What makes the record by boygenius notable?

Upon its release, the record debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying boygenius's presence in the indie rock scene. The album has been praised for its lyrical depth and cohesive sound, garnering significant critical acclaim across major publications like Pitchfork and Rolling Stone. The record marks boygenius's return following their acclaimed self-titled EP in 2018. This collaboration between Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker is their first full-length album, showcasing their growth as a trio while navigating personal and collective experiences.

Who is the record for?

the record works well if you're into introspective late-night reflections, emotional storytelling journeys and gentle, soothing background ambiance.

How many songs are on the record?

the record has 12 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

the record

boygenius · 2023

42 min · 12 tracks · indie rock

A lush tapestry of harmonies weaves through introspective lyrics, capturing the essence of vulnerability and connection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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$20 — This track stands out with its raw honesty about financial struggles and emotional vulnerability, encapsulating the album's exploration of personal hardships.
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Emily I’m Sorry — A poignant reflection on regret and longing, this song highlights the trio's vocal harmonies and ability to convey deep emotion through simple yet powerful lyrics.
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Not Strong Enough — This track exemplifies the band's dynamic range, blending somber themes with an anthemic chorus that resonates with listeners grappling with self-doubt.
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Revolution 0 — With its experimental structure and thought-provoking lyrics, this song showcases the band’s willingness to push boundaries while addressing societal issues.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and vocal interplay but has some uneven pacing in its latter half.

What we noticed

Each song prominently features three-part harmonies, with each member taking turns leading verses and contributing to the overall vocal arrangement.
Several tracks incorporate dynamic shifts, where instrumentation builds up to climactic moments before dropping back to quieter sections.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

introspective late-night reflections
emotional storytelling journeys
gentle, soothing background ambiance
thoughtful, contemplative listening sessions

Where this album fits

Career context: The record marks boygenius's return following their acclaimed self-titled EP in 2018. This collaboration between Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker is their first full-length album, showcasing their growth as a trio while navigating personal and collective experiences.
Stylistic neighbors: Phoebe Bridgers· Julien Baker· Lucy Dacus

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

$20

The narrative shifts from a moment of desperation to a stark realization about external perceptions and internal struggles.

This transition reveals a deeper understanding of identity shaped by both economic circumstances and societal expectations.