FINNEAS' debut album Optimist has a very prominent aura of maturity and growth. It almost feels like a proper sequel to it's predecessor, Blood Harmony, thematically and musically, save for the larger diversity in genres and styles that I greatly enjoy.
FINNEAS' iconic heartbreak style that's present in some of his hit songs, like Break My Heart Again and I Lost a Friend, is once again making its rounds in this tracklist. His expertise in production and electronics, surprisingly, don't take center stage that much in this, as compared to his work in his sister's debut album, WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?. Songs like The 90s and Around My Neck have a tasteful amount of electronics, but the rest of the songs seems to stick to a more traditional and mellow style, one of them even being a pure piano instrumental.
The topics of some of these songs seem a bit weird, I'll admit. The Kids Are All Dying is such a 2020/2021 song and I don't enjoy it's crudeness on the topic, and the personal confession on Happy Now? is, frankly, not very relatable for most of us listeners. Nevertheless, there are some great tracks to make up for the not-so-great ones. There seems to be a pattern, his songs about love are generally better, the likes of A Concert Six Months From Now, Love is Pain and Hurt Locker all have a prominent FINNEAS touch to it. What's new on this album, thematically, is some of the songs about life and living it, like Only A Lifetime and How It Ends. Considering this album came about in the middle of a global pandemic, it's no surprise these new themes have been birthed in contemplation.
Optimist isn't the greatest album in the world. It's definitely not the best of FINNEAS either, but that doesn't mean it's not worth listening to. Everyone will definitely take away at least a track or two from this record, even if they don't enjoy it as a whole. I appreciate his attempt to pursue a more diverse sound in this album, he gets bonus points from me as one of my pet peeves in music is an entire album that sounds too similar. Personally, I love this record because of how un-pop-like it is for a pop album, and how easy it is to listen to. It's not a standout choice, but its softer sound is perfect for when I occasionally seek it.
Rating: 7/10