FINNEAS - For Cryin' Out Loud!
All that glitters is not gold.
Finneas, best known for producing his sister Billie Eilish’s groundbreaking work, returns with his second solo album, For Crying Out Loud. While it would be nice to judge Finneas purely on his own merits, he’s made it nearly impossible to avoid comparisons. Though I’d prefer to focus on his individual artistry, his contributions to his sister’s success are so significant that they inevitably seep into any discussion of his solo efforts. In For Crying Out Loud, Finneas strives to step out of that shadow, but the echoes of his other collaborations still linger.
Compared to his debut, Optimist, there’s clear growth on this record. The production feels more cohesive, the album itself more thoughtfully assembled. Yet despite this improvement, Finneas still struggles with one major issue: he doesn’t seem to know who he is as a solo artist. And if he can’t define himself, how can his listeners? For Crying Out Loud delivers an alternative pop sound that’s both competent and well-produced, but it lacks the edge or innovation that could set it apart in today’s crowded indie-pop landscape.
Technically, the songs sound good—Finneas is undoubtedly a skilled producer. However, while the production is solid, it often feels like just another entry in the genre. The lyrics tend to be basic and rely heavily on the most typical sounds of indie-pop. Tracks like “Family Feud” and the title track “For Crying Out Loud” showcase moments of potential, yet they fall short of delivering the emotional depth or creativity needed to make a lasting impact. As a result, the album often feels toothless, lacking the resonance that would make it truly memorable.
In a landscape brimming with talented artists, Finneas’s music often struggles to carve out its own identity. At times, it feels reminiscent of Jack Antonoff’s work with Bleachers, while at other moments, it echoes Harry Styles’s sound. Additionally, tracks like “Little Window” utilize the same guitar sound as Billie Eilish's “WILDFLOWER,” further blurring the lines of originality. The result feels more like a patchwork of influences rather than a cohesive artistic statement, making it hard to shake the feeling that we’ve heard it all before.
Though on paper For Crying Out Loud ticks many boxes, it ultimately lacks the magic that would make it truly stand out. It’s clear that Finneas is talented and has the technical skills, but without a clearer artistic identity, his music struggles to transcend mediocrity. That said, this album is a step in the right direction, and if Finneas continues to experiment and push his boundaries, there’s potential for him to break through as a more defined solo artist. As Billie’s audience continues to grow, so too will his opportunities to showcase his own work, but he’ll need to offer more than just solid production to captivate listeners.
6.4/10
