Sit back and chill out to the fullest on ‘Cruise Control,’ a smooth, flirty, playful R&B, indie rock/funk opus.
Coming from the eclectic mind of producer, engineer, and multi-instrumentalist Paulo Ward, ‘Cruise Control’ is confident, laid back, and just funky enough to keep you interested. It features slick Anderson Paak-esque vocals from Mekfly, soft shaker rhythms, and jazzy guitar harmonies. This track is part of a fine selection of tracks titled ‘Stupid Sexy Paulo’.
We like what we hear from this collaboration. The way it blends smooth jazz with chill pop, R&B vibes, and a splash of Latin beats makes this an irresistible slow groove tune. It’s the kind of groove you can imagine moving into after hours, with dim lights and intimate sets. A fitting unwinding song after the day’s hustle.
‘Paulo and the Problems – Cruise Control’ opens with twangy, reflective guitar notes inviting a sense of calm. A gradually loudening shaker rhythm approaches and is timed perfectly with the rest of the percussion, and Mekfly’s silky vocals kick off the arrangement in some style. It’s a confident, effortless flow, no inhibitions, but perfectly controlled. The lyrics convey a self-assuring, free-spirited nature, a willingness to let things go in flow and attract the best, more pleasurable experiences for the night. From verse to chorus to the next, it’s easy on the senses and ignites the imagination in the best way.
A standout aspect of the track comes before the 3-minute mark, where all the instrumentation, except the guitars, ceases, allowing the guitars to shine and dance. And man, do they; it’s an eargasmic solo, further amplified as the rest of the instrumentation joins in flow, elevating the arrangement to a whole other level. It then gently returns the listener to the ground, left in a daze with a wide smile.
Overall, ‘Cruise Control’ is a very enjoyable track from an artist hitting his stride and collaborating with the best, new, exciting artists that beautifully complement his easygoing style. Give this and the rest of the album, ‘Stupid Sexy Paulo,’ a listen. Go with the good times!
Stream ‘Paulo and the Problems – Cruise Control’ on Spotify here:
