Earlier this month, FINNEAS, frequent collaborator and brother of singer-songwriter Billie Eilish, released his sophomore studio album For Cryin’ Out Loud!. The ten-track alternative rock record had previously been announced on August 8th, following the release of the album’s lead single of the same name. Since then, the HIT ME HARD AND SOFT co-writer and producer has released two additional singles: "Cleats" and "Lotus Eater" in which the latter had been released days before the album, listed as its final track. For Cryin’ Out Loud! is a predominantly mellow, silver-toned, narrative gem where each track is musically fresh and lyrically raw. 

Finneas O’Connell, known professionally as FINNEAS, is an American singer-songwriter, producer, and actor notably known for his work with his younger sister and artist, Billie Eilish. For her debut studio album WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? he received five Grammy awards, including Album of the Year, in 2020. Prior to his work with Eilish, he had been the frontman of the band The Slightlys before breaking away to kick off his solo career. Since then, he released an extended play titled Blood Harmony in 2019, and then his debut album Optimist in 2021. Optimist, in contrast to For Cryin’ Out Loud!, is an album that the artist describes as both “transparent” and “opinionated,” viewing it as both the literal and figurative sequel to his extended play. To date, FINNEAS has numerous accolades, including a total of eighteen Grammy awards, along with two Academy Awards and two Golden Globes for his songwriting contributions to the 2021 Bond theme "No Time to Die" and the track "What Was I Made For?" featured in the 2023 comedy film Barbie. 

For Cryin’ Out Loud! touches and explores themes of nostalgia and love in various forms of relationships, including partners, friends, and family. A handful of tracks refer to each other, forming a storyline in a non-chronological sequence. The debut album Optimist is referenced on the first track: “I was such an optimist / You’re a f*****’ narcissist.” Here, FINNEAS shares that he has grown emotionally from a former poisonous relationship. He states that he used to be an optimist while he was with his lover, having hope and faith in their relationship working out, despite how cruel his partner had been. Eventually, he reveals that his partner had used him for fame: “I loved you / Against my better judgment…I was yours before you were cool.” Although these lyrics are found in the first track, the incident seems to fall at the end of the storyline, particularly after the relationship ended in betrayal and heartbreak. The sixth track, titled  “Same Old Story” seems to occur shortly before this event, as indicated by the lyrics in both the chorus and outro: “You think you know me, and I wish you did…It’s controversial that I am still yours.” FINNEAS realizes that the relationship is meaningless and hollow, understanding that it holds no emotional connection, and debates whether or not they should remain a couple. On the eighth and title track, he highlights the struggles and mistreatment he constantly endures from his lover: “For cryin’ out loud / I’m calling your name / You’re wearing me out / But I love you the same.” He shares how he is persevering through this relationship and becoming increasingly exhausted from doing so. Regardless, he continues to feel great love for this person, despite the circumstances. 

Through his tender lyricism and musical talent, I believe that FINNEAS’ work independently as an artist is heavily underrated. For Cryin’ Out Loud! is a captivating, carefully constructed album with both vulnerable and relatable tracks. I rate this outstanding sophomore album with a 9/10 overall. I view this album as FINNEAS’ transition towards finding his unique sound as a musician, and I believe that he is moving in the right direction. I adore this album and have had at least three tracks on repeat every other day; interchangeably, of course. I have anticipated its release since I listened to its title track, which had me completely hooked, leading me to pre-save the album that same day it was announced. If you know me, you know that I am one to share my music with whoever I come across, and lately, it has been this album. Which is to say, if you have made it this far, head onto any streaming service, search For Cryin’ Out Loud!, press play, and thank me later.

Works Cited

Barlow, Eve. "Finneas O'Connell Talks Writing with Others and For Himself on His Debut Album." Marvin, MARVIN, marvin.la/finneas/. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.

"FINNEAS - For Cryin' Out Loud! Lyrics and Tracklist." Genius, genius.com/albums/Finneas/For-cryin-out-loud. Accessed 7 Oct. 2024.

Wikipedia. “Finneas O’Connell” en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finneas_O%27Connell#:~:text=He%20has%20made%20history%20as,Engineered%20Album%2C%20Non%2DClassical. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.