Take a moment to think of your favorite love song. Is it by Billy Joel? What about Nat King Cole? It may even be a Taylor Swift song–I cannot deny I am a sucker for the album “Lover.” Your song of choice is probably a beautiful, sickeningly sweet ode to the relationship we all hope and dream of. For years my favorite love song was “Your Song” by Elton John, a true classic we all know and have probably heard at a handful of weddings. I admire songs like these and they will forever make the romantic in me swoon; however, my mindset regarding love songs changed drastically this year.
On March 31st, 2023 the indie rock supergroup boygenius released their debut studio album “the record”. This group is not a new one, as they released their first self-titled EP in 2018, and were friends years before this release. As a longtime fan of the individual members of the trio, Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus, I was eagerly anticipating the arrival of this album. I recall staying up until midnight, anxiously refreshing my Spotify app and texting my friend Caroline with immense excitement for the drop of the century.
Even after the first listen-through, I was blown away. From the tender, acapella opener “Without You Without Them” to the dark yet beautiful closer “Letter To An Old Poet” led by Bridgers, I was hooked. Though I immediately appreciated the sound and feel of the music, it took me a minute to grasp what I was listening to. This album was truly a remarkable ballad to a true love that is often forgotten within music: the unconditional love between friends.
Upon first listen, the lyrics within “the record” could sound like they were inspired by past or present romantic affairs; however, on a closer listen it is clear that this is not the case. It is true that love heavily influenced the creation of this album, but not the kind one might see within a “Hallmark” romantic comedy. When paying closer attention to the lyrics, it is obvious that almost every song on “the record” honors the strong, unwavering (almost obsessive) love and friendship between Baker, Bridgers and Dacus.
The deep bond between the trio is constantly in the limelight, portraying to listeners the various ways the group has learned and grown together. Though there are songs that are led by a singular member of the supergroup on “the record,” without fail, Baker, Bridgers and Dacus’ unique voices consistently come together in harmony to form a much more powerful, singular voice. The groups’ decision to create a sense of unity within their music portrays to listeners that though one member might be singing about an individual experience, the other two are still a part of their story. No one is the frontman or star, as they all work better as a team. This is heavily exemplified in the opener “Without You Without Them,” specifically in the lyrics: “I want to hear your story and be a part of it / Thank your father before you, his mother before him / Who would I be without you, without them?” “Without You Without Them” ponders the question at the forefront of “the record:” Where would we be without our friends?
To me, the most important, powerful nod to friendship on “the record” is the song “True Blue” led by Dacus. The term “true blue” is an old English saying that signifies faithfulness and an unwavering sense of loyalty to one’s party. The song “True Blue” revolves around a loyal love, a friendship in which your confidant knows you better than you know yourself: “And it feels good to be known so well / I can’t hide from you like I hide from myself.” “True Blue” perfectly encapsulates the vulnerability and the unexplainable feeling of safety that comes within true friendships. It radiates love and trust, and when I listen to it, I can’t help but think about the important friendships in my life and feel emotional. “True Blue” is truly a love song in its purest sense: “I remember who I am when I’m with you / Your love is tough, your love is tried and true blue.” When I am asked what my favorite love song is, without hesitation I respond with: “True Blue” by boygenius.
Fast forward to November 10th, 2023, “the record” by boygenius was nominated for six Grammy Awards. Though this is a victory for female and queer musicians alike, it is also a symbol of the triumph and honor that comes with true friendship. Boygenius is finally getting the recognition that they deserve, and though I am constantly in awe of their musical and lyrical genius, more importantly, their music reminds me to tell my friends I love them. In the future when I think of boygenius and of “the record,” I will not remember their six Grammy nominations and various awards won, but I will instead recall the love songs that are too often overlooked: love songs about friendship.