On October 4th, Finneas O’Connel released his second album, For Cryin’ Out Loud, only 6 months after the release of his sister Billie Eilish’s record Hit Me Hard and Soft. On this LP, the songwriter known as FINNEAS has stepped out as his own solo artist over 10 amazing tracks.
S********r
In the opening track to the album, Finneas talks about the shortcomings of someone he has a relationship with. He acknowledges his own issues over the somber piano, but highlights the flaws of the song’s subject.
What’s It Gonna Take to Break Your Heart?
An unusually joyful sounding song, “What’s It Gonna Take to Break Your Heart?” has the singer asking what it’ll take to get attention from someone. He recounts all the things he would do for this person while they ignore him. The song is great a great way to get in your feelings or just throw on as background noise.
Cleats
“Cleats” is an innocent song about high school love. The girl is a soccer player, and Finneas uses his younger experiences to create a compelling story with a fun guitar riff and driving vocals.
Little Window
This song takes a deep dive into how we as a society deal with social media and our phone. “Little Window” refers to the screen we each stare at every day, and Finneas delivers retrospective lines that dive deep into our relationships with the devices we hold in our hands every day.
2001
In “2001”, Finneas opens his arms to someone who is enduring some sort of ridicule. He invites this person to spend the night with him and, “Toss and turn it all night long with me instead”. The song is boisterous with lots of ear-candy and playful instrumentals.
Same Old Story
“Same Old Story” is one of the softer songs on the album. Finneas sings about someone he cares about continuously sabotaging themselves and pushing him away. He supports them in spite of it and attempts to help the person throughout the entire song.
Sweet Cherries
This track, like the previous one, is a story song. Finneas sings from a perspective of someone excited to be with someone. He recites the things his character loves about the girl, and how “sweet” it is to be with the girl.
For Cryin’ Out Loud!
This song was the first to be released and serves as the title track for the album. “For Cryin’ Out Loud” is about the stress of being with someone who doesn’t compliment you, and how they continuously kill your spirit for being in the relationship. The song is coupled with a great music video.
Family Feud
An ode to his younger sister, Finneas sings about how time has changed his relationship with Billie Eilish. The bittersweet guitar part and raw vocals couple together the singer’s feelings of anxiety and faith in his sister. Finneas talks about how while his sister and him continue to get older, he will always be there to support her.
Lotus Eater
“Lotus Eater” comes off very sensual. The song asks questions to a certain someone Finneas is close to but doesn’t quite understand. The song is truly a grand finale, with big sounding instruments and the strongest vocals on the album.
Overall, For Cryin’ Out Loud is a great album, and really shows what makes Finneas stand out as a solo artist.
