Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus (the boys) are Boygenius (stylized in all lowercase), the alternative/indie rock band that released its sublime debut album, “the record” on Friday, March 31. Expectations for the album were high on account of an impressive self-titled EP that Boygenius released in 2018, but even so, “the record” transcended. Baker, Bridgers, and Dacus, each of whom are also solo singers/songwriters and musicians, combine their talents to take listeners on a journey that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Whether it be Baker’s delicate vocals, Bridgers’ fiery belting, or Dacus’ potent delivery, the band never fails to evoke emotion and make the “replay” button a necessity. After listening to “the record” non-stop since the second (literally) it came out, these are my thoughts on the tracks:
Without You Without Them
By beginning “the record” with “Without You Without Them,” Boygenius establishes that they are creative and willing to be bold. This short track is entirely acapella with a gospel-like sound. Though I enjoy the unique nature of this first track, I would not listen to it if it were separate from the album. I rate “Without You Without Them” 2/5.
$20
“$20” starts out intense with robust instrumentals and Baker’s fierce vocals. As it progresses, this song only increases in vigor, until it comes to an appropriately grand conclusion. In the outro, Bridgers continuously yells, “I know you have twenty dollars,” a line that gets stuck in your head. As a whole, the song is short and catchy with an unforgettable tempo. I rate “$20” 4/5.
Emily I’m Sorry
“Emily I’m Sorry” sends me “headed straight for the concrete.” Gut-wrenching lyrics paired with somber instrumentals that add emphasis at just the right time, make this song painfully good. In the second verse that never fails to tug at my heart, Bridgers sings, in her signature falsetto, “Just take me back to Montreal / I’ll get a real job, you’ll go back to school / We can burn out in the freezing cold / And just get lost.” Baker and Dacus beautifully harmonize with Bridgers’ lead vocals, and the song remains consistently solemn in sound to perfectly match the subject matter. I rate “Emily I’m Sorry” 5/5.
True Blue
Dacus takes the lead on “True Blue,” and uses her calm, yet powerful voice during this highly emotional song. This track is about appreciating a loyal lover who knows you more than you know yourself. I particularly love the lyrics, “I can’t hide from you like I hide from myself / I remember who I am when I’m with you / Your love is tough, your love is tried and true-blue.” I rate “True Blue” 5/5.
Cool About It
“Cool About It,” which I consider being the most vocally collaborative track on “the record,” showcases each of the boys pretty equally. “Cool About It” illustrates what Boygenius is: a band with three front women, rather than one. This mellow track is a nice break from other in-your-face songs. For that reason, I appreciate that it is placed in the middle of the album. I rate “Cool About It” 4/5.
Not Strong Enough
“Not Strong Enough” is my favorite song on “the record.” From the first verse to the killer bridge to the final line, I am obsessed. Heartbreaking lyrics, paired with the best of each of the boys’ vocals and amazing instrumentals make for an unforgettable track. Bridgers takes the lead at first, setting the bittersweet tone for the entire song. Then the boys combine for the chorus until Baker adopts the lead in the second verse. The repeated line, “I don’t know why I am / The way I am,” never fails to sting. It is especially bittersweet at the end of the bridge and Dacus leads the boys into the grand finale of a chorus that leaves me wishing the song would never end. I rate “Not Strong Enough” 5/5.
Revolution 0
“Revolution 0” is relaxing and unique. From Bridgers’ humming in the intro to the bridge where the lyrics are only “Ah, ah, ah, ah” and “Oh, oh, oh, oh,” I enjoy this different track. The lyrics and the way that they are presented feel poetic, which is appropriate for such a melodious track. I rate “Revolution 0” 4/5.
Leonard Cohen
“Leonard Cohen” is another example of Boygenius’ creativity. This track features parts of Leonard Cohen’s song, “Anthem.” Though it is short in length, this track tells a full story of finding a lover. The story and the song end with the lyric, “I never thought you’d happen to me,” something that many people can relate to. I rate Leonard Cohen 3/5.
Satanist
“Satanist” is another highly collaborative song in which the boys take turns leading. Baker asks listeners to be a satanist, Bridgers asks listeners to be an anarchist and Dacus asks listeners to be a nihilist. This track is spooky, upbeat, and ethereal, with prominent instrumentals. My favorite part of this track is a backing vocal where Bridgers says, “Oh, you know what I should do,” right before the music comes crashing into a distinctive outro. I rate “Satanist” 5/5.
We’re In Love
“We’re In Love” is a delicate and alluring musical love letter. Dacus’ soft vocals dominate the soft anecdotes that make up the lyrics. This track references Taylor Swift’s “This Love,” which includes the lyric, “I could go on and on / And I will.” Dacus sings, “I could go on and on and on and I will,” As a Swiftie, this both excited and destroyed me, which is the same effect that most of “the record” has had. I rate “We’re In Love” 4/5.
Anti-Curse
“Anti-Curse” hurts so good. Baker leads the vocals and lets her signature soft vulnerability shine through. This track begins quietly and slowly, but escalates as it progresses, until erupting during the bridge. “I’m swimmin’ back / See you don’t have to make it bad,” Baker and the boys nearly scream. A bridge can make or break a song, and in this case, it makes it. I rate “Anti-Curse” 5/5.
Letter To An Old Poet
“Letter To An Old Poet” joins “Not Strong Enough” at the top of the ranking of “the record.” Obvious references to “Me and My Dog,” arguably the best track on Boygenius’ self-titled EP, made me immediately fall in love with this song. The lyric, “I wanna be happy / I’m ready,” sang in the same way as, “I wanna be emaciated / I wanna hear one song without thinking of you,” reflects growth since the EP, which is very satisfying as a listener. Making this the last track on the album was truly genius of the boys because it is so moving that I always feel inclined to repeat the entire album. I rate “Letter To An Old Poet” 5/5.
Boygenius and “the record” has achieved the number one spot on Billboard’s US Top Rock Albums, Billboard’s US Top Folk Albums, and four European charts. I am evidently not the only one who thoroughly enjoys this album.