For Cryin’ Out Loud! review: Billie Eilish’s big brother steps out of her shadow

For Cryin' Out Loud! review: Billie Eilish's big brother steps out of her shadow

As a music enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the rich tapestry of soul, R&B, and jazz, I find myself captivated by the diverse offerings that grace our airwaves today. Among the latest releases, two artists stand out as particularly noteworthy: Leon Bridges and Jake Bugg.

FINNEAS: For Cryin’ Out Loud! (Polydor)

Verdict: Sibling’s sun-soaked songs

As a collaborator, both producing and co-writing, Finneas O’Connell has significantly contributed to one of the standout albums of 2024 – his sister Billie Eilish’s remarkable album “Hit Me Hard And Soft”. This masterpiece was unveiled in May, where Billie reached new artistic peaks with a graceful collection of songs. Finneas also lent his talents to the album by playing guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards.

His latest solo work may not be on the same level, but that’s to be expected given his role behind the scenes in pop music, where he has also written songs for artists like Camila Cabello and Justin Bieber. However, if you view him as a more subtle performer instead of an attention-seeking one, his album “For Cryin’ Out Loud!” is actually quite good.

His latest release represents an advancement over his 2021 solo debut, “Optimist,” a self-produced album created during lockdown featuring songs like “A Concert Six Months From Now” that echoed the melancholic solitude of the pandemic.

In my expert opinion, I’ve chosen to swap the solo route for a more dynamic, live-recording experience alongside a seasoned group of Los Angeles rock musicians and collaborators. This shift not only adds an energetic vibe to my music but also brings a fresh perspective to my songwriting process.

For Cryin' Out Loud! review: Billie Eilish's big brother steps out of her shadow

In summary, it’s a more optimistic experience overall. There are songs filled with nostalgic echoes of California pop and clever references to numerous British inspirations such as The Beatles, The Police, and New Order. He sings about the dynamics of contemporary dating in a humorous way, ensuring his perspective doesn’t become overly melancholic.

Similar to his sister’s latest music, electronic sounds take a backseat. Notably, guitarists Aron Forbes (a touring member of One Direction) and Matt Fildey play significant roles, yet the overall feel remains airy and carefree. The tune from 2001, a pop ballad about a long-distance romance, could easily fit on an album by Harry Styles.

In contrast to his relationship with YouTuber and actress Claudia Sulewski, O’Connell’s songs don’t just focus on romance or express affection. Instead, in ‘Same Old Story,’ he contemplates the idea that love might be a means of passing time, and on the upbeat pop track ‘Cleats,’ he sings about his unrequited feelings for a female footballer.

Similar to Hit Me Hard And Soft, For Cryin’ Out Loud! is recommended to be played in its entirety for an optimal experience. This album shares a trait with Billie’s L’Amour De Ma Vie, as it incorporates abrupt tempo changes in multiple songs. Just like Same Old Story begins as a piano ballad and evolves into a more elaborate ensemble piece, Sweet Cherries starts off as indie-pop but transforms into funky, Latin-infused electronica.

In Family Feud, there’s a song where Finneas, the caring elder sibling, lavishes praise on his sister. He sings about how she’s just 22, but the world is observing and evaluating her every move. ‘You’ll make mistakes, just like I did,’ he croons. ‘A piece of me is a part of you.’

This piece offers a heartfelt look at a longstanding collaboration between Billie and Finneas, dating back to her second single “Six Feet Under,” which they wrote and produced eight years ago. While Billie is undoubtedly the star, these catchy tunes underscore that Finneas also has his own unique musical persona.

LEON BRIDGES: Leon (Columbia)

Verdict: Nostalgic country-soul

In just a flash, Leon Bridges transitioned from cleaning dishes at a Tex-Mex eatery in Fort Worth to performing a Ray Charles blues standard before Barack and Michelle Obama at the White House.

2015 saw the Texas-native’s first album, “Coming Home,” climbing its way to the Top 10 charts on both the Atlantic and European sides, solidifying his status as a soul artist akin to Sam Cooke and Otis Redding.

35-year-old artist, Bridges, has the opportunity to reflect on his rapid ascent in life through a new album titled Leon, which draws inspiration from his childhood recollections. Despite being born in Atlanta, he spent his formative years in Fort Worth. The album, Leon, is filled with allusions to family members, friends, past relationships, and local icons. A track named Panther City is a tribute to the city’s nickname from his hometown.

In a nod to his R&B roots, the song “When A Man Cries” sets a mid-tempo tone that mirrors Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On.” The mood lightens with “Peaceful Place,” which carries a funkier vibe. “That’s What I Love” tells stories of past summers, reminding us of moments like “Springtime on the Trinity River, gold accessories, and all-black penny loafers.” He recalls these memories vividly.

He blends various musical elements into his unique concoction, often referred to as ‘musical gumbo’. Lately, he collaborated with country artist Kacey Musgraves on her song Deeper Into The Well, and for this project, Musgraves’s production team, Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk, are his partners. Their involvement lends a Nashville-inspired touch to the ballads Can’t Have It All and Ain’t Got Nothing On You.

In simpler terms, this artist’s songs are openly romantic. On Simplify, he expresses regret over a past love, while Laredo hints at a brief encounter fueled by whiskey in a Texas town near the border. He requests a slow, mellow, and steady rock song, and this record would perfectly match that description.

Right now, both albums have been released. Starting from April 17, 2025, Finneas will kick off his UK tour at the Eventim Apollo in London (which is managed by Live Nation UK).

Best of the new releases

JAKE BUGG: A Modern Day Distraction (RCA)

Jake Bugg experienced a meteoric rise to fame when he reached number one on the albums chart in 2012, but since then, his career has faced some setbacks. He’s ventured into different territories, collaborating with Rick Rubin on one album in California and another with Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys in Nashville. At just 30 years old, he’s returned to his roots, and his sixth studio album is a guitar-centric portrayal of Britain. “Zombieland” pulses with a passionate riff reminiscent of “Paperback Writer,” while “All Kinds Of People” offers an insightful look at the disparate fortunes of his friends in his hometown of Nottingham, drawing inspiration from The Jam.

SAMARA JOY: Portrait (Verve)

2023 Grammy winner for Best New Artist, Samara Joy from New York, is adding a modern touch to traditional jazz music. At just 24 years old, she’s been compared to jazz greats like Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald. She pays tribute to the past with lively renditions of classics such as Autumn Nocturne and No More Blues by Tom Jobim. Alongside a dynamic eight-piece band, she showcases her versatility, hitting high, airy notes and deep, resonant ones on original pieces like Peace Of Mind and Now And Then.

2024-10-11 00:36

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