Million Dollars to Kill Me

Million Dollars to Kill Me is the fifth studio album by American punk rock band Joyce Manor, released on September 21, 2018 through Epitaph Records. After exploring a more polished and melodic palette on Cody, their previous album, the California quintet went through a transitional period marked by creative fatigue. Following the departure of drummer Jeff Enzor, Joyce Manor added Pat Ware of Spraynard, and his arrival provided fresh momentum that encouraged the band to continue performing and ultimately commit to making the album.

The album was produced by Kurt Ballou, best known as the guitarist of Converge, with the band seeking a heavier, harder sound. Several songs were the product of a collaboration between frontman Barry Johnson and Rory Phillips, of ska revivalists the Impossibles. Lyrically, Million Dollars to Kill Me reflects themes of exhaustion, self-doubt, finance, and emotional disillusionment, shaped by Johnson’s desire for simplicity and directness.

Million Dollars to Kill Me received generally positive reviews, though some critics felt it lacked narrative cohesion. The album cycle saw Joyce Manor touring more extensively and in larger venues than before, including tours with acts such as Vundabar and Saves the Day. In retrospect, the band has spoken ambivalently about the album, which was followed by a brief hiatus, while "Big Lie" has remained the most consistently represented track from the record in their live performances.