Florida Georgia Line, Can’t Say I Ain’t Country | Album Review

Bro country duo Florida Georgia Line delivers an enjoyable, if sometimes corny fourth studio album with ‘Can’t Say I Ain’t Country.’

After releasing a four-song EP in 2018, Florida Georgia Line has returned with their fourth full-length studio album, Can’t Say I Ain’t Country.  For better or worse, FGL has the reputation of being one of the most the most ‘bro-country’ acts of the now defunct bro-country movement. Despite the fact that bro movement is done (thank goodness), Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard still prove that they have some tricks up their sleeves. Don’t call Can’t Say I Ain’t Country a masterpiece (it’s not), but the LP has its fair share of enjoyable moments – some utterly corny ones too.

“Can’t Say I Ain’t Country”

Following “Tyler Got Him a Tesla – Skit,” Florida Georgia Line gets down to business with the countrified title track, ✓ “Can’t Say I Ain’t Country.” The vocal twang is turned up, the guitars amplified, and the chorus soars – what more can you ask for if you’re a contemporary country music fan? Sure, FGL are corny to the nth degree, but the ‘tongue-n-cheek’ approach works out for the most part.

As the simplistic title suggests, ✓ “Simple” is hella ‘simple.’ FGL teaches its audience how to spell… literally (“It’s just that simple, S-I-M-P-L-E…”). Despite the simplicity, the production is busy with rhythmic acoustic guitars, banjo, whistles, and hard-hitting drums. The sound embraces country music, but like many FGL songs, they’re hip enough for crossover appeal.  This includes lyrics, specifically an Instagram reference on the second verse.  If you don’t mind simple, you’ll be on board.

With ✓ “Talk You Out of It”, Florida Georgia Line opt for balladry as opposed to spelling or being geographically-wasted. The modus operandi is a night of fun with a hot girl who “had a long day” and “ain’t feelin’ them downtown lights.” The boys want to talk her out of her “Fine little dress.” “Don’t get me wrong, girl, I love it / Now I just want to talk you out of it.” Yes, the songwriting is suspect AF, with the most objectionable moment referencing the late R&B singer Luther Vandross (“And now you’re lookin’ like a line from a Vandross song”). Why so objectionable? The twang poured on when pronouncing his last name – ugh! The smooth, suave sensibility of the record is a pro, even with the over-southernization that goes down.

“Speed of Love”

“Speed of Love” keeps things short and sweet, clocking in at just over two-and-a-half minutes.  This cut is a high energy joint, characterized by its rhythmic nature, heavy-handed twang, and once more, tongue-n-cheekiness (is that even a word).  The pace and vibe changes on ✓ “Women”, where FGL enlists urban-pop standout Jason Derulo for the assist. FGL doesn’t exactly ‘shock the world’ with this urban-infused country ballad but give them credit for crossing genres and collaborating with Derulo.  Once again, the boys pay ode to the opposite sex (think “God, Your Mama, and Me”).  The production plays mostly true to country, yet also has some soulfulness.  Derulo’s ad-libs, runs, and falsetto add the ‘cherry on top,’ particularly towards the end of the record.  Ultimately, “Women” has its fair share of moments.

On “People Are Different” early on, Florida Georgia Line throws a lot at the listener rhythmically and lyrically.  On the first verse, the ‘differences’ of people are quickly highlighted – “White collar, blue collar, hillbilly, high dollar / Hot head, pot head, non-believer, holy water.” The second verse embraces a similar script: “Left wing, right wing, jail house, freedom ring / Old school, new school, everything in-between.” On the chorus, FGL summarizes their point, which is all about acceptance and tolerance. FGL definitely deliver a respectable message, with their hearts are in the right place.  Execution can be debated, particularly the heaviness of the twang, and arguably, the production to an extent, which is a bit heavy-handed during the biggest moments.  Still, give the duo credit where credit is due.

“Told You”

Following the progressiveness of “People Are Different,” Florida Georgia Line slackens the pace, opting for paying ode to their respective lovers on “Told You.” “Told You” is well-rounded and refreshing without being transcendent or innovative.  This is an old-school, feel-good country ballad with lovely vocal harmonies.  Following the third skit of the album, contrasts arrives once more with the short, relatively quick “Y’all Boys” featuring HARDY.  Here, these good old country boys continue to embrace being country (shocking) without a hitch. Enjoyable by all means, particularly the riffs, but probably won’t change the game or any lives – just saying. 

 “Small Town” continues the countrification, or at least the confirmation of such.  This is a popular topic in country music, so much so that it’s become cliché.  That’s the case on “Small Town” which is harmless and inoffensive, yet nothing ‘brand-new’ in concept.  The guitars are souped-up, the twang full-throttle, and the melodic lines chocked-full of rhythm.  Maybe the most ‘innovative’ aspect is the rap, or pseudo-rap.  Does FGL have bars? Um… we’ll leave that alone.

“Sittin’ Pretty”

“That sunset straight up as it gets / Short shorts resting just right on your hips / Kiss chilling on your lips / I’m for sure going to get it in a minute.” FGL remains chill on, ✓ “Sittin’ Pretty,” another reprisal from their self-titled, 2018 EP.  Like most songs by the duo, “Sittin’ Pretty” is groovy, southern to the core, but possesses just enough hip-hop/pop influence to win over the Top 40 crowd.  The chorus is infectious, but definitely not ‘challenging’ to the brain.

“We got all damn day to do it our way
Like an old tire swing in the shade
Got it made in the sweet spot
Baby, you and me got a couple free seats on cloud nine…
I’m just fine as long as I’m sitting next to you sittin’ pretty.”

The biggest featured guess not named Jason Derulo comes by way of Jason Aldean on the 15^th song from Can’t Say I Ain’t Country, “Can’t Hide Red.” The results are quite effective, though this superstar collaboration actually isn’t necessarily a surefire gem.  Still, a catchy chorus goes a long way, and “Can’t Hide Red” certainly ‘can’t hide’ that.

“Colorado”

On ✓ “Colorado” Florida Georgia Line gives us a mini-geography lesson. On the chorus, the bros have friends in Colorado (hence the title) and Tennessee. “Colorado” has little nothing to do with Colorado or Tennessee other than stereotyping both states for weed and whiskey respectively.  Whatever.

“Well I got friends from Colorado
I got friends from Tennessee
So, I got something in a bottle
And I got something from a seed
Since you said you didn’t love me
Since hung me out to dry
I’ve been drunk up in the Smokies
On a Rocky Mountain high.”

Beyond the substance-altered lyrics, Brian and Tyler deliver a country song that is truly countrified.  No pop BS. The aforementioned chorus is undeniably catchy, even if it’s to’ up.

“Like You Never Had It”

For all of the skepticism regarding standout “Colorado,” nothing that follows it quite lives up to the same level of quality. “Like You Never Had It” is respectable, like most of Can’t Say I Ain’t Country, but doesn’t necessarily standout like the “Rocky Mountain high.” Penultimate record “Swerve” will appeal to fans of modern country, while making traditionalists and those who can’t stand a heaping does of ludicrousness and schmaltziness roll their eyes.  In one sense, it shows FGL’s openness to expand country music, while in another sense, it’s just plum suspect (and annoying). “Blessings” is more thoughtful and traditional.  Nothing earth shattering or particularly exciting, but a respectable closing track. 

Backtracking a bit, there are a number of interludes (skits) that appear throughout Can’t Say I Ain’t Country, with the first occurring as the intro.  All four, appearing as track numbers one, five, ten, and fourteen feature Brother Jervel.  None of them heavily affect Can’t Say I Ain’t Country as an album, so, therefore, we skipped over them in this review – you’re welcome.

Final Thoughts

So, how does Can’t Say I Ain’t Country stack up? Ultimately, it’s not a bad album – there are some great moments that Florida Georgia Line should be proud of.  Modern country fans will be more enthusiastic than everybody else per se, but Brian and Tyler ‘pull it off.’  It’s not perfect, and there’s still some cringe-worth moments (still not over the pronunciation of ‘Vandross’), but there’s enough good to make this worth spinning.

✓ Gems: “Can’t Say I Ain’t Country,” “Simple,” “Talk You Out of It,” “Women,” “Sittin’ Pretty” & “Colorado”

Florida Georgia Line • Can’t Say I Ain’t Country • Big Machine • Release: 2.15.19

Photo Credit: Big Machine