Craig Morgan
Just when you figure it's safe to lump him with other ho-hum new country artists, Nashville's Craig Morgan moves up a rung, delivering both the singing and songwriting goods on his debut album. His original songs are real-life retrospectives, flashbacks on where he grew up ("302 South Maple Avenue") and the thrill of telling his parents about a kindling romance ("Something to Write Home About"). Morgan remains cozy with country music traditions by snagging the legendaryMerle Haggardto duet on "I Wish I Could See Bakersfield," a tribute to the late songwriterTommy Collins. And while the gimmicky horns and synthesizers on "Ev'rything's a Thing" prove Morgan is far from saccharine-proof, the rocker "It's Me" (with its hints of a youngBuck Owensdrawl) gives hope that there is even more tiger in the tank.--Scott Holter