In 2018, Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus combined their songwriting superpowers, dubbed themselves boygenius, and released a beloved self-titled EP. There hasn’t been any official boygenius releases since, but the trio has been helping each other on their respective solo projects. The latest group effort is for Baker’s forthcoming third album Little Oblivions. Following “Hardline” and “Faith Healer,” “Favor” is the third single from the anticipated full-length out at the end of February.
“Favor” was recorded in Nashville, where the three also recorded “Graceland Too” from Bridger’s recent Punisher, along with an unnamed Dacus track. Dacus commented that the day of recording “had the same atmosphere as when we recorded the boygenius EP. Making music was just a natural result of being together, easy as can be but also rare in a way that feels irreplicable. I love the song for its stark but sensitive picture of friendship, what it looks like to recover from broken trust. Makes me think about how truth only ever breaks what should be broken, and how love is never one of those things. I’m always honored to be brought into Julien’s life and music.”
Brigders added that “Julien is one of those people whose opinion you want to hear about everything. A true critical thinker with an ever-changing and ridiculously articulate worldview. Her music changes in the same way, and this record is my favorite thing she’s ever done.”
Over haunted vocal coos, brassy embellishments, and drums that sound reversed while moving forward, Baker illustrates a gripping scene of vulnerability. “I always wanna tell the truth / But it never seems like the right time,” she sings during the chorus. “To be serious enough / I’m sorry I’m making myself cry.” Her voice transitions from a blistering urgency to a somber calm, friends Bridgers and Dacus at her side to cushion the tense turns.
Little Oblivions is out February 26 on Matador. Listen to “Favor” below.
