Kelly Finnigan: B-Sides, Singles & Forgotten Gems [Album Review]

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Kelly Finnigan – B-Sides, Singles & Forgotten Gems

B-Sides, Singles & Forgotten Gems

Kelly Finnigan — 2026

ReleasedAugust 14
Label Colemine Records
Produced By Kelly Finnigan
Runtime33 min / 10 tracks

Album Review
Kelly Finnigan • B-Sides, Singles & Forgotten Gems • Modern Soul Revival

“Kelly Finnigan turns a collection of scattered singles and deep cuts into one of the easiest entry points to his wide ranging soul sound.”

If you’ve encountered any Colemine Records releases in the past decade, there’s a good chance you’ve heard the work of Kelly Finnigan whether you know it or not. Other than label founder Terry Cole himself, Finnigan has likely had a hand in more of the label’s output than anyone else. Whether it’s his own solo career, records with Monophonics, collaborations with other artists, production work, or just lending his voice (or keyboard chops), he’s been a crucial part of the extended Colemine Records family. Given his extensive output and history with the label, a collection like B-Sides, Singles & Forgotten Gems makes perfect sense, offering a convenient way to take a close look at Finnigan’s wide range as an artist (without having to hunt down a bunch of individual 45s).

One reason B-Sides, Singles & Forgotten Gems is such a fun listen is its diversity. Even though it only collects ten tracks, the record takes multiple stylistic detours over is half-hour run time. Gritty, passionate soul scorchers sit side-by-side with cinematic instrumentals, honey-dipped ballads, and uplifting funk cuts that all hang together surprisingly well. Despite their disparate origins, the songs all reflect Finnigan’s artistic authenticity and deep appreciation for classic songwriting and arranging. These may be lesser-known tracks, but they all demonstrate why Kelly Finnigan is such an essential part of not only the Colemine sound, but the modern soul scene in general.

Pivotal Tracks

“Trouble”
Funky drums, swelling strings, bluesy guitar, call-and-response vocals… what more could you want? “Trouble” pulls out all the stops, resulting in an instant Kelly Finnigan classic that’s in and out in under three minutes.
“Thom’s Hartbreak”
This breezy track is my favorite instrumental on the record, combining some laid-back piano playing, soulful horns, and flute melody that makes it feel like a lost sunshine-pop backing track in the vein of The 5th Dimension.
“Keep Me In Mind”
A collaboration with Renaldo Domino, “Keep Me In Mind” is an upbeat funk tune in the Sam & Dave tradition, with infectious hooks that weave their way between chicken scratch guitar, horn stabs, and groovy drum fills.

Artists with Similar Fire

Charles Bradley
Finnigan’s powerhouse vocals and passionate delivery often call to mind the Screaming Eagle of Soul at his best.
Thee Sacred Souls
Finnigan has the ability to craft tracks that call back to classic soul production while also feeling modern, a quality he shares with this Daptone Records trio.
Durand Jones
Finnigan, like his label mates Durand Jones and the Indications, shows that modern soul music is alive and well, pulling inspiration from the classics while responding to the present.

The Fire Note Rating: 4

The Fire Note Spin
4 out of 5

Simon Workman has loved rock n' roll ever since his dad made him Beatles and Beach Boys mix tapes as a kid. These days his musical interests have a wide range, though he still has a strong connection to the music of the 60s and 70s. He lives in Dayton and teaches English at Sinclair Community College.

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