It is yet again time for an album recommendation from yours truly. This week’s recommendation is unsurprising to those who know me. The vibe for the week: homoerotic friendships, being kinda sad and a general fear of getting older. It’s time for us to listen to The Record, by the female-led supergroup Boygenius.

Comprised of artists Julien Baker, Lucy Dacus and Phoebe Bridgers, this band rocks, simply put. After a brief hiatus following their 2018 EP, Boygenius returned in March 2023 with The Record, which recently earned the three artists Grammys for best rock song and best rock performance for their song “Not Strong Enough” and best alternative album.

The Record opens rather hymn-like as “Without You Without Them” delivers raw vocals, similar to what you’d hear on a demo tape.  Quickly, you’re swept into “$20”, transporting you to a rebellious childhood memory. 

Typical of the band, the following tracks are equally heartbreaking, with “Emily I’m Sorry” being a plea for forgiveness from Bridgers and “Cool About It” finding Baker in a relationship that’s barely alive anymore. The energy returns with “Not Strong Enough”. Anthemic in its sound, the lyrics find the band struggling with not being the people that anyone needs, swirling in a cycle of self-loathing and remorse.

 The album continues with stories of the deeply emotional relationship the bandmates share alongside interpolations of tracks from their EP, overall reflecting the evolution of Baker, Dacus and Bridgers since their debut. 

This album is emotional, poetic, and gay and is a must listen all the way through. The Record is crafted by three highly intelligent women which is evident in the complex lyricism and expert instrumentals throughout. 

A testament to the power of platonic romance, this album is one of my favorites. No skips, obviously.