The Hold Steady's Craig Finn channels Texan vibes

Craig Finn, best known as the lead singer of The Hold Steady, released his debut solo album on Jan. 24. His band’s song “Stay Positive” was featured on an episode of the third season of NBC’s Friday Night Lights. In an interview with Slate, Finn said he had been a huge fan of the show before his band’s song appeared, but, aside from the title, his solo album has little to do with the show.

Aside from the title, which is a play on the phrase "Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose," the show's setting also influenced Finn. He went to Austin, Texas in July, during a four month break from the Hold Steady, according to his Amazon biography.

Fans of The Hold Steady’s more upbeat songs, like "Stay Positive" will be disappointed by the slower, folkier "Clear Hearts, Full Eyes." While it's a bit of a departure from his main band, The Hold Steady's catalog include songs like "The First Night," which fits more with the feel of Finn's solo effort.

Although he claims the album isn't heavily influenced by Texas, the album was recorded there with local session musicians. Unlike many artists who go solo, Finn lets the influence of the session musicians permeate the album, such as the steel guitar on opener "Apollo Bay."

Much of the album is slower than his pervious work, but "No Future" and "Honolulu Blues" are much more pop-influenced songs that are more familiar territory for Finn. The middle of the album is particularly ponderous, bordering on sluggish, but never boring. The one-two punch of "Jackson" and "Terrified Eyes" are especially moving narratives that detail the frequently felt depression experienced by young adults who are entering the real world. The most standout track on the album is also a ballad, "Western Pier," which is sure to be a crowd pleaser during Finn's solo tour.

Overall, the album does an excellent job of describing what it's like to be in the awkward transition stage between high school and adulthood. The production is pristine, allowing great separation in the mix, most notably in how wide open the drum sound is. On the downside, most of the songs never really build to any sort of a climax, leaving behind a pleasant collection of narrative songs that make a nice casual listen, but won't likely make any year-end lists.