Grammy award-winning producer and songwriter FINNEAS’ new band, The Favors, with singer Ashe, has released their new album with multi-genre songs and powerful collaborations.

“The Dream” is the band’s first album, but Ashe and FINNEAS have worked together since Ashe’s hit song “Moral of the Story” (2020).

Ashe and FINNEAS’ collaborations are beloved by many fans because their styles and voices blend so well together. “The Dream” is clearly a passion project for both Ashe and FINNEAS. Both of their styles mix throughout the album to create styles from multiple genres, including jazz, musical theater and folk.

In the opening song, “Restless Little Heart,” the cheekiness of a jazz duet is heard. Ashe and FINNEAS go back and forth in a talk/sing voice, having hints of musical theater moments seen most notably in “La La Land” (2016).

The bits of folk were the most standout parts of the album. “Times Square Jesus” is a beautiful metaphor of heartbreak tied into a mundane scenario often seen in folk music. The lyrics read: “Everybody knows that you’re my weakness / You’re an open secret I’m afraid / Every time I walk by Times Square Jesus / He tells me to confess before my grave / But I don’t wanna be saved.”

Through songs like “Times Square Jesus,” The Favors shine. Their ability to shift into multiple genres is done effortlessly. In the song, Ashe and FINNEAS change styles and tones in their voice to sound like a Christian southern band, something that feels comforting.

One of the album’s weaknesses is that there is no big standout moment. While the album goes from jazz to folk-like style, the songs begin to blend together. No song stands out as the powerhouse, which could be intentional, but feels like a missed opportunity as Finneas is known for creating hit songs.

Nonetheless, FINNEAS and Ashe’s voices blend together perfectly. Their voices strung together sound like a hug.

The album’s title track was another disappointing moment in the album. “The Dream” felt like a song for a TV show more than a legitimate title track for an album. The album’s first single, “The Little Mess You Made,” also had similar issues to “The Dream.” These songs are not among some of the highlights, the hints of experimental jazz failing to translate well.

Another impressive element of the album is the visuals. The album’s cover features FINNEAS and Ashe with a very ‘70s influence, most notably like “Rumours” (1977).

“The Dream’s” music videos have been very enjoyable to watch with the latest video for another song on the album, “David’s Brother.” The whole band is featured and Ashe stuns in a beautiful green dress.

Overall, “The Dream” by The Favors is an interesting project by FINNEAS and Ashe. Their collaborations are always exciting for fans, but the album could have had a bit more spark and innovation.

The album’s highlights are the jazz and folk sounds and FINNEAS’ and Ashe’s voices blending together. Hopefully, The Favors continue to explore these moments of mixing genres to create an even better, more stand-out album.