With Absolutely, his debut studio album, Dijon delivers a deeply personal and emotional project that blends indie rock, R&B and lo-fi experimentation.
The album, released on November 5, 2021, through R&R and Warner Records, feels less like the polished studio release we see every day and more like a lived experience, being imperfect and intimate at the same time.
The album opens with the song “Big Mike’s,” a chaotic and gripping introduction that immediately sets the tone for the album. Built on improvised sound, it captures themes of instability and heartbreak that are heavily prevalent further on through the project.
In the second song, “Scratching,” minimalist piano is paired with lyrics about emotional exhaustion and the inability to escape past mistakes. Memories “scratching at your heels” reinforces the album’s focus on relationships that linger long after they end.
“Many Times” explores the emotional toll of repeating painful cycles in a relationship. Lines about having “been here a thousand times” reflect the difficulty of leaving someone who continues to cause harm.
In “Annie,” Dijon leans into insecurity and hesitation, presenting a relationship filled with uncertainty. We see the willingness to let Annie “change her mind,” highlighting emotional instability and fear of commitment.
“Noah’s Highlight Reel” introduces us to nostalgic imagery that depicts intense longing and the need for validation. Its dreamlike quality captures the highs and lows of a complicated relationship.
“The Dress” shifts into a more reflective tone, focusing on regret and lingering hope. The song captures the tension between missing someone and recognizing the flaws that led to separation.
“God in Wilson” feels like a stream-of-consciousness journey through guilt, shame, and spirituality, capturing the messy and complicated emotions that come with questioning one’s actions and place in the world.
“Did You See It?” offers a brief, surreal reflection on shared experiences and disorientation. These moments add depth to the album, showing Dijon’s willingness to experiment both sonically and lyrically.
“Talk Down” brings the focus back to intimacy, highlighting a quiet, emotional connection during a car ride. Asking to “turn the radio down” symbolizes removing distractions to fully focus on the other person and their vulnerability.
Nearing the end of the project, “Rodeo Clown” uses metaphor to depict unrequited love and devotion to someone. The imagery of performance and distance highlights the imbalance within the relationship, reinforcing the album’s recurring themes of longing and feeling invisible.
As the album closes, “End of Record” gives us a moment to reflect. It captures the reality of the creative process, showing the audience the exhaustion and vulnerability that come with it.
Lastly, “Credits!” offers a shift in tone, ending the album with a sense of release and optimism. This song offers a sense of freedom and relief after an emotionally heavy journey, allowing space for joy without dismissing what came before.
My favorite songs on the album are “Many Times” and “The Dress,” because both of them feel deeply human and have a way of weaving into your own life and lived experiences.
Not to say the other tracks don’t do the same.
