When an artist reaches the level of success Florida Georgia Line (FGL) reached with their debut single, it can be hard to sustain superstar, a-list level of success yet somehow, someway, FGL has done just that. They've built an identifiable core sound from Here's To The Good Times to Anything Goes and evolved it a bit on this, their third project, Dig Your Roots.
You know their #1 smash "H.O.L.Y." By now as the song has been everywhere. Not only that but it's been one of 2016's best-selling songs in all of music, in an era when many songs are not selling like they used to as close as two years ago. And while it's easy to dismiss their successes with the song as but a popularity contest, the song is actually worthy of the praise. The song has a strong vocal from Tyler Hubbard, the kind which hasn't always been evident, and blends a gospel feel in the chorus. Brian Kelley gets a chance to be the lead vocalist on some tracks on the record, first coming alive with the title track, a song where there still is plenty of Tyler Hubbard in the chorus and the bridge of the track which has lyrics specific to him. Overall, it's nice to have "BK" shine a little bit more on the record. The song screams hit and is instantly relatable and a nice sequel to "Dirt."
On "May We All" the duo sings with icon and hero Tim McGraw, blending well together. There's a couple more collaborations o. The record, including "Life Is A Honeymoon" with Ziggy Marley and "God, Your Mama, And Me" fracturing the Backstreet Boys. The former is a reggae-ish song which recalls the band's recent hit "Sun Daze" while the latter is a song that suits the collaboration, even if it recalls 98°'s "The Hardest Thing" more than any hit BSB track.
"Island" is another "BK" fronted tune, a song which is a sensual slow jam with a vibe-y feel. Tyler's improving vocals are showcased on "Music Is Healing," a song where Joey Moi deftly balances acoustic pianos with modern electronic beets and loops. "Wish You Were On It" balances trip hop elements with alternative rock guitars and a classic FGL vibe lyrically and vocally. Juxtaposing these songs is the BK fronts "while He's Still Around," a song which may be the most traditional country song the band has ever done. It's joined by a sweet love song in "Grow Old" and "Heatwave," a country soul n blues jam, as the closing portion of Dig Your Roots.
There's quite a few potential hits to be found on but the most pleasing element here is that the duo didn't just simply make a third record which just kept the party going. They certainly have a few of those moments here but the party just doesn't dominate the flow and that allows FGL to showcase immense growth in all facets of their artistry on Dig Your Roots.
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