Albums to watch

Always Been

Craig Finn

Always Been

Sixth solo album from The Hold Steady frontman produced by Adam Granduciel of The War on Drugs

ADM rating[?]

7.7

Label
Tamarac
UK Release date
04/04/2025
US Release date
04/04/2025
  1. 8.5 |   Paste Magazine

    Backed by members of the War on Drugs, the Hold Steady bandleader has never sounded so alive. His latest solo work shimmers with an energy that perfectly suits him and his cast of characters
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  2. 8.4 |   Northern Transmissions

    Another rousing success from Finn that will buoy people’s hope and faith and sing people’s griefs and woes, at the same time
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  3. 8.0 |   Uncut

    Though still hyper-literate, the sound away from the semi-spoken ballads tends less frantic than The Hod Steady, from the Cars-like new wave of "postcards" to the distinctly Springstonian "Luke & Leanna". Print edition only

  4. 8.0 |   Mojo

    What separates this album from the 14 he's made before is the involvement of Adam Granduciel, who produces luminously, plays guitar, synths and more, and enlists his bandmates for much of the remaining instrumentation. Print edition only

  5. 8.0 |   musicOMH

    With The War On Drugs and Sam Fender along for the ride, The Hold Steady singer’s novel-like sixth is probably his finest solo album to date
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  6. 7.8 |   Spectrum Culture

    Always Been is a collection of character-driven vignettes and occasional one-off detours that’s for the most part set to Springsteen-influenced heartland rock that’s lent verisimilitude and gravity by weaving in both Finn’s real life and his deeply familiar hang-ups surrounding faith and love into the proceedings
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