If you go into the Florida Georgia Line self-titled, four-song EP expecting your brain to be stimulated, you’ll be utterly disappointed.  

Florida Georgia Line has returned – one of the most the most ‘bro-country’ acts of the now defunct bro-country movement. Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard did make good timing dropping some new singles – they were fresh off of a big-time hit with Bebe Rexha on the single, “Meant to Be”. While “Meant to Be” is corny and overdoses on the twang, it’s understandable why it blew up on the pop charts.  Unfortunately, on the four-song EP Florida Georgia Line, nothing quite attains the same level of catchiness as “Meant to Be.”  Still, if you like your country dumb, pop-infused, and incredibly heavy on the twang, FGL has you covered.

“Simple” 

As the simplistic title suggests, “Simple” is hella ‘simple.’ Florida Georgia Line teaches its audience how to spell… literally.

“It’s like one, two, three / Just as easy can be / Just the way you look at me / You make me smile / Ain’t no need to complicated it, we both know that’s overrated / We’ve been there, it’s safe to say it ain’t our style / It’s just that simple, S-I-M-P-L-E…”

Pretty flipping simple, and there’s more beyond the relatively lengthy, uncomplicated chorus.  Even though simplicity is the theme, 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 pop appeal and crossover.  This includes lyrics, specifically an Instagram reference on the second verse.

“We used to live on Instagram / Worry ‘bout who al gives a damn… / Then I met you and you met me / And all the rest is history…”

If you like simple, you’ll be on board.  If you like to actually use your brain, you’ll roll your eyes.

“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.

“Talk You Out of It”

With “Talk You Out of It”, Florida Georgia Line opts 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.” Arguably, the record has the leg-up over the aforementioned, if that’s saying much.  The songwriting is suspect, with the most objectionable moment of “Talk You Out of It” 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 is poured on when pronouncing his last name – totally not cute! It feels totally forced and over-southernized.

“Sittin’ Pretty”

The bros remain chill on the closer, “Sittin’ Pretty.”  Like most songs by the duo, it’s groovy, southern to the core, but has just enough hip-hop/pop influence to win over the Top 40 crowd.  The chorus is infectious, but again, 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.”

Final Thoughts

Sometimes, I understand the appeal of Florida Georgia Line – pretty simple, easy-on-the-ears, crossover country.  Other times, I wonder why fans of the collective or country music aren’t willing to opt for something deeper, more meaningful, and less ridiculous.  To each his or her own I supposed.  Ultimately, nothing on this EP is the least bit deep or transcendent – it’s all surface level and nothing more.  The twang is WAY out of control – that can’t be overstated.  It’s dessert mind you, but probably not a dessert you’ll return to.  I know I won’t.

Gem: “Talk You Out of It” & “Sittin’ Pretty”… I guess…

Florida Georgia Line • Florida Georgia Line (EP) • Big Machine • Release: 8.24.18

Photo Credits: Big Machine