Bro-country is a subgenre of country music that gained immense popularity in the early 2010s. Combining traditional country themes with elements of hip-hop, rock, and pop, this genre resonated with a younger, more party-oriented crowd. The music often celebrates a laid-back, carefree lifestyle with references to trucks, tailgates, rural life, and partying. It has been both beloved and criticized for its superficial take on country traditions, but there’s no denying its influence on the modern country scene.
The hallmark of bro-country is its catchy hooks, infectious beats, and anthems of youth and rebellion. With some of the genre’s biggest hits becoming chart-toppers, bro-country songs have become synonymous with the soundtrack of summer barbecues, road trips, and good times. In this article, we will highlight some of the best and most iconic bro-country songs that defined the genre, exploring what made them so successful and why they continue to hold a special place in country music.
6 Outstanding Bro-Country Hits Ever
1. “Cruise” – Florida Georgia Line
Released in 2012, Cruise by Florida Georgia Line is arguably the song that brought bro-country into the mainstream. The song blends catchy pop hooks with country influences, narrating a carefree summer drive with a romantic partner. Its upbeat tempo and infectious chorus made it a massive hit, topping the charts for multiple weeks and becoming the best-selling digital country song of all time. With lyrics like “Baby, you a song, you make me wanna roll my windows down and cruise,” it captures the essence of bro-country—celebrating freedom, youth, and fun. The song was a cultural phenomenon, paving the way for Florida Georgia Line’s continued success in the genre.
2. “This Is How We Roll” – Florida Georgia Line feat. Luke Bryan
Another massive hit from Florida Georgia Line, This Is How We Roll, featuring Luke Bryan, took the genre to new heights in 2013. The song’s lyrics celebrate the carefree lifestyle of partying, driving trucks, and spending time with friends. The collaboration with Luke Bryan, another leading figure in the bro-country movement, elevated the song’s appeal. The infectious chorus and the catchy, laid-back vibe made it a perfect anthem for summer nights, and the song became a staple on country radio. The catchy refrain, “This is how we roll,” became an instant sing-along hit at concerts and parties, cementing it as one of the top bro-country songs.
3. “Boys ‘Round Here” – Blake Shelton feat. Pistol Annies and Friends
Blake Shelton’s Boys ‘Round Here was released in 2013 and instantly became a bro-country favorite. Featuring the Pistol Annies and other guest performers, the song offers a fun and rowdy look at life in the rural South. With lyrics like “We got a what’s-happening, what’s-up, it’s a party,” it speaks to the simpler pleasures of life in the country: trucks, dirt roads, and good company. The track’s catchy chorus and the playful, upbeat tone helped it dominate the charts and become a fan favorite. Boys ‘Round Here is quintessential bro-country, showcasing Shelton’s unique blend of country tradition with modern party anthems.
4. “Beer with the Boys” – Jason Aldean
Jason Aldean has always been known for his rowdy country-rock style, and Beer with the Boys is no exception. Released in 2013, the song is a tribute to the bond between friends and the joys of drinking beer, watching sports, and kicking back. The track features Aldean’s signature rock-infused country sound, with a catchy hook that’s easy to sing along to. The lyrics reflect the bro-country ethos of celebrating good times with friends, and its upbeat energy made it a radio favorite. The track perfectly captures the essence of brotherhood and the carefree nature of the genre, solidifying Aldean’s place as one of bro-country’s biggest stars.
5. “All Summer Long” – Kid Rock
While Kid Rock’s All Summer Long doesn’t always get included in conversations about bro-country, it is one of the songs that influenced the genre in its early years. Released in 2008, this song blends country with rock and hip-hop, reflecting Kid Rock’s eclectic musical style. The song reminisces about a carefree summer filled with boat rides, beer, and good times, elements that became a core part of the bro-country genre. With a memorable chorus and a mix of rock and country instrumentation, All Summer Long quickly became a hit and laid the groundwork for later bro-country hits by artists like Florida Georgia Line and Luke Bryan.
6. “Kick the Dust Up” – Luke Bryan
Released in 2015, Kick the Dust Up by Luke Bryan is an undeniable bro-country anthem. The song is all about having fun at a country party, driving down dirt roads, and enjoying the simple pleasures of rural life. With its catchy, upbeat chorus and energetic production, Kick the Dust Up was made for summer nights and outdoor festivals. Bryan’s signature southern charm and party-loving attitude made the song an instant hit, and it continued to perform well on the charts, becoming one of his most recognizable tracks. The song encapsulates the spirit of bro-country, with its focus on dancing, drinking, and living in the moment.
See Also: Top 25 Best Old Country Music Songs of All Time: Revealed
Conclusion
Bro-country, with its blend of catchy hooks, party themes, and country charm, made a huge impact on the music industry in the 2010s. Artists like Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan, and Blake Shelton helped define the genre, creating a sound that would dominate country music radio for years. Whether celebrating the carefree joys of life or partying with friends, bro-country songs brought a fresh and exciting energy to the genre, making them anthems for a generation.
While the genre has evolved and some critics have moved away from its sound, bro-country remains a significant chapter in the story of modern country music. The songs highlighted here continue to resonate with fans and showcase the genre’s unique blend of rebellion, fun, and rural pride. Bro-country may have started as a trend, but its influence on country music will be felt for years to come.
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