IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Photos and text from wire services

four-lap-tops-ago old,” Kelley, 31, said. “Like before- B. K.-and-I-knew-each-other old,” said Hubbard, 29. “It was an old work tape and we went into the studio and re-did it.”

A similar story was told for “While He’s Still Around,” a classic-sounding country guitar track that could induce tears. (Hubbard’s father was killed in a helicopter accident in 2007.) “I almost lost my dad,” said Kelley. “We just wanted to kind of hopefully put that in words. The message is while your loved ones are still around, make sure you’re calling them, letting them know you love them, you support them.”

“Dig Your Roots,” the band’s third album, is a departure from its anthemic and lighthearted tunes, which include the megahit “Cruise” to “This Is How We Roll.” And while the new album has its fun moments, the duo is happy to sing romantic and spiritual songs, from “Lifer,” about commitment, to the piano tune “H.O.L.Y.,” which hit No.1 on the country charts.

They turn up the risk factor again with collaborations: The country boys known for singing alongside Nelly and Jason Derulo team up with the Backstreet Boys and Ziggy Marley on the album, which debuted at No. 2 and No. 1 on Billboard’s 200 albums and country albums chart.

“Growing up with so many different inspirations and so many influences and loving so many different types of music, it’s kind of our way to get even further outside the box to say, ‘Hey, let’s do a song with Lil Wayne or hey let’s do a song with Rihanna. Let’s do a song with Drake,’” Hubbard said. “It’s always fun for everybody.”

Tyler Hubbard, left, and Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line pose for a portrait in New York to promote their latest album, “Dig Your Roots.”