Florida Georgia Line Performs the Original "Cruise"

"Cruise" is performed by the country duo Florida Georgia Line, made up of Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley. The song was released in 2012 as the lead single from their debut album of the same name. It became one of the biggest country hits of that decade, spending 24 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

The track features a collaboration with rapper Nelly, whose verse appears on the official remix version. This crossover appeal helped push the song into mainstream radio rotation and introduced Florida Georgia Line to audiences beyond traditional country radio listeners. The original album version does not include Nelly's part, but the remix became the version most people heard on the radio and streaming platforms.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida Georgia Line, a country duo of Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, recorded the original version of "Cruise" in 2012.
  • The remix version features rapper Nelly and became the most widely played version on radio and streaming services.
  • The song spent 24 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, making it one of the biggest country hits of the 2010s.
  • The track appears on Florida Georgia Line's self-titled debut album, also called "Cruise," released in 2012.

Why "Cruise" Became Such a Major Hit

The song's success came from its summer-friendly lyrics about relaxing on the water and its infectious, radio-friendly production. The melody is straightforward and memorable, which helped it stick in listeners' heads after just one or two plays. The lyrics paint a picture of a carefree day spent cruising down a river or lake, which resonated with country audiences looking for feel-good music.

The addition of Nelly's rap verse on the remix gave the song a different flavor that appealed to hip-hop and pop listeners as well. This crossover approach was less common in country music at the time, which made the collaboration stand out. The song's success proved that country and rap audiences could overlap, paving the way for more genre-blending collaborations in the years that followed.

Chart Performance and Cultural Impact

Beyond its 24-week run at number one on country charts, "Cruise" also climbed the Billboard Hot 100, reaching the top 10 on the all-genre chart. This dual success on both country and mainstream charts was unusual for a country song in 2012 and showed how broad the song's appeal had become. The track was certified multi-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), indicating millions of copies sold and streamed.

The song's popularity extended beyond music charts into popular culture. It became a staple at summer events, weddings, and parties. The music video, which shows the band and friends enjoying a day on the water, captured the carefree spirit of the song and helped reinforce its message. The track's success launched Florida Georgia Line into stardom and established them as major players in modern country music.

Florida Georgia Line's Career After "Cruise"

The success of "Cruise" opened doors for Florida Georgia Line to release multiple albums and tour extensively. The duo continued to produce country hits throughout the 2010s and 2020s, though none quite matched the cultural phenomenon that "Cruise" became. Their follow-up singles and albums built on the foundation that "Cruise" established, allowing them to maintain a strong presence in country radio and streaming platforms.

Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley's partnership produced a string of albums including "Here's to the Good Times" (2012), "Two of a Kind" (2014), and "Dig Your Roots" (2016). The duo eventually parted ways in 2020, with each member pursuing solo projects. However, "Cruise" remains their most recognizable and commercially successful song, and it continues to be streamed millions of times each year.

Where to Listen to "Cruise"

You can find "Cruise" on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music. The song is available in both the original album version and the Nelly remix version. Most streaming services list both versions separately, so you can choose which one you prefer to listen to.

The track appears on Florida Georgia Line's debut album "Cruise," which contains other songs from their early catalog. If you want to explore more of their music from that era, the full album provides additional context for their early sound and style. The song is also included on various country music compilation albums and "best of" playlists across streaming services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a version of "Cruise" without Nelly?

Yes. The original album version of "Cruise" does not include Nelly's rap verse. That version appears on Florida Georgia Line's self-titled debut album. The Nelly remix became more popular on radio and streaming, but both versions are available on most music platforms.

When was "Cruise" released?

The song was released in 2012 as the lead single from Florida Georgia Line's debut album. It spent the following years climbing charts and became a massive hit throughout 2012 and 2013, though it continued to receive radio play for years after its initial release.

Did Florida Georgia Line write "Cruise"?

The song was written by Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Jesse Rice, and Craig Wiseman. While Hubbard and Kelley performed the track, they shared songwriting credit with Rice and Wiseman, who contributed to the song's composition and lyrics.

Has "Cruise" won any awards?

Yes, the song received multiple award nominations and wins from country music organizations. It was nominated for Grammy Awards and won awards from the Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association, among others. The track's commercial and critical success made it one of the most awarded country songs of its era.