What makes the rest by boygenius notable?

'the rest' debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart, demonstrating boygenius's rising prominence in the indie rock scene. The EP has received universal acclaim for its songwriting and vocal harmonies, influencing a new wave of indie artists and further establishing their collective identity. Released in 2023, 'the rest' is boygenius's first EP following their acclaimed debut album, 'the record,' which was a significant commercial success. The trio — consisting of Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker — continues to solidify their unique sound and collaborative chemistry with this offering, furthering their artistic exploration.

How many songs are on the rest?

the rest has 4 tracks, running approximately 12 minutes.

the rest

boygenius · 2023

12 min · 4 tracks · indie rock

A blend of introspective lyrics and shimmering melodies that capture vulnerability and the complexity of human emotions.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Black Hole — This opening track sets the tone with its haunting melody and poignant exploration of emotional depth, showcasing all three members' vocals harmonizing seamlessly.
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Afraid of Heights — The track’s confessional lyrics and driving rhythm highlight the band's ability to tackle themes of anxiety and self-doubt with honesty and relatability.
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Powers — With its lush instrumentation and layered vocals, this song illustrates the group’s knack for crafting anthemic moments while maintaining intimate storytelling.

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 EP showcases strong songwriting and harmonies, maintaining a cohesive flow while exploring emotional themes.

What we noticed

The EP opens with a slow build in 'Black Hole' that transitions into more dynamic instrumentation by the second track.
Each song features layered vocal harmonies, often with all three members contributing lines that weave in and out of the foreground.
The final track, 'Powers,' concludes with an extended instrumental outro that gradually fades, creating a reflective ending.

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

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2023, 'the rest' is boygenius's first EP following their acclaimed debut album, 'the record,' which was a significant commercial success. The trio — consisting of Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker — continues to solidify their unique sound and collaborative chemistry with this offering, furthering their artistic exploration.
Stylistic neighbors: Phoebe Bridgers· Julien Baker· Lucy Dacus

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Afraid of Heights

The protagonist confronts their fears directly, revealing a moment of raw vulnerability absent in earlier verses.

This pivotal shift from abstract concerns to personal confrontation deepens emotional engagement and showcases the writing's growth throughout the song.