Crosswinds cover

Crosswinds

Peabo Bryson · 1978

41 min · 8 tracks · rhythm and blues

Smooth vocal harmonies intertwine with lush instrumentation, creating a rich tapestry of soul and R&B melodies.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I'm So Into You — This track serves as a defining moment on the album, featuring a captivating melody that showcases Bryson's powerful yet tender vocals.
  • →
    Crosswinds Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's emotional core, with its intricate arrangement highlighting Bryson's ability to convey deep feelings through his voice.
  • →
    Love Is Watching You — This song stands out for its beautiful lyrical narrative and dynamic vocal delivery, illustrating Bryson’s skill in blending storytelling with melody.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but doesn't stand out significantly in its genre.

What we noticed

  • The opening track features a slow build with layered instrumentation that gradually introduces Bryson's vocals, setting a smooth tone for the album.
  • Several tracks utilize call-and-response vocal techniques, allowing Bryson's voice to interact dynamically with background harmonies.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo groove throughout
  • heartfelt melodies for romantic moments
  • soulful harmonies for evening relaxation
  • smooth listening for intimate gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of high-energy tracks
  • prefer short, varied experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album helped elevate Bryson's profile with a hit single and solidified his presence in soul.
Career context
Crosswinds marked Peabo Bryson's fourth studio album, following his breakthrough with 1977's 'Reaching for the Sky'. By this point, he was solidifying his presence in the soul genre, showcasing his vocal prowess and emotional depth.
Stylistic neighbors
Marvin Gaye· Luther Vandross· Barry White

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Love Is Watching You

    A key moment occurs when the lyrics shift from general observations about love to an intimate reflection on trust and vulnerability.

    This transition from broad sentiment to personal insight deepens the emotional impact and reveals Bryson's capacity for storytelling.

Tracklist

  • 1 Crosswinds Start here 6:02
  • 2 I'm So Into You 5:45
  • 3 Smile 4:45
  • 4 She's A Woman 5:20
  • 5 Point Of View 4:40
  • 6 Spread Your Wings 4:58
  • 7 Don't Touch Me 4:55
  • 8 Love Is Watching You 5:05

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata