|
Post by itsurfriendjoel on Oct 15, 2014 22:09:15 GMT -5
After hearing the album, I have to say I'm pretty disappointed, and did not find it to be anywhere near as good as their debut (The non re-release version). I admit that I'm a pretty big FGL fan, and I defend them in most arguments on this board, but outside of "Dirt", there really is no originality on this album. Even songs with intriguing titles like "Angel" and "Confession" turned out to be similar affair. There's not even one token ballad on this CD (like "Stay"), and I can't figure out for the life of me why they would not include just one. One slower song would be a huge hit for them because it would be so markedly different from their other work. The album is certainly not terrible (I know many will hate it though) but there are no songs on the album that are as near catchy as "Cruise" or "Round Here". Actually, "Sun Daze" might be the most catchy song, along with "Anything Goes". Even Jason Aldean mixed it up on his last album, with about a 50/50 mix of party/trucks/beer/girls songs with topics about youth nostalgia, love, and times of despair. I just think that by the end of this album cycle, radio will be fatigued by them, and they'll risk losing their momentum by putting out the exact same song every time. I really was excited for this album, as FGL line have that great mix of Pop/Contry/Rock that I really enjoy. I was hoping for some good quality songs on this album, especially since now they're at a point where they could take more risks, unlike their debut. But unfortunately, instead of cementing themselves as one of my favorite country artists, they instead have taken a step back in my books. Another issue that kind of irked me is how loud the production is in parts. It kind of reminds me of Metallica's last album Death Magnetic, and how the album was so loud in parts it almost sounded distorted. I can't even make out some of their lyrics when they sing in these songs because there's just too much going on in the background. Anyway, after my rant, here are my singles predictions: 1. Dirt 2. Sun Daze 3. Anything Goes (next best song on album after Dirt) 4. Bumpin' The Night 5. -doubt they get this far, I'd expect a re-release- Smoke No ballad? So you don't consider "Angel" a ballad? I thought that song was pretty much the definition of ballad, and I also think it has HUGE hit potential. Honestly, as someone who really didn't expect much, I think this album is far better than Here's to the Good Times. Not that I didn't enjoy their last album, but I was completely blown away by how much I love this one. Darker themes, better instrumentals, and better songwriting in general (yeah, they still use all the bro-country clichés, but they seem to have grown up some in comparison to HTTGT). In addition to what you listed, I could definitely see "Sippin' On Fire" and "Angel" being released as singles as well. I don't understand how people who are actually Florida Georgia Line fans are disappointed in this album. I think it's great. I almost feel sort of guilty saying this since it is FGL we're talking about, but it's honestly one of the most enjoyable albums I've heard all year.
|
|
|
Post by itsurfriendjoel on Oct 15, 2014 22:13:30 GMT -5
The guys performed the song on the Today show this morning. The edit they did of the show was "All I wanna do today is wear my favorite shades and stay home." The single cover, credit to @flagalinenet on twitter. Yeah, and they said "get paid" instead of "get laid." Definitely saw that one coming. They left in the part about the pink umbrella, though. I'm assuming this will be the version sent to radio stations. Meanwhile, B93.9 in Raleigh continues to play the uncensored version as if it's already a #1 single.
|
|
dm2081
7x Platinum Member
Joined: April 2014
Posts: 7,036
|
Post by dm2081 on Oct 15, 2014 22:55:01 GMT -5
No ballad? So you don't consider "Angel" a ballad? I thought that song was pretty much the definition of ballad, and I also think it has HUGE hit potential. Honestly, as someone who really didn't expect much, I think this album is far better than Here's to the Good Times. Not that I didn't enjoy their last album, but I was completely blown away by how much I love this one. Darker themes, better instrumentals, and better songwriting in general (yeah, they still use all the bro-country clichés, but they seem to have grown up some in comparison to HTTGT). In addition to what you listed, I could definitely see "Sippin' On Fire" and "Angel" being released as singles as well. I don't understand how people who are actually Florida Georgia Line fans are disappointed in this album. I think it's great. I almost feel sort of guilty saying this since it is FGL we're talking about, but it's honestly one of the most enjoyable albums I've heard all year. I don't consider Angel to be a ballad at all. It's not really a party song, but it's not slow at all, nor does it have lyrics or a darker storyline. I don't see how you find these songs to have darker themes though, they're all about partying and other fluff. I will agree with you though, that after a second listen, Angel does sound like a hit and possible single.
|
|
|
Post by tim on Oct 15, 2014 23:30:15 GMT -5
No ballad? So you don't consider "Angel" a ballad? I thought that song was pretty much the definition of ballad, and I also think it has HUGE hit potential. I don't consider Angel to be a ballad at all. It's not really a party song, but it's not slow at all, nor does it have lyrics or a darker storyline. I don't see how you find these songs to have darker themes though, they're all about partying and other fluff. I will agree with you though, that after a second listen, Angel does sound like a hit and possible single. If "Angel" is what's considered a ballad in country music now today we are in serious trouble. The beginning intro sounds oh-so identical to the production of Thomas Rhett's "Get Me Some of That." There is just not much on Anything Goes that I enjoy yet and overall not a fan of the production as together all songs just roll into each other and sound quite the same (meaning rather unmemorable and forgettable.).
|
|
rsmatto
6x Platinum Member
Joined: December 2008
Posts: 6,529
|
Post by rsmatto on Oct 16, 2014 7:16:55 GMT -5
The guys performed the song on the Today show this morning. The edit they did of the show was "All I wanna do today is wear my favorite shades and stay home." The single cover, credit to @flagalinenet on twitter. Yeah, and they said "get paid" instead of "get laid." Definitely saw that one coming. They left in the part about the pink umbrella, though. I'm assuming this will be the version sent to radio stations. Meanwhile, B93.9 in Raleigh continues to play the uncensored version as if it's already a #1 single. That's because the 'pink umbrella' could be seen as referring to a drink, even if one can see through that and knows it's really not.
|
|
|
Post by itsurfriendjoel on Oct 16, 2014 12:30:23 GMT -5
No ballad? So you don't consider "Angel" a ballad? I thought that song was pretty much the definition of ballad, and I also think it has HUGE hit potential. Honestly, as someone who really didn't expect much, I think this album is far better than Here's to the Good Times. Not that I didn't enjoy their last album, but I was completely blown away by how much I love this one. Darker themes, better instrumentals, and better songwriting in general (yeah, they still use all the bro-country clichés, but they seem to have grown up some in comparison to HTTGT). In addition to what you listed, I could definitely see "Sippin' On Fire" and "Angel" being released as singles as well. I don't understand how people who are actually Florida Georgia Line fans are disappointed in this album. I think it's great. I almost feel sort of guilty saying this since it is FGL we're talking about, but it's honestly one of the most enjoyable albums I've heard all year. I don't consider Angel to be a ballad at all. It's not really a party song, but it's not slow at all, nor does it have lyrics or a darker storyline. I don't see how you find these songs to have darker themes though, they're all about partying and other fluff. I will agree with you though, that after a second listen, Angel does sound like a hit and possible single. I mean songs like "Sippin' On Fire" that are obviously about cheating or "Dirt" which many people think is about dirt, but really it's about life and death wrapped up in a metaphor. "Like You Ain't Even Gone" is not necessarily a dark song, but the instrumental and production makes it sound like one to me. Even "Smoke" is about more than just partying and has sad, nostalgic overtones to it. "Confession" too. All these types of songs were pretty much absent aside from "Stay" on their last record. Even though it's the same Florida Georgia Line, I really do feel like they mix it up on Anything Goes more than I thought they would. I guess I was thinking more of ballad in regards to mainstream pop or rock music. I see what you're saying now. It doesn't really bother me too much, though. I was honestly never really a huge fan of "Stay" (partially because I liked Black Stone Cherry's version better and always thought of it as a cover song).
|
|
countryqueen
Gold Member
sometimes i wish i lived on a mountain, drank from a stream instead of a fountain...♥
Joined: April 2008
Posts: 676
|
Post by countryqueen on Oct 16, 2014 17:09:19 GMT -5
I hate this song...it's incredibly catchy and fun, until they start singing. Besides the fact that this is obviously "The Lazy Song Pt 2" and is unoriginal, the lyrics are atrocious. That pink umbrella line is vulgar, and I don't appreciate songs about getting stoned. Considering the fact that most of FGL's fans are on the younger side, I think it's extremely irresponsible of them to have a song promoting promiscuous sex and laying around all day getting high...I know that there has always been an outlaw movement in Country music, but I just don't understand how mainstream country has gotten to the point where this kind of song is getting played on country radio. Also, is "lacing my J's and lace some jack in my coke" some sort of drug reference, or is he just talking about lacing his Jordan sneakers and mixing his coke in his jack daniels? I'm 25 but so behind on the slang (the street slang for dummies lyric from Tim Mcgraw's 'Back when' comes to mind)....
|
|
|
Post by itsurfriendjoel on Oct 16, 2014 21:26:57 GMT -5
I hate this song...it's incredibly catchy and fun, until they start singing. Besides the fact that this is obviously "The Lazy Song Pt 2" and is unoriginal, the lyrics are atrocious. That pink umbrella line is vulgar, and I don't appreciate songs about getting stoned. Considering the fact that most of FGL's fans are on the younger side, I think it's extremely irresponsible of them to have a song promoting promiscuous sex and laying around all day getting high...I know that there has always been an outlaw movement in Country music, but I just don't understand how mainstream country has gotten to the point where this kind of song is getting played on country radio. Also, is "lacing my J's and lace some jack in my coke" some sort of drug reference, or is he just talking about lacing his Jordan sneakers and mixing his coke in his jack daniels? I'm 25 but so behind on the slang (the street slang for dummies lyric from Tim Mcgraw's 'Back when' comes to mind).... So are you okay with the massive amount of alcohol and binge drinking references is songs, which is much more destructive and worse for your health? To be honest, I find it ridiculous that the same people who know all the words to "Drunk On a Plane" are up in arms about a song that references smoking weed. I'm glad times are changing, though. Slowly but surely...
|
|
samsager3
New Member
Joined: March 2013
Posts: 329
|
Post by samsager3 on Oct 17, 2014 7:37:20 GMT -5
I love this album I think it's great. For those expecting something different you may get it on the next album they haven't even headlined a tour yet, I know people thought they would take risks but despite some of the major hits they have had I don't think they are in a position to do that yet. Hunter Hayes and jerrod nieman while not as popular have shown what happens when you take risks too soon in your career. I think they are playing it perfect with FGL play this stuff and just when radio tires of this stuff then take the risk and reep the rewards in the next album.
Single predictions
1. Dirt 2. Sun Daze 3. Good good 4. Angel 5. Sipping on fire 6. A rerelease with a track from a delux version but honestly the speed they are going at I will make a possible prediction and say angel
|
|
Kat5Kind
Gold Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 768
|
Post by Kat5Kind on Oct 17, 2014 9:18:38 GMT -5
Anything Goes has to be the next single after this. I haven't had a chance to listen to the full album yet even though I have it, so I'll update singles predictions this weekend!
Also, if Willie Nelson can talk about weed and be accepted, these two can most certainly sing about it. It's not a big deal in today's world.
|
|
countryqueen
Gold Member
sometimes i wish i lived on a mountain, drank from a stream instead of a fountain...♥
Joined: April 2008
Posts: 676
|
Post by countryqueen on Oct 17, 2014 10:50:39 GMT -5
I hate this song...it's incredibly catchy and fun, until they start singing. Besides the fact that this is obviously "The Lazy Song Pt 2" and is unoriginal, the lyrics are atrocious. That pink umbrella line is vulgar, and I don't appreciate songs about getting stoned. Considering the fact that most of FGL's fans are on the younger side, I think it's extremely irresponsible of them to have a song promoting promiscuous sex and laying around all day getting high...I know that there has always been an outlaw movement in Country music, but I just don't understand how mainstream country has gotten to the point where this kind of song is getting played on country radio. Also, is "lacing my J's and lace some jack in my coke" some sort of drug reference, or is he just talking about lacing his Jordan sneakers and mixing his coke in his jack daniels? I'm 25 but so behind on the slang (the street slang for dummies lyric from Tim Mcgraw's 'Back when' comes to mind).... So are you okay with the massive amount of alcohol and binge drinking references is songs, which is much more destructive and worse for your health? To be honest, I find it ridiculous that the same people who know all the words to "Drunk On a Plane" are up in arms about a song that references smoking weed. I'm glad times are changing, though. Slowly but surely... Actually I'm not...I personally don't drink very much and don't enjoy songs that celebrate crazy partying, I strongly believed that there is more to life than that. You can like it, that's totally fine, but my point was that mainstream country music has changed A LOT in the last couple of years, and it's quite surprising. I just wonder where the line is...
|
|
|
Post by 43dudleyvillas on Oct 17, 2014 10:54:49 GMT -5
To be honest, I find it ridiculous that the same people who know all the words to "Drunk On a Plane" are up in arms about a song that references smoking weed. I have no issue with the weed smoking references in this particular song (the vulgarity is a different story), but I think that there's a fairly clear distinction between "Drunk on a Plane" and "Sun Daze" even after putting aside the quality of the songwriting on each. "Drunk on a Plane" is a sarcastic "celebration," and it is clear from start to finish what a fool and loser the narrator considers himself. There is nothing remotely approaching that kind of self-awareness in "Sun Daze," and it's that lack of self-awareness, combined with the lack of concern for responsible attitudes and behavior, that makes Florida-Georgia Line's catalog of songs so problematic. It's true that country music has a long history of songs about excessive drinking and/or recreational drug use. But even among "rowdier" or more rebellious artists, there has generally been an awareness of the consequences of irresponsible behavior, an awareness of personal failings. Florida-Georgia Line's material generally comes off as superficial, empty, and unworthy of country's rowdier traditions precisely because it lacks that awareness. It's no surprise that there is a market for songs about consequence-free partying, consequence-free drinking, consequence-free objectification of women, etc. But it should also come as no surprise that the music and artists catering to that market would be heavily criticized for their (willful?) ignorance of the whole story.
|
|
countryqueen
Gold Member
sometimes i wish i lived on a mountain, drank from a stream instead of a fountain...♥
Joined: April 2008
Posts: 676
|
Post by countryqueen on Oct 17, 2014 10:55:18 GMT -5
Anything Goes has to be the next single after this. I haven't had a chance to listen to the full album yet even though I have it, so I'll update singles predictions this weekend! Also, if Willie Nelson can talk about weed and be accepted, these two can most certainly sing about it. It's not a big deal in today's world. But Willie Nelson isn't a mainstream radio artist, at least not anymore. It might not be a big deal in "today's world", but it's not really a topic that is celebrated/talked about on country radio very much, it's certainly a more taboo thing.
|
|
matty005
3x Platinum Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,423
|
Post by matty005 on Oct 17, 2014 11:37:16 GMT -5
Anything Goes has to be the next single after this. I haven't had a chance to listen to the full album yet even though I have it, so I'll update singles predictions this weekend! Also, if Willie Nelson can talk about weed and be accepted, these two can most certainly sing about it. It's not a big deal in today's world. But Willie Nelson isn't a mainstream radio artist, at least not anymore. It might not be a big deal in "today's world", but it's not really a topic that is celebrated/talked about on country radio very much, it's certainly a more taboo thing. I'm not so sure about that. In just the last few years we've had such songs as: "Toes" - ZBB "Weed Instead Of Roses" - Ashley Monroe "Smoke A Little Smoke" - Eric Church "Follow Your Arrow" - Kacey Musgraves "That's My kind Of Night" - Luke Bryan While I agree with you that it's not a common subject, it's far from taboo.
|
|
countryqueen
Gold Member
sometimes i wish i lived on a mountain, drank from a stream instead of a fountain...♥
Joined: April 2008
Posts: 676
|
Post by countryqueen on Oct 17, 2014 12:13:35 GMT -5
But Willie Nelson isn't a mainstream radio artist, at least not anymore. It might not be a big deal in "today's world", but it's not really a topic that is celebrated/talked about on country radio very much, it's certainly a more taboo thing. I'm not so sure about that. In just the last few years we've had such songs as: "Toes" - ZBB "Weed Instead Of Roses" - Ashley Monroe "Smoke A Little Smoke" - Eric Church "Follow Your Arrow" - Kacey Musgraves "That's My kind Of Night" - Luke Bryan While I agree with you that it's not a common subject, it's far from taboo. "Toes" and "Smoke A little smoke" were edited for radio though. "Weed instead of Roses" and "Follow Your Arrow" didn't get airplay (or much), and Kacey's song was edited for when it did...maybe the Luke Bryan song got played in it's entirety, I'm not sure though because I changed it every time it came on. My point was that for country radio, it's still mostly a taboo subject (hence the editing). Sure there are references here and there but most of the songs/hits on country radio AREN'T about laying around and smoking all day long, and if they are, they get edited.
|
|
Kat5Kind
Gold Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 768
|
Post by Kat5Kind on Oct 17, 2014 13:11:06 GMT -5
Anything Goes has to be the next single after this. I haven't had a chance to listen to the full album yet even though I have it, so I'll update singles predictions this weekend! Also, if Willie Nelson can talk about weed and be accepted, these two can most certainly sing about it. It's not a big deal in today's world. But Willie Nelson isn't a mainstream radio artist, at least not anymore. It might not be a big deal in "today's world", but it's not really a topic that is celebrated/talked about on country radio very much, it's certainly a more taboo thing. Good point, but it's still talked about by Kacey, Eric, etc.
|
|
SoMuchToSay
3x Platinum Member
Joined: August 2010
Posts: 3,497
|
Post by SoMuchToSay on Oct 19, 2014 22:55:36 GMT -5
The good thing is that they have 3 guaranteed smashes (Anything Goes, Sippin' on Fire, and Bumpin' the Night). Sun Daze is different, vs those other 3 tracks are pretty much the same to me, and could be released next in any random order, and are all gonna smash. The promo singles were hands down the strongest 4 tracks on the album. Good-solid bro country! I can't wait for all of those to smash!
1. Dirt 2. Sun Daze 3. Anything Goes 4. Bumpin' the Night 5. Sippin' on Fire
|
|
kanimal
3x Platinum Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,043
|
Post by kanimal on Oct 20, 2014 0:19:02 GMT -5
I hate this song...it's incredibly catchy and fun, until they start singing. Besides the fact that this is obviously "The Lazy Song Pt 2" and is unoriginal, the lyrics are atrocious. That pink umbrella line is vulgar, and I don't appreciate songs about getting stoned. Considering the fact that most of FGL's fans are on the younger side, I think it's extremely irresponsible of them to have a song promoting promiscuous sex and laying around all day getting high...I know that there has always been an outlaw movement in Country music, but I just don't understand how mainstream country has gotten to the point where this kind of song is getting played on country radio. Also, is "lacing my J's and lace some jack in my coke" some sort of drug reference, or is he just talking about lacing his Jordan sneakers and mixing his coke in his jack daniels? I'm 25 but so behind on the slang (the street slang for dummies lyric from Tim Mcgraw's 'Back when' comes to mind).... Or, on the other hand, it's their willingness to talk about things like sex, drinking and smoking that explains why young listeners can relate to them. They're not taking any moral high ground, but they're also not trying to promote some super rebellious, dirty lifestyle either. They're not singing about anything that high school, college and 20-something kids don't do every weekend all over the country. They're saying, "We're young, we know young people love our music, and we're going to sing about things young people do." It might not be noble, classy or admirable - but it's life. There's nothing wrong with that - and, in fact, - there *would* be something wrong with two guys in their 20s thumbing their noses at people who do partake in Sunday Funday/Lazy Sunday activities. Smoking and sex are so *not* taboo - scolding people for doing either would not only be insincere but also rather obnoxious and out-of-touch. That country radio programmers would potentially have a problem with it (or if ABC had a problem with Kacey's lyrics) says more about country radio being in the wrong than it does about the musicians being dirty. -- I'm also pretty sure your reading of the "lacing" line is the correct one. The "lace some jack in my coke" sounds aggressive because you see "lace" and "coke," but it's just a poorly conceived attempt to use "lace" twice in the sentence.
|
|
jrekk
New Member
"I'll take years off my life before I'll take life off my years."
Joined: March 2014
Posts: 69
|
Post by jrekk on Oct 20, 2014 0:55:09 GMT -5
I loved this album, they absolutely killed it and did what FGL does! My predictions for singles or what I want next are 3. Anything Goes(Most likely anyways) 4. Angel(wow just wow) 5. Every Night/ Confessions/or Like You Ain't Even Gone 6. Smoke/Smile OVERALL FAVORITE ALBUM OF THE YEAR, all catchy feel good songs and my favorites are Angel and Like You Aint Even Gone! What about you guys?!
|
|
|
Post by itsurfriendjoel on Oct 20, 2014 1:18:23 GMT -5
I hate this song...it's incredibly catchy and fun, until they start singing. Besides the fact that this is obviously "The Lazy Song Pt 2" and is unoriginal, the lyrics are atrocious. That pink umbrella line is vulgar, and I don't appreciate songs about getting stoned. Considering the fact that most of FGL's fans are on the younger side, I think it's extremely irresponsible of them to have a song promoting promiscuous sex and laying around all day getting high...I know that there has always been an outlaw movement in Country music, but I just don't understand how mainstream country has gotten to the point where this kind of song is getting played on country radio. Also, is "lacing my J's and lace some jack in my coke" some sort of drug reference, or is he just talking about lacing his Jordan sneakers and mixing his coke in his jack daniels? I'm 25 but so behind on the slang (the street slang for dummies lyric from Tim Mcgraw's 'Back when' comes to mind).... Or, on the other hand, it's their willingness to talk about things like sex, drinking and smoking that explains why young listeners can relate to them. They're not taking any moral high ground, but they're also not trying to promote some super rebellious, dirty lifestyle either. They're not singing about anything that high school, college and 20-something kids don't do every weekend all over the country. They're saying, "We're young, we know young people love our music, and we're going to sing about things young people do." It might not be noble, classy or admirable - but it's life. There's nothing wrong with that - and, in fact, - there *would* be something wrong with two guys in their 20s thumbing their noses at people who do partake in Sunday Funday/Lazy Sunday activities. Smoking and sex are so *not* taboo - scolding people for doing either would not only be insincere but also rather obnoxious and out-of-touch. That country radio programmers would potentially have a problem with it (or if ABC had a problem with Kacey's lyrics) says more about country radio being in the wrong than it does about the musicians being dirty. -- I'm also pretty sure your reading of the "lacing" line is the correct one. The "lace some jack in my coke" sounds aggressive because you see "lace" and "coke," but it's just a poorly conceived attempt to use "lace" twice in the sentence. I couldn't have said it better. To set the record straight, the lyric reads "lay some Jack in my coke" in the album booklet. So no, that line has nothing to do with drugs whatsoever.
|
|
|
Post by 43dudleyvillas on Oct 20, 2014 8:17:50 GMT -5
Or, on the other hand, it's their willingness to talk about things like sex, drinking and smoking that explains why young listeners can relate to them. They're not taking any moral high ground, but they're also not trying to promote some super rebellious, dirty lifestyle either. They're not singing about anything that high school, college and 20-something kids don't do every weekend all over the country. They're saying, "We're young, we know young people love our music, and we're going to sing about things young people do." It might not be noble, classy or admirable - but it's life. There's nothing wrong with that - and, in fact, - there *would* be something wrong with two guys in their 20s thumbing their noses at people who do partake in Sunday Funday/Lazy Sunday activities. Life? Part of it, sure. But this notion that twentysomethings are too young to have developed the intelligence to see that there's much more to sex and/or drinking than the empty commercial fantasy that Florida-Georgia Line has consistently peddled falls apart when you consider songs like this from their fellow twenty-somethings: I don't pretend to speak for anyone else, but my college experience was not dominated by lunkhead frat boys who act like they've never watched the news or read a book. Moreover, historically, the whole alternative rock movement, countercultural lyrics and all, had deep roots in the college scene, and even now, the more serious-minded indie scene and college audiences remain closely tied together. So this implication that Florida-Georgia Line is uniquely speaking to the lives of young people while artists of substance are not doesn't hold water, in my view. Like I said above, I'm in no way surprised that there is a market for the kind of consequence-free "fun" that Florida-Georgia Line sells. But I can't get behind the idea that they're doing so in a realistic & representative way, and their willful ignorance of real life is exactly what I find to be problematic about their music.
|
|
kanimal
3x Platinum Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,043
|
Post by kanimal on Oct 20, 2014 13:00:22 GMT -5
Or, on the other hand, it's their willingness to talk about things like sex, drinking and smoking that explains why young listeners can relate to them. They're not taking any moral high ground, but they're also not trying to promote some super rebellious, dirty lifestyle either. They're not singing about anything that high school, college and 20-something kids don't do every weekend all over the country. They're saying, "We're young, we know young people love our music, and we're going to sing about things young people do." It might not be noble, classy or admirable - but it's life. There's nothing wrong with that - and, in fact, - there *would* be something wrong with two guys in their 20s thumbing their noses at people who do partake in Sunday Funday/Lazy Sunday activities. Life? Part of it, sure. But this notion that twentysomethings are too young to have developed the intelligence to see that there's much more to sex and/or drinking than the empty commercial fantasy that Florida-Georgia Line has consistently peddled falls apart when you consider songs like this from their fellow twenty-somethings: I don't pretend to speak for anyone else, but my college experience was not dominated by lunkhead frat boys who act like they've never watched the news or read a book. Moreover, historically, the whole alternative rock movement, countercultural lyrics and all, had deep roots in the college scene, and even now, the more serious-minded indie scene and college audiences remain closely tied together. So this implication that Florida-Georgia Line is uniquely speaking to the lives of young people while artists of substance are not doesn't hold water, in my view. Like I said above, I'm in no way surprised that there is a market for the kind of consequence-free "fun" that Florida-Georgia Line sells. But I can't get behind the idea that they're doing so in a realistic & representative way, and their willful ignorance of real life is exactly what I find to be problematic about their music. Do you not see the judgment inherent to your post? When did "fun" become synonymous with unintelligent or immature? I mean, a frat/final/eating club guy at an Ivy League school is likely smarter, more worldly and more intelligent than many "bookworms" at a state school - so this labeling of partiers = dumb just seems so absurd to me. Granted, I'm not saying partying is inherently intelligent or mature either. I'm saying it's something that happens - and it's something that makes people happy. Why inherently look down upon people who celebrate it? Life should be a balance of both. It shouldn't just be about partying, and it shouldn't just be about reading and trying to act intellectually and morally superior. Music, therefore, should be able to cater to both without being judged as automatically inferior or superior.
|
|
sabre14
Diamond Member
Vince Gill & the Muppets make everything better
Joined: October 2013
Posts: 26,919
|
Post by sabre14 on Oct 20, 2014 14:04:20 GMT -5
Sent to radio this afternoon via Play MPETwo versions of the song by the way.
|
|
onebuffalo
Diamond Member
#LiteralLegender
I am One Buffalo.
Joined: June 2009
Posts: 26,643
|
Post by onebuffalo on Oct 20, 2014 14:17:06 GMT -5
Sent to radio this afternoon via Play MPETwo versions of the song by the way. So, what rapper does the remix?
|
|
sabre14
Diamond Member
Vince Gill & the Muppets make everything better
Joined: October 2013
Posts: 26,919
|
Post by sabre14 on Oct 20, 2014 14:21:55 GMT -5
Sent to radio this afternoon via Play MPETwo versions of the song by the way. So, what rapper does the remix? There's a radio edit. Shocker.
|
|
onebuffalo
Diamond Member
#LiteralLegender
I am One Buffalo.
Joined: June 2009
Posts: 26,643
|
Post by onebuffalo on Oct 20, 2014 14:25:48 GMT -5
So, what rapper does the remix? There's a radio edit. Shocker. Thanks. So Sun Daze is so far 'rapper free'.
|
|
|
Post by 43dudleyvillas on Oct 20, 2014 15:21:09 GMT -5
Do you not see the judgment inherent to your post? When did "fun" become synonymous with unintelligent or immature? It doesn't have to be (see: my defenses of "Drunk on a Plane," for example). My point is that the substance of Florida-Georgia Line's work thus far is such that "fun" is synonymous with immaturity & witlessness in their music. I mean, a frat/final/eating club guy at an Ivy League school is likely smarter, more worldly and more intelligent than many "bookworms" at a state school - so this labeling of partiers = dumb just seems so absurd to me. After I moved in for freshman year at college, the university president at the time, Neil Rudenstine, gave a speech at convocation. In that speech, he told an anecdote about a survey that had been taken by incoming freshman to our college one year. In this survey, seventy percent of incoming freshman were convinced that they were of below average intelligence compared to the rest of the incoming class. Two years later, the same class was surveyed with the same question, and by then ninety percent of the class was convinced that they were smarter than their average classmate. I have no idea if his story was true or not, but I always like to share it for the hilarious and telling point it makes. I make no assumptions about what a person got out of college based on the institution named on his/her diploma; I prefer to rely on what I see and hear from each individual person. In a similar vein, it's not the fratty partying vibe on its own that makes me see Florida-Georgia Line's work as superficial and immature, it's that their musical repertoire is so limited in its worldview, lyrical construction, originality, etc. compared to the tradition of rowdier songs in country music, and even some of the rowdier songs out today.
|
|
Rumors
3x Platinum Member
Joined: October 2003
Posts: 3,414
|
Post by Rumors on Oct 20, 2014 17:59:23 GMT -5
I just skimmed through the posts but here's my take on this. FGL are making fun, party music that people can dance around to. They do (or whoever is writing their music) have a way around a catchy chorus so props to someone on that end. Making catchy music isn't as easy as it looks otherwise we would all be doing it. Having said all that, I would never see these guys as "artists" or songwriters that are doing it because they have to or have something to say. It's just mindless music that some people find "fun." So let these guys have their 15 minutes of fame and cash in as much as they can. I don't seek out their music but if I hear it on the radio I'll probably sing along in the car. Doubtful that any of these songs will be classics that anyone will still play in 15 years.
|
|
countryqueen
Gold Member
sometimes i wish i lived on a mountain, drank from a stream instead of a fountain...♥
Joined: April 2008
Posts: 676
|
Post by countryqueen on Oct 20, 2014 18:10:26 GMT -5
Or, on the other hand, it's their willingness to talk about things like sex, drinking and smoking that explains why young listeners can relate to them. They're not taking any moral high ground, but they're also not trying to promote some super rebellious, dirty lifestyle either. They're not singing about anything that high school, college and 20-something kids don't do every weekend all over the country. They're saying, "We're young, we know young people love our music, and we're going to sing about things young people do." It might not be noble, classy or admirable - but it's life. There's nothing wrong with that - and, in fact, - there *would* be something wrong with two guys in their 20s thumbing their noses at people who do partake in Sunday Funday/Lazy Sunday activities. Smoking and sex are so *not* taboo - scolding people for doing either would not only be insincere but also rather obnoxious and out-of-touch. That country radio programmers would potentially have a problem with it (or if ABC had a problem with Kacey's lyrics) says more about country radio being in the wrong than it does about the musicians being dirty. -- I'm also pretty sure your reading of the "lacing" line is the correct one. The "lace some jack in my coke" sounds aggressive because you see "lace" and "coke," but it's just a poorly conceived attempt to use "lace" twice in the sentence. I couldn't have said it better. To set the record straight, the lyric reads "lay some Jack in my coke" in the album booklet. So no, that line has nothing to do with drugs whatsoever. Ok thanks, I had looked up the lyrics online and that's what they were listed as. Anyways, I still stick with what I said about there being a taboo element in country RADIO with songs that talk about doing drugs/getting high/casual sex, otherwise why would there ever be a need for edits? I understand why Florida-Georgia Line is popular, believe me, people my age (25) and younger practically worship them...It's just absolutely crazy/mind boggling/strange to me how much the genre has changed in the past couple of years, and the topics that are now being covered and are now acceptable at radio. I guess that just speaks to the changing of the times I suppose.
|
|
Uncle Lumpy
3x Platinum Member
The poster formerly known as Lumpster
Joined: September 2005
Posts: 3,425
|
Post by Uncle Lumpy on Oct 21, 2014 11:54:26 GMT -5
Life? Part of it, sure. But this notion that twentysomethings are too young to have developed the intelligence to see that there's much more to sex and/or drinking than the empty commercial fantasy that Florida-Georgia Line has consistently peddled falls apart when you consider songs like this from their fellow twenty-somethings: I don't pretend to speak for anyone else, but my college experience was not dominated by lunkhead frat boys who act like they've never watched the news or read a book. Moreover, historically, the whole alternative rock movement, countercultural lyrics and all, had deep roots in the college scene, and even now, the more serious-minded indie scene and college audiences remain closely tied together. So this implication that Florida-Georgia Line is uniquely speaking to the lives of young people while artists of substance are not doesn't hold water, in my view. Like I said above, I'm in no way surprised that there is a market for the kind of consequence-free "fun" that Florida-Georgia Line sells. But I can't get behind the idea that they're doing so in a realistic & representative way, and their willful ignorance of real life is exactly what I find to be problematic about their music. Do you not see the judgment inherent to your post? When did "fun" become synonymous with unintelligent or immature? I'd say "fun" became synonymous with unintelligent the second a line like "baby you a song" was deemed acceptable as a country lyric myself.
|
|