FGL had a great run for a number of years with a huge following. But truth be told, they were also very polarizing for many fans. They had many detractors that didn't feel they were country. But I think we have to think back and remember how we felt about this song by itself. What this song unofficially did was start the Bro-Country Movement. And no matter how you feel about that, you have to give it that credit, it was a big deal. That's what makes this song so important. Bro-Country swept the charts for the next few of years with many other artists jumping on, giving us a popularity that was new, young and refreshing for many. This debut single was gigantic from that first album that was recorded and performed with an uncanny confidence generally not seen in a new act. (And it sold zillions) . It was an international hit all across the world, and was remixed and remastered in various forms. In short, hit songs are not generally this huge. Bro-Country was a very fun and appropriately short phase for us. It was universally loved by men and women, and took country in a far more "party' or "fun" mode. I think we miss that sometimes as we can take ourselves way too serious. This smash of a song was fun, easy to remember, and was one of the most influential songs of the last 30 years. This sold an unheard of millions, and has the lucky distinction of being a generational song, bringing us millions of new fans, and reminding long time fans just how fun we can be.
