Especially when considering the emphasis on lifestyle in so many classic West Coast albums, there’s something essential about finding the perfect project to soundtrack your entire summer. While some artists chase quick singles that will dominate the radio for a few weeks during these warmer months, others play the long game, just as we see with J.R. Cruise and his impressive debut album, Seeds.
14 tracks in total (one of which is credited as a bonus track), Seeds is more than an introduction to the newest star-in-the-making from the West Coast — it’s a slice of the life that Cruise lives. All the way from jumping party anthems to more reflective cuts, there’s a song to account for any and every facet of his life, and even while encapsulating such a wide spread of sounds, styles, and perspectives, Cruise never loses track of who he is and what he represents.
Heading into this album, I had no idea what to expect, but I can confidently say that I’ve discovered one of my favorite albums of the year so far. Seeds never gets ahead of itself and only moves to the beat of its own drum, making this the perfect album for riding around all summer long.
That said, I could go on about this one all day long, but the truth is, Cruise blessed us with music that speaks for itself and then some. Stream Seeds below and let us know what you think in the comments!
Featuring Reese LaFlare and Ray Wright
Production by Haze and Ashton McCreight