Florida Georgia Line's hit song "Cruise" is not only a chart-topping success but also a fascinating example of the songwriting and production process in the music industry. Released in 2012, the song was crafted by the duo along with a team of talented writers and producers, resulting in a track that would become a defining moment in their career.
The Songwriting Process
The creation of "Cruise" began with a spontaneous moment of inspiration. Brian Kelley, one half of Florida
Georgia Line, was working on a different song with Chase Rice and Jesse Rice when he strummed a chord and hummed a melody that caught everyone's attention. This melody became the foundation for "Cruise," and the team decided to abandon their original project to focus on the new song.
The songwriting process was remarkably quick, with the team completing "Cruise" in just 45 minutes. Kelley initially wrote the opening line as "Baby, you like a song," and the song underwent several edits during recording. Producer Joey Moi played a crucial role in refining the lyrics and adding a section after the solo, ensuring the song's catchy and polished final version.
Production and Recording
The production of "Cruise" was handled by Joey Moi, who had previously worked with bands like Nickelback. Moi's experience in rock music influenced the song's sound, blending traditional country elements with rock and roll stadium-show guitars and drums. This fusion of styles contributed to the song's broad appeal and helped define the bro-country genre.
Florida Georgia Line recorded "Cruise" shortly after signing a publishing deal with Big Loud Shirt in December 2011. The song's mid-tempo rhythm and catchy chord pattern in B-flat major made it an ideal summer anthem, capturing the carefree spirit of cruising with an attractive woman in a pick-up truck.
The Impact of 'Cruise'
"Cruise" quickly became a commercial success, spending 24 weeks at number one on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart. Its popularity was further boosted by a remix featuring rapper Nelly, which expanded its audience and helped it reach number four on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The song's success marked a turning point for Florida Georgia Line, establishing them as major players in the country music scene. "Cruise" not only set sales records but also influenced the direction of country music, paving the way for the rise of bro-country and inspiring a new generation of artists.
