do yourself a favour and go on this journey with Dacus. No skips, track one to 13. Time not doing so is time wasted, as some of the greatest moments in modern music are moments spent in the trenches of this record. Though, that is not to say that, like love, it doesn’t have the odd pitfall, too.

For fans of: Hourglasses, nice views and people who have a favourite lake.

A concluding comment from a broken heart that thought it may never beat again: “I may just beat again.” 

Forever Is A Feeling track by track:

Release: March 28th | Label: Geffen Records | Producer: Blake Mills

‘Calliope Prelude’: A beautiful string section sees in the album, flowing gently into the next track. [n/a]

‘Big Deal’: Simplicity prevails when all other aspects of a song work, and ‘Big Deal’ is a great example of that. The storytelling, emotion, melody and vocal performance on this song are all that’s needed to get the reaffirming message across. This song feels personal and private throughout every second, Dacus’s voice and songwriting shine through in minute one, and it sets up the rest of the record wonderfully. [4/5]

‘Ankles’: Short, intense hits of strings provide the backdrop for the stream of consciousness that opens this track. What envelops is a tale of intimacy, one that paints an honest portrait of both the lustful and wholesome sides of obsession, a feeling that sees us want to both bite and kiss in one moment but do crosswords in another. [4/5]

‘Limerence’: We’re planted firmly into the middle of an established group of people who smoke together and question video game-playing ability. It’s in this simple period that concerns over breaking hearts surface, the serene nature of the moment bringing unanswered questions to what should be a resting mind. The instrumentation of this song is a real treat, as the way piano hits and strings form around the words make it sound as though they are built around them. The words have always existed, and the music slowly grows around them, leaves around a tree, discovered not written. [4.5/5]

‘Modigliani’: It won’t surprise fans to hear that Dacus’s vocals and storytelling are some of the standout features on this album; however, the different musical directions taken are also incredibly exciting. We go from the longing strings of ‘Limerence’ to the more upbeat sound of ‘Modigliani’, which has subtle electronic sounds at play and comes with a more moveable rhythm. The main focal points of the record remain, but they contort and twist and present themselves in different ways. [3.5/5]

‘Talk’: This is one of the most brooding songs on the record. The percussion of the song takes things to another level, as things feel atmospheric and hopeless as a result of the spacious beat. It’s a real exercise in adding attitude to music and is a delight to listen to. [4/5]

‘For Keeps’: One of the most stripped-back songs on the album and yet the most full-bodied in terms of substance. Dacus questions a previous relationship over subtle acoustic instrumentation, one that wasn’t everything and equally wasn’t nothing, something that existed and both people wanted but they knew wouldn’t last. She ponders over what might happen if things went further but dismisses the notion as quickly as it comes. [4.5/5]

‘Forever Is A Feeling’: The title track shines through on what is already an album to write home about. Glimmering keys, tempo changes and dynamic vocals make up a song worthy of repetition. It’s catchy without trying to be, has many different layers and elements to it, and is all-around an excellent piece of music to immerse yourself in. [4/5]

‘Come Out’: A tale of escape, one that sees Dacus trapped in a boardroom and dreaming of running away with someone more worthy of the hours in a day than suits trying to anticipate the next trend. There is a fairytale element to this song, one of whimsy and mystery, which is a lot of fun to listen to. That fairytale exists within the subject of the song; the adventure is with the person rather than a specific location, as dreams of growing old and spending so much time together that you run out of words protrude. [3.5/5]

‘Best Guess’: The guitar runs here are blues-infused, which contrasts with the tone of the song, which focuses on love and feeling confident in finding the one. This feeling, of course, comes with second guesses about what happens if things don’t work out, but the overriding feeling of love takes precedence. [4/5]

‘Bullseye’: Oh, to be a rockstar in love with another rockstar, locks on the bridges of European cities and love stories set in sold-out shows. Lucy Dacus sure does take you on the journey with her when she writes like this. [4/5]

‘Most Wanted Man’: A country style of music takes over ‘Most Wanted Man’. The instrumentation is certainly Western-infused, but Dacus puts her spin on the track with her reverbed and melancholic vocals sitting atop them. Delivering a fresh sound this far into the record while still making the song sound like it belongs on the album is difficult to do, but she pulls it off well. [4/5]

‘Lost Time’: A perfect song. An ending that talks of beginning. Just listen to it. [5/5]

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