Individually, Ashe is a breathtakingly beautiful singer. On his own, FINNEAS is a brilliant artist. This past spring, they created a band called The Favors, and it perfectly combines both of their amazing talents. I, along with many fans, was thrilled to hear the news that the duo was back making music because their styles and harmonies match so well with each other. Besides the fact that they released a single, “Till Forever Falls Apart,” together in 2021, they had never released a full-length studio album until “The Dream” came out on Sept. 19.
“The Dream” includes 13 songs and has a running time of 39 minutes, and The Favors managed to make each song a hit. Between the slow-burning ballads and tracks that give more of a Fleetwood Mac groovy vibe, every song invokes emotion. All the tracks feel very cohesive in their ‘dream-like’ lyricism; Ashe and FINNEAS paint listeners wonderful illustrations through words. Even the titles throughout the album are very creative, such as “Lake George,” “David’s Brother” and “Times Square Jesus.” Through this distinctive songwriting and use of synonyms, The Favors created an album filled with themes of yearning and romanticism.
Prior to the album’s release, The Favors put out three singles, including a song called “The Hudson.” This song is one I wanted to highlight because it features the best harmonization on the album. The majority of the song has only piano playing in the background, making the track feel intimate and vulnerable. In the chorus, they sing, “I don’t know where I belong, All I’ve ever known is gone, I’ve got nothing but you to lose.” Having close, trusting bonds and being there for someone through hard times is what the song is all about. When they sing together, their voices blend so well that you can feel their connection and understanding for each other through listening. I can also easily say Ashe and FINNEAS are my favorite vocalists in the music industry right now, and that’s easily shown in “The Dream.”
My favorite song on the album has to be “Home Sweet Home.” I immediately loved the strong, mid-1970s beat and catchy chorus. It feels like a song you could blast, scream and dance to in the car. This track is about being unable to move on from someone and finding yourself always returning to them. “This is not what I planned, bBut it all comes back, it all comes back, iIt all comes back to you.” The whole song is extremely relatable, so it’s super fun to hear. It definitely remindsed me of the Ashe song “Emotional” because of the unique, playful sound.
You can always count on Ashe and FINNEAS to deliver heart-wrenching songs. For me, “Necessary Evils” stuck out as the most emotional on the album. They sing, “If you’d never been born, I’d avoid every storm, I drive for you.” When you love someone, you are willing to go to great lengths for them, even if itthat hurts you sometimes. The Favors candidly express that love is overpowering to your common sense. However, they sing that song in a way that makes all the pain feel worth it— in return for love. The rawness conveyed throughout this album is an aspect I really appreciate, and you can also see it play out in the song “Ordinary People.” Similar to “Necessary Evils,” “Ordinary People” is also a gentle love song backed by a plain, beautiful piano. The song is about waiting for someone you love, even if the relationship isn’t working out. The Favors describe that love doesn’t have to be perfect in the lines, “You say we’re just ordinary people, eEven ordinary people get it right from time to time.” Everyone has the ability to experience unconditional love.
Overall, this long-awaited album did anything but disappoint. It is my new obsession, and I will be playing the album on repeat. I’m super excited to see what will come of The Favors in the future, and I’m hoping Ashe and FINNEAS continue to make more music together. Because I was genuinely pleased by the entirety of the album, I give it five out of five stars. It is, without a doubt, worth a listen through.
“The Dream:” ★★★★★
