Grade: 70/100
There’s a constant debate in current country releases whether the music is country or a pop hybrid.
Florida Georgia Line is a band that exemplifies this debate.
The duo of Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard produces twangy vocals and countrified lyrics, but their newest album “Anything Goes” feels more like a pop record than a country album.
The songs have a country effect with their vocals and occasional banjo, but other than that, it’s a pop album. The record feels like a sad attempt to create as many top 40 hits as possible. The band has already shown it’s willing to alter its sound for a radio hit with its re-release of “Cruise” with rapper, Nelly.
If this record was placed in the pop genre, it would soar. The songs are danceable, catchy and upbeat. But, addressed as a country album, it misses the mark.
The other problem with this record is that it’s so cliche it’s laughable.
There’s a fine line between making country music that creates a story and one that creates a joke. With song titles like “Sun Daze,” “Dirt” and “Bumpin’ The Night,” Florida Georgia Line is just asking to be the butt of a country music joke. All the duo sings about is dirt roads and drinking, something every non-country music singer thinks this genre is.
The lyrics have no depth, creating a record that feels like a throw away. If all the listener can use it for is a quick dance hit, the songs will not be impressionable enough to stick around against other new country releases.
That being said, Kelley and Hubbard are talented.
The duo have singable voices and the instrumental side of every track is well done. With that being recognized, these two could do better. Florida Georgia Line could produce a record that has depth and more of a country sound, if that’s the genre it wants to exemplify.
If they want to be considered a respectable country band that showcases its genre well, Florida Georgia Line should reconsider what it’s putting out there.
If not, the band can go focus on its pop music career.