FINNEAS ‘For Cryin’ Out Loud!’: A Popcraft Savant's Delicate Balance

Finneas O'Connell, more commonly known by FINNEAS, and as Billie Eilish’s older brother and close collaborator, has quietly built a reputation as one of pop music’s most versatile songwriters and producers. 

Behind the success of his younger sister, FINNEAS has amassed an impressive list of production and song writing credits across the industry. But his own solo career, which has been steadily gaining attention, takes another step forward with his second album, ‘For Cryin’ Out Loud!’.

This record is the work of a popcraft savant, displaying his signature blend of intricate production, emotional storytelling, and understated vocal delivery. It's a record that showcases a range of moods and themes, from introspective ballads to sly, upbeat tracks, marking another chapter in FINNEAS’ career as an individual artist.

The album opens with ‘Starfucker’, a melodramatic piano ballad where FINNEAS airs grievances about betrayal, fame, and narcissism. “Cartier around your wrist, I was such an optimist / but you were such a narcissist,” he sings, his voice drenched in bitterness and sarcasm. It's a fitting opener, setting a tone of emotional complexity while wrapped in lush, swelling strings that elevate the song from self-pity to a grand emotional arc. It's clear that FINNEAS has mastered the art of juxtaposing raw emotion with polished production, making the listener feel both the weight of the lyrics and the beauty of the instrumentation.

Tracks like ‘What’s It Gonna Take to Break Your Heart’ build from subtle, laid-back beginnings into dramatic, swelling climaxes, showcasing FINNEAS’ flair for dynamics and tension. One of the album's strengths lies in its versatility, balancing these tender moments with lighter, more playful tracks. ‘Cleats’ stands out as a smooth, easy-going song that effortlessly glides along, despite its awkward soccer metaphor: “She plays for a different team / but it’s all the same to you,” he sings. It’s a light-hearted moment that gives the album a chance to breathe amidst the heavier emotional terrain, reminding the listener of FINNEAS’ ability to inject humour and levity into his music.

The melancholy present in ‘Little Window’, is an acoustic ballad that echoes the quiet, folky intimacy of artists like Bon Iver or Feist. The track’s minimalism gives it a vulnerable edge, a testament to FINNEAS’ restraint as both a singer and producer.

The album’s midpoint, ‘Same Old Story’ is a standout moment, shifting the tone from resignation to flickers of hope. It’s a track that evolves from a sombre piano ballad into a sweeping studio showcase, perfectly capturing the ebb and flow of emotions. ‘Sweet Cherries’ starts as an infatuated slow jam before dropping into the raw piano, only to slowly rebuild itself into something more grand and full.

Yet, despite the range of sounds and styles on display, ‘For Cryin' Out Loud!’, occasionally feels more like a showcase of FINNEAS’ abilities as a producer rather than a strong assertion of his identity as a solo artist. His solo work often comes across as an impressive portfolio of craftsmanship, filled with expertly constructed songs, but one might argue that it lacks a distinctive artistic voice that separates FINNEAS from the many artists he’s helped shape behind the scenes. This, however, doesn't detract from the overall quality of the album, but it does leave a lingering question of whether he is still refining his solo identity.

One of the album’s strongest thematic threads is its exploration of love and relationships. The title track, ‘For Cryin’ Out Loud!’, offers a poignant reflection on the highs and lows of love, balancing moments of frustration with genuine affection. It’s a love letter to his girlfriend, Claudia Sulewski, addressing their ups and downs while affirming their deep bond. 

The closing track, ‘Lotus Eater’ shifts gears with an 80s-tinged, moody groove. The fuzzy bassline and slick melody create a modern pop feel, yet it evokes nostalgia through its subtle retro sound. This track, much like others on the album, demonstrates FINNEAS’ ability to straddle eras, blending past and present influences seamlessly. The song embraces uncertainty and open-mindedness, leaving listeners with a sense of unresolved tension, a fitting end for an album that delves into the complexities of love, fame, and identity.

‘For Cryin’ Out Loud!’ may not always chase the immediate, high-energy hits FINNEAS is known for, but it finds strength in subtlety and nuance. His popcraft remains undeniable, filled with intricate arrangements, smooth melodies, and an ever-present sense of control over the sonic landscape. While it doesn’t entirely break new ground for the artist, it strikes a delicate balance between introspection and fun, making it a fulfilling and compelling listen from start to finish. FINNEAS continues to solidify himself as a master of pop, even as he grapples with his own artistic identity.

Danielle Holian

@danielleholian_

Image: ‘For Cryin’ Out Loud!' Official Album Cover