Kelly Finnigan
A Lover Was Born
Colemine Records [2024]
“Kelly Finnigan delivers pure soul with passion, heart, and unmistakable groove on A Lover Was Born.”
Album Overview: Kelly Finnigan is a multi-talented artist, known both as the frontman of Monophonics and for his solo work. The son of a session musician, Finnigan has emerged as a distinctive soul artist, mastering singing, songwriting, and producing. His career spans multiple projects, including Monophonics albums, a Christmas record, a mixtape, and extensive production work for other musicians. Finnigan’s artistry reflects a deep dedication to soul music, rooted in the traditions of both West Coast and Midwest sounds, with personal ties to Ohio. A Lover Was Born represents his deliberate effort to create a cohesive and reflective body of work. Written across California, Ohio, and Staten Island, the album emphasizes collaboration with trusted musicians and friends. Unlike his solo debut, The Tales People Tell (2019), which came together organically as a collection of songs, A Lover Was Born was meticulously crafted to embody a complete narrative. The record showcases Finnigan’s growth as both a composer and producer. If you’ve seen him perform live, you know he pours 110% passion, sweat, and heart into his shows—and that same intensity pulses through A Lover Was Born, a collection of 11 songs where Finnigan’s soul truly shines.
Musical Style: This album is a melting pot of soul, drawing from Northern, deep, and psychedelic soul traditions while infusing hip-hop-inspired rhythms and boom-bap beats. It reflects the influence of classic Midwest soul labels but incorporates sounds from other regions, blending the vibes of Memphis, Detroit, and Chicago. Gospel-infused backing vocals, lush keys, and bold brass sections give the record both energy and emotional depth. Finnigan’s production strikes a balance between vintage textures and modern arrangements, bridging nostalgic soul with contemporary soundscapes.
Evolution of Sound: Compared to The Tales People Tell, which developed organically over time, A Lover Was Born is a more deliberate work. This album marks a key evolution in Finnigan’s approach, with a focus on storytelling through sequencing and production. The layered arrangements reflect his growth as both a producer and bandleader, with an emphasis on collaboration. It’s also impressive how Finnigan manages to distinguish his solo sound from Monophonics’ records, even while staying true to the same soulful roots.
Artists with Similar Fire: Fans of Otis Redding, Lee Moses, and Isaac Hayes will recognize familiar touchstones in A Lover Was Born. The blend of heartfelt vocals and rich production also aligns with the sounds of Charles Bradley, Sharon Jones, and Curtis Mayfield. The influence of The Dap-Kings is present in collaborations, and there are also connections to newer soul revival acts like The Sextones, Brian Owens, and Magic in Threes.
Pivotal Tracks: “Prove My Love” kicks off the album with soaring energy, driven by soulful organ melodies and sharp percussion, setting the tone for this solo effort. “Be Your Own Shelter” carries a warm groove with intricate piano work, channeling shades of Isaac Hayes. “Get a Hold of Yourself” delivers an upbeat, danceable moment that just takes off, while “Walk Away from Me,” “All That’s Left,” and “Love (Your Pain Goes Deep)” bring emotional weight with introspective lyrics and slower tempos. “His Love Ain’t Real” leans into punchy, hip-hop-inspired rhythms, showcasing Finnigan’s versatility.
Lyrical Strength: Finnigan’s lyrics explore themes of love, resilience, and self-discovery, delving into the complexities of relationships with sincerity and depth. Rather than relying on clichés, he crafts verses that resonate with authenticity, drawing listeners into his emotional world with honesty and care.
MONOPHONICS REVIEW HISTORY
Sage Motel (2022) / It’s Only Us (2020)
KELLY FINNIGAN LINKS
Instagram | Bandcamp | Colemine Records
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