Sounds of the School Year

FINNEAS’ ‘For Cryin’ Out Loud!’ Album Review

Maddison Schwartz, Staff • November 7, 2024

FINNEAS poses for Vouge Magazine on the edge of a pool, found on his Instagram @finneas.

Finneas O’Connell is a twenty-seven year old singer, songwriter, and producer who is well known for producing and co-writing most of his sister, Billie Elish’s, songs. Despite being a highly celebrated music producer and composer, Finneas’s music tends to fly under the radar for most people. Finneas released his second studio album ‘For Cryin’ Out Loud!’ October 4th, 2024, and, after sitting with it for almost a month, these are my favorites.

For Cryin’ Out Loud!

The official music video for 'Cleats' features fun, childlike visuals matched with the lowkey beats! (FINNEAS Official YouTube Channel)

Cleats

‘Cleats’ was the last single released in promotion for the album with the general vibe of the song is dreamy sixties pop-rock. The song itself chronicles the perspective of a teenage boy who is falling in love with his friend who is uninterested. Despite the disheartening circumstances, the song itself is rather light hearted and wistfully recounts watching the friend’s soccer game.

The official lyric video for '2001' displays dynamic visuals along with the lyrics. (FINNEAS Official YouTube Channel)

2001

‘2001’ is the fifth track on the album, which features a haunting synth and a full almost cinematic instrumental background. The song itself is about Stanley Kubrick's movie ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’, using it as an allegory for a relationship as Finneas sings about longing for connection and intimacy whilst feeling unheard.

A live performance of 'Family Feud' from Finneas at The Ford. (FINNEAS Official YouTube Channel)

Family Feud

‘Family Feud’ is a return to form for Finneas, going all the way back to the ballads of his first album ‘Optimist’. The song retrospectively looks at his relationship with his sister during her rise to fame, with lyrics like “you’re only twenty two, and the world is watching you” and “I’ve made mistakes, you'll make ‘em too.” The entire song is a heartbreaking look at watching a sibling grow up and just wanting to protect them from the world. Compositionally, the song is built up by piano creating a more intimate feel as Finneas pours his heart out to the listeners and to his sister.

Despite the album being stray from the ballads Finneas became known for, I think ‘For Cryin’ out Loud!’ is one of the strongest sophomore albums I’ve heard. I think that this album shows incredible growth for Finneas as an artist and I’m beyond excited to see what he does in the future.

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About the Contributor

Maddison Schwartz, Staff

Maddie is a senior at TWHS and is a third-year staff member. She has a dog named Haven and loves history and medical science. She listens to a lot of music and watches a lot of marvel movies (X men Days of Future Past is her favorite).