Lucy Dacus Revives “Bus Back to Richmond,” Updates ‘Forever Is a Feeling’ Artwork
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Richmond, Virginia – Singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus has unexpectedly released the previously unrecorded track “Bus Back to Richmond” across digital streaming platforms on November 3, 2023, nearly three years after its initial live performances. Together, Dacus unveiled a revised album cover for her 2019 critically acclaimed album, Forever Is a Feeling, fulfilling a long-held artistic vision.
The song, a poignant reflection on a New Year’s Day trip from New York City to richmond, first gained traction during Dacus’s 2021 Home Video tour. Notably, Dacus requested that audience members refrain from recording or sharing the performance, creating an aura of exclusivity around the song. As then, “Bus Back to Richmond” has surfaced sporadically in her concert setlists. The lyrics detail a specific memory: “I held your hand on the bus back to Richmond/From New York on New Year’s Day/Last night, we forgot the champagne/So you drank a 40 and bought me a nasty rosé.” She continues, painting a vivid scene: “We watched the ball drop from Brooklyn/The East River shining a sloppy display/Watercolor fireworks.”
While not a traditional deluxe edition,the release of “Bus Back to Richmond” is accompanied by a reimagined album cover for Forever Is a Feeling. Dacus collaborated with artist @whoisdamaster to realise her original concept.The new artwork features the Will St. John painting previously used on the album cover, now depicted on the floor within a storage room filled with gilded frames. Dacus explained on Instagram that time constraints prevented the initial realization of this vision, but she ultimately decided to make the change, stating, “From here on, I’m changing the album art to this because… I want to and I can!”
Did You Know?
Lucy Dacus’s album Home Video, released in 2021, received widespread critical acclaim, earning a score of 84 on metacritic, indicating “universal acclaim.”
| Album | Release Date | label | Critical Reception |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forever Is a Feeling | June 28, 2019 | Matador Records | Generally Favorable |
| Home Video | June 25, 2021 | Matador Records | Universal Acclaim |
Background on Lucy Dacus and ‘Forever Is a Feeling’
Lucy Dacus is an American singer-songwriter known for her introspective lyrics and emotionally resonant performances.She gained prominence with her debut album, No Burden, in 2016, followed by the breakthrough success of Historian in 2018. Forever Is a Feeling, released in 2019, further solidified her position as a leading voice in indie rock. The album explores themes of memory, nostalgia, and the complexities of human relationships, earning praise for its lyrical depth and atmospheric soundscapes. Dacus is a founding member of the supergroup boygenius,alongside Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker,which released its debut album,the record,in March 2023,debuting at number five on the Billboard 200.
Frequently asked Questions
- What is the significance of “Bus Back to Richmond”? The song is a personal recollection of a specific New Year’s Day experience, capturing a moment of intimacy and reflection.
- Why did Lucy Dacus initially discourage recordings of the song? Dacus wanted to create a unique and intimate experience for live audiences, free from the distraction of phones and social media.
- What prompted the album cover change for ‘Forever Is a Feeling’? Dacus wanted to finally realize her original artistic vision for the album’s artwork, collaborating with @whoisdamaster to bring it to life.
- Where did Lucy Dacus perform “Bus Back to Richmond” before its official release? The song was primarily performed during her 2021 Home Video tour and sporadically in subsequent live shows.
- What record label does Lucy Dacus record with? Lucy Dacus is signed to Matador Records.
What are your thoughts on the newly released track and the updated album art? Share your favorite Lucy dacus song and why in the comments below!