This Could Truly Be The End for Florida Georgia Line
The only thing worse than the music of Florida Georgia Line is how their demise has been this slow and plodding drama that’s been unfolding over a couple of years now. Just stick a fork in it already fellas, and maybe resurrect it 20 years from now in Vegas as a nostalgia act.
But in the latest sign that things aren’t going so well between the duo, Tyler Hubbard has just signed a new recording contract as a solo artist with EMI Nashville, which is a division of UMG Nashville. It’s not before the duo’s other member Brian Kelley had already signed a solo deal with Warner Music Nashville in 2021, and released a solo album called Sunshine State of Mind last June that quickly faded from memory.
But Tyler Hubbard signing a solo deal is much more significant, because Hubbard has always been the more dominant singer and face of the group, with Brian Kelley resigned more to harmonies (often low in the mix), aside for a track or two on some of their later records where Kelley sang lead. In short, Tyler Hubbard is Florida Georgia Line. They chose to move forward as a duo since the pair wrote together, and because being a duo puts you in a less competitive lane in mainstream country music.
Unlike Brian Kelley who failed to find any real mainstream country traction with his solo effort, Tyler Hubbard could very well launch a successful solo career with his much more discernible voice. So no, Tyler Hubbard is probably not going away entirely, but Florida Georgia Line has definitely found tough times in the post Bro-Country era. Three of the duo’s last five singles settled outside the Top 10 as mainstream country mostly moved on from the project. They have yet to release a new single in 2022.
Earlier this year, Brian Kelley of the duo told People that he and Tyler Hubbard were “…taking a break from recording our music,” and that they will “support each other on the next chapter of our musical and creative journey, which is going to be individually for a while.” In November of 2020, friction between the two over the U.S. Presidential election and COVID-19 stoked breakup rumors, and by January of 2021, they were searching for more freedom from each other.
Still, inexplicably, the Country Music Hall of Fame currently is hosting a Florida Georgia Line exhibit, much to the chagrin of many actual country music fans and Hall of Fame patrons. But that exhibit might be the last place you can see Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line together for the foreseeable future.
Florida Georgia Line still has yet to officially call it a “break up” though, and the duo is still signed to Big Machine Records.
May 7, 2022 @ 8:06 am
One can only hope that salvation from their music is upon us.
May 9, 2022 @ 5:05 am
What is so bad is when you have concert tickets from like over two years ago that you specifically bought because they were the front line, the concert finally is going to happen, however they won’t be performing. That is just wrong! I get it things happen but they should have taken into account the people who have spent hard earned money to support them – what do they care they are rich. No one cares about the little people who are busting their buts making a living but find ways to support them only to be left in the cold. Thanks!
May 11, 2022 @ 11:26 am
Was it postponed or did you get your money back??? Cause they canceled their tour for 2021 which means you should have gotten your money back!!! It said on the brink of demise, yes they have both been signed by other record labels but Florida Georgia Line is just taking a break!!!
May 12, 2022 @ 2:08 am
One could only hope!!!
May 7, 2022 @ 8:13 am
“Tyler Hubbard is Florida Georgia Line” much like Dunn is Brooks and Dunn. No disrespect to B&D. For FGL, if there is another Burns history of country music 30 years from now, they would have to be included. Not because they were good in any way, but they were influential. Thankfully for us today, that influence is fading fast. Hope springs eternal.
May 7, 2022 @ 10:00 am
What? Kix Brooks sang lead on my album tracks and hit singles (especially earlier in their run): “Lost and Found” #6, “Rock My World (Little Country Girl) #2, “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone” #1, “Momma Don’t Get Dressed Up for Nothing” #13… And in concert Kix was the personality.
The two duos are comparable in work loads.
May 10, 2022 @ 6:29 am
I never saw them in concert, but I agree about Kix. Lost and found and You’re gonna miss me are easily to of my favorite B&D songs.
May 7, 2022 @ 8:40 am
I remember during FGL’s Peak 2013 Cruise days, there was this ex railroad turtle guy, Sturgill Simpson, and his band starting to blow people’s minds
May 7, 2022 @ 7:01 pm
No doubt the rise of Bro-Country set the table for the independent country revolution that would commence shortly thereafter. Sturg was a big spearhead of that.
May 9, 2022 @ 4:47 pm
Sturgill sucks. FGL isn’t good either but I like Cruise and H.O.L.Y. That gives them at least 2 songs over the awful Sturgill who never did anything I like
May 10, 2022 @ 12:18 pm
Agree to disagree .
May 12, 2022 @ 11:42 am
@VernTobyTrace. Now that is some comedy gold right there, son. Yesiree, that is a good ole knee slapper. Haven’t heard anything…wait. What? You are serious? Please don’t embarrass yourself by posting something that nonsensical again.
July 20, 2022 @ 10:13 am
Florida Georgia Line is Awesome! To imply that their music should go away or that they aren’t deserving of an award is disrespectful. They have many many fans!!
May 7, 2022 @ 9:05 am
Speaking of Big Machine. Midland’s new album is… really good
May 7, 2022 @ 12:51 pm
Midland gets a lot of flack on this board. The only issue with that is their music is actually some of the best that’s out there right now. Yeah I know their backstory and resume is suspect but I’ll give them a listen over 90% of the junk coming out right now. There are far worse things in country music than Midland. FGL is one of those things.
May 7, 2022 @ 10:07 am
Trig, Let me first say I am not a FGL fan by any stretch. I do think it is a little misleading to say “3 of their last 4 singles missed the top 10”. Honestly I am not even sure that is correct to he honest. “Long Live” their 2nd to last single went #1, and “I Love My Country” the previous single went #2, and was a big hit. I think actually two of their last 4 singles went top 2. I agree with most of the topic in the article written. I do think FGL could be on the way out, maybe. I wouldn’t say they have no presence in the genre now, and are headed for certain demise. Just my opinion, I apologize in advance if those song statements are not fact. Thanks
May 7, 2022 @ 7:09 pm
Sorry, that should have been three out of the last five.
According to Billboard Airplay:
#11 – Talk You Out of It
#23 – Blessings
#2 – I Love My Country
#1 – Long Live
#42 – Lil Bit
Not saying this clearly illustrates a demise, but it certainly illustrates a trail off from where they were. Also fair to point out that the label gave up on “Lil Bit” pretty early, but from my understanding, it was a proper radio single. Also let’s remember that after an investigation here at Saving Country Music, Kane Brown and his co-writers were added to “I Love My Country” because it so clearly ripped off Kane Brown’s “Short Skirt Weather.”
May 8, 2022 @ 4:55 pm
If you look at any country artist’s singles discography on Wikipedia, nearly all of them eventually show this pattern…a last hurrah at the top, surrounded and followed by, peak positions at lower registers of the chart. It’s the defining moment when their career as a top hit maker is over. If they do record together again, it’s highly likely they won’t reach the top 20, 30 or even top 40 ever again. Welcome to the life cycle of a country music artist. Radio has moved on.
May 11, 2022 @ 7:08 am
Drinkin Beer Talking God Amen went to #1. If youre including that shitty nelly song that featured them cause it flopped at #42 then you should also include the massive hit they had with chase rice.
May 11, 2022 @ 8:09 am
I’m just reading off the official list, and officially FGL was the “featured” artist on the Chase Rice song, while Nelly was the “featured” artist on the #42 flop, meaning it was officially a Florida Georgia Line single, while “Talking God” was not.
May 11, 2022 @ 1:02 pm
Its track one on nellys album. The videos on his youtube channel. Craft your narrative bro.
May 11, 2022 @ 5:03 pm
When I look at official charts for Florida Georgia Line, that Nelly song is included. If that’s wrong for some reason, that’s an issue for the chart managers. To be frank, I just don’t give enough of a shit about this story or this issue to “craft my narrative” any further.
May 7, 2022 @ 2:51 pm
Oh no…
…anyway.
May 7, 2022 @ 2:56 pm
I believe Tyler Hubbard is currently working with Mickey Guyton on her new album…
May 7, 2022 @ 2:57 pm
Stop. Don’t. Come back.
May 7, 2022 @ 3:17 pm
I hope it is the end. Honestly I couldn’t tell you which one is which. In other news read that Micky Gilley passed away. RIP
May 7, 2022 @ 5:15 pm
Wait, what?
May 7, 2022 @ 5:40 pm
Really enjoyed playing Mickey Gilley music on the radio. Yes, RIP
May 7, 2022 @ 3:33 pm
Very funny but not a very objective article. True their end may be near due to differences and the fact that most acts have a limited run even some really great ones and theirs isn’t of really that limited. But to start an article with the only thing worse than fgls music is blah blah blah, is really bringing out the fanboy or in this case not fanboy in you rather than any writing creativity. They get a lot of hate on here but they have some decent stuff. At least they tend to take chances vs being by the book hokey artist some people tout on here. True they aren’t pure country but most of the artist touted or albums reviewer on here aren’t either. I wish them both success.
May 8, 2022 @ 9:00 am
“At least they tend to take chances….”
Hahahahahaha. That was good. They are far from innovative or unique; it’s paint-by-numbers music. But hey, good on the guys for capitalizing on a trend and making a ton of cash in the process.
Truth be told, the only FGL song I could half stand was “Dirt.” When I heard it, I thought they might actually dig a little deeper, but nah, they just stuck to the assembly line approach.
May 8, 2022 @ 6:32 pm
I said what I said. They went outside their type of music, collaborated with various artist of different types. So no that’s not anywhere near paint by numbers. I don’t care if you like em or not. They had some decently entertaining songs. Not all time great songs but that’s fine. You could at least have as good time listening to their music, not sit there and fall asleep while holding a beer listening to some of those boring so called true country artist
May 9, 2022 @ 6:19 am
‘Dirt’ wasnt bad. I actually liked ‘Confession’ quite a bit as far as bro-y songs go and always thought it wouldve been so much better from someone else
May 7, 2022 @ 4:04 pm
Goodbye Hillbilly-Vanilly,
May 8, 2022 @ 9:01 am
Hillivanilli?
May 7, 2022 @ 4:51 pm
I think Trigger is a bazar dude with some periodic bazar motivations. His contribution to country music has been exceptional – pairing true fans with true tunes is something that is profoundly beneficial to our world. This website has so many amazing fingers that curl into facets that create so many different encounters and have led to true movements in the “right” dimension.
I really do, however, get a kick out of some of the things he chooses to focus on. I am not being critical in any way and I understand the “saving” nuances, but there is a hefty chunk of his brain that loves the gory car wreck stuff. Argue all you want about journalistic missions, but enjoy the comic journey.
May 7, 2022 @ 7:56 pm
I suspect some topics get more clicks and therefore more $ than others… this article is already over 3 times the comments of the last album review. Might be a factor.
May 7, 2022 @ 9:57 pm
As I always say, comments to not denote clicks. That said, yes, album reviews for independent artists due tend to get less traffic than other content. But nothing is posted to generate traffic or $$$ specifically. If that was the case, I would never post album reviews, and I posted five of them this week. I’ve been covering Florida Georgia Line from the very beginning, and their potential breakup being codified by Tyler Hubbard signing a solo recording contract definitely falls within the purview of “Saving Country Music.” The fact that some think it’s strange I’m reporting on this story is a symptom of me posting less content about mainstream bands over the last few years, and so when I do, people act shocked, like it’s not part of Saving Country Music, when it’s actually always been part of Saving Country Music since the very beginning of the website.
May 9, 2022 @ 1:13 pm
Keep doing you Trigger, I myself appreciate how your site is run. Everybody who is criticizing you for this article could have simply not clicked on it and read the other articles that you post. Its very apparent that you aren’t in this for the money and are passionate about country music. That’s why I keep coming back to your site.
May 9, 2022 @ 1:38 pm
Thanks for reading Tyler.
May 8, 2022 @ 7:17 pm
I’m sorry things came to an end like it did, all people have different likes on music ,and other things. Give them a chance to get their careers back on track, even if you don’t like them some do. They love music and want to be good at it, give them a chance, if you don’t like it don’t listen. Doubt everyone loves you or any of us.
May 12, 2022 @ 7:28 am
“…bazar…”
So. Many. Face. Palms.
May 7, 2022 @ 6:40 pm
Must have been that river of piss.
May 7, 2022 @ 9:39 pm
i dont see where youre getting this. them going solo will saturate the market even more. they also songwrite for others, so their fingerprints will be all over pop country like shane mcanally. Theres a new pop country music station and tyler hubbard is on 2 of the big singles right now “drinking beer talking god amen” and a new thomas rhett song. Just because you wish something doesnt make it so. if anything they are getting stronger.
May 8, 2022 @ 3:10 am
Why is there no option to down vote these idiots…?
May 8, 2022 @ 4:23 am
With them the best. BUT……good riddance.
May 8, 2022 @ 5:44 am
Not all FGL’s output is bad. Some tracks I rather enjoyed. Their last couple of albums have in my opinion been very poor giving me the impression that they had already given up. Their time was in the past.
May 9, 2022 @ 3:58 am
This group is not country music never has been
There songs are horrible. Never liked them would always change the radio station when one of there songs came on. Good Bye
May 9, 2022 @ 6:11 am
Looks like they are wearing matching watches…
May 9, 2022 @ 2:43 pm
These guys are untalented clowns…Ba Bye
May 9, 2022 @ 3:19 pm
Two thoughts come to mind:
Jerry Seinfeld: “That’s a shame.”
Powers Boothe as Curly Bill Brocius: “Well…bye.”
May 9, 2022 @ 3:31 pm
Why would spend money to see these assclowns?
May 9, 2022 @ 4:18 pm
Apparently, other assclowns. And there have been many defending these two goofs over the years.
May 13, 2022 @ 8:58 am
Their peach-pecan whiskey they market sucks too!
May 13, 2022 @ 9:14 am
Yuck. *shudder*
Could see an orange infused whiskey, but peach-pecan?
May 15, 2022 @ 10:18 am
I can see peach but throwing in the pecans WTF?!?!
May 14, 2022 @ 7:49 am
Overrated & overpaid! Country music is dead! It died over 20 years ago! These acts today are rejects from Pop/Rock/Rap music executives! They throw on a cowboy hat, boots, & hop in a pickup truck & call themselves country.
BTW there are REAL country artist that feel the same way! Loretta Lynn is one. She talked about that fact in 1996/97.
May 15, 2022 @ 10:27 am
Country music didn’t die it evolved. Some will say for the better others will say for the worse. I’ve listened to country music for over 40 years and can sing along with every old country song I’m sure that LL said the same when she heard the younger generation of country music artists come out. The previous generations always say this. I remember my Dad saying it about the Metallica and Anthrax music I listened to, he called it noise…..LOL. I remember talking to one of the finest guitar players who’s ever lived, Jerry Reed, about this very topic. He told me it’s not dead it’s just different. Much love all have a great Sunday.
May 15, 2022 @ 10:15 am
I have enjoyed FGL over the years and TBH think that charts and critics are overrated. Many summer days ever listened to their music while throwing Cornhole, drinking, grilling and swimming in the pool, you know doing red-blooded American stuff. During those moments I’m not trying to have heavy music weighing down my conscious I’m just trying to get a buzz on and have a little fun which is what I believe to be the embodiment of the message their music conveys. In fact next Saturday I’ll be doing those things all again and I’m sure they’re music will be on the playlist once again along with some old school Alabama, and Kane and Morgan Walken, etc, etc . Yes their music is cliched and yes it’s gimmicky but it’s still a good time. BTW great site and thanks for the opportunity to voice an opinion. Much love all.
May 15, 2022 @ 10:16 am
Sorry about the they’re, their mistake and the ever instead of I’ve. Autocorrect got the best of my and I didn’t proof read before posting.
June 20, 2022 @ 5:52 pm
These two will have manufactured feuds and break ups so they can have manufactured reunions of reunions in perpetuity. They are as scripted as tag team wrestling and just about as relevant. Anything to pull in all the suckers