Optimist
by FINNEAS
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
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  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 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.
  2. 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 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    Overall 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
  3. 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 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 himselfFINNEAS 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
  4. daylightlovers
    Oct 18, 2021
    10
    if my bf liked i liked and that's on that. if my bf liked i liked and that's on that. if my bf liked i liked and that's on that. if my bf liked i liked and that's on that. if my bf liked i liked and that's on that. if my bf liked i liked and that's on that. if my bf liked i liked and that's on that. if my bf liked i liked and that's on that.
  5. TulioUlisses
    Oct 22, 2021
    10
    Love this album. It's really really * good. All the lyrics and the style. It's amazing.
  6. 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 by him, means the world.
  7. 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, consistently impressive artist
  8. happierthaneve
    Nov 2, 2021
    10
    this is one of the most beautiful album released on this year, no skips. good job, finneas.
  9. 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 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 ofThe 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.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

100
#100 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

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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
  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.
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  2. 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.
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  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.
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