A SLOW BURN WITH A BIG PAYOFF: FINN FORSTER’S ‘BLAME IT ON YOU’

SINGLE REVIEW | FINN FORSTER – BLAME IT ON YOU by Myles Pearson

Finn Forster has had an incredible year. From festival stages to his biggest headline tour yet, the Middlesbrough singer-songwriter has made the most of 2026. Now, as summer disappears into the rearview mirror, Forster keeps the party going with ‘Blame It On You’.

Forster’s roots have always influenced his music. He grew up surrounded by musicians, and Irish folk music shaped his early years. These days, his sound sits somewhere between indie and country. However, ‘Blame It On You’ doesn’t seem too concerned about fitting neatly into those genres.

On my first listen, I wasn’t entirely convinced. There isn’t a huge moment where the song suddenly announces itself. Instead, it takes a couple of listens before you realise it’s stuck in your head. I found myself whistling the tune afterwards without really noticing I’d picked it up in the first place.

The song centres on a relationship that has gone wrong, but it’s more than simply blaming the other person. Lyrically, it’s full of depth, which makes it more than a miserable breakup song. The rhythm keeps it moving, while the chorus gives the track its biggest lift. That contrast is probably what won me over. There’s something underneath ‘Blame It On You’ if you want to listen for it. Though it’s also uncomplicated enough to simply enjoy. After a few listens, I fell in love.

It also arrives at a time when Forster seems to be finding a much bigger audience. ‘Strangers’ received support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 1 Introducing, BBC Radio 2 and Radio X, while this summer he’s played the likes of TRNSMT, and the Isle of Wight Festival. He heads into October supporting Des Rocs, so there’s little sign of things slowing down.

For a lad who started out playing Irish folk songs with his family back in Middlesbrough, it’s been quite a journey.

‘Blame It On You’ is out now (2nd October 2026) and available across all major streaming platforms. For upcoming shows, tour dates and everything else, Finn Forster, visit FinnForster.co.uk.