The boys are back

Norah Sletten

Bridgers and Dacus performed together at Hinterland Festival on Aug. 7, 2022.

To the surprise of their fanbase, boygenius had been writing new music since 2021. On Wednesday, Jan. 18, three new songs from their upcoming album named the record, were released on all streaming platforms. The three songs titled “$20”, “Emily I’m Sorry” and “True Blue” all follow each artist’s own personal style that they demonstrate in their solo careers. For Baker, “$20” is a mellow take on rock and roll. “Emily I’m Sorry” is reminiscent of Bridger’s melancholic writing, while “True Blue” tells a story like previous work written by Dacus.

Although this is boygenius’ first full length album, they have already acquired a devoted fanbase.

Sophomore Maren Smith said, “They all put an outstanding amount of passion into their music.” Boygenius shows their connection and friendship with each other through haunting harmonization and hard hitting lyricism. 

The thing that differentiates boygenius from other groups today is their devotion to each other. Dacus, Bridgers and Baker’s overwhelming love for one another can be felt and seen through their work and performances. Adoration and appreciation radiates through them when they are in each other’s company. On their new album, fans will be able to listen to a love filled melody titled “We’re in love”, the song provides a summary of the deep friendship shared between the three musicians.

Boygenius was recently interviewed by Rolling Stone, where they dive deeper into their relationship as a band and how they integrate their feelings into lyrics. In the interview Bridgers said, “We’re obsessed with each other. I like myself better around them.” The general culture of boygenius is that every bandmate is equal, and everyone has their ideas appreciated to the same degree. 

The title of the band could be confusing to those who may not understand the overall personalities of the artists it withholds. The name boygenius was chosen in an effort to poke fun at men who have been applauded for their intelligence their whole lives, causing them to be overconfident and undermining towards others. The theme of the band name has been kept consistent throughout the progression of boygenius. On the cover of their 2018 EP (Extended Play), Bridgers, Baker and Dacus replicated the position that Crosby, Stills and Nash were arranged in on their debut album cover. Now in 2023, they have recreated a 1994 Nirvana photoshoot. Complete with Gucci suits, pins alluding to each artist’s own personal work and eccentric outfits composed of colorful skirts and rugged knit. 

The music industry today is far more progressive and inclusive than it used to be, even though there is still work to be done in creating a platform for people of all backgrounds. While a band consisting of all queer women would usually be deemed as “revolutionary”, the main goal of boygenius is for the three women to be praised for their artistry, not for their personal backgrounds. 

Listeners should be prepared to be encapsulated by the songs that the three geniuses will soon release.

Freshman Mia Armstrong said, “I love their music and how easy it is to get into, it has a calming feeling throughout the chaos.” 

Although only three songs are out to the public currently, the record is already all-consuming. With honest lyrics that provide a glimpse into the minds of Baker, Bridgers and Dacus, fans have been consistently left spellbound by their work. 

Paramore’s Hayley Williams gave her insight on boygenius, and how the voice of Dacus leaves an everlasting impression. 

Williams said, “She has such a beautiful, smoky tone to her voice, and it was very comforting for me.” Sure enough, each member brings their own uniqueness and style into the picture that captures the soul of boygenius. All 12 songs from the record will be available on Friday, Mar. 31, on all streaming platforms.