By Kristine Pascaul, Feb. 14, 2023
It has been five years since the supergroup boygenius, an indie rock group comprised of Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker, has released new music. When Coachella released its 2023 lineup, fans were ecstatic to see that boygenius would be performing. On Jan.18, boygenius surprised fans by dropping an LP with three singles.
The comeback is seen as a surprise as none of the singers hinted at the release of their LP which includes singles titled, “$20,” “Emily I’m Sorry” and “True Blue.” Months prior to the release, fans saw boygenius during a photoshoot in Los Angeles for their spread that would later be released with Rolling Stone. Fans were quick to post TikToks of the group during their photoshoot which stirred up rumors that boygenius would be releasing new music. The name “boygenius” originally started as a joke between the three women about men who believe that they have a sense of entitlement and power.
The opening track, “$20” is led by Baker with Bridgers and Dacus as background vocals. This song sounds choppy but is also very on-brand for Baker. Out of all the tracks, this is the one that best represents what boygenius is— a harmonious yet angsty-sounding group of artists. These lyrics are about self-destruction and difficult relationships that can quickly get messy.
The final 40 seconds of the song are so chaotic that it feels like boygenius is spinning around you and yelling at you. Dacus sings, “There’s only so much I can take,” as Bridgers goes back and forth with Dacus singing, “I know you have 20 dollars.” There is something about the song that feels almost like feminine rage, especially toward the end when Bridgers screams, “Can you give me 20 dollars?” It is beautifully chaotic to the ears when it feels like Bridgers is screaming these lyrics and going mad.
“Emily I’m Sorry” is most like Bridgers’ poetic style of music. Through lyrics, Bridgers paints picture of a deteriorating relationship with her former partner. Emily, who is referred to in the song, is a real person whom Bridgers previously dated a few years back. Bridgers explains in the song that she feels as if the downfall of their relationship was her fault due to her age at the time and the choices she made. These lyrics are followed by a pleading for forgiveness as she reflects on her relationship with Emily. The meaning of this song is exactly what the title reads: “Emily I’m Sorry.”
The final track, “True Blue” is Dacus’ shining moment in the LP. Dacus sings of a strong and loyal love with someone who truly knows you inside and out. Dacus singing, “It feels good to be known so well / I can’t hide from you like I hide from myself.” Whether it is with a romantic partner or a friend, these lyrics are comforting because it is wonderful to have a person to depend on and to know that they will love you unconditionally.
What is unique about these three tracks is that each one perfectly captures the essence and talents of Bridgers, Dacus and Baker. This LP feels like a sequel to their self-titled album back in 2018, but unlike most sequels, this one was made well. My only complaint is that it took five years for the group to release new music, regardless I am grateful.
Boygenius is back and is making an epic return with “the record” being set to release on March 31.
Feature image courtesy of Jackson Gray
