Two years after the release of his second studio album, “Optimist,” 10-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and producer Finneas O’Connell is back on his solo music grind, with his forthcoming third record “For Cryin’ Out Loud!” arriving October 4th.
Among the album’s 10 tracks is the title track and its accompanying video, which dropped last week. O’Connell makes the song’s point within the first verse and chorus. “Maybe it’s me, or maybe it’s you. Maybe I never learned my lesson. Someone to seek, someone to soothe. Someone to answer all your questions.” Oftentimes in a partnership, especially one that has lasted a long time, it becomes difficult to decipher what a partner wants. There’s an expectation that O’Connell should just know, but he is unsure of the right move to make. In the chorus, he sings, “For cryin’ out loud! I’m calling your name. You’re wearing me out, but I love you the same. For cryin’ out loud! Your heart is a maze. You’re running your mouth, but I’m singing your praises.” Ultimately, O’Connell wants to be a person that his partner can lean on for support, but he’s terrified to make the wrong move and ruin what they have.
Descending into the bridge, the song takes on a darker, ominous tone. “Watch what you say when you’re talking to me. The meaner you are, the harder to leave… Walking away with your kiss on my cheek, and a bruise underneath.” The bridge/outro leaves the listener slightly unsettled, yet desperate for more. The song and video brilliantly showcase the tightrope walk that is navigating and maintaining a long-term relationship.
Directed by Isaac Ravishankara and featuring O’Connell’s long-time partner Claudia Sulewski, the “For Cryin’ Out Loud” music video is visually and narratively engaging. Though the video is somewhat understated with few cast members and minimal setting variety, the combination of the song itself and the very fact of its subtlety allows it to be digestible and reliable to the viewer. O’Connell dabbled in acting in his teens, and Sulewski made her claim to fame as a YouTuber. Their prior on-camera experience coupled with their undeniable chemistry makes for an incredibly entertaining four minutes of screen time. Though their relationship is relatively public and appears to be healthy and thriving, the music video showcases the unavoidable tension faced by every couple.
The video includes many metaphorical scenes that symbolize feeling blindsided during a time of conflict within a relationship. O’Connell finds himself trapped in a dark room full of empty chairs, completely alone. Throughout the video, O’Connell chases after Sulewski, desperate to catch up to her, literally and figuratively. Toward the video’s end, Sulewski accidentally stabs O’Connell with a knife. They share shocked expressions, and he says to her, “For cryin’ out loud!”
O’Connell has proven himself to be a man of many talents — as one of the youngest and most critically acclaimed producers and songwriters of his generation — including his knack for raw romantic ballads. His friendship and musical collaboration with Ashlyn Willson, better known as Ashe — who will also have an autumn album release — earned them their hit song “Till Forever Falls Apart.” Additionally, it goes without saying that O’Connell’s immense contributions to his sister Billie Eilish’s musical endeavors — earning them both several academy awards from Grammy’s to Oscar’s — among his own lyrically and sonically impressive projects, have cemented his place in the music industry. O’Connell’s solo discography is often overlooked, especially considering his success when collaborating with Eilish, however the latest single for his upcoming album makes for a bold, enticing return for his solo career. For Cryin’ Out Loud! is set to be a groundbreaking release, and a musical pivot from O’Connell’s past work, thematically and productionwise.
Although O’Connell has yet to announce tour dates, fans are eagerly awaiting his return to the stage. It is also unclear whether the album will include any duets, or if O’Connell will release any more singles before its release. Until October 4th, fans will continue buzzing with anticipation for O’Connell’s newest project and all it will inevitably bring.