A Modern Storyteller

Craig Finn—best known as the voice of The Hold Steady and Lifter Puller—returns with Always Been, his sixth solo album and perhaps his most ambitious narrative effort to date. Released on April 4, 2025, the record finds Finn at his most introspective, spinning a poignant tale of a clergyman’s gradual spiritual disintegration.

The story begins with “Bethany,” a track that introduces the album’s central character: a man who enters the clergy without conviction, only to grapple with the fallout of that deception. It was also the first song Finn shared with producer Adam Granduciel (of The War on Drugs), and its blend of stirring guitar and contemplative lyrics sets the tone for what follows. With over 136,000 Spotify streams, “Bethany” has struck a chord with listeners.

Still, the lead single “People of Substance” has drawn the most attention, climbing past 170,000 plays. Musically euphoric and tinged with Americana, the song explores themes of identity, faith, and redemption—hallmarks of Finn’s work. His talent for vivid, empathetic character sketches is fully displayed here, balancing dry wit with emotional gravity.

Produced with a deft, understated touch by Granduciel and featuring guest vocals from Kathleen Edwards and Sam Fender, Always Been unfolds over 11 tracks with a cinematic sense of pacing. From the tense, personal reckoning of “Luke & Leanna” to the quiet endurance in “I Walk With a Cane,” each song deepens the emotional landscape and further complicates the clergyman’s journey.

The album closes with “Shamrock,” a digital-only track that trades resolution for reflection. Sparse and meditative, it feels less like a finale and more like a final whispered confession. Finn’s protagonist seems older and more self-aware, mired in memory and regret. Rather than offering closure, “Shamrock” lingers in ambiguity, reinforcing the album’s central message: redemption is elusive, often incomplete, and never easy.

The song’s availability only digitally may be intentional—a nod to the idea that some parts of a journey remain inaccessible or unknowable. Like the last torn page of a diary, it adds a layer of intimacy and mystery, making its quiet power all the more resonant.

With Always Been, Finn has crafted a modern parable that questions belief, interrogates purpose, and ultimately delivers a quiet, hard-earned redemption. It’s a masterclass in narrative songwriting and a high-water mark in Finn’s solo career.