Optimist
by FINNEAS
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. 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.
  2. Pitchfork
    Oct 18, 2021
    56
    While bidding for timeless and universal appeal, Finneas sometimes comes up with hollow platitudes. ... Occasionally, he hits on something more stirring, like on “Love Is Pain” when he recalls waking in tears from a dream about his parents’ death—demonstrating the very real consequences of getting older rather than vaguely fretting about them. Finneas’ exercise in restraint has its limits: These subdued songs are surrounded by highly produced, pointedly topical ones.
  3. 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.

Awards & Rankings

100
#100 Most Discussed Album of 2021

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 43 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 43
  3. Negative: 6 out of 43
  1. 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.… Full Review »
  2. All_ButTrU4
    Feb 12, 2022
    3
    The problem with this release like other finneas releases is range. His production is never weak but his songwriting lacks that consistency.The problem with this release like other finneas releases is range. His production is never weak but his songwriting lacks that consistency. The single"the 90's" feels like a stiff attempt at nostalgia and has one of the worst moment's on the album due to the vocoder(something i usually appreciate in music) but here it feels misplaced. With that said the bridge is one of the best ones of this year. Then the listless "peaches entrede" is more successful at being skippable than anything else. The opener is one of his best songs which isn't surprising given love songs are his strength. This is a good enough record of lukewarm proportions. Could be a precursor of something greater to come or the first of regular overstuffed disappointments to come.… Full Review »
  3. happierthaneve
    Nov 2, 2021
    10
    this is one of the most beautiful album released on this year, no skips. good job, finneas.
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