ALBUM REVIEW: "FOR CRYIN’ OUT LOUD"

Graphic by Monika Krueger

by ari mei-dan

Primarily known as Billie Eilish’s brother and producer, Finneas Baird O’Connell – or mononymously known as FINNEAS – released his sophomore album For Cryin’ Out Loud on October 4th. He finds himself on this album comfortable in a spotlight of his own. 

FINNEAS mastered the art of sad love songs from the very start of his solo career. Beginning with electronic-indie pop songs like “Partners in Crime” from his debut EP Blood Harmony (2019), FINNEAS has now found his footing as a rock-pop musician with an alluring emphasis on guitar melodies and driving beats in the low end. For Cryin’ Out Loud begins with a ballad titled “Starfucker” which mourns the loss of a former lover who was only in it for the fame and the clout, and questioning how to go forward.

The album continues with songs that grieve previous loves, question heartbreak, and reflect on different types of relationships in FINNEAS’ life. The second tune on the album, “What’s it Gonna Take to Break Your Heart?,” is a catchy investigation into what it will take for a girl to finally care about FINNEAS: “I’ve been waiting for ya like you’re Sunday morning / Like you’re coffee pouring” – an angsty and striking declaration that yearns for this girl to come back to him and love him like she used to. To bring him peace once again.

My favourite song on the album is the title track. It’s an appealing insight into the heart of FINNEAS as a musician, songwriter, and producer. In a mixture of unforgettable melodies and bittersweet tones, FINNEAS admits to a continued love of a girl that repeatedly causes him stress. Each beat is catchy and purposeful, but every word is a cry for calmness.

Other noteworthy tracks include “Lotus Eater,” a lovesick homage to Greek mythology, and “2001” which battles unreciprocated feelings amidst sleeping alone again. However, amongst these delightful tunes, I find myself thinking there is something absent. No matter how catchy and how relatable For Cryin’ Out Loud is, there is a certain lack of uniqueness in between each song and a scarcity of electronic-ness that makes FINNEAS… FINNEAS. Previous songs in his catalogue feature a certain heart and drive to them that can be pinpointed as the FINNEAS style. Where are the hollow drums behind yearning lyrics or the radio static over sorrowful melodies? I do have to question what prompted these changes: is it in an effort to integrate more into the current music world? Or is it an experimental effort to find his footing?

I have a feeling that it’s a bit of both – but I suppose it’s up to interpretation. Perhaps this album will grow on me with time.