Riverwoods has returned to the blog for the third time, and we couldn’t be more delighted to welcome them back. At the heart of this project is Swedish songwriter Jimmy Granstrom, a quiet force of thoughtful lyricism and musical collaboration whose songs have traveled the world, finding radio homes from Sweden to Namibia, Mexico to Oregon. Under the Riverwoods name, Jimmy pairs with a rotating cast of guest artists, each bringing new life to his melodic visions—and this time, with “Cruising”, he offers up a track that feels like a tender hug in the middle of uncertain times.
“Cruising” is a soft rock comfort song for those quiet evenings when you just need to exhale. Adapted from Lars Brundin’s original Swedish track “Du finns här”, the English lyrics—freshly penned by Jimmy Granstrom and Dave Prine—carry a gentle emotional weight. It’s a song about getting through hard times, not by running from them, but by holding tight to someone you trust. That theme of resilience through closeness is a timeless one, but here it’s rendered with unusual warmth and sincerity.
The vocals, delivered by Jeanette Bengtsson, are beautifully understated. She doesn’t need to reach for dramatics; her voice carries a natural tenderness that draws the listener in with grace. Known for her work with the internationally touring ABBA tribute group Arrival From Sweden, Jeanette brings a seasoned sense of phrasing and emotional timing. Her performance here is quietly radiant—especially in the chorus, where her voice wraps around the melody like a soft shawl, grounding the song in something deeply human.
Lars Brundin’s melodic structure gives the song its classic soft rock appeal, built on gentle guitar strums and warm, flowing progressions. His musical intuition shines through in the way the song never pushes too hard—it simply breathes, inviting listeners to join in that rhythm of calm. The instrumentation is a lush blend of acoustic textures, but one detail worth highlighting is the subtle use of organ, which adds a slight shimmer to the backdrop, enriching the sound without ever distracting from the vocals.
The production of “Cruising” is polished and intimate. Every layer is given room to exist in its own space, yet the mix feels cohesive, like a room filled with old friends. There’s nothing artificial here; the beauty is in the balance—one that lets the lyrics speak, the instruments support, and the emotion lead.
“Cruising” doesn’t need to shout to be heard. It simply speaks—softly, beautifully, and with heart. In a world that often feels too loud and too fast, this song offers a much-needed pause. A moment to cruise, to breathe, and to remember that we get through storms best when we’re not alone
Listen to “Cruising” on Spotify
Follow Riverwoods on Facebook
