Not Strong Enough - boygenius
boygenius demonstrate the power of collaboration over competition on debut album 'the record'
In the music industry, it's not uncommon for female artists with similar styles to be pitted against each other. But Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, and Lucy Dacus decided to subvert that narrative by working together to create something truly special. As individual songwriters, they all found their audience through vulnerability, drawing from personal experiences to craft intimate and impactful tracks.
The trio first came together accidentally, touring together and toying with the idea of creating a collaborative track. But once they found themselves in the studio, the sheer number of ideas they had led to the creation of a full EP under the name boygenius. Released in 2018, the EP was a magnificent showcase of their talents, and it was clear that they had something special.
Fast forward five years to the top of 2023, and boygenius announced that they would be releasing their debut album as a group. Teasing three tracks that set a high bar for what was to come, the album captures something unique to all of them in comparison to their solo careers. It's a well-balanced album that gracefully intertwines their voices, telling stories that they all resonate with but in the styles of each individual singer.
One standout track from their debut album is "Not Strong Enough," which begins like a strong Phoebe Bridgers record before the drums drop and the listener is drawn into a mesmerising, nostalgia-tinged track. Each singer takes a verse, telling their own unique story, and the result is something truly special.
What sets boygenius apart from other supergroups is their chemistry. They're friends who simply enjoy each other's company and bounce ideas off each other. There's no ego or rivalry, just an honest and fun project that showcases each other's best qualities. "Not Strong Enough" is a shining moment off their debut album, "the record," that dropped in late March 2023. It's a true testament to the power of collaboration and friendship in the music industry.