Brian Kelley: BK’s Wave Pack – EP Review

Brian Kelley, who serves as one half of the GRAMMY-nominated duo, Florida Georgia Line, makes his solo debut with brand new EP, BK’s Wave Pack available everywhere today, April 13th. Listen to the 4-track collection and take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new music.

Kelley and bandmate Tyler Hubbard shocked the country world when they announced the two of them will be focusing more on their solo careers going forward after the release of their latest album, Life Rolls On. Although we are unsure when or if there will be new Florida Georgia Line music in the future, we know that Kelley’s solo career with Warner Music Nashville is just beginning to take off.

“I couldn’t be more grateful for everyone who has helped me on my journey to get here. I’m humbled to team up with Warner Music Nashville to take the music I’ve been dreamin’ and schemin’ up to the next level,” Kelley shared in a recent press release. “This is just the beginning of a whole new adventure.”

Fans can sense the entire vibe of this album just by reading the names of the songs. During the pandemic, Kelley spent a lot of time writing and being inspired at the beach. The lead track is a mid-tempo, pop-country crossover that immediately sets the mood. Kelley puts the listener in a tropical paradise, declaring himself the “Beach Cowboy” that “goes John Wayne on these waves.” The following song, “Made By The Water,” is reminiscent of classic Kenny Chesney/Jake Owen, as he portrays a perfect day at the beach.

“Soul of a sailor, born for a boat // My tie-dye girl got their heart floating // The way that it’s going I know when the sun sinks down like a bobber // there’s going to be some love made by the water”

Kelley turns the relaxation up with the next track, “Party on the Beach.” With the sounds from a traditional Hawaiian luau and a screeching seagull, he puts listeners’ minds into vacation mode. In the final track, “Sunday Service In The Sand,” the singer-songwriter shows gratitude for island life by thanking God for his beach-chair blessings. He admits that heaven could not get much closer than this.

“I can feel the salt-water working // High-tide’s taking me to church and // I can’t help but raise my hands to another Sunday service in the sand”

Although the two shared writing and producing credits, Hubbard was the predominant voice on most FGL songs, especially on their last two albums. It was nice to see Kelley venture out and sing along with his voice for a change. We are hopeful to see a full project album from Kelley in the future.

BK’s Wave Pack Track List:

1. “Beach Cowboy” (Brian Kelley, Blake Redferrin, Jake Rose) *
2. “Made By The Water” (Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Randy Montana)
3. “Party On The Beach” (Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Blake Redferrin, Canaan Smith)
4. “Sunday Service In The Sand” (Brian Kelley, Blake Redferrin, Canaan Smith, Jake Rose)

All Songs Produced by Corey Crowder, Brian Kelley
* Co-Produced by Jake Rose

Along with Hubbard, Kelley is nominated for Duo of the Year at the upcoming ACM Awards this Sunday on April 18^th. Their arm-in-arm anthem, “Long Live” hit number one just last week, landing the duo their 18th career chart topper.

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BK’s Wave Pack is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.