Top 10 Songs You Didn't Know Were Written By Finneas OConnell
Matrix link: MM-Music-Top-10-Songs-You-Didnt-Know-Were-Written-By-Finneas-OConnell_O1O0B0_MATRIX
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most notable songs you may not know musician Finneas O’Connell [a]helped create for other artists, beyond his work with his younger sister, Billie Eilish.
#10: “I Hate Everybody” (2020)
Halsey[b]
For her third studio album, “Manic,” Halsey drew inspiration from every corner of the musical map, blending pop, hip-hop, country and alternative rock. To bring this eclectic vision to life, she worked with a diverse team of producers and songwriters, including Greg Kurstin[c], Timbaland and Finneas O'Connell. O’Connell produced and co-wrote “I Hate Everybody,” a raw, introspective track where Halsey wrestles with feelings of unrequited love and responds with the cheeky decision to just hate everyone. With its wry take on rejection and resentment, the track wouldn’t feel out of place on a Billie Eilish album. Though it was never released as a single, Halsey has called it one of her personal favorites from “Manic.”
Sources:
Manic (Halsey album) - Wikipedia
I Hate Everybody | Halsey Wiki | Fandom
“I Hate Everybody”
Halsey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfCx6rMRM-k
#9: “Commander in Chief” (2020)
Demi Lovato
The year 2020 was a particularly challenging one. Between the COVID-19 pandemic, raging wildfires, and global protests against racial injustice, it was painfully clear that the U.S. needed a compassionate leader in the White House. Singer Demi Lovato believed that President Donald Trump fell short of this standard and criticized his leadership with her song “Commander in Chief.” Released as a standalone single, the track was produced and co-written by Finneas O’Connell. Beyond condemning Trump’s handling of the aforementioned crises, the song also served as a rallying cry for voter participation in the 2020 election. Lovato and her co-writers crafted the lyrics as a series of pointed questions, aiming to provoke a response from Trump himself.
Sources:
Commander in Chief (song) - Wikipedia
Demi Lovato – Commander in Chief Lyrics | Genius Lyrics
What Demi Lovato's 'Commander in Chief' Lyrics Say About Donald Trump
“Commander in Chief”
Demi Lovato
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9Y-lS1trhw
#8: “Jealous” (2020)
Lennon Stella
Canadian singer Lennon Stella broke out as one half of the duo Lennon & Maisy, performing alongside her sister Maisy. After going solo in 2018, Stella released her debut album “Three. Two. One.,” to critical acclaim, with reviewers hailing it as a “feminine powerhouse.” The third single from the album was “Jealous,” an upbeat pop ballad that explores the aftermath of a failed relationship and the singer’s ability to move on faster than her ex. Stella crafted the song alongside Finneas O’Connell right from the start, drawing inspiration from his previous work with other artists. “Jealous” may not have been a chart-topping hit, but it’s a testament to Stella’s promising talent and her ability to hold her own alongside seasoned collaborators.
Sources:
Lennon Stella - Wikipedia
Three. Two. One. - Wikipedia
Lennon Stella – Jealous Lyrics | Genius Lyrics
“Jealous”
Lennon Stella
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOrOfZd7onQ
#7: “Bikini Porn” (2020)
Tove Lo[d]
Swedish singer Tove Lo first conceived the lyrics for “Bikini Porn” while drinking champagne in a bubbly, euphoric haze. But when she presented the idea to her team, their response was rather disappointing. Undeterred, she brought it to Finneas O’Connell, who worked his magic and helped the track blossom into its full potential. The result was a bold departure from both artists’ usual styles. Straying from Lo’s signature synth-pop, “Bikini Porn” features bouncy tropical beats that make it just perfect for summer dancefloors. The lyrics reflect the same carefree spirit Lo felt during her moment of inspiration, celebrating letting loose, sipping champagne and simply having fun.
Sources:
Bikini Porn - Wikipedia
“Bikini Porn”
Tove Lo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhcSy28XDS0
#6: “Past Life” (2020)
Trevor Daniel & Selena Gomez
Trevor Daniel’s career took off in 2019 when his single “Falling” went viral on TikTok. The song eventually reached the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100, opening doors for him to collaborate with more established names in the industry. One of these collaborations was with Finneas O’Connell, who co-wrote “Past Life,” the second single from Daniel’s debut album “Nicotine.” Initially released as a solo track, “Past Life” gained a new life when Selena Gomez hopped on the remix a few months later. The song served as an opportunity for Daniel to expand his songwriting skills by working with top-tier talent. Judging by the quality of the rest of the album, it’s clear that mission was a success.
Sources:
Past Life (Trevor Daniel song) - Wikipedia
Trevor Daniel (singer) - Wikipedia
Nicotine (album) - Wikipedia
“Falling”
Trevor Daniel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7mfjvdnPno
“Past Life”
Trevor Daniel & Selena Gomez
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AhOK4UwAMs
#5: “The Most Beautiful Thing” (2020)
Bruno Major
The collaboration between Finneas O’Connell and British singer-songwriter Bruno Major began back in 2017, when O’Connell’s manager introduced him to Major’s music. The two met in person the following year and soon began writing what would become “The Most Beautiful Thing.” Featured on Major’s sophomore album “To Let a Good Thing Die,” this song is a gentle, stripped-down ballad about longing for a soulmate you’ve never met. The lyrics skillfully capture the surreal sensation of falling in love with someone you’re not even sure exists. While O’Connell’s fans may expect nothing less than such brilliance from him, the track serves as a perfect introduction to Major for those who haven’t yet discovered him.
Sources:
Bruno Major - Wikipedia
Bruno Major – The Most Beautiful Thing Lyrics | Genius Lyrics
“The Most Beautiful Thing”
Bruno Major
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nml-_YE2OU
#4: “Moral of the Story” (2019)
Ashe[e]
After filing for divorce from her first husband, singer-songwriter Ashe sought to understand why exactly the relationship didn’t work. She processed these feelings by penning the song “Moral of the Story,” which essentially served as a farewell to her former partner. Co-written by Finneas O’Connell, with some uncredited lyrical contributions from Billie Eilish herself, the track was originally released as a single from Ashe’s second EP. But its time in the spotlight came when it was featured in the Netflix rom-com “To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You,” which catapulted it to international fame. Ashe and O’Connell would continue to collaborate, co-writing and performing the 2021 song “Till Forever Falls Apart” together.
Sources:
Moral of the Story (song) - Wikipedia
Ashe (singer) - Wikipedia
Till Forever Falls Apart - Wikipedia
“Moral of the Story”
Ashe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQq98YPV8yk
“Till Forever Falls Apart”
Ashe & Finneas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWdjDwYuejI
#3: “Used to This” (2019)
Camila Cabello[f]
Finneas O’Connell had been eager to work with Camila Cabello ever since he caught her electrifying performance at Lollapalooza in 2018. His chance finally came when she began working on her sophomore album “Romance.” While O’Connell contributed as a producer for the album overall, he specifically co-wrote the penultimate track “Used to This.” The song was inspired by Cabello’s first date in San Francisco with Shawn Mendes, whom she famously dated between 2019 and 2021. Their relationship influenced much of the album, but this track focuses on the excitement of their first kiss and the special significance San Francisco now holds for her. Equal parts adorable and cheesy, this tune is quite easy to get used to.
Sources:
Romance (Camila Cabello album) - Wikipedia
Camila Cabello – Used to This Lyrics | Genius Lyrics
Camila Cabello & Billie Eilish's Brother Finneas Are Set For A New Collaboration - Capital
Instagram
“Used to This”
Camila Cabello
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RFZpNzNjJ8
#2: “So Will I” (2020)
Ben Platt
Ben Platt may be best known for his performances on stage and screen, but over the years, he’s also proven himself a stellar musician. In 2019, he released his debut album, “Sing to Me Instead,” the deluxe version of which featured the standout track “So Will I.” Platt began writing the song at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside co-writer Michael Pollack, before turning to Finneas O’Connell to produce it. O’Connell ended up not only producing the track, but took it to another level by elevating the lyrical content. The track touches on themes of isolation and human connection, which is perhaps fitting considering it was largely written over FaceTime.
Sources:
Sing to Me Instead - Wikipedia
Ben Platt - Wikipedia
Ben Platt Releases New Song ‘So Will I,’ Produced By Finneas! | Ben Platt, Finneas, First Listen, Lyrics, Music | Just Jared: Celebrity News and Gossip | Entertainment
5 Songs You Didn't Know FINNEAS Wrote for Artists Besides Billie Eilish -
“So Will I”
Ben Platt
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VjDNOJHQ3g
#1: “Lonely” (2020)
Justin Bieber & Benny Blanco[g]
Being thrust into the spotlight at a very young age can be both overwhelming and isolating. Few understand this better than pop star Justin Bieber, whose career began after he was discovered at just 13. That bittersweet feeling takes center stage in his 2020 single “Lonely.” Co-written by record producer Benny Blanco and Finneas O’Connell, the song was specifically offered to Bieber, as it resonated deeply with his life experiences. Bieber has admitted that the song was so emotionally challenging that it brought him to tears in the studio. Released as the second single from his 2021 album “Justice,” “Lonely” went on to earn a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
Sources:
Lonely (Justin Bieber and Benny Blanco song) - Wikipedia
Justin Bieber - Wikipedia
“Lonely”
Justin Bieber & Benny Blanco
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQOO2xGQ1Pc
Which of these tracks were you most surprised to learn was penned by Finneas? Let us know in the comments below.
[a](FIN-ee-us oh-KON-uhl)[b](HAWL-zee)
[c](GREG KUR-stin)
[d](TOO-veh LOO, Swedish pronunciation)
[e](ASH)
[f](kah-MEE-luh kah-BAY-oh)
[g]BLANG-koh)
