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Optimist
by
Optimist Image
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 43 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the debut full-length release for the songwriter and producer who is best known for his work with his sister, Billie Eilish.
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  • Record Label: Interscope
  • Genre(s): Pop, Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Contemporary Singer/Songwriter, Indie Electronic, Alternative Singer/Songwriter
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. DIY Magazine
    Nov 11, 2021
    80
    What begins as a deeply personal commentary eventually evolves into a world-renowned producer taking the attention away from his ability to refine others’ work, alternately placing the spotlight over his own voice, with its startling ability to carry a tale of kindred love, loss and the weight of fame.
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    Oct 18, 2021
    80
    Optimist is unlike any other debut, as this is not an introduction but rather a fateful reckoning.
  3. Mojo
    Oct 19, 2021
    80
    Nothing remotely insipid here; rather anger as an energy and top tunes. [Dec 2021, p.84]
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  4. AllMusic
    Oct 14, 2021
    70
    While Optimist makes a good case for FINNEAS' skills around a pop melody and a perceptive viewpoint, he also drops the instrumental piano piece "Peaches Etude" in the middle of the track list. Accordingly, the album plays like a portfolio, perhaps fitting for a musician still sorting out and amplifying his potential.
  5. Under The Radar
    Nov 8, 2021
    70
    While not necessarily “solid” and occasionally clumsy. ... Enjoy Optimist for what it is—an honest and insightful bit of commentary from a seemingly centered, obviously talented young artist.
  6. Rolling Stone
    Oct 14, 2021
    60
    While his pretensions can at times make things a little awkward (see the impressionistic piano piece “Peaches Etude”), there’s an admirable idealism in his desire to write earnest songs in a cynical age, and those songs can end up leaving a clear, large mark on your emotions.
  7. Clash Music
    Oct 29, 2021
    50
    O’Connell colours firmly between the lines. His ideas do not stray beyond the conventions you’d expect for each singer-songwriter outfit he puts on from song to song.

See all 10 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 2 out of 9
  1. happierthaneve
    Nov 2, 2021
    10
    this is one of the most beautiful album released on this year, no skips. good job, finneas.
  2. TulioUlisses
    Oct 22, 2021
    10
    Love this album. It's really really * good. All the lyrics and the style. It's amazing.
  4. CristianKristal
    Oct 31, 2021
    10
    The best album by a male this whole year. Everything in here is just beautiful and personal, and just know then this album was make just byThe best album by a male this whole year. Everything in here is just beautiful and personal, and just know then this album was make just by him, means the world.… Expand
  5. NahuelLW
    Oct 17, 2021
    9
    Overall it's a great debut album. The Grammy Award winner doesn't disappoint in his production. With "bold" choices that characterize hisOverall it's a great debut album. The Grammy Award winner doesn't disappoint in his production. With "bold" choices that characterize his songs, especially "The 90s", "The Kids Are All Dying" and "How It Ends". This album has its standouts lyrically as well, being the first track and "Love Is Pain" great examples of his songwriting skills.
    I guess some people will find it "boring" if they expect mainstream music from him as a solo act.
    Its weakest song in my opinion is "Medieval".
    P.S: Would've added "Break My Heart Again" and/or "Die Alone" to the tracklist.
    8,5/10    … Expand
  6. danielhigh05
    Oct 24, 2021
    9
    finneas has mastered a diverse sound, focusing on making each track special in some way. improved lyrically since his last project,finneas has mastered a diverse sound, focusing on making each track special in some way. improved lyrically since his last project, consistently impressive artist… Expand
  7. jeffkarlin
    Oct 19, 2021
    5
    FINNEAS is a great vocalist and a talented producer. However, this album leaves much to be desired. It's full of great messages withFINNEAS is a great vocalist and a talented producer. However, this album leaves much to be desired. It's full of great messages with lackluster execution. It doesn't really grab your attention, and by the midpoint my attention was hanging by a thread. Everything feels a bit safe, and as much as I think it's unfair to compare him to his work with Billie Eilish, I think he owes it to himself to take even half the amount of creative liberties he does for her. The whole thing feels a bit monochromatic. His introspection is appreciated and not without merit, but that alone is not enough to stand out.… Expand
  8. beeses
    Oct 17, 2021
    2
    guys. can we really not do better than “politicians are lying”? that’s as deep as any of FINNEAS’ takes get on this album. I would have lovedguys. can we really not do better than “politicians are lying”? that’s as deep as any of FINNEAS’ takes get on this album. I would have loved to enjoy this album- blood harmony had its merits, a lot of his singles are at the very least danceable! this is a bad album though.… Expand

See all 9 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

100
#100 Most Discussed Album of 2021

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