Finneas, sans Billie, thrills with accessible pop and his dreamy falsetto: Lollapalooza review

You can’t accuse Finneas of saving the best songs for his sister.

He is famous for writing and producing Grammy-winning hits for sibling, Billie Eilish. But he thrilled a devoted crowd all on his own Sunday, playing Lollapalooza for the first time as a solo artist. Switching between piano and guitar, the singer-songwriter delivered accessible pop songs with danceable beats, soaring choruses and lyrics relatable to the crowd of teens and young adults who passionately sang along.

The highlight of the set was the bass-heavy, disco-tinged “What’s It Gonna Take to Break Your Heart,” from Finneas’ latest album, “For Cryin’ Out Loud!” The audience swayed, clapped and enjoyed Finneas’ dreamy falsetto as the sunny, breezy afternoon began to transform into evening. It was downright delightful.

Finneas was supported by a skilled backing band and special guest singer Ashe. The two sang “Till Forever Falls Apart,” from 2021, and “The Little Mess You Made,” their first release from their newly formed band, The Favors. Their album, “The Dream,” is due in September.

For Finneas, a singing partner is not a crutch but an added bonus; he carried the set on his own. Like his sister, he is adept at vocal control, moving effortlessly from soft tones to belted notes.

For those who didn’t know the words to his songs, the choruses are easy to pick up. The crowd eagerly joined in on upbeat numbers like “2001” and “For Cryin’ Out Loud.” Many of the young people in the audience did know the lyrics to the sports metaphor-laden “Cleats” and the painful “I Lost a Friend” — songs that they could easily apply to their high school or college experiences.

Finneas also impressed with heartfelt ballads “Angel” and “Just a Little Window.” But “Break My Heart” was the gem in this area. The song began with Finneas at the piano and built to a stunning, full-band zenith.

Another standout, “Let’s Fall in Love for the Night,” seemed built for a live, young audience with its bouncy beat, F-bomb, rap-chant section and slower-paced ending that allowed Finneas to charm with his falsetto. The Lollapalooza crowd ate it up.

Reminiscing about his previous appearances at the event with his sister, Finneas called Lollapalooza the “best American festival.” As one of the best American songwriters working today, he’ll probably be invited back.

Finneas’ Lollapalooza 2025 set list

Lotus Eater
Cleats
Sweet Cherries
What’s It Gonna Take to Break Your Heart
Angel
2001
Little Window
Break My Heart Again
I Lost A Friend
The Little Mess You Made (with Ashe)
Till Forever Falls Apart (with Ashe)
Let’s Fall in Love for the Night
For Cryin’ Out Loud