What makes Crosses EP by José González notable?

The Crosses EP garnered critical acclaim and helped González gain international recognition, paving the way for his breakthrough with the subsequent release of Veneer in 2004. The EP's tracks received significant airplay on college radio and contributed to the rise of acoustic folk in early 2000s alternative music scenes. Released in January 2003, Crosses EP marked José González's debut project, establishing him as a distinct voice within the indie folk genre. At this time, González was transitioning from his earlier work with the band Junip to a solo career, setting the stage for his later acclaimed album, Veneer.

How many songs are on Crosses EP?

Crosses EP has 4 tracks, running approximately 12 minutes.

Crosses EP

José González · 2003

12 min · 4 tracks · indie folk

Gentle acoustic melodies intertwine with González's soft, introspective vocals, creating a serene atmosphere ripe for reflection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Crosses — As the title track, 'Crosses' introduces González's signature style with its delicate fingerpicking and poignant lyricism that explores themes of love and loss.
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Hints — 'Hints' showcases González’s ability to blend intricate guitar work with thoughtful lyrics, highlighting vulnerability in its exploration of unrequited feelings.
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Storm — This track encapsulates the emotional intensity of the EP with its sweeping melodies and lyrical imagery that evokes feelings of turmoil and upheaval.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong songwriting and cohesive arrangements, establishing González's unique voice in indie folk.

What we noticed

Each track features a consistent use of fingerpicked guitar patterns that create a delicate, flowing texture.
González's vocals are layered with subtle harmonies, often echoing the melodic lines of the guitar.
The EP maintains a slow to mid-tempo pace throughout, with no abrupt changes in dynamics or rhythm.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Crosses 2:41
2 Hints 3:50
3 Deadweight on Velveteen 3:34
4 Storm 2:48

What to play next

Listen next

In Our Nature

2007

Go back to

Veneer

2003

Full José González discography Where to start with José González Artists like José González

indie folk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata