Craig Finn releases his best album to date, collaborating with Adam Granduciel from Philadelphia’s band The War on Drugs.

Craig Finn, frontman of the acclaimed band The Hold Steady, has released his latest solo album, Always Been, which showcases a remarkable level of narrative songwriting. This release marks Finn’s sixth solo project and is being lauded as one of the most notable albums of the year across genres. The thematic and lyrical depth of Always Been has garnered attention, suggesting it may resonate with both fans of Finn’s past work and new listeners alike.

The album is described as Finn’s homage to Los Angeles, illustrated by the cover image depicting him on an overpass that once inspired Randy Newman in his 1977 work, Little Criminals. Alongside this Californian tribute, the album maintains strong connections to Philadelphia, where it was recorded at the studio owned by Adam Granduciel of The War On Drugs, which Finn describes as an integral part of the album’s production. Granduciel and several members of his band contributed to the album, ensuring it was enriched with their musical expertise.

Vocals from Canadian singer-songwriter Kathleen Edwards enhance standout tracks such as “Shamrock” and “Crumbs.” Finn’s storytelling reveals a protagonist navigating a complex life marked by a fall from grace and explores the region surrounding Philadelphia. The protagonist, a clergyman lacking genuine faith, exemplifies the nuanced character studies Finn is known for engaging with in his songwriting.

Growing up in Minnesota, Finn’s early experiences with music include leading the band Lifter Puller before establishing The Hold Steady in New York. Yet, with Always Been, Finn draws a distinct narrative arc connecting Central Pennsylvania to the beaches of Delaware. The opening track, “Bethany,” sets the tone for this journey, with the protagonist’s life unfolding as he attempts to reconcile his role as a reverend with personal struggles.

While Finn insists that his songs are not autobiographical, they draw upon his personal experiences and observations, enriching the authenticity of his storytelling. Influences from literary figures like John Gregory Dunne inform his perspective, allowing him to craft vivid, relatable narratives.

The creative partnership between Finn and Granduciel, which has flourished since their early days, significantly influenced the album’s production. Their mutual respect and shared artistic vision resulted in a cohesive body of work that combines evocative lyrics with ambient soundscapes. The album’s production draws parallels to the emotional range Finn wishes to convey.

As Finn prepares for upcoming performances with The Hold Steady, the album’s songs will not feature in their setlists, highlighting the band’s extensive repertoire. However, fans can anticipate Finn’s future appearances at events such as the XPoNential Music Festival in September.

In Always Been, Finn asserts that he has produced his best work to date, finding clarity in his vision and the emotional range he aimed to capture. With its compelling stories and rich musical landscape, Always Been stands as a testament to Finn’s growth as an artist and storyteller, solidifying his place in contemporary music.

Upcoming performances are scheduled for The Hold Steady at the Foundry at the Fillmore and Brooklyn Bowl—a reminder of Finn’s commitment to continuing his musical journey. For more details about his music, fans can visit the official website.