When Florida Georgia Line went on an indefinite hiatus, co-founder Brian Kelley traded stadium-sized bro-country anthems for coastal cowboy rhythms. Known to fans as the "Beach Cowboy", Kelley carved out a distinct solo identity that blends laid-back island instrumentation with modern country storytelling. If you're looking to map out the essential tracks from his catalog—spanning both his solo breakout hits and his era-defining work as one half of FGL—this guide breaks down the defining songs you need to hear.
Transitioning from the massive pop-country crossover era into sun-drenched solo projects isn't easy, but Kelley’s signature coastal aesthetic gives his catalog a unique dual personality. Whether you want high-energy party tracks or reflective acoustic songwriting, here is how to navigate the best music of his career.
The Definitive Solo Highlights
Kelley’s solo work leans heavily into beach culture, effortless coastal living, and personal storytelling. Stripping away some of the heavy electronic production of his past, his solo material highlights a more organic, breezy writing style.
See You Next Summer
Released as a major radio push, "See You Next Summer" stands out as one of Kelley's strongest solo hooks. Co-written by top Nashville writers, the track balances nostalgic romance with an upbeat tempo that translates effortlessly to live performances. It captures that specific seasonal heartbreak and warmth, anchoring his debut full-length era with mainstream polish.
Beach Cowboy
Serving as the ultimate introduction to his solo ethos, "Beach Cowboy" defines his entire personal brand. The song merges traditional country imagery—trucks, boots, and open roads—with sand, saltwater, and a relaxed attitude. It's a playful, high-tempo anthem that tells listeners exactly what kind of atmosphere to expect from his solo output.
Acres
Proving he can slow things down and deliver genuine emotional depth, "Acres" moves away from pure party themes. The track focuses on roots, commitment, and building a life with his wife, Brittney. Driven by acoustic instrumentation and a heartfelt vocal delivery, it remains one of the finest displays of his capabilities as a standalone songwriter.
Jimmy Buffett Summer
Leaning entirely into his tropical troubadour influences, this track pays direct homage to beach music royalty. It's lightweight, breezy, and packed with steel guitars and ocean imagery. It serves as a reminder that Kelley doesn't take himself too seriously, opting instead to deliver pure escapism.
The Essential Florida Georgia Line Era
You can't fully appreciate Kelley's musical footprint without revisiting the historic run he had alongside Tyler Hubbard. As the creative engine behind Florida Georgia Line, Kelley helped redefine the sound of 2010s mainstream country music.
Cruise
No discussion of Kelley's catalog is complete without "Cruise". As one of the best-selling digital country singles of all time, the track (and its subsequent remix featuring Nelly) broke genre boundaries, dominated charts for months, and introduced a massive wave of hip-hop and rock influence into Nashville production.
H.O.L.Y.
Showcasing a softer, more emotional side of the duo during their Dig Your Roots era, "H.O.L.Y." became a massive radio juggernaut. Kelley's harmonies and the soaring vocal performance carried the track to record-breaking chart longevity, proving the duo could handle arena-sized power ballads just as easily as tailgate anthems.
This Is How We Roll
Featuring Luke Bryan, this track encapsulates the peak energy of the bro-country movement. Heavy guitar riffs, high-octane delivery, and a relentless groove made it a staple of summer tailgates and stadium tours across North America.
Common Mistakes When Exploring Brian Kelley's Catalog
Fans transitioning from FGL to Kelley's solo work often run into a few common pitfalls. Understanding these can help you appreciate the music on its own terms.
- Expecting heavy electronic drops: While FGL relied heavily on synthesized loops and hip-hop beats, Kelley's solo records lean toward organic instrumentation, acoustic guitars, and coastal rock influences.
- Overlooking the EPs: Many listeners jump straight to full-length albums like Sunshine State of Mind and miss crucial thematic EPs like BK's Wave Pack, which originally established his solo voice.
- Viewing his solo work as a temporary side project: Kelley has fully embraced his path as an independent and label-backed solo artist, writing from a deeply personal space that reflects his actual lifestyle in Florida and Tennessee rather than manufactured stadium tropes.
To dive deeper into official tour dates, merchandise, and his latest releases, you can check out the Official Brian Kelley Website or explore his Spotify Profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Brian Kelley completely quit Florida Georgia Line?
FGL announced an indefinite hiatus to allow both members to pursue individual creative paths. While they aren't actively touring or recording together, both artists maintain separate catalogs, with Kelley fully committed to his solo country-beach sound.
What was Brian Kelley's first solo release?
Following the announcement of his solo chapter, he released BK's Wave Pack in early 2021, a four-song EP that laid the groundwork for his full-length Sunshine State of Mind album.
Where does Brian Kelley write and record his solo music?
Much of his inspiration and recording process takes place near the coast, heavily drawing from Key West and Florida coastal living, which heavily influences the relaxed production style of tracks like "Beach Cowboy" and "Jimmy Buffett Summer".
