Cuco’s new record “Ridin’” takes lovers for a cruise

Talented musician/songwriter Cuco returns with his latest album, Ridin’. Having seen Cuco’s growth on tours and festivals and this newest release does not disappoint. Being a Mexican-American from Hawthorne, California, Cuco’s soulful sound always had undertones of classic Chicano/LA style. Ridin’ doubles down on that inspiration with a plethora of laid-back tracks that you can vibe out to, especially as we head into the summer.   

Ridin’ opens with “ICNBYH” and you are immediately hit with percussion and horn section, setting the mood for a slow dance. Cuco enters the song by softly speaking the lyrics, ‘Go grab your coat and let’s go for a ride. I’ll be your Valentine, make it worth your while’. It’s a wonderful old-school tune setting the tone for the rest of the album. “ICNBYH” is sweet in its approach, keeping the honesty of romance pure.   

“My 45,” featuring Jean Carter, is perhaps the catchiest song on the album. Again, the instrumentation jolts you awake before Cuco’s vocals melt your heart. Jean Carter compliments Cuco’s higher-pitched delivery as he plays backup vocalist to each line Cuco says before rapping his verse, ‘My 45, my shorty, I don’t play with. Yeah she know me, she hold them special places’. The whole track is a delight and definitely has a classic soul sound worth returning to for multiple listens.

Cuco slows things down considerably on the album’s title track, “Ridin”. While the two previous songs were sweet in their approach, “Ridin” is baby-making music. Cuco smooth vocals pierce through the simplistic instrumentation, making his wailing voice the driving force of the track. He plants his feet and says exactly what he means as sexy backup vocals echo the sentiment: ‘We’ll be riding (ridin’, ridin’), all night long (ridin, ridin’). We’ll be riding (ridin’, ridin’) til the sun is gone (ridin’, ridin’)’. It really harkens back to simpler days when you take your shorty out for a cruise and enjoy each other’s vibes. The song progresses and trails off into a psychedelic soundscape climax that fans of Cuco come to expect and love.

“Phases” is where Cuco gets into the hard part of any relationship – the ending. The overall tone of the track leans towards more pop-centric, but doesn’t change the fact that the lyrics depict a hardship. As Cuco puts it:

“[the song] is about a tenant in my heart. With “Phases,” there wasn’t a single direct inspiration, it was more about capturing an energy shift.”

The upbeat tempo masks the pain we’ve all dealt with, realising that calling it quits is better for both parties.

“Don’t Be So Rude” tackles the importance of reaffirming your love to your partner. It’s scary to show your vulnerable side, not knowing if the other feels the same. Or perhaps being too aggressive in your proposal can make the other unsure. Yet that’s the beauty of finding that balance together, isn’t it? Again, the background vocals are the highlight here as they respond with Cuco’s words: ‘Don’t be so rude. (Tell me that you love me!) But cannot do. (You need to tell me something!) You need it too. (But you keep hesitating!) This might be rude. (I’m tired of being patient)’.

Ridin’ wraps up with “My Old Friend”. A fun song that stands out on the album as a bit different. While the majority of the album is about a relationship with a lover, “My Old Friend” is Cuco stating his love for a dear friend. The person who always has your back, regardless of the situation. Listening to the song makes you nostalgic for past adventures you had with that special knucklehead.

Cuco’s Ridin’ is a great album that does a terrific job of taking listeners on a personal yet relatable journey. From the joys of romance to the pain of heartbreak. He captures the Chicano car culture with an old-school soulful sound worth cleaning up the car and going for a cruise to chase the sun. As Cuco shared: “Everyone listens to music while driving, it’s integral to your commute, regardless of mood. You’re moving through life’s non-linear journey”.

Cover photo by Carlos Jaramillo