The Finnish band Kuumaa released their fourth album, "Valoa varten," on February 13, generating excitement among fans as it belongs to one of Finland's most popular groups. However, their enthusiasm was significantly tempered by a critical review from Aleksi Kinnunen of Helsingin Sanomat, who awarded the album a mere two stars. Kinnunen was particularly harsh in his criticism, referring to the album as "tiring" and "boring."

In his review, Kinnunen expressed that the album sounds excessively repetitive and calculated, sacrificing artistic interest for safety. He pointed out that while ordinary and easy music can be transformed into excellent art, Kuumaa's latest output feels instead tailored to appeal to TikTok audiences, channeling influences from other Finnish artists rather than presenting a novel sound. Kinnunen's disappointment extends beyond this specific album, reflecting a broader frustration with the current state of Finnish pop music.

Kinnunen's critical stance is not an isolated incident; over the past year, he has consistently given two or three-star ratings to other albums, with few exceptions. This trend indicates a challenging environment for Finnish pop musicians who may struggle to meet both critical and fan expectations in a highly competitive market.