Florida Georgia Line tops new releases

Angaleena Presley, one-third of Pistol Annies, makes her debut with "American Middle C lass." The title track is the first single from the 12-song disc. Presley, who is Holler Annie in Pistol Annies, which also includes Miranda Lambert and Ashley Monroe, was the sole writer of five of the 12 tracks and co-writer of the remaining seven. Presley co-produced with husband, Jordan Powell. Vocalists include Patty Loveless, Chris Stapleton, Emily Saliers (Indigo Girls) and her father, Jimmy Presley, who opens the title track with a personal narrative.

The Swon Brothers, who hail from Oklahoma, are out with their self-titled debut. In 2013, Zach Swon and Colton Swon finished in third place on the fourth season of NBC's The Voice. This is their first major label release after two independent albums. The release contains 11 songs, including the top 15 single, "Later On." Mark Bright produced with the Swons.

Danish pedal steel player Maggie Bjorklund returns with "Shaken," her second release for Bloodshot. Bjorklund has toured with Jack White (and performed on his latest "Lazaretto"), X's John Doe and Exene Cervenka and Howe Gelb. Players on the new disc include John Convertino of Calexico, Jim Barr (Portishead) on bass, John Parish (noted for his work as a singer/songwriter with PJ Harvey and Sparklehorse) on guitars/electric bass and production and a featured guest vocal by Kurt Wagner (Lambchop).

More news for Florida Georgia Line

• 05/10/24: Kelley, McCreery, Peck release new music
• 11/18/22: Kelley is "Florida Strong"
• 10/14/22: FGL goes for the greatest
• 10/12/22: Kelley plans Opry debut as solo artist
• 08/04/22: Kelley rides Second Wave of Summer
• 07/15/22: BK shows his "American Spirit"
• 05/12/22: Hubbard announces debut single
• 03/04/22: Rhett contemplates "Death Row"

CD reviews for Florida Georgia Line

6-Pack EP

When Florida Georgia Line sing about how much they love their country with "I Love My Country," this lightning rod duo must certainly be aware that not everybody loves 'their' country. 'Their' country doesn't always match the country music of George Strait, after all, who is name-dropped in said song. Strait is just too stylistically straight, for instance, to ever work in the sort of hip-hop cadence that drives "Ain't Worried About It. ...

Dig Your Roots

From the ribbits and Dobro on "Smooth," the lead-off song, one might think that Florida Georgia Line is eschewing its rap rock meets country past for something completely different. While at times that is true - "Smooth" has a swampy beat - Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard haven't veered so far from what brought them to the dance. That is evident with the title track where the thwack of drum programming from long-time producer Joey Moi meets the soulful, somewhat shiny vocals. ...

Anything Goes

The title of Florida Georgia Line's second full length is accurate. For the duo of Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelly, that means girls, girls and more girls plus an ultra dose of partying. That is evident from the refrain of the title track, which, of course, focuses on Friday night activities. "I brought the songs and you brought the party/ Only one way to do it up right/Everybody goes where eveybody knows/That anything goes on a Friday Night/Get your party right/It's a Friday night. ...