More than an album, Ridin’ is a cultural bridge—where vintage soul melodies meet contemporary storytelling. Cuco reimagines the essence of AM radio slow jams, lowrider love songs, and neighborhood nostalgia for today’s listeners. Every track glows with warmth and care, like it was passed down across generations. It’s the kind of record you play front-to-back while driving through the city, windows down, letting the music guide your memory and your mood.
The sonic richness of Ridin’ is elevated by Cuco’s collaborators, most notably producer-musician Tom Brenneck (Bruno Mars, Amy Winehouse), who brings a signature vintage-meets-modern touch. Known for his legendary guitar work with Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings and contributions to Back to Black, Brenneck helps Cuco move away from synthesizers and into a more organic soundscape. The final polish comes courtesy of Tom Elmhirst, whose work with Adele and Frank Ocean adds depth, clarity, and soul.
Across the album, Cuco showcases his signature blend of dreamy psychedelia, R&B textures, and traditional Latin influences—but this time with new depth and intention. His vocals stretch into a confident neo-falsetto, while lyrics focus on romance, heartbreak, and the ride through it all. As Cuco explains, “Everybody listens to music when they’re driving… You’re ridin’ through the motion of your life where nothing is linear.” That spirit guides every track—some animated, others tenderly aching.
With Ridin’, Cuco doesn’t just return—he evolves. The album is a testament to growth, memory, and cultural pride. It’s for those who grew up hearing boleros in their abuela’s kitchen, who know the feeling of cruising beneath LA sunsets, and who believe that soul is something you carry, not just something you play. With his most intimate and accomplished work yet, Cuco invites us to ride alongside him—and trust the journey.
